The Vivy Skirt
The Story:
I stay in a '70s mood. David Bowie, Earth, Wind & Fire, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, and Jimi Hendrix are constantly playing in my ears, along with other icons of the era. I've always resonated with the free-spirited flower children singing for peace and getting lost in the sky with diamonds, if you know what I mean… As a crochet artist, how could I not be inspired by the '70s?! Crochet made its mark during that time with freestyle lace, granny squares, and, of course, bold color play.
One day, while minding my own business on Pinterest and browsing all the nostalgic crochet vibes, I stumbled upon a super fun, colorful zig-zagged granny square blanket pattern. It had all the right elements: a sepia color palette, granny squares (what could be more classic than a granny square?), and a psychedelic color illusion. I had a stash to bust, mostly in warm tones, so I decided to turn the blanket’s vibe into a pencil skirt.
I arranged my golden tones into a sunset-like sequence that led the eye seamlessly around while also playing with contrast. I made bold lines and wove in glitter yarn to make it all pop!
I loved the skirt but hadn’t really shared it with social media until I used it in an outfit during Dressember. The reaction to the skirt was so positive and I even got a few orders for it so I decided to turn it into a pattern!
I named the skirt Vivy after my aunt Vivana who was a fashion queen in the ‘70s (and still is). Plus, I like how the “Vs” in the name looked like the Zig Zags in the pattern!
The Testing Team
I assembled my testing team of amazing makers who all had great styles and different personalities. I was SO excited to see the different color combinations these ladies would come up with and they did not disappoint! Check out these babes in their rad Vivy Skirts!
Camilla of Moonmars.cm made such beautiful color choices and paired her skirt with a stunning matching Juniper Bralette! I am so smitten with her look!
Anne-Marie of Amtrabolsi is stunning in her playful colorwork. She captures Springtime in New York City with her vibrant fun colors, artistic belt, chic glasses, and turtleneck top.
Ananda of Ananda Handmade has such a gorgeous organic style and her sage green with beautiful neutrals is such a gorgeous pallet that looks perfect in a natural setting.
Brittany of Zorah UnThreaded chose sunflowers as her color pallet inspiration and WOW what a stunning result! I love the way she styled her look with elegant top and shoe choices and, of course, beautiful sunflowers.
Siobhan of Yarnoverfloyd is the yarn dying colorwork queen and came through with a stunningly beautiful pink pallet.
Kate of Oneofakate is serving all the Alice and Wonderland realness with her sweet look. I love that she played with deep crimson and pastels in her skirt and paired a beautiful matching Juniper Bralette to complete the look.
As a new designer, I really rely on my testers to give me feedback not only on the pattern but how I can be a better leader and member of this community. I must say that the love, encouragement, and support I received from these ladies was truly a gift and I do not take for granted that they were willing to lend their time and talents to help make this pattern happen.
The Mood:
Each design represents an emotion or mood for me. I think the reason I’m so drawn to the ‘70s right now is because of the echoes we’re experiencing in human rights and social justice issues.
The colorwork on the skirt beautifully represents how our differences as a human race are what make us beautiful. The contrast of the colors makes each one uniquely special and brings life to the others. I truly believe that if we could celebrate the beauty of our differences and work together, we could create a beautiful and transformational moment in history.
I am constantly in awe of the heart for social justice and equality within the fiber arts community and hope to be one of many voices calling for a new world.
I hope you enjoy the Vivy skirt!
Namste,
Dominique
