Thursday 3 November 2011

Top trends in jeans

Denim is every where. People around the world love it because it is not an ordinary jeans. Jeans has been your favorite clothing. And why not, it is undoubtedly the most popular clothing item in the world. Americans bought $13.8 billion of jeans from April 2010 to April 2011.

Only 1 percent of them cost more than $50.  Market-research firm NPD Group. Models walked on the runway wearing denim in Fall 2011 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. Here are the top trends in jeans.

1. Jackets

This season's denim jackets are not like the classic jean jacket. The standard style jacket that we all know will probably never go out of fashion. Like Talbots is selling cotton-linen denim jacket with a bow on the collar.

2. Denim shoes

You heard it right, Denim shoes. If you are not satisfied by having jeggings, trouser jeans, skirts and jorts and you still want to add more denim touch to your outfit, then denim shoes are the next thing you should buy.

3. Distressed men's denim

Now old trends are also coming back. The dark, dark thing has been in fashion for a long time. Now, distressed jeans has made a come back. Now people are moving towards something light in color.

4. Shorts are trendy

Shorts are trendy and will remain. It is a famous style from long time. Shorts are used for casual clothing because they are relaxing and comfortable. It is a better option when going out with friends.

5. Denim shirts

Now its time to wear denim as a shirt. Western-style jean shirts are making an appearance in all the fashion rags this year. Vintage is the smart way to wear this trend. If you buy a new one, make sure it has that worn-in look. Do not wear boots and jeans with the denim shirt unless you are a real cowboy.

Friday 28 October 2011

What are different types of fabrics and their use?


Acetate:

This type of fabric is used as clothing, uniforms and lingerie. It has a crisp feel with shiny appearance of silk and excellent drapeability.

Acrylic:

Acrylic is used as an alternate for wool. It is reliable, durable and a soft feel. It is resistant to chemicals.

Broadcloth:

Broadcloth is almost woven and wears very well, but one thing you would not like is, it wrinkles very badly. It is used as shirts, dresses, blouses and summer wear.

Brocade:

It is usually made for eveningwear, church vestments, interior furnishings, and robes. It has a very heavy, rich and elaborate design effect.

Challis: 

They are very soft, lightweight and most importantly, washable. It is used as women's clothing, children's clothing, kimonos, neckties and sportswear.

Chambray:

 This type is astonishingly smooth, strong, almost woven and soft to touch. Can be used as kids clothing, dresses, shirts, blouses, aprons and sportswear.

Chiffon:

 This fabric may be used as eveningwear, blouses and scarves. It is lightweight, transparent and very fine.

Cotton:

Cotton is the most desirable and luxury fabric in most parts of the world. It is very elastic and withstand high temperatures. It has high washability feature and is comfortable in all weather. It can be used as any type of clothing.

Crepe:

Crepe can be used as suits and coats. It has a wrinkled surface with a soft finish. It has rough feel and appearance.

Damask:

Damask is durable and actually made from silk. It is expensive, sheds dirt, launders well and holds high luster, especially in linen.

Denim:

Denim is used as pants, caps, uniforms, bedspreads, slipcovers, sportswear etc. It comes in heavy as well as lighter weights.

Drill:

Drill is a type of cotton fabric, which is used for uniforms, work cloths, and sportswear.

Faille:

Faille has a lustrous finish and is used as dresses, blouses, and some dressy coats.

Flannel:

Flannel is mostly used as blazers, skirts, suits and coats. It has soft to touch, with a napped surface. It has a capability to shrink.

Flax: 

Flax is made of linen with a high absorbent quality and allowing moisture to evaporate quickly. It is washable, but has a poor elasticity.

Gabardine:

Gabardine can be used as both men's and women's tailored suits, coats, raincoats, uniforms etc. It wears extremely well and has a clear finish with durability.

Georgette: 

Georgette is crisp with an outstanding durability. It is sheer and has a dull face.

Houndstooth:

Houndstooth can be used as sports coats and suits. It is usually made of wool.

Moire:

Moire is made of silk, rayon or cotton. It has a watermarked finish. It is mostly used as evening wear, formal dresses and coats.

Nylon:

Nylon is popularly used as women's hosiery, knitted or woven lingerie, socks and sweaters. It is elastic, lustrous and easily washable.

Organdy: 

Organdy is used as summer formals, blouses and aprons.

Organza:

Organza is used as evening dresses. It has a fine look. It is lightweight and crisp.

Oxford:

Oxford is mostly used for men's shirts. It is made of cotton and sometimes even of rayon.

Polyester:

Polyester is smooth, crisp and springy. It is readily washable and is not damaged by sunlight. It is a man-made fabric.

Pongee:

Pongee is made of silk, cotton, or rayon and is mostly used for dresses, blouses and summer suits.

Rayon:

Rayon is a cellulose fiber based fabric and is highly absorbent. It drapes well and is very much resistant to bleaches, moths and chemicals.

Silk:

Silk is a well known and expensive fabric. It is very strong and absorbant. It has a brillient sheen and unique softness.

Thursday 27 October 2011

How to make children clothing at home?


When it comes to kids clothing, you want to do your best to have the best clothes with low cost and high quality for your children. One option is going to a shop physically or buying clothes online. Other option which many people like is handmade children's clothing.
Google images

Making children clothes at your home is often cheaper, have better quality fabrics and can be made to fit each individual child. It is like bringing physically what is on your mind. It is time consuming, but many people find it interesting and like to sew clothes for their beloved juniors. For some people it is a free-time spending activity and for some it’s a hobby. Whatever, the main thing is that people like doing it. For each garment that you make, there is a wide range of fabric to choose from.

Keep the use of the garment, comfort of the child and the safety in mind for your next project. Children grow quickly and go through clothing rapidly. Most of the kids have a favorite type of clothing they like to wear again and again. Making clothes for your children at home gives you the ability to recreate a favorite garment in a different color, size or style. One other benefit of making clothes for your children at home is that, kids can be involved in the process by selecting the fabric they want. There are few phases of making clothes for kids at home:

Selecting the right fabric
It is not only the first step, but also the most important step. When selecting a fabric, consider the comfort as well as the choice of your children.

Engineering part

Taking measurements correctly is essential to fit the clothing to your children. Measure the child around the arms, chest, shoulders, waist, hips, thighs, inseam and length.

Creating a pattern

Children change size often, so buying a mannequin would be too costly. Lay a garment on top of a large paper and trace around the line of stitching of each piece of the garment. Once the pattern pieces are made, you can then make any adjustments required. If a pair of pants is too long make the pattern shorter. You can add width to the legs of a pant’s pattern to make wide leg pant. The waist of a pants pattern can be used and skirt panels can be drawn on the bottom of the pattern. Add ¼” to the edges of the patterns after patterns are completed. Add 1” to the bottom of the pattern for a hem.

Making the actual clothing
Cut fabric from the patterns you have created. Then cut the fabric for all the items at once, if you are making multiple items. Stitch the garment together by placing the right sides of the fabric towards each other. Once the garment is turned right side out, the seams will be on the inside of the garment. Stitch the seams together with an over-lock machine to ensure the fabric will not fray.

Some trimming at the end

Add innovative trim to the bottom of a garment for a different look. Have fun with your project and consider your child participation important.

Involving kids not only increases children’s interest, but also their knowledge about the color and fabric to choose and not to forget the effort that is required to make kids clothing.