utilitu sewing & design

Happy handmade Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

My Boys

2012-02-11T21:24:00.000-08:00

some days, a song I've heard over and over resonates so deeply it brings me to tears and reminds me of why I bother with all that I bother with. my family.

Kitsch from 1975

2012-01-26T07:02:00.000-08:00

In honor of Dr. King :: Freezer Stenciling

2012-01-10T15:46:00.000-08:00

Monster Mayhem Modules start tomorrow!

2012-01-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

Alterations, Repairs & Custom Sewing Services

2011-12-29T11:23:00.000-08:00

And the blogging begins again....

2011-10-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

with a photo of my latest obsession: the ruffler foot for my new Bernina Aurora 450.
I am pregnant with my second baby, sex unknown, but let me tell you, if it is a girl, this foot is gonna get a lot of use - polka dots and ruffles!! ;)

limited edition Valentine's le LoOps!

2011-02-03T23:20:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2010

2010-11-11T21:42:00.000-08:00

Halloween Costume Preview!

2010-10-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

Back in action!

2010-10-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

My amazing computer was stolen out of my house, while we were sleeping, on June 22nd. I haven't posted since it happened. New things are evolving and need to be documented. Current theme for my life:

Photo del dia: MOWO and Rescue Fashion Show 2009

2010-06-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken by friend Sarah Viles at a collaborative fashion show from Rescue Moderne Consignment and MOsely WOtta last year. Rescue is a great spot for reasonable clothes, shoes and accessories (their building is where I have my studio). MOWO doesn't make clothes, but paints and draws on them which takes them to the next level. I was the shortest and thickest of the models, but worked it and had fun. Fun flashback!

utilitu Street Style: Caitlin's custom braided cowl

2010-06-20T16:38:00.001-07:00

Caitlin Cardier has lungs that are as deep as Voronya Cave, which allow her to sing as beautifully and powerfully as a full gospel choir. Seriously. Her charisma shines on stage, as does her sincerity, self confidence and originality. She recently performed at Artisphere here in Bend while rocking utilitu! I made her a custom braided cowl with chain braided in and other chains, charm and tassle attached to the loop. Turned out super dope! I am anti-flash, so the photos didn't turn out as crisp as they would have; oh well. Here's a video from her set after the sound had crapped out - and instead of throwing up her hands and walking away, she threw up her hands and rocked it acapella!

Custom Lime Ties for Kristie & Mikee

2010-06-20T16:15:00.001-07:00

Second round of custom wedding ties! These bright ones were for friends Kristie and Mikee, who live in Austin, TX, but got married yesterday (06.19) in Bend. The groomsmen wore the solid cotton lime, as did the ringbearer (the little guy tie on the end). Mikee had two choices: the satin solid green or polka dots. Of course, he chose the polka dots. They are a fashionable couple with great taste and it shined through in their wedding: classic car, slim cut pants with vests for the guys, different black and gray dresses for the girls and tasteful wedding dress on Kristie - cut low and strapless to showcase her lovely black and gray orchid tattoo. I hope to get professional photos from them as soon as I can... will share when I get them.

utilitu Street Style: Crazy for le LoOps!

2010-06-17T22:29:00.001-07:00

Hooded Vest: worn by my Mama

2010-06-17T14:49:00.000-07:00

I have strong oppositions to fleece in the fashion world. BUT, my Mama is my Mama, and she loves fleece. So, she's just about the only one I cave for with requests to fashionable fleece. This was a jacket I made for her, but I just couldn't get the sleeves to fit right, so we cut them off and made her a very stylish long hooded grape fleece vest with red denim yoke and hood. She loves it and I think it looks great on her. Win - win!

So distinguished.

2010-06-15T14:01:00.001-07:00

This is the sample tie I made first before the 6 Buttercream ones. So distinguished in a very naughty way... read the text on the tie closely.

Website!

2010-06-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

www.utilitusew.com is now up and running! My boyfriend, Rory, built it for me over the past month. He did a great job keeping it clean, simple and easy to navigate. The store on it right now is just a sample; we'll be working on the actual store over the next few weeks.

