I thought I would follow Stephanie’s lead this week and give you a little peek into my Collection for our new by3191 shop. It’s a new direction for me, in some ways, but in some ways I’ve been thinking about it, and sketching it out, for ages.
For my Collection, called Beauty & Use, I decided I would work with my seamstress here in Maine to create a small offering of single edition women’s tops. Now I’m no fashion designer, mind you, but I am a woman who is constantly searching for good tops! I like natural fabrics that feel good (I’m not going to put acrylic or polyester on this real estate, no thank you!), I like generous fits but not so much that they are slopping all over the place, I like pieces that will take me through all seasons not just one, I like pieces I can layer up and strip down, I like comfort. Well, you see, I’m picky!
What you’ll find in my Collection are single edition pieces (meaning I only made a few in each fabric in each size but may offer the pieces again in future Collections in different fabrics) made of handwoven cotton, organic cotton and hemp. You’ll find raw edges and simple seams.
You’ll find smocks you can wear to lounge, outside to garden or out to dinner with friends. You’ll find that pop of color crop top you can layer over your chambray shirt, a printed tank or just wear on its own to show off your neck and your tummy. You’ll find that perfect medium-weight v-neck alongside a soft cropped natural cap-sleeve that looks like you might have just cut off the sleeves yourself.
And I guess that’s it. All of my pieces you could make yourself; there’s no rocket science here. I like that they look handmade because, well, they are. Each piece made with care here in Maine. Each piece referencing my personal mantra regarding clothing, which you’ve heard me say time and time again, quality over quantity and taking good care over being careless. It just feels right to me for my little Collection. It also feels right that there are only just a few of each because, as Stephanie and I have said many times, we don’t want to put more “stuff” out into the world. We want to share our loves and our visions, and in the case of our Collections, our creations, but we want the impact to be gentle … handmade and small … simple … beautiful & useful.
We are really gearing up here in the studio for next Friday (remember to sign up for our mailing list so you will be the first to know when everything goes live). This is a thrilling time for us here at 3191 … new adventures abound!