Last week I met with a local sew shop to discuss the Bicycle Wrap Skirt project. To keep things moving along, the next step in my process is to get my professional pattern made and have marketing samples created so that I can use them in photoshoots, my Kickstarter video, and to take with me to any popup shops or events (so you guys can try them on!). I've also been going over some of the design details, which will be altered or modified in some ways before it's finalized.
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The Year of the Bicycle Wrap Skirt
While 2014 was all about development, 2015 is going to be the year of implementation - the year of the Bicycle Wrap Skirt. This week, being my first week back after a two week break, is all about reflection and projection. What that really means is that I've been making lists like a mad woman. Seriously. I've got three months until April and while that excites me to no end, it also terrifies me a little bit too. There is a lot to do between now and then!
If you've been keeping up with the progression of the skirt, then you probably already know that I am planning to launch a KickStarter in April to make the first batch of Bicycle Wrap Skirts available via pre-sale.
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Meet Katie - Pattern Maker/Designer Extraordinaire
I wanted to take a minute to introduce you to my uber talented friend, Katie J Mattern, the creator of Waypost Craft a handmade leather goods brand and the pattern maker for the first Bicycle Wrap Skirt. She has put a lot of hours into the Bicycle Wrap Skirt project with me, and has been instrumental in the development of the prototype and the first sample skirt, for which I am oh so grateful. Katie just launched her website a few weeks ago, which you really must check out, and is preparing for the Porter Flea market in Nashville in December. When I'm not monopolizing her time (just kidding!), she can be found making beautiful handcrafted leather bags, journals, and other items. She studied Fibers at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) and is heavily influenced by southwestern colors, patterns, weavings, and traditional methods of craftsmanship.
I've asked Katie a few questions so that you can get to know her a little bit better. Here are her answers in her own words.
Read MoreBicycle Wrap Skirt Specifics - Sizing, Lengths, and Buttons
I've been glancing at some of the survey results, and I can't thank you all enough for your input! I realize now that I probably should give you all a little more detail about the skirt length, since I've gotten a few comments about the length and sizing. This first wrap skirt version will come in two sizes - short and tall. The waist band will have many buttonhole options for wrapping, so that you can wrap the skirt to your waist size regardless of what length you wear. Katie and I talked about the length and sizing many different times throughout the prototyping process. We realize that shorter people will probably want a shorter length and taller people will probably want a longer length. For those of you who asked about shorter or longer options, you will be able to decide for yourself. If you are a taller person, you could always go with the shorter size for a shorter fit and for a shorter person, you could always wear the tall size for a longer fit. Eventually, if this first design and concept are popular enough, I hope to be able to offer some different skirt and dress designs as well. That is, at this point, a long way off, though!
In the meantime, my thinking on length went something like this:
Read MoreIt Started with One Woman - One Print at a Time
Forest and Fin was born out of my love for art and the environment. I currently offer environmentally inspired hand-drawn designs; screenprinted apparel (mainly t-shirts) and home goods; and art all of which are created with sustainability in mind. Since it's creation three years ago, Forest and Fin has been a company of one. I draw and screenprint each nature-inspired design myself by hand. Each print starts out in a sketchbook before it gets broken down into a one-to-two color design that is burned onto a screen and then printed onto paper, wood, tshirts, tea towels, bags, and other items - but mostly tshirts. The designs are inspired by environmental elements (plants and animals), printed with water-based non-toxic inks on 100% cotton products, and packaged using recycled, reusable or biodegradable natural materials.
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