We got Chicks!

2010-06-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

Two Rhode Island Reds, two Buff Orpingtons and two Black Sex Links. Yippee!

Custom Buttercream Ties

2010-06-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

I recently had a couple come in and have me alter bridesmaids dresses and hem slacks for their wedding. Through conversation, I discovered they couldn't find ties to match. So, of course I offered to make them, if I found the right colored fabric... and voila! I did and they were happy as can be.

Photo del dia: Portland Rose Garden 2008

2010-06-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

Photo del dia: Johnny and Marie Winters

2010-06-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

My Great-Uncle Johnny and Aunt Marie were little people with big personalities and fantastic style. They always dressed to the nines - coats, ties, heels, jewels, fur. I never met my Aunt, but met my Uncle when I was very small. He had a huge smile. They were in a few films, including The Wizard of Oz. I love the collection of photos my family has from them... true treasures of an era.

My Dad

2010-06-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

The ultimate DIYer... the most straightforward person I've ever met... one of the greatest men I've known. John Murphy 08/26/48 - 06/05/01

Photo del dia

2010-06-04T11:53:00.001-07:00

Found on Design*Sponge.

utilitu and Owlita have le LoOp babies...

2010-06-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

Owlita is now carrying a select line of le LoOps available only through owlita.com or Owlita retailers. Shelly Ciszek of Captain's Daughter Photography took these photos of our friends modeling the designs. Simone: Hillary: April: Astacia:

utilitu Street Style: Cloaked Characters!

2010-06-04T11:20:00.001-07:00

My boyfriend, Rory is one half of one of my favorite Hip-Hop acts: Cloaked Characters. JT is the other half.... both are very talented MCs, poets and musical visionaries. utilitu sponsors them with all the le LoOps they want! They have a new video for their single "Go Lovely" featuring Joanna Lee. Check it out here. CCZ are rocking utilitu plaid scarves and Joanna is wearing Owlita Hyphy Prairie Pheasant feather earrings in the video - represent!

Felted Wool Rug

2010-06-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

My brother Aaron and his girlfriend Christina of nine years finally got hitched in April, and this is what I made for them. Hand crocheted, felted and stitched border. This is the first rug I've ever made; I think it turned out pretty cool, and I'm currently working on a super large one for the new house that my boyfriend Rory and I just moved into.

i heart window art shows some window love!

2010-06-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

Chris-T of i heart window art made my window awesome quite a few months ago... looks great both inside and out, and because of the palindromic state of utilitu, it is readable from both angles.

utilitu Street Style: Stephanie in her custom PLAIDMIRAL

2010-06-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

Stephanie chose a beautiful red wool for her Plaidmiral and I chose to round the color up nicely with plum lining and plum buttons.

Cute Interruption!

2010-06-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

My son, Sailor and a cupcake... joy incarnate.

utilitu Street Style: Middle and DJ Hit N Run of TOP SHELF

2010-06-04T10:54:00.001-07:00

Public Service Fashion Tip #4

2010-06-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

beauty and a braided cowl

2010-06-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

Photo taken by Sarah Viles during the February 2010 LUPERCALIA IN LINGERIE Fashion Show at Velvet in downtown Bend, OR.

Public Service Fashion Tip #3

2010-06-04T10:45:00.001-07:00

Public Service Fashion Tip #2

2010-04-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

utilitu Street Style: Alisha

2010-04-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

Public Service Fashion Tip #1

2010-03-30T22:14:00.001-07:00

Custom Diaper Bag

2010-03-27T17:20:00.001-07:00

This is a custom diaper bag for a very happy mama to be. The fully lined bag boasts a zippered main pocket and front pocket, two more pockets on the front and one on each side, as well as three in the back. The front flap unzips into a diaper changing pad, and when zipped can hold easily accessible items like a blanket or jacket. Pretty sweet little bag!

utilitu Street Style: Ashley of Owlita

2010-03-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

My best homegirl and creator of Owlita feather earrings, rocking a braided cowl in BRIGHT.... this color combo available exclusively through Owlita: get one here!

