Etsy Shop for Toolgrrl

WorldYearMan Art Dress Vintage Nightgown Hand Embellished

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:58:40 -0500

$900.00
This is another dress from my "Dream Anatomy" series. I began this body of work (if you'll pardon the pun!) a few years ago. You can see more at my website: rachelwright.net. I have shown these pieces in art galleries and museums.

This piece is called "WorldYearMan", which is taken from the diagram that is stitched on the back in Latin (Mundus, Annus, Homo). The diagram makes correlations between the 4 earthly elements (Mundus), the 4 seasons of the year (Annus), and the 4 humors of the body (Homo). On the front is a depiction of the inner body if the upper most layers had been removed. Connecting the two designs is the ribcage, which wraps around the sides. These designs have been have been cut out of a variety of fabrics and appliqued onto a vintage (1940's?) nightgown.I have used several kinds of silks, velvet, and other recycled fabrics. Also scattered throughout the dress are small holes that have been embroidered. A vintage crinoline goes under this dress.

Measurements:
Bust: 36"
Waist: 31"
Hips: 40"

Here is a quote from my artist statement on this series:
“The Dream Anatomy series explore these imagined realms inside the body. Because these garments are meant to be worn, the boundary between the internal and the external is blurred. The invisible is made visible: wear your inside on the outside. By using women’s slips and nighties, articles that were not originally intended for public life, I am playiing with the line between the public and the private arenas.”

I am offering free shipping on the art dresses.

Handsewn Bamboo Feather Cowl Kimono Top small medium

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:58:26 -0500

$70.00
This one feels as good as it looks! It is 100% handsewn out of super soft and drape-y bamboo stretch fabric in a lovely shade of petal pink! Yummy

There is very little waste here, since the shape of this top is essentially a rectangle. I sewed the side and shoulder with a felled seam, so the double row of stitching is visible. All the thread here is super strong craft thread in a contrasting silvery grey. I also included two darts on the front to give it a little shape, and two tucks along the neck in the back. The edges are left unhemmed and raw.

The feathers are screenprinted from my drawing. First I silkscreened bleach on the dark blue fabric, which turned it a lovely shade of pink, then I printed the same design in silver ink over the top. There is a slight misregistration (intentional!), which gives it a some depth. These feathers are lovingly appliqued onto the front and back.

This top could be worn by a size small or medium because it stretches so much.
Measurements;
Bust (unstretched): 35"
Waist (unstretched): 27"

If you are interested in a custom piece, please don't hesitate to contact me!

As usual, the printed "Toolgrrl Designs" fabric tag is sewn into place with grey thread, so that the stitched shape of a heart is visible on the back.

I recommend hand-washing my garments in cool water & laying them flat to dry.

Men's Tshirt Recycled Blue Hand Embellished Snakes Medium

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:36:00 -0500

$45.00
Ssssssso ssssssensuous and ssssserpentine! This is a recycled tshirt that I have embellished with screenprinting and hand-stitching.

All along the bottom dark blue snakes writhe into and out of one anothe. I have also stitched on 2 snakes that were printed on contrasting fabric: one on magenta fabric, and the other on yellow fabric.

I chose this tshirt to work on because it has a great stone-washed blue color!

As usual, the printed “Toolgrrl designs” fabric tag is hand-sewn into place with contrasting thread, so the heart-shaped stitching is visible on the back.

I use water-based screenprinting inks, which are much safer for the environment. As they are worn and washed, the ink becomes softer and will acquire a slightly distressed look. My brother-in-law has a tshirt I made him two Christmases ago that I KNOW he throws in the dryer (not what I recommend), and his tshirt has acquired a lovingly-worn look.

The tshirt is 100% cotton. Super comfy and stretchy! The original tag said it is a medium, but please check the measurements.

