I'm a Guest Blogger on Rhonda's Creative Life

Good evening everyone,

I wanted to let everyone know that I'm a guest blogger on Rhonda's Creative Life. A few weeks ago Rhonda asked me to write a tutorial on my fold over clutch for Fabulous Free Pattern Friday. Of course, I was delighted and welcomed the opportunity to be a guest blogger.

So please stop by Rhonda's Blog to read the tutorial.

Enjoy!
Cennetta

Bags in My Clutches - Clutch Modified

Last week I posted a tutorial on  a DIY faux fur and leather clutch.  In my stash I have several remnants of faux leather and fur.  So on Thursday afternoon I decided to further explore possible variations of the initial bag.

This bottom edge looks crooked, but it's actually straight.  I was afraid to press it.

Here is what I came up with.  I made a few clutch purses and some tech/portfolio bags.  The possibilities are endless.  You basically cut two rectangles for the purse and two rectangles for the lining.  Create an interesting finished edge. The hardest part of the construction process is installing the zipper.

Happy Sewing!
C
 

DIY - Faux Fur/Leather Clutch

Over the weekend I was so happy to finally complete some of the many, many sewing projects on my list.  I must admit that it has been a bit of a challenge to organize projects and to think about the next phase of my sewing and creative life.

At the Christmas luncheon, Rhonda Buss, carried a super cute fur clutch.  The minute I saw it, I wanted it and made a mental note to add making a faux fur clutch to my list.  This was an easy, simple project.  And luckily, all of the supplies were already in my stash.

To make it you'll need:

Faux fur (Mine's was leftover from this jacket project.  The scraps were too nice to trash.  So I kept them in a bin along with several other remnants.)
Faux leather (or genuine leather)
Lining (remnant)
Felt
Zipper
Pellon #805 Wonder Under Fusible Web
Thread and other basic sewing tools

Steps:

• Determine the size purse you would like to make
• Cut the faux fur, leather, and lining based on the dimensions you chose.  Add seam allowances. (Mine was 13.5" X 11" plus seam allowances.)
• Fuse one side of the wonder under fusible web to the wrong side of the faux fur.
• Let cool.

• Remove the wax paper backing and fuse the felt to the other side of the Wonder Under.  The wrong side of the faux fur is now felt.  This adds body to the faux fur.  The faux leather already had a felt backing.

• Cut a 2" X 1.25" strip of leather.  Fold it in half the long way.  Edge stitch about 1/8" away from the edge.  This strip will be use to cover the zipper stop.
• Sew the strip to the zipper tape.

• Sew the faux fur and leather to the zipper tape.
• Sew the lining to the zipper tape.  The zipper tape on each side should be sandwiched between the lining and the fabric.

• Edge stitch the lining near the zipper teeth so that it will not get catch in the zipper when you open and close the purse.
• Put the right sides of the purse together.  Sew the remaining three sides together.
• Do the same for the lining, leaving a six inch opening at the bottom to turn the purse inside out.
• Turn the purse inside out and finger press the seams.

• Stitch the remaining lining together.
• You're done!

• You can use it as a purse or a tech case.  The choice is yours. 

Parting Shot:  Rhonda Buss gave a talk on sleeves at the Chicago Chapter American Sewing Guild meeting Friday evening.  The sleeves on this coat are spectacular.

Happy Sewing!
C

Notes of a Pattern - McCall 4076

Today's post is on McCall 4076.  This is has been in my collection for quite some time now.  I trimmed the pattern many years old, but never laid out the fabric to cut a single view.  Well, while I was searching through magazines and websites looking for wearable fringe by my standards, I thought about this pattern.  I like the hat, belt and purse.  Those views are what encouraged me to buy the pattern in the first place.

BTW- I have not forgotten about the bomber with the lace overlay.   I'll talk about that later. Back to my fringe inspired project..,


Taking a look at them today, I still like them.  The hat and belt as they are, but the purse I feel needs a little more umph to it.  The fringe is okay.  I'd like to modify the opening, losing the tie all together to be replaced by a zipper closure and a fringed lap.  That's what I have in mind.

Those are my thoughts on it.  That's all for this installment of Notes on a Pattern.

Happy Sewing!
C

Vogue 8190 - The Finale Prom 2012

Now it's time for the finale on Vogue 8190. The prom was last Friday; but before writing the review, I needed a breather from all the activities surrounding the event. This year I had to finish two prom dresses within a four week period because of competing activities. Just a little bit of stress. The good thing, I'm pleased with the outcome of both gowns and relieved that it's all over.

My services including making six pieces for Traci's (2nd cousin) big day. So this review will encompass some mini reviews (linked) on the accessories that I made for this prom event. Yes, this review is long, but I think the details are important to cover. Let's start with the dress. I posted a few blog entries so I would not forget the alterations and design changes. So instead of repeating all of that I will refer to those posts at the appropriate time.

Here goes.., We actually started discussing this gown early March. My first shop day was March 24th, with many to following (mostly for notions). I logged 32 hours on this project. That includes: shopping, cutting, sewing (muslins and garments), cutting mistakes, sewing mistakes and adjustments, and ripping out mistakes and adjustments. A lot of hours. Compared to Vogue 2931 this dress was a bigger challenge. Vogue rating this one (8190) average and Vogue 2931 as advanced. I think they are both advanced.