11:11

2010-03-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

11:11 am This is the beginning of something new... not too sure exactly how that will manifest in my day to day, but I am realizing that this system is just not working for me, and therefore, I need to begin the steps of creating my own system that does. I am looking to truly sustainable resources, manual labor and non-conformity to create something in which I am proud and satisfied to be working towards; a full circle way of participating and existing in this life.

Knitta Please!

2010-03-10T10:31:00.000-08:00

My baby daddy took this photo recently of a crocheted graffitti hit I did years ago in an alley behind the bar we both worked at the time. It's still there, tag and all, although the bright lime and neon pink it used to be has melted into the asphalt... To find more yarn grafitti, google 'Knitta Please' or check it on Facebook or MySpace.

Country Baked Yams

2010-03-03T12:15:00.000-08:00

Loving this track this week.... Zion-I featuring Devin the Dude!

Still can't stop listening....

2010-03-02T12:36:00.000-08:00

The Dirty Projectors 'Useful Chamber'

Chinese New Year's Resolution....

2010-03-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

Keep on the blog! le LoOp Fan Photo of the day: Victor (rocking the braided cowl) and his homegirl Ashley at the opening of COUTURE in Portland.

TRUNK SHOW - 12.13.09

2009-12-12T21:16:00.000-08:00

Flyer designed by yours truly.... utilitu graphic design, say what?!?

le LoOps! and new tags!

2009-10-10T20:38:00.001-07:00

NEW le LoOp style:

2009-10-10T20:36:00.000-07:00

with BRAIDING detail:

In the studio:

2009-10-10T20:35:00.001-07:00

The Palindromic Tee --- worn by Norah

2009-10-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

New tee design! Scoop-neck, reversible, color blocked on one side, 'cuffs' if desired in contrast color or flipped down to outer color... on the long side, but top layer can be shrugged up a bit to show under contrast layer. May do some with weaving soon too! stay tuned.... xoxo

New DRESSES!!!! (they're custom and you want one!)

2009-09-30T01:29:00.000-07:00

This REVERSIBLE dress is for Tara in the City of Angels... lucky ducky! and this one is for Lori... not reversible, but still very versatile. Future versions will be reversible...

le loOps - styled out! Part Four

2009-09-13T11:08:00.001-07:00

High Desert Inspiration

2009-09-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

The High Desert Museum rocked my world on Saturday! We visited new exhibits that are really well done and truly inspired me: Art through Ancestry, which focuses on Native peoples art over time including contemporary artist Rick bartow; Spirit of the West, a walk through time from the First Peoples to the Cowboys; and the High Desert Homestead Ranch was a trip: people role play the usual suspects on a working ranch in the 1880 high desert wilderness. A definite MUST if you are in the area.

New le LoOps now at Blue!

2009-08-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

I just dropped off 20 new le LoOps at Blue today; all solid colors, perfect for fall layering and making a statement through simple color combinations. Pick one up if you're in the neighborhood: 1326 NW Galveston Ave Bend OR 97701 xoxo

Press: The Source Weekly Fall Style issue

2009-08-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

The Fall Style Issue is on stands now! utilitu is heavily featured throughout - on the cover, even! Grab an issue and check it!

new shades

2009-08-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

Since I just slammed my favorite sunglasses into the wall and therefore broke the arm off... my loving man bought me a new pair. I picked out a dark sultry blue for this pair.... can't wait.

BOLERO LLAMA

2009-08-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

The Bolero Llama is reversible, lined with vintage kimono silk, and a very limited edition. I have made one already, and can make maybe two more out of this hide, with a total of three from this hide with this silk. They are $190 each. Contact me if you must have one.... I'll be making more out less expensive materials soon, too.

le loOps - personalized! Part Three

2009-08-18T21:52:00.000-07:00

Baby Tuxedo: Isa

2009-08-07T05:13:00.001-07:00

This is Yuvia's dashing son, Isa, modeling the tuxedo.

