Summer Time Fun Activities

Caution:  this post is heavy in photos.  

June and July were full of fun and activities.  I attended my first farmers market of the season late in June.  Lots of interesting vendors there.  It was less farmers market and more everything else.  Still it was good to get out and see what the market had to offer.  So here are a few photos from that event.

My family and I went to the Theater 47 in Tinley Park to see "The Babyface and Anita Baker Collective".   The "concert play" was great.  I loved both artists' performances.  It is a new venue that was established about eight years ago.  

The Luncheon Day Cruise on the "Spirit of Chicago".  This event was organized by the Totally Active Seniors organization.  It was lovely day and a lovely event.

Sip and Sew in Glenwood, Illinois.  My friend (Jeanelle Hampton) hosted and taught a sewing workshop " Sip and Sew".  Jeanelle event included a sewing lessons to sew a bucket hat and tote bag.  The workshop was a 5 1/2 hours session that also included refreshment and all the sewing supplies to complete the projects.

That's all for now, folks!

Djenne Collection - Clothing and Fabric - Store Review

 I can't believe I've never reviewed this store.  It is a gold mine filled to the brim with African attire and Ankara fabric.  It is a must shop at store located on west 95th Street in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago.

Djenne Collection

1759 West 95th Street

Chicago, IL  60643

The store is huge, or it appears to be huge.  At the front of the shop are accessories, jewelry, skin care, and all kinds of scents for the home.  Clothing is throughout to the rafters, literally.  In the middle of the store is Ankara fabric heaven.  At the back of the store, there are tailors and seamstresses.  You rarely see them.  But every once in a while, someone will emerge from the back of the shop.

I have shopped there numerous times.  In the passed, I've had clients who wanted an African styled garment for Black History month.  Most recently, Calumet Middle School, has commissioned stoles made of Kente clothe.  For one of my recent projects, I wanted to use Ankara fabric for it.  Djenne is the place to go!

The staff is always courteous and helpful.  You are greeted with a smile and a helpful attitude.  Great place to shop.  I only wish there were more ma and pa shops like this around town.

This is one of my favorite things in the store, a symbol chart.

As you can see, I took lots of pictures at my last visit, in February, to give you an idea of what the store looks like.

Happy shopping!

Cennetta

Custom Made Sneakers!

Finally today I'm able to take some time to blog about the shoemaking workshop that I took in March.  There is always so much going on.  And I'm forced to choose between blogging and sewing.  You know which one wins.  ;-)  Instagram has me spoiled.  I can snap a picture, write a brief description, and post in a matter of minutes.  Blogging takes a little more effort.  

Anyway, back to my shoemaking experience.  At first, I was very skeptical about taking it online. This workshop was offered through the Haute Couture Club of Chicago.  In the past, the Chicago School of Shoemaking has given presentations on making all types of leather goods.  At these presentations, we learned about the school, courses and all types of wonderful things to make. I was intrigued by the possibility of me, little ole me, being able to make my own shoes one day.

And, that day came on March 27, 2021.

Again, my course was online.  My sneaker kit could be mailed to me or I could pick it up.  I picked up my kit a few days before the class.  The school workroom is fabulous.  When I entered the front door, I knew I would be back.  Back to take another class in person.  There were all types of sewing machines, workstations, tools, projects and leather all about the room.  I was in a "crafting" candy store.

My course was the beginner's sneakers class, taught by Yohance Lacour.  Mr. Lacour presented to the club members March 2020, right before the pandemic.  He makes beautifully custom made sneakers and handbags.  He is an excellent instructor.  He is very thorough and patient.  No student is left behind.  He makes sure of that.  Additionally, he explains each step to make sure the students understand the methodology of the shoemaking process.

Before the course, we received an email with the zoom meeting link along with some preliminary instructions that needed to be completed before the workshop.  They were cutting out the pattern, shoes, and marking and punching out holes for sewing and eyelets.

All of the sewing is done by hand.  Waxed thread and needle are included in the kit as well as shoe soles, shoe strings, your choice of leather, and pattern.  I purchased a large hole puncher with multiple sizes.

The length of the class is 3.5 hours.  I was able to complete one shoe during that time.  After the class I finished the second shoe.  The eyelets that I had at home did not completely curl to the wrong side of the leather.  So I went to JoAnn's Fabrics to purchase larger eyelets which were perfect.

I thoroughly enjoyed the shoemaking process and hope to make a more detailed pair when I feel comfortable going to the school for instructions.  The school does offer more virtual sneaker courses if you are interested and are unable to travel to the school.  Check out their website.  There maybe a course that you'd like to take.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience.  It was so fun.

Happy Sewing!

C