Challenge 8: A Rough Day on the Runway
Challenge: Create a look that is your own take on classic American sportswear using Jackie O as your inspiration. Think quality, taste, style, sophistication & expensive. Your look must include a piece of outerwear.
Feel free to show what accessories you would use from Piperlime.com
Time: You have 30 hours to create your project
When I started thinking about this challenge I making a modern day sportswear look I realized that, in my head anyway, we were designing for our current fashionable first lady, Shelly O. Once I started thinking that way coming up with my design was pretty easy. The execution was another story.
We had a little advantage over the designers on the show as we knew from the start that we had to do a piece of outerwear with our look. I decided to knit a sweater set as to me its classic American sportswear that I could modernize with the shape & its a look we’ve seen on Shelly O. I would modernize the sweater set by making the shell into a belted tunic with a large cowl. The outer sweater would be a longer length with slightly bell sleeves. So, I started knitting with some beautiful black wool with a shimmer to it. I carefully took Chloé’s measurements & knit with tiny sock needles. The problem was even with the tiny stitches when I sewed the top together there were bulky seams & the top was ill-fitting. It look like she had borrowed her boyfriends sweater instead of the sleek, chic look I was hoping for so, it was back to the sewing table (I had already used about 5 hours of my time at this point too). Luckily, I had some nice grey jersey on hand that I was able to turn into the design I had in my head.
The shell is a form-fitting tunic cinched with a red belt. I kept it sleeveless for a little sex appeal (& we know how Shelly O likes to show off her well toned arms.) For the outer sweater I used a ribbed version of the jersey to add some textural interest. It closes with a single oversized red button at the top. When closed it looks like the cowl of the shell is part of the coat. I was originally going to pair this look with a black pencil skirt but decided it was time I tackle pants. They weren’t as hard as I thought so, a pair of classic flat-front black trousers complete the look. I knew I was challenging myself with both sleeves & pants on the same challenge but I’m pretty proud of how it turned out.
The final look is paired with a pair of red patent pumps & a tote bag with red accents.
Make sure go check out Susi’s look too. I’m wanting her top in a human size…
© 2005 – 2011 Kathy Lewinski & Susan Cornish
That's lovely! I like it better than almost all the pieces that went down the runway on the last episode. 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous! It's a look I'm sure both lady O's would be beautiful in. Nice work!
Awesome! The designs get better and better each week. And they were great right from the beginning!
You are a clever girl! She looks very smart.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure you would've won that challenge. The hair looks good too!
Dear Kat,
I'm a reporter for the Hindustan Times, a leading daily in India. (www.hindustantimes.com) We in India are huge fans of Project Runway and I really loved how you are designing your clothes for dolls, in parallel with the show. Could I possibly get your permission to do an article on your blog, using some of your pictures? You will receive full credit, of course.
my email ID is nithya13@gmail.com
Way hey! I saw a reference to Kat Knits on gofugyourself and thought "But I know Kat!" – what a wonderful idea! This is lovely.
I could just die! This blog combines two of my favorite things- fashion dolls and Project Runway! You are amazing.
Saw this link on Tlo's facebook – these are fantastic! That look would have rocked this challenge.