Press: The Bend Bulletin 07.08.09

2009-08-07T04:59:00.000-07:00

le LoOp was featured in the Savvy Shopper section of the Bend Bulletin a few weeks back! Anna Sowa wrote a very nice article explaining my product and a brief bio. It was perfect timing for Summerfest, as lots of people read the article right before the event and then came searching for les LoOps!

Norah's Hoodie

2009-08-07T04:20:00.001-07:00

This is Norah, the chihuahua, in her new utilitu hoodie: I call this CHIC-huahua.

The Source Weekly Fall Style Issue coming soon!

2009-08-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

My friend Kristi asked me to come up with something for the Fall Style Issue cover inspired by a handmade patch she found on iStock. This is the design I came up with, and what will most likely end up as the cover of the Fall Style Issue. My designs (specifically the Plaidmiral, baby tuxedo and le LoOp) will be featured in the issue. Keep an eye out - Fall Style issue out August 27th!

Press: True North Parenting Magazine Aug/Sep 09

2009-08-05T22:34:00.000-07:00

True North Parenting is a cool magazine edited and distributed in Central Oregon. The latest issue featured a back-to-school fashion guide, and le LoOp was found in one of the photos: To see the online version of the article go here and to check out the rest of True North, go here!

le LoOp - personalized! Part Two

2009-08-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

Le LoOp - personalized!

2009-08-04T17:45:00.001-07:00

Tuxedo Love

2009-07-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Tuxedo onesie received some love today from being in an Etsy showcase and then posted on a cool blog called inventingweddings.blogspot.com. Check the post here.

Yuvia & Marie modeling le loop!

2009-06-29T02:14:00.001-07:00

introducing le loop!

2009-06-29T02:10:00.000-07:00

The Fabric Necklaces now have a name: le loop! le loop will soon be available in Flagstaff, AZ!

Fabric Necklaces... hit the mark!

2009-06-21T09:27:00.001-07:00

These are the latest creation/adaptation. I saw a thinner version of a knit necklace in the summer Urban Outfitters catalog, and decided I wanted one, but thicker and more versatile. This is what I came up with! My fabric necklaces can be worn at least 5 ways: ---> singled around the neck ---> doubled around the neck ---> tripled around the neck ---> doubled as a belt ---> tripled as a head wrap. They can also be dampened in the summer and worn around the neck to keep the wearer cool for hours. Pretty clever, no? This is lovely Kirby, with her new green one... Regan rocking the tripled look... And the doubled way... Baby Coco wearing the kiddo version as a head wrap. Preciosa!

New Dress Design - What do you think?

2009-06-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

This dress is only draped for now... I like the neon twist on a slightly greek classical look. Thoughts? Likes? Dislikes?

The Combover DRESS

2009-06-21T05:12:00.001-07:00

Dress made from vintage cotton with a nautical theme. Onesie underneath has ruffles on the bum. ridiculously adorable...

Baby Tuxedos for sale!

2009-06-21T04:40:00.001-07:00

This is a poor quality photo, but I am selling these at Blue Lighthouse on Galveston in Bend, and hope to sell them at Black Wagon in Portland soon. For weddings... or everyday, because life is a celebration!

a couple Custom jobs from past months...

2009-06-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

This is a custom tulle skirt I made for Molli Hogan, HoopMaster Extraordinaire! We designed this together for her Valentine's Day costume - she was a conversation heart that caused a lot of conversation! My fellow hot mama, April Baynes, does fire dancing every once in awhile and needed custom kneepads quick for a performance... so, these are what I whipped out! Pretty snazzy with the herringbone canvas and colorful vintage elastic.

Denim Resurrection!

2009-04-24T04:40:00.001-07:00

Bring yr dead, decaying, damaged and discarded denim back to life!

Baby Tuxedo!

