Monthly Archive for September, 2010

PATCHWORK PINCH POUCH

Published on September 29, 2010 in patchwork, stitchery and the workroom. 5 Comments Tags: , .

Patchwork Pinch Pouch

I’ve been working on developing some new patterns. I’ve been wanting to create a pattern for the internal flex frames we have in the shop. I wanted to add a bit of patchwork to my design, as well. My first version was a little coin purse with a pinwheel inspired pattern. It’s pretty sweet.

My second version was inspired by my need for a case for my new sunglasses. I have a terrible habit of just throwing my sunglasses into my bag and getting them scratched up. This is why I never buy expensive sunglasses. My new pair was $20 on sale, but I’m trying to mend my careless ways. I made up a longer pinch pouch that is the perfect size to hold a pair of eyeglasses. yay!

This project is quick & fun to sew. A little bit of patchwork, some quilting, insert a lining, insert a flex frame and voila! Patchwork Pinch Pouch. Perfect for holiday gift making. and for saving sunglasses.

Patchwork Pinch Pouch

Patchwork Pinch Pouch

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SPOTTED : READYMADE OCTOBER 2010

Published on September 27, 2010 in DIY, spotted and stitchery. 13 Comments Tags: , , .

ReadyMade October 2010

A few months ago, Jane Flanagan approached me to create a fashion DIY for a piece she was doing for ReadyMade Magazine. I jumped at the chance to be included in one of my favourite magazines and to work with the lovely Jane. Originally I had another idea for a necklace. Unfortunately when I sat down to make it, it looked nothing like the cute vision I had in my head. Drat! I remember looking desperately around my dining room/sewing area for a Plan B. I spotted a zipper and immediately thought that there must be something I could do with a zipper. I unzipped it and slipped it over my head like a necklace. Perfect. I knew if I added a cute ruffle, it would be a sweet accessory.

I think this project is almost like a girlie version of a necktie. You can totally wear it with a simple tshirt or dress. Plus, it’s really easy and quick to sew. You can find the complete instructions in the October print issue of ReadyMade.

One of my favourite parts of this project was getting to meet Jane in person! She met up with me one afternoon to watch me make one of the necklaces, so she could write out the instructions for the project. Thanks Jane, this was so much fun!

ReadyMade October 2010

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MY FIRST T-SHIRT

Published on September 21, 2010 in stitchery and the workroom. 13 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

T-Shirt

Hi friends! It seems I took a little unexpected, but much needed hiatus. How have you been?

Yesterday was my favourite kind of fall day. When I left the house early in the morning, I was chilly and bundled up in a sweater. By the afternoon, it was hot and sunny. I took Maisy to High Park and as we walked through the forest, I realized that I hadn’t told you about the t-shirt I was wearing. It’s the first t-shirt I’ve sewn and I made in it our T-Shirt class. I’m still pretty new to sewing with knit fabrics, so I was thrilled to learn to make myself a perfect fitting tee completely on a serger. (Actually, we also use a cover stitch machine in this class, as well!) There are several different neckline and sleeve length options to choose from with this pattern. I combined the v-neck and the jewel neck to make a deeper scoop neck which I quite like. The fabric is a blue jersey I already had, but my next tee will definitely be made out of bamboo jersey. Now that I’ve got this pattern, I’m pretty set with all the basics. (Underwear + Tees) I’m going to draw the line at making my own jeans, but I’ve got a hankering to try making a pair of shoes one day.

I’m also sporting my new sunglasses (on sale from Anthropologie) in these photos. I went to New York City a couple weeks ago for the weekend. I have some fun photos to organize and post up for you.

T-Shirt

T-Shirt

T-Shirt

T-Shirt

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COLOURFUL FABRIC DRESS BOOK : POCHO TANK TOP

Published on September 1, 2010 in japanese dress/craft, stitchery and textiles. 13 Comments Tags: , , , .

Colourful Fabric Dress Book : Pocho Tank Top

Colourful Fabric Dress Book (available at the workroom)
Tank Top : nani IRO ‘Pocho’

After I finished making Dress ‘W’ with the Pocho nani IRO, I looked at my leftover fabric and thought I could squeeze out a simple tank top. I remembered that there was a tank dress in the Colourful Fabric Dress Book. I just traced out the two top pieces for the dress.

I don’t know why I don’t make more tank tops! It is the perfect thing to do with leftover fabric. I think you’re going to see a lot more of them from me. I wanted to try a couple finishing details with this. I made facing pieces for the armholes, rather than do bias binding. Sometimes I just prefer a more elegant invisible finish. I also tried doing a silk bias binding on the neckline, with the raw edges facing out. I have a box full of beautiful shades of vintage silk charmeuse. A bit fancy for everyday, but so incredibly beautiful. I’ve been wanting to use them, so this is a good start. It’s a simple way to add a little bling to a basic piece.

I also made a matching silk tank top to wear underneath. I wanted this to also have raw edges, so I sewed the seams on the outside to emphasize this. I need to perfect this pattern a bit more before I show it to you, but it’s a good start for a layering piece.

The day I took these photos it was WAY too hot to be wearing jeans. Even today, the first day of September is going to be a scorcher. I’m a bit confused about what I should make next – a sleeveless summery dress or something more autumn appropriate.

Colourful Fabric Dress Book

Colourful Fabric Dress Book : Pocho Tank Top

Colourful Fabric Dress Book : Pocho Tank Top

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