Measurements:
Chest (unstretched): 41"
Length (shoulder to hem): 26"

Because I rely on thrift stores and surplus outlets for my garments, I rarely have two of the same kind. When I am deciding how to alter a garment, I will take its characteristics into consideration, so the end result is a unique creation. I take pride in my work, and I uphold a high standard of craftsmanship. I want my customers to be satisfied with their garments!

I recommend hand-washing my garments in cool water & laying them flat to dry.

If you have any questions, or would like to see more pictures, please let me know!

Red Snake Tshirt for Women Hand Embellished Large

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:43:10 -0500

$45.00
Ssssssso ssssssensuous and ssssserpentine! This is a new buttoned v-neck tshirt that I have embellished with screenprinting and hand-stitching.

All along the bottom white snakes writhe into and out of one another. I printed the snakes in two layers: first in a sky blue, then a white snake is printed on top slightly off-register, to give it more depth. I have also stitched on 2 snakes that were printed on contrasting fabric: one on sky blue fabric, and the other on tangerine fabric.

I chose this tshirt to work on because it features pretty gold thread topstitching around the neck, sleeves and along the bottom edge, not to mention the 5 buttons gracing the front. Also, the neckline is very flattering!.

As usual, the printed “Toolgrrl designs” fabric tag is hand-sewn into place with contrasting thread, so the heart-shaped stitching is visible on the back.

I use water-based screenprinting inks, which are much safer for the environment. As they are worn and washed, the ink becomes softer and will acquire a slightly distressed look. My brother-in-law has a tshirt I made him two Christmases ago that I KNOW he throws in the dryer (not what I recommend), and his tshirt has acquired a lovingly-worn look.

The tshirt is 100% cotton. Super comfy and stretchy! The original tag said it is a large, but please check the measurements. The bust of my mannequin here is 41”.

Measurements:
Bust (unstretched): 36"
Length (shoulder to hem): 22.5"

Because I rely on thrift stores and surplus outlets for my garments, I rarely have two of the same kind. When I am deciding how to alter a garment, I will take its characteristics into consideration, so the end result is a unique creation. I take pride in my work, and I uphold a high standard of craftsmanship. I want my customers to be satisfied with their garments!

I recommend hand-washing my garments in cool water & laying them flat to dry.

If you have any questions, or would like to see more pictures, please let me know!

Sugar Skull Hand Embellished Mens Tshirt Medium

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:37:17 -0500

$60.00
Sugar Skull Hand Embellished Men’s Tshirt Medium

Yo Queiro Sugar on my shirt!
Yes, that is Mr Toolgrrl modeling for me, and no, he isn’t exactly thrilled about it. But he’s a great sport and a cutie to boot!

This original Toolgrrl design was inspired by, you guessed it, Mexican sugar skulls. It is a new tshirt that I have lovingly embellished with new and recycled fabrics. As you can see from the close-up pictures, there is a lot of hand-stitching here. The design is placed in the center on the front of the tshirt. I used royal blue doubled-up embroidery thread for the appliqué and embroidery work.

As usual, the printed “Toolgrrl designs” fabric tag is hand-sewn into place with contrasting thread, so the heart-shaped stitching is visible on the back.

The tshirt is a dark red/maroon color and is 100% cotton.

Measurements:
Chest (unstretched): 42"
Length (shoulder to hem): 29"

Because I rely on thrift stores and surplus outlets for my garments, I rarely have two of the same kind. When I am deciding how to alter a garment, I will take its characteristics into consideration, so the end result is a unique creation. I take pride in my work, and I uphold a high standard of craftsmanship. I want my customers to be satisfied with their garments!

I recommend hand-washing my garments in cool water & laying them flat to dry.

If you have any questions, or would like to see more pictures, please let me know!

Mushroom Art Dress made of Recycled Materials Radical Eco-Fashion

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:06:53 -0400

$1,200.00
This fantasy dress was inspired by an illustration of a “stinkhorn fungus” by the 19th century naturalist Ernst Haeckel. Who knew something with such a repulsive name could be so pretty? The dress is made entirely out of recycled materials: the skirt is half-inch polyethylene foam and the jacket is very thin packing foam. Underneath is a 1930’s satin nightgown. My desire was to create an organic form out of inorganic materials, while still maintaining eco-friendly practices.