2009-03-21T08:53:00.001-07:00

Sailor in his baby tuxedo I made for him. The occasion? His Uncle Eddie and Tia Marian's marriage at the courthouse. After the ceremony, we were coercing him to walk to Eddie, and instead he kissed the concrete. Sailor then looked like he played rugby in his tuxedo!

The REAL Plaidmiral

2009-01-11T21:15:00.001-08:00

Here is the actual fabric we are doing The Plaidmiral in... again, modeled by Emily.

Highlighter tunic & First Mate Formality skirt

2009-01-11T18:33:00.000-08:00

This is a shot from the Rise Up photo shoot yesterday with Emily, a Bend high schooler who also models with Ford Models. She looked great in all of the clothes - especially the line I designed, in my opinion! The top is a simple long, semi-loose fitting tunic with asymmetrical detail weaving in the scoop neck. The skirt is a lightweight denim bubble skirt with removable suspenders. I'll post more photos when I get them. We're all getting very excited for Bread & Butter in Barcelona as well as MAGIC in Las Vegas. I'm excited-nervous-ecstatic-scared-inspired-motivated-challenged by the thoughts of potential success/failure. I hope people are stoked on what I'm putting out there!

The Plaidmiral

2009-01-02T16:14:00.001-08:00

This is a jacket I designed for my latest project and first collaboration with Rise Up, called Rise Up Select by utilitu. Jesse, Maria & crew will be headed to Barcelona for the Bread and Butter Trade Show on January 21-23. The line is seven pieces total, and I will post photos/links as they become available. The gorgeous supermodel is my homegirl Cambria, who was visiting from McMinnville. This is not the fabric the jacket will be made from. This is a very old piece of wool I had and thought it filled the need.

It's the simple things

2008-12-26T22:04:00.000-08:00

A little girl and her family came into Treefort today, did a little browsing, chatting, etc. As they were about to leave, the girl whispers to her father then proceeds to scurry up and hand me a rock from one pocket "this is for you" and pulled a smaller rock from the other pocket "this is for him" (Sailor). She had collected those rocks from the Oregon coast, and gave them to us! I was touched. Here they are: Little kids can be so thoughtful.

Buy Local!

2008-12-26T15:33:00.001-08:00

www.shalgoindustries.com for the mozaikits and other awesome products.

Tipi

2008-12-26T11:58:00.000-08:00

I made this tipi for Sailor for x-mas. I took the idea/measurements from one that a woman makes in Bend and made it a little different: a bit bigger, reversible, two doors instead of one. It's not perfect, but decent for being made in a couple of hours. And Sailor loves it!

Another Craft Show coming up!

2008-12-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

Last night craft show...

2008-12-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

was fun. Not too busy, but fun, nonetheless. Here are a few photos from the night: I had buttons, kitties, pants and slings for sale. 'the combover' logo on the pant tags. kitties! Sailor with Teafly, who was selling her prints and one-of-a-kind paintings/illustrations/etc. Also available on her Etsy shop here. I was so grateful that Sailor occupied himself with new toys and other kiddos for about 40 minutes - I needed a break from being the entertainer/snack bar.

baby Jodhpurs

2008-12-04T09:41:00.001-08:00

I made a pair of psuedo-Jodhpurs for Sailor. I will be selling pairs at the Sprouts Craft show this Friday from 6-8pm...

Trunk Shows Happening Soon....

2008-12-02T22:44:00.001-08:00

Please come find some treasures on Saturday at Habit for yrself and yr friends: Here's a sneak peek at a couple things you will find at the show (the scarves, not the RiseUp hoodie):

Finished Stockings

2008-12-02T22:37:00.001-08:00

ORDER UP for one happy family in Long Beach!

Unicorn!

2008-12-02T22:23:00.000-08:00

Here is a (somewhat smaller than) life size mounted Unicorn head I made back in October. Its hanging at Treefort and if you heart it so so so much and just have to have it, you can buy it here.

very late Halloween photos...

