Friday Finds: Giia Neckpieces and Accessories

Wien Hex Bib Statement Necklace: Giia

Today I wanted to share one of my new favorite shops, Giia Neckpieces and Accessories.  I stumbled  upon this shop and was quite stunned when I saw the statement pieces of jewelry that were available in their shop.

Octopus Statement Necklace, Photo property of Giia.

I've mentioned before that I'm not big on jewelry, but their pieces are so unique and interesting that I couldn't help but share this shop with you.

Cuore Wave Statement Neckpiece: Giia

The main material used in their pieces is felt.  Yep, you read that right, FELT.  The necklaces and cowls that they create are simply stunning, and incredibly sculptural.

Although these necklaces and accessories are quite different from the typical items that I create, they are sure to inspire.  I am always amazed at the creativity and vision that artisans have. Go visit Giia, and take a trip around the Etsy marketplace for a bit of weekend inspiration.

Do you have any favorite artisan shops that leave you inspired?

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

Top-Toberfest Day Four: Cowl Neck T-shirt

Image Source: Gap.com

Day four of Top-Toberfest is this lovely green on green striped cowl neck tee. After searching for inspiration online I found this simple little beauty from Gap.  I love that it is clean, yet the cowl gives it just a enough detail that you look a bit more dressed up. 

Making a cowl neck seemed like an easy enough project, but after thinking through the process I realized that I needed some help.  I searched through the internet for some helpful advice, and I found this awesome tutorial on cowl neck pattern drafting from Cute Confessions of a Sew Addict.  You can use this technique with any pattern that you have on hand, but I worked from a pattern made from an existing shirt (shocker I know).  

The shirt that I used wasn't even exactly like this, but it gave me some good reference marks.  I liked the way that my existing shirt fit through the torso, but I had to raise the neckline, and modify the sleeves. I used my pattern created from the first shirt to add in fabric for the cowl (see tutorial here).  I also made a back facing pattern piece so that I could have a finished edge for the back of the neckline. I'll share some details below.