Although it can be worn, this is really more of a sculptural piece. I have shown it in art galleries, and in fact it is scheduled to be on view in the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center until November 8th.

This is absolutely a one-of-a-kind creation. My model said she felt like a fairy princess wearing this!

Periwinkle Striped Heart over Trees Hand Embellished Tshirt Medium

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:06:53 -0400

$45.00
A striped heart hovers over the lacy treeline. This is a new tshirt that I have transformed with screenprinting and hand-sewing, just for you!

There are 2 layers of tree color: the white trees are superimposed over black trees to give the image more depth & variety. The heart is printed in pale pink on striped fuschia and purple fabric & then sewn into place with hombre yellow doubled up embroidery floss. As you can see from the pictures, the tree pattern is printed all the way around the tshirt.

As usual, the printed “Toolgrrl designs” fabric tag is hand-sewn into place with contrasting thread, so the heart-shaped stitching is visible on the back.

I use water-based screenprinting inks, which are much safer for the environment. As they are worn and washed, the ink becomes softer and will acquire a slightly distressed look. My brother-in-law has a tshirt I made him two Christmases ago that I KNOW he throws in the dryer (not what I recommend), and his tshirt has acquired a lovingly-worn look.

The tshirt is 95% cotton/5% spandex and it is periwinkle color. Super comfy and stretchy! The original tag said it was a large, but it looks more like a medium to me. Please note the exact measurements.

Measurements:
Bust (unstretched): 34"
Length (shoulder to hem): 24.5"

Because I rely on thrift stores and surplus outlets for my garments, I rarely have two of the same kind. When I am deciding how to alter a garment, I will take its characteristics into consideration, so the end result is a unique creation. I take pride in my work, and I uphold a high standard of craftsmanship. I want my customers to be satisfied with their garments!

I recommend hand-washing my garments in cool water & laying them flat to dry.

If you have any questions, or would like to see more pictures, please let me know!

Serpent Art Dress Recycled Vintage Silk Nightgown

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:55:12 -0400

$700.00
I made this piece for a Recycled Fibers fashion show. The snake is an ancient symbol of rebirth, because it is continually shedding its skin. In this way the serpent became the ideal symbol for this project, transforming a garment and giving it a new life.

This is a silk nightgown, probably from the 1930’s, that I selectively dyed. I then silkscreened a wraparound design of trees and snakes along the bottom. Then I appliquéd silk fabric in the shape of a serpent that wraps around the body. The dark pink “spine” is made from a recycled silk sari.

Measurements:
Bust: 32"
Waist: 28"
Hips: 38"

You can see more of my artwork at: rachelwright.net. This piece has been shown in an art gallery.

I am offering free shipping on the art dresses.

Feather Side Cowl Dress

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:55:12 -0400

$160.00
A cascade of feathers graces the front of this lovely little number, while side cowls and pleats create soft graceful folds. This is an ideal summer dress!

The main body is a soft green, which contrasts nicely with the teal bodice and grape edging. The straps and belt are braided of similar material , and there is a criss-cross detail on the back. This original Toolgrrl design can be worn with or without the included belt. The feather image was hand-drawn by yours truly and printed with bleach, so it will never wash out.

This dress is made of a rayon/spandex blend that is oh-so-soft and drape-y. I used an overlock machine for most of the stitching, with the exception of the hand-stitching along the purple edge. I left the bottom hem raw.

I made this dress to fit me, but I can make one to any measurement, just send me a convo!

Measurements:
Bust: 33” (this material is stretchy & will accommodate a couple inches more)
Length (shoulder to bottom hem): 33”

I recommend hand-washing my garments in cool water & laying them flat to dry.

Pneuma Art Dress Recycled Vintage Slip

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 09:25:30 -0400

$900.00
Another dress from my “Dream Anatomy” series, I began this body of work (if you'll pardon the pun!) a few years ago. You can see more at my website: rachelwright.net. I have shown these pieces in art galleries and museums.

