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

Haute Couture Club of Chicago - Annual June Luncheon at The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

Happy Monday!

On Saturday I had the pleasure of dining with some of my favorite people. The Haute Couture Club annual June luncheon was held at the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant. The firehouse is a well-known dining attraction in Chicago. It is located 1401 South Michigan Avenue. It was my very first time dining there.

The club party was on the second floor where we were able to freely move about the room to chat with old friends and get acquainted with some new ones.  The new board is installed at the luncheon and it is the last time we will meet as a group before our Fall kick off meeting.  I was happy to see all of the beautiful ladies and to have a chance to help celebrate 50th years of the HCC.

Good Cake - Different but Good

I forgot to bring my camera. So I only snapped a few pictures with my phone.

Sketches from the Fashion Show 2014

Linda, Brenda, and Friend

Delores, Nik-Ki and Sheril

Ms. Cheryl and friend

Renee wearing a pretty dress she made and modeled in the Fashion Show

The bodice was adorned with glass beads

I sat with Rhonda, Sandra and several other ladies (no picture).  I guess I could have stood up to take the pictures.  Oops!

Sandra

It's was a good afternoon.  I was happy to see my friends.  Our next meeting is in September.  I'm very interested to know the Fashion Show theme and the workshops and programs for 2015.  If you are in the Chicago land area, plan to stop by or become a member.  Our website is located here.  Please come out and join us.

Happy Sewing!
C

John Koch - Creative Genius at Montrose Studio

Last week I had the distinct pleasure of participating in a two day workshop at the Montrose Studio. John Koch is the owner and propetier of this eclectic studio located on West Berwyn Street. The location is unassuming, but when you enter your eyes are on visual overload. John makes everything. Customes, stage props, purses, shoes, hats.  You name it. John makes it.

John made almost everything on this wall. The shop is filled with sculptures, pictures, hats, purses, beads and all the supplies and equipment needed to produce beautiful works of art.

John has degrees in Art and Design and Art History. He has dressed windows for Carson Pirie Scott and actors of stage plays. His work has been featured in newspaper and magazine. Looking through his portfolio is a sweet treat that you should not pass up if you happen to stop by his shop. Seriously, I could just watch him work.

Below, Sandy Young working her purse. This lady is a pro at making purses. She gets orders for her custom made bags.

Janice pictured here with one of John's petite purses.

Below are several purses designed by John. Many shapes, sizes and types to fit the occasion.

The Haute Couture Club coordinates workshops and seminars with local and national artisans to help us hone our creative skills. John Koch regularly gives workshops on designing purses, hats, and gloves. This was my first time attending one of his workshops and it was worth every cent.

So if you have a group or club in the Chicago land area that wants to take classes at Montrose Studio, give John a call. He would be happy to share his talent with your group.

      Montrose Studio
      1070 West Berwyn Avenue
      Chicago, IL 
      773-275-4151


At the end of the workshop, I had made two purses: clutch and clarinet type bags. Both taking less than a yard of fabric, plus lining, and a few other notions. All in all, I enjoyed the experience and look forward to the next class.

I thought about doing a little tutorial on making the clutch bag, but I am not sure yet. Believe me, it's easy and you can modify the process to a very nice portoflio.

So here are pictures of my bags. The insides are just as beautiful as the outsides.

More pictures can be found here.

Happy Sewing!
C