Pattern Description:

MISSES’/MISSES’ PETITE DRESS: Strapless, lined, fitted, mid-calf or floor length flared dress has front and back gathers, built-in foundation with boning, flounce variation and back zipper. A: shaped flounce (wrong side of fabric will show). B: dress and flounce contrasting overlay. C: purchased trim.  

Pattern Sizing:
8 to 18. I started with size 12, but ending with a combination of sizes 8, and 10, and 12, depending on the area of the body.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
For the most part. There were a few design changes that made the finished dress slightly different.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes. I had no problems following any of them. Standard, but very time consuming.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Traci gave me a sketch of how she wanted her dress to look, I picked this pattern because it closely resembled want she had envisioned.

My likes: ruching and the flounce. It's very attractive and figure flattering. Traci, as is Dominique, is lend and shapely. Almost zero fat.

I really don't have any dislikes about this dress. Because the time consuming elements are well worth it. The outcome is splendid. The pattern design and layout are excellent.

Fabric Used:
Silk Dupioni, bemberg lining, and bridal lace from Fishman's Fabrics in Chicago.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Some of the alterations and design changes can be found here and here.

The rest are;

Lace adorned bodice - The lace was sewn together and attached to the dress bodice by hand. I used the bodice lining pattern and drafted a bodice back to create the lace overlay. The beautiful embroidered, beaded lace had small floral appliques sewn to it. I carefully removed them when they fell on the seam allowance. After the overlay was sewn together, I reattached the appliques where appropriate.

Straps - I added straps for comfort. Traci probably didn't use them. But I added them just in case. A lady has to have options. ;-)

Foundation bias tape - I made my own using the silk dupioni. I thought it would look better. And it did.

Graduated Flounce - You should make sure your fabric is wide enough to make the fabric flounce. Because the fabric was only 45" wide, I had to make the flounce (View C) shorter than the design. In this photo, you can see the front flounce is higher than the back. At the final fitting, I cut the tulle a little shorter in the front to match the curve of the fabric flounce. This was done after this photo.

Omitted the lace trim at the upper edge of the dress.

 Accessories

 Purse - I used the same purse pattern as before (many times). It's reviewed here. Details on how to enlarge on Flickr.

Garter - I've designed many. Here is a link to my tutorial on Flickr. There are tons of ideas for prom garters here.

 Stole - (sorry no pictures) But it looks like this one.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Only if I make it for someone else. I don't think I'll need a dress like this. Then maybe I will. :-). I highly recommend it to others. If you have the body for it, this is a gorgeous dress to show it off in. Beware it's labor intensive.

All pictures are on Flickr.

Conclusion: This was a great dress to sew with excellent results. I love how it turned out. And more importantly, Traci and her mom were very pleased with it.

Haute Couture Club - Stripe Challenge It's In the Bag Part II

Happy Holidays!

Now that the hustle and bustle of the holiday is over, I have time to sew and blog. About fifteen minutes ago, I finished my matching clutch for the Haute Couture Club Stripe Challenge outfit.  (My baby sis was over when I made the purse so I asked her to model it for me.)

I used Cynthia Rowley's Simplicity 2350 pattern, view C.

Pattern Description: It includes patterns for three different bags: bucket, tote, and clutch. All have can be made with decorative trim, which you can purchase on the simplicity website.

Front of Bag

My finished clutch matches the design illustrated on the envelope. I applied the decorative trim slightly different, but the basic design is the same. The instructions were a piece of cake. Step 1 states to pin the novelty trims, I used stitch witchery to hold the trim in place. Once all trim was applied to the bag, I sewed each strip to the bag. I couldn't find the "right" cord ends. So I used two hair ornaments that I bought from a local beauty supply store. This bag is really easy. It took less than two hours to make.

Back of Bag

I like all three bags. Adding decorative trim makes it easy to make a one of a kind bag. And I recommend that you give them a try.

Of course, I used the stripe challenge fabric for this. It's a rayon, wool, poly blend. There is enough left to make an interesting outfit for the fashion show. More on that later.

Inside Bag

The quick and easy clutch is an attractive bag to add to your wardrobe. Try it.

Parting Shot: My little black dress made the March issue of Threads magazine. What an honor.

Happy Sewing!
C

Bag in Hand - Clutch Purses for Every Occasion

How many of you are glad to see the come back of the clutch purse?  Well, now they are hot.  Do you think clutches are way too small and very inconvenient?  Not to worry, they come in a variety of sizes and styles.  Some even have a shoulder strap to free up your hands.  I like the idea of clutching my purse every once in a while.  Here are a few jazzy pocketbooks that caught my eye.

I know some of you style goddesses will make you own purse this season.  Happy Creativity!
C

Inspiration comes from Vogue magazine.

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

Spring 2011 Fashion Trends

I'm still sewing fashion show and winter clothing. But that does not stop me from looking ahead for fashion ideas for Spring 2011. People StyleWatch reports the following top ten fashion trends. How many are on your list of to make and/or to wear?

Coral Dress

Woven Bracelet

T-Strap Heels

Floral Print Peasant Blouse

Trench Coat

Floral Print Dress

Crossbody Bag

Clog Sandals

Chambray Jacket

Floral Necklace