The term “Pneuma” is from the ancient surgeon Galen. It was a term he used to refer to the “animating spirit” or “breath”. So the pair of lungs (made out of a recycled girdle) is prominent in the design. Underneath is a labyrinth, that reminds me of the intestines. On the back, the spine, rib cage, & nervous system is revealed. This is a vintage slip, probably from the 1940’s or 50’s. It is a dark purple/blue. I used a variety of different fabrics that are appliquéd onto the slip: silk, cotton, and twill.

Measurements:
Bust: 32"
Waist: 30"
Hips: 38"

Here is a quote from my artist statement on this series:
“The Dream Anatomy series explore these imagined realms inside the body. Because these garments are meant to be worn, the boundary between the internal and the external is blurred. The invisible is made visible: wear your inside on the outside. By using women’s slips and nighties, articles that were not originally intended for public life, I am playiing with the line between the public and the private arenas.”

I am offering free shipping on the art dresses.

Custom Reconstructed Upcycled Styline Tshirt Women

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 09:25:30 -0400

$60.00
Ever wonder what to do with your favorite concert tshirts that developed a hole or stain in the most inopportune place? Or maybe your beloved Bo Derek tee just doesn’t fit anymore? I’m here to help you transform that drawer-space waster into something you can wear again!

I will work with you to choose your color palette, and the kind of details you desire. I can mend holes with a decorative stitch or cover stains with an appliquéd detail. Please note the cross-stitches on the back upper right shoulder of the featured tshirt.

You just need to send me the tshirt and your measurements & I’ll get crackin’. I can do my Frankenstein magic in about 2-3 weeks, once we decide together what it is you want!

I recommend hand-washing my garments in cool water & laying them flat to dry

Scapular Art Dress Recycled Vintage Slip

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:30:54 -0400

$900.00
I began making this series of dresses several years ago: they have been shown in art galleries and museums. You can see more at my website: rachelwright.net. I take a vintage nightgown or slip, then embellish it through appliqué with designs based on anatomical drawings. All of these pieces are one-of-a-kind.

This piece is called “Scapular” because of the wing-like velvet shoulder blades that grace the back. The slip is a rayon slip probably from the 50’s that I dyed a scarlet red. I then used a variety of different fabrics for the appliqué: velvet, silk for the many petaled breast & kidney, a recycled sari for the flower-heart, recycled leather for the tentacles on the bottom, and moiré silk for the vertebrae.

Measurements
Bust: 32”
Waist: 30”
Hips: 36”

Here is a quote from my artist statement on this series:
“The Dream Anatomy series explore these imagined realms inside the body. Because these garments are meant to be worn, the boundary between the internal and the external is blurred. The invisible is made visible: wear your inside on the outside. By using women’s slips and nighties, articles that were not originally intended for public life, I am playiing with the line between the public and the private arenas.”

I am offering free shipping on the art dresses.

Circulation Art Dress Recycled Vintage Slip

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:48:22 -0400

$900.00
This is another dress from my "Dream Anatomy" series. I began this body of work (if you'll pardon the pun!) a few years ago. You can see more at my website: rachelwright.net. I have shown these pieces in art galleries and museums.

I began on this dress by dyeing a fabulous mid-century slip . I was so captivated by the openwork trim, that I mimicked it in the design. I found an illustration in an anatomical textbook that had a similar pattern to describe the circulation to the lungs and abdomen. I used a variety of different recycled fabrics to appliqué onto the dress, including velvet for the leg bones and tailbone, satin for the pelvis and back ribs, silk for the circulation, and blue leather for the amoeba shapes. I also left a lot of the threads loose and dangling from the abdomen.