2008-11-24T15:01:00.000-08:00

Erica and I dressed up as Salt N Pepa for Halloween this year. I made the jackets (turned out so fly!) and we choreographed dance moves. It was hot... we didn't perform any choreographed moves due to no DJs had ANY S-N-P... (um, can you really call yrself a DJ if you don't at least have 'Push It'?) We'll be back as S-N-P sometime in the future. Black unitards, boots and oversized satin jackets is the most comfy costume ever. I pretty much want to wear my unitard all the time; my jacket too, but out of context, it's kind of much. and here is Chris... the hamster. I made his fuzzy-wuzzy suit, but not the hood. He wanted to find an extra-large rodent water bottle to carry around, but couldn't find one. Actually, what he REALLY wanted was a big clear ball to roll around in. That didn't happen either. shucks. All photos taken by Teafly. (I am just now posting photos, because I just snagged them from Teafly's Picasa album. Check her blog Support an Artist )

Striped baby sweater

2008-11-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

This is my friend Sheareen with Sailor, modeling the baby sweater I made for Sheareen's baby who is due at the end of January. The hood is a bit small (well, on Sailor it's small; hopefully on a newborn it will be just right), but I like the overall fit of the hoodie. I made it from a knit top I had - thought this was a better use of the fabric. Sheareen and I had a chat about zippered sweaters, and how they bug us because the little tab pokes the baby's neck - so I came up with an alternative. Buttons are a bit taboo with baby clothing, but I figure since it's for a little peanut, she won't be yanking or chewing on the buttons for a few months, and by then it won't fit. Plus I kind of hate velcro. Gotta get more snaps.

Roller Derby!!!

2008-11-22T22:25:00.000-08:00

I am no longer a Roller Derby virgin. Tonight there was a Renegade Rollergirls bout between the Radar Lovers and the Skull Rollers. Radar Lovers kicked ASS and won their first bout ever! and I would like to think it had something to do with the uniform skirts I made for them: The girls looked so good! Neon green blurs around the rink. Sally ScumF*ck ... aka Lisa, wife of Sailor's Godfather, Spencer. Sailor had fun too - he was entranced by all the rollers. I was in awe of the fights! So crazy how many fights broke out. Ladies just pushing, tripping, smacking each other. bOnkers. Anyway, we had a fantastic time. Chances are we will be at the next bout.

Window at Treefort

2008-11-19T23:38:00.000-08:00

This is the window at Treefort which I made the stockings for. Astacia and I decided on the yellow and white theme, and I threw in blue for good measure. We both love the way it turned out - in fact, I think it's the coolest window in downtown Bend.

Baby Food!

2008-11-19T09:18:00.000-08:00

I made a batch of yummy baby food, for my sweet little man. Sweet potato & butternut squash combo and beet & spinach combo. Its so yummy, that whatever he doesn't finish, I finish and always want more. Satisfied.

Custom stockings in progress...

2008-11-18T16:46:00.001-08:00

These are stockings I am making for a family in Long Beach, CA. I won a bid on Etsy. You can check my Etsy shop here.

Stockings!

2008-11-14T23:37:00.000-08:00

If you are walking in downtown Bend, past TREEFORT (the coolest kids store ever) you will see these stockings in the window.

ELEVATE 08

2008-08-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

Bend's 2nd Underground Art Festival just happened this past Saturday, 8/2. Ashley and I shared a booth - she sold her amazing feather earrings and I sold reversible tank dresses and plaid scarves. The festival was ripe with creative talent in both the handicraft and musical realms! Here is one of the dresses I made, which my friend Brianna bought.

Daily Motto

2008-06-07T22:56:00.001-07:00

Assignment 63 from LEARNING TO LOVE YOU MORE dot com.

scARF!

2008-06-05T23:56:00.000-07:00

I have a rack full of custom projects and alterations that need to get done within the week, as Sailor and I are going to visit the grandmamas, but of course, what do I do? Come up with a brilliant (albeit done before) and distracting idea - dog scarves! They are reversible, with one snap, available in a few sizes and will hopefully be in a store soon! This is the culprit whose cuteness started today's side project: Her name is Nanu.