Minus Sun

15 11 2011

sailor style scarf in velvet

I’ve made the sailor style scarf in navy velvet this time to go with winter coats. The chambray version looked pure and friendly but this one is more elegant and mysterious. I’d wear this by folding it in half and making the edges go through the loop like in the first image, or tie it at the back like in the second image. I like the slanted edges for their subtle ribbon effect. made with 100% cotton

12 11 2011

Fashioning the Future Awards ceremony

I had been shortlisted for the Unique Design category (there are five in total) months ago and I’ve finally found out the result this week. So, I didn’t win, nor was I selcted for the exhibition… But that doesn’t make me a loser as I am still one of the 45 finalists out of more than 2000 entries! The ceremony was held last Thursday evening at the East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf. I also went there the following day to see the exhibition but there were no actual works, just some images and video clips so the ceremony which had models dressed in the selected garments was more exciting for sure.

an article about the ceremony on Glam UK

We all sat on these big wooden spools.

There were about 10 garments on models but I think this one is my favourite as it uses crochet.
I don’t think there’s anything to do with the competition but I loved the styling they did. All the teen models were wearing cat ear alice bands. Arousing…for me at least.

It was a little disappointing that nothing was representing my work but here is the proof that I’ve made it to the finals. (My name is Yuka Maeda, in case you didn’t know.)

I have some posts with images of the work I’ve done for this competitions so have a look in the
Competitions category
I will probably enter more competitions so let me know if you find ones suitable for me!

04 11 2011

wedding garter

This is the same design as one of the black cat garters I’ve posted before but in white/cream as I’ve been commissioned by my fellow exhibitor at Handmade in Britain, Amma Gyan. She is a jewellery and accessories designer-maker who specialises in leather. I’ve commissioned her to make me a pendant with red leather tassels, very exciting! Have a look at her label “me”

The garter is for her wedding so I’ve made them in white with her name stitched inside in pale blue. I think it’s beautiful and should be produced for sale. Made with 100% silk.

02 11 2011

Christmas ornaments

I am trying to start some workshops at my stockist, Circus, and the next plan is having a Christmas ornament making workshop. They suggested that I make them in my style so here they are, bras and knickers to be hung on your holy Christmas tree! The knickers have the “I will be fine.” embroidery as in the real knickers in my collection. The matching bra and knickers have colourful beads sewn on, just to make it Christmasy. Made with felt, beads, and silk strings.

Get in touch with me or Circus, the next workshop is planned for this Sunday.
Circus 5th Avenue Brixton Village, London SW9 8PR
13:30-16:30, 42 pounds including all materials and afternoon tea
Me: info@minussun.co.uk
Circus: circusbrixton@gmail.com

29 10 2011

Handmade in Britain

I have been exhibiting at Handmade in Britain Chelsea show this weekend and I hope that some of you are looking at this post after seeing my work there! Here are the photos of my display.

My stall looking professional with wooden frames, a banner, spotlights and all.

One of my walls
The “I will be fine.” knickers at the bottom right has been bought by a customer who is planning to display it on her wall with my signature! I like to think that my work is art as well as fashion so I was very pleased.

I’ve made a fabric holder for my postcards and business cards. Not sure if it had any effect but my cards have been popular so that’s good too.

The lingerie sets on my other wall are attracting some serious attention. Girls and boys, they both like them!

26 10 2011

sailor style scarf

This is my latest work, a sailor style scarf.
I’m always fascinated by school girls and their uniforms and this combination of blue fabric and white lines remind me of the collar of my sailor style school uniform. The slanted edges remind me of the big pre-made bow tie I wore with it as well. Made with chambray cotton and crocheted cotton trimmings.

24 10 2011

a cami, a shirt, and a top

I’ve taken some photos of the clothes I had made before.

This one is a variation of a dress which belongs to the Sensuous Girl.
I think this is one of the girliest things I’ve made.
recycled silk crocheted bra panels, cotton fabric
cotton ribbon draw string
velvet ribbons and gold metal adjusters for the straps

This is a calico version of the Controlling Girl’s shirt dress.
The patterns are not embroidered but drawn in with a fabric pen as this was made as a toile.
But the elbow patch is hand sewn, and it has the resin buttons with embroidered fabric trapped inside.
I think this shirt became even more beautiful after being washed. I love it.

This was originally made for my stockist, Circus, a variation of the Dreamy Girl’s dress.
It is also made with calico, and has a smocked detail with “escape” embroidery.

23 10 2011

collars

I heard collars are “in” this season so I’ve made some. But I actually like them as an item and have made a crocheted one for myself before and I wear it once in a while. I think these will look good with a simple top, shirt or a dress. I saw one little boy(or a girl, I couldn’t tell) try on at Renegade Craft Fair(well, his/her mum put it on the child) one of the pale green ones and it looked amazingly cute! So I know they can be worn by kids as well.

crocheted collars made of cotton yarn and cotton ribbons

the top one, embroidered collar made of silk/linen fabric and beads
the bottom two, same fabric with crocheted silk trimmings

embroidered collars made of black silk
the top one with beads
the middle one with sequins, beads, and ribbon embroidery
the bottom one with silk yarn embroidery and cotton ribbon

20 10 2011

black cat garters

Here are some crocheted silk garters in black. I had Halloween in mind when I was making these, thinking that it will be great to make a black cat outfit to go with it (a sexy one of course).

15 10 2011

The Suicidal Girl’s bracelet

So, here are the wrap bracelets inspired by bandage for No.1 The Suicidal Girl, a character from my story “YOU’RE ALL MINE (YOU’RE ALL IN ME). The idea is that she wears it to protect her from harming herself but you don’t have to know this if you are a cheerful person who just likes a nice bracelet. The hand crocheted lace is made of viscose and the ribbon is a cotton and acetate mix. The fastening is hook but no eye. You hook the hook onto any of the lace holes just like you hook the little metal thing to fasten your bandage.(or is it not like that any more?)

This is the original double wrap design.

And this is the more affordable single wrap version.

Above is the double one, below is the single one.
The double one is long enough to wear it as a choker as well.