Measurements:
Bust: 32"
Waist: 31"
Hips: 38"

Here is a quote from my artist statement on this series:
“The Dream Anatomy series explore these imagined realms inside the body. Because these garments are meant to be worn, the boundary between the internal and the external is blurred. The invisible is made visible: wear your inside on the outside. By using women’s slips and nighties, articles that were not originally intended for public life, I am playiing with the line between the public and the private arenas.”

I am offering free shipping on the art dresses.

Keyhole Tree Dress with Hand Stitching

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:48:22 -0400

$80.00
I love this design so much, I have one of my own in teal! I wear it by itself in the summer, because it is so cool and comfy, but I wear it in the winter with leggings, boots and a sweater & it looks super hot! It looks fabulous with or without a belt. The last picture shows a similar dress with my Art Nouveau belt, which is not included in this sale.

Very comfortable and super flattering, this "red plum" knit dress is made of great drape-y fabric that clings and moves with you. The tree design is screenprinted in silver ink by hand all along the bottom and on the left shoulder. A contrasting teal fabric edges the armholes, neckline and keyhole in the back. And it is sewn by hand with a feather stitch in doubled up hombre marigold embroidery floss. The side & shoulder seams have been sewn with an overlock for added strength. The dress also features an asymmetrical “handkerchief” hem which is left unsewn. I added a couple of panels at the bottom, for a little extra flair.

The “Toolgrrl” handprinted tag is sewn into place so that the heart-shaped stitching is visible on the back.

I made this dress to fit me, but because it is stretchy and a “tent” dress, it will fit a number of sizes. However, I would be happy to make one to custom fit, if you send me your measurements.

Measurements:
Bust: 33” (unstretched)
Length: 35” (shoulder to shortest hem)

I recommend hand-washing my garments in cold water and laying them flat to dry.

Vanitas Art Dress Recycled Vintage Robe

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:42:39 -0400

$900.00
O Vanity of Vanities! (Vanitas Vanitatis) That is the title of this piece and is appliqued on the belt in blue velvet. This is another dress from my “Dream Anatomy” series. I began this body of work (if you'll pardon the pun!) a few years ago. You can see more at my website: rachelwright.net. I have shown these pieces in art galleries and museums.

The whole premise of this dress is that it is vanity for us to think that we can escape what is dictated by our genetic background. The pattern on the bottom of the dress is a diagram of the chemical makeup of DNA. The hexagons are made of transparent red sari fabric and they are connected by blue & red velvet lines. The design on the top of the dress is based on a 15th century anatomical illustration of the circulatory system.

The vintage robe is a wonderful slinky satin-y material. I would judge it to be from the 1940's. I left all of the lace intact and incorporated it into the design. The robe overlaps & ties on the inside, so the measurements are variable. It is much larger than my other art dresses.

Measurements:
Shoulder: 19.5"
Bust: 40"
Waist: 31"
Hips: 42"

I am offering free shipping on my art dresses.

Sawtooth Heart Hand Embellished Recycled Tshirt Med

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:42:39 -0400

$60.00
At first glance, this heart looks frilly, until you realize that the pattern is based on a saw blade! This is another original design by yours truly. I have altered a gently worn, recycled lavender tshirt.

This particular design combines applique & reverse applique. The dark blue & mesh is hand-sewn onto the surface of the shirt, while the recycled tiedye fabric is under the shirt. I then cut through 3 layers of fabric to reveal the underlying colors. This gives the image more depth. Stitched & reverse applique veins radiate out from the heart, and activate the back, as well. I used hombre marigold embroidery floss for the stitching.

As usual, the printed "Toolgrrl Designs" fabric tag is sewn into place with marigold thread, so that the stitched shape of a heart is visible on the back.

This is a large tshirt made of suuuuper soft 100% Cotton. Very comfy!

Measurements:
Bust (unstretched): 29”
Length (shoulder to hem): 24 1/2”

Because I rely on thrift stores & surplus outlets for my garments, I rarely have 2 of the same kind. When I am deciding how to alter each piece, I respond to each garment's characteristics, so the end result is a unique, one of a kind creation. I take great pride in my work, and I uphold a high level of craftsmanship. I want my customers to be satisfied!

I recommend hand-washing my garments in cool water & laying them flat to dry.

If you have any questions, or would like to see more pictures, please let me know!

Sacrum Art Dress Recycled Vintage Slip

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:07:35 -0400

$900.00
This is another dress from my "Dream Anatomy" series. I began this body of work (if you'll pardon the pun!) a few years ago. You can see more at my website: rachelwright.net. I have shown these pieces in art galleries and museums.

I began with a vintage nylon slip from the 50's or 60's. I then created a design based on anatomical drawings and appliqued a variety of different fabrics onto the slip in several layers. I love to combine unusual textures and here I've used velvet, silk, a recycled sari, a recycled girdle, eyelet, and satin. The design is such that it appears that a layer of muscle has been exposed, and even part of that is removed to reveal what lies underneath. The Hebrew letter aleph is applied over the left breast, and to me represents the source of life.

Measurements:
Bust: 34”
Waist: 32”
Hips: 40 ”

Here is a quote from my artist statement on this series:
“The Dream Anatomy series explore these imagined realms inside the body. Because these garments are meant to be worn, the boundary between the internal and the external is blurred. The invisible is made visible: wear your inside on the outside. By using women’s slips and nighties, articles that were not originally intended for public life, I am playiing with the line between the public and the private arenas.”

I am offering free shipping on the art dresses.

Heart over Trees Hand Embellished Printed Tshirt Small

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 20:13:41 -0400

$45.00
The heart floats over the forest like a glowing yellow moon. I combined these 2 images because of the similarity between the interlacing branches and the veins on the heart. This is a new tshirt that I have altered with screen printing and hand-sewing.

There are 2 layers of tree color: the white trees are superimposed over black trees to give the image more depth & variety. The heart is printed in pink on yellow fabric & then sewn into place with lime green doubled up embroidery floss. As you can see from the pictures, the tree pattern is printed all the way around the tshirt.

I use water-based screenprinting inks, which are much safer for the environment. As they are worn and washed, the ink becomes softer and will acquire a slightly distressed look. My brother-in-law has a tshirt I made him two Christmases ago that I KNOW he throws in the dryer (not what I recommend), and his tshirt has acquired a lovingly-worn look.

The tshirt is 100% cotton and it is dark purple color that I softened by washing in lightly bleached water. It gives the color a little variety. Super comfy too!

Measurements:
Bust (unstretched): 31"
Length (shoulder to hem): 22.5"

Because I rely on thrift stores and surplus outlets for my garments, I rarely have two of the same kind. When I am deciding how to alter a garment, I will take its characteristics into consideration, so the end result is a unique creation. I take pride in my work, and I uphold a high standard of craftsmanship. I want my customers to be satisfied with their garments!

I recommend hand-washing my garments in cool water & laying them flat to dry.

If you have any questions, or would like to see more pictures, please let me know!

Blood Countess Art Dress Recycled Leather Gloves

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 07:52:18 -0400

$2,400.00
This is a dress inspired by Andre Codrescu’s novel called The Blood Countess. It is based on a historical figure, a 16th century Hungarian countess, Erzabet of Bathory, who had the nasty habit of torturing and killing young women. She allegedly bathed in their blood in order to preserve her own youthful appearance. The gloves represent the skin of her victims. She is estimated to have killed over 600 girls.

I spent months collecting used white leather gloves, then deconstructing them by carefully ripping the seams. I then sewed them together to form the gown, and lined it with scarlet dupioni silk. The gown is laced through grommets in the front, so the measurements are variable.

This is a one-of-a-kind creation and has been shown in art galleries and museums. You can see more of my work at www.rachelwright.net.

I am offering free shipping on the art dresses.

Heart Tshirt Hand Embellished Applique Small

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:04:38 -0400

$50.00
Ok, it should be obvious by now that I have thing for hearts, but can you blame me? Here, I've hand embellished a tshirt I purchased with an applique heart, and wrapped stitched lines all around the front and back.

The heart is comprised of 3 layers of fabric from recycled tshirts: hot pink, brilliant yellow & a white mesh. I hand stitched the heart into place with brilliant blue doubled-up embroidery floss. As usual, the "Toolgrrl" screenprinted fabric tag has been stitched into place, so that the stitching creates a heart on the back (see picture).

The black tshirt is made of 100% cotton and is a size small. It features short sleeves and a crew neck. The fabric is micro-ribbed and very streeeeetchy. Super comfy!

Measurements:
Bust (unstretched): 32"
Length (shoulder to hem): 23"

I rely on thrift stores & surplus outets for my garments, so I rarely have two of the same kind. When I am designing, I will take each garment's unique characteristics into consideration, so the end result is a one of a kind creation. I take pride in my work and good craftsmanship is of utmost importance to me. I want my customers to be as satified with my work as I am.

I recommend hand-washing my garments in cool water & laying them flat to dry.

If you have any questions, or would like to see more pictures, plaes let me know!

Upside-Down Tree Hand Embellished Recycled Tshirt Medium

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:04:37 -0400

$50.00
Perfect for those sultry summer nights. This is a gently used sleeveless tshirt that I have embellished by hand.

The tree is based on an old engraving I came across. Here, I've turned it upside-down on the back, so it resembles the spine. I used an applique technique, where I hand-stitched the teal fabric onto the tshirt with yellow doubled up embroidery floss, then cut away the excess. The oranges were sewn on using a decorative technique. I also included a small detail in the front, just over the heart.

The "Toolgrrl Designs"fabric tag has been hand sewn into place with the same yellow thread, so that the heart shaped stitching is visible on the back.

This v-neck tshirt is a pale pink, very soft and thin, and there are woven vertical stripes. There was no fabric content label, but I am guessing that this is a cotton blend, perhaps mostly cotton with a little rayon. Very streeeetchy. The tag said it is a medium, but please check the measurements.

Measurements:
Bust (unstretched):31"
Length (shoulder to hem): 21.5"

Because I rely on thrift stores and surplus outlets for my garments, I only rarely have two of the same kind. When I am deciding how to embellish each piece, I respond to each garment's own unique characteristics, so the end result is a one of a kind creation. I take pride in my work, and I uphold a high standard of craftsmanship. I want my customers to be satisfied too!

I recommend hand-washing my garments in cool water & laying them flat to dry.

If you have any questions, or would like more pictures, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Persian Clouds Striped Hoodie Tshirt Hand Embellished Medium

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:04:37 -0400

$50.00
Clouds float across the chest & back on this uber-cute hoodie. This is a new tshirt that I have given the Toolgrrl treatment.

The clouds were inspired by Persian miniature paintings, like this one here: http://www.mirror.org/greg.roberts/six.htm
I've always been entranced by Mughal painting. The clouds are worked in reverse applique, where I put two layers of fabric under the shirt, stitched the design, then cut away to reveal the fabric underneath. The hand-stitching was done with doubled up brilliant blue embroidery thread. I even went back and did extra stitching inside the clouds (see detail pic).

As usual, the fabric printed Toolgrrl Designs label is hand-sewn into place, so that the stitching is visible on the back in the shape of a heart.

The tee features a hood & gathered puffy short sleeves. It is also extra long (see measurements. It is made of 99% cotton and 1% poly. The striped fabric has very small specks of different colors in it.

Measurements:
Bust (unstretched): 34”
Length (shoulder to hem): 26.5”

Because I rely on thrift stores & surplus outlets for my garments, I rarely have 2 of the same kind. When I am deciding how to alter each piece, I respond to each garment's characteristics, so the end result is a unique, one of a kind creation. I take great pride in my work, and I uphold a high level of craftsmanship. I want my customers to be satisfied!

I recommend hand-washing my garments in cold water & laying them flat to dry.

If you have any questions, or would like more pictures, please let me know!