utilitu sewing & design

Happy handmade Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:15:00 +0000

My Boys

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:24:00 +0000

some days, a song I've heard over and over resonates so deeply it brings me to tears and reminds me of why I bother with all that I bother with. my family.

Kitsch from 1975

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:02:00 +0000

In honor of Dr. King :: Freezer Stenciling

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:46:00 +0000

Monster Mayhem Modules start tomorrow!

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:44:00 +0000

Alterations, Repairs & Custom Sewing Services

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:23:00 +0000

And the blogging begins again....

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:26:00 +0000

with a photo of my latest obsession: the ruffler foot for my new Bernina Aurora 450.
I am pregnant with my second baby, sex unknown, but let me tell you, if it is a girl, this foot is gonna get a lot of use - polka dots and ruffles!! ;)

limited edition Valentine's le LoOps!

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 07:20:00 +0000

Halloween 2010

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:42:00 +0000

Halloween Costume Preview!

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:54:00 +0000

Back in action!

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 05:04:00 +0000

My amazing computer was stolen out of my house, while we were sleeping, on June 22nd. I haven't posted since it happened. New things are evolving and need to be documented. Current theme for my life:

Photo del dia: MOWO and Rescue Fashion Show 2009

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:16:00 +0000

This photo was taken by friend Sarah Viles at a collaborative fashion show from Rescue Moderne Consignment and MOsely WOtta last year. Rescue is a great spot for reasonable clothes, shoes and accessories (their building is where I have my studio). MOWO doesn't make clothes, but paints and draws on them which takes them to the next level. I was the shortest and thickest of the models, but worked it and had fun. Fun flashback!

utilitu Street Style: Caitlin's custom braided cowl

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:38:00 +0000

Caitlin Cardier has lungs that are as deep as Voronya Cave, which allow her to sing as beautifully and powerfully as a full gospel choir. Seriously. Her charisma shines on stage, as does her sincerity, self confidence and originality. She recently performed at Artisphere here in Bend while rocking utilitu! I made her a custom braided cowl with chain braided in and other chains, charm and tassle attached to the loop. Turned out super dope! I am anti-flash, so the photos didn't turn out as crisp as they would have; oh well. Here's a video from her set after the sound had crapped out - and instead of throwing up her hands and walking away, she threw up her hands and rocked it acapella!

Custom Lime Ties for Kristie & Mikee

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:15:00 +0000

Second round of custom wedding ties! These bright ones were for friends Kristie and Mikee, who live in Austin, TX, but got married yesterday (06.19) in Bend. The groomsmen wore the solid cotton lime, as did the ringbearer (the little guy tie on the end). Mikee had two choices: the satin solid green or polka dots. Of course, he chose the polka dots. They are a fashionable couple with great taste and it shined through in their wedding: classic car, slim cut pants with vests for the guys, different black and gray dresses for the girls and tasteful wedding dress on Kristie - cut low and strapless to showcase her lovely black and gray orchid tattoo. I hope to get professional photos from them as soon as I can... will share when I get them.

utilitu Street Style: Crazy for le LoOps!

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 05:29:00 +0000

Hooded Vest: worn by my Mama

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:49:00 +0000

I have strong oppositions to fleece in the fashion world. BUT, my Mama is my Mama, and she loves fleece. So, she's just about the only one I cave for with requests to fashionable fleece. This was a jacket I made for her, but I just couldn't get the sleeves to fit right, so we cut them off and made her a very stylish long hooded grape fleece vest with red denim yoke and hood. She loves it and I think it looks great on her. Win - win!

So distinguished.

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:01:00 +0000

This is the sample tie I made first before the 6 Buttercream ones. So distinguished in a very naughty way... read the text on the tie closely.

Website!

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:07:00 +0000

www.utilitusew.com is now up and running! My boyfriend, Rory, built it for me over the past month. He did a great job keeping it clean, simple and easy to navigate. The store on it right now is just a sample; we'll be working on the actual store over the next few weeks.

We got Chicks!

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:45:00 +0000

Two Rhode Island Reds, two Buff Orpingtons and two Black Sex Links. Yippee!

Custom Buttercream Ties

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:39:00 +0000

I recently had a couple come in and have me alter bridesmaids dresses and hem slacks for their wedding. Through conversation, I discovered they couldn't find ties to match. So, of course I offered to make them, if I found the right colored fabric... and voila! I did and they were happy as can be.

Photo del dia: Portland Rose Garden 2008

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:29:00 +0000

Photo del dia: Johnny and Marie Winters

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:48:00 +0000

My Great-Uncle Johnny and Aunt Marie were little people with big personalities and fantastic style. They always dressed to the nines - coats, ties, heels, jewels, fur. I never met my Aunt, but met my Uncle when I was very small. He had a huge smile. They were in a few films, including The Wizard of Oz. I love the collection of photos my family has from them... true treasures of an era.

My Dad

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:47:00 +0000

The ultimate DIYer... the most straightforward person I've ever met... one of the greatest men I've known. John Murphy 08/26/48 - 06/05/01

Photo del dia

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:53:00 +0000

Found on Design*Sponge.

utilitu and Owlita have le LoOp babies...

noreply@blogger.com (utilitu) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:35:00 +0000

Owlita is now carrying a select line of le LoOps available only through owlita.com or Owlita retailers. Shelly Ciszek of Captain's Daughter Photography took these photos of our friends modeling the designs. Simone: Hillary: April: Astacia: