Bag o' Linton!

With my recent order from Linton Tweeds I also received a little package of fabric samples. Believe me I was tempted, but so far have resisted. I remembered that I had ordered some samples from them a few years ago and rummaged around the various drawers and cupboards to find the brown envelope that contained the precious tweeds.

Each sample package contains the very special tweeds and boucles they make for the big design houses along with plain dyed wool crepes to match.

I laid out all the samples on the sewing table and came to the quite realistic conclusion that this would make a fab patchwork. I started sewing them together.

I am the first to admit that patchwork is not an interest nor a passion of mine, and added to the fact that each sample was a slightly different size, fabric content and weight, did not allow for an easy project. But heck, when has that ever stopped me?

Once sewed together I had the dilemma of what to make from the cloth. Cushion covers were an obvious choice but I knew DH would not approve - he's very particular about home decor! But it was too good to not use.

I searched the internet for ideas and settled on a handbag. Most of the sites were the traditional quilting methods etc, but not to be put off by quilters' precision and colour matching skills I selected this free bag - I love hand drawn patterns.
http://tinyhappy.typepad.com/tiny_happy/2006/06/shoulder_bag_tu.html

Thanks so much Melissa and though this bag was released in 2006 - it still has a place in today's world.

Melissa's tutorial has pictures and sketches and finished product - just what you want, when you don't know what you're doing.

My version is a little different from Melissa's original but pays homage to her pattern. As such I haven't created a photo tutorial  of my process but hopefully you will see how it developed.

I dug out some fine cerise pink wool that has been hanging around for about 20 yrs. It's leftovers and not enough to make a garment from- about 1/2 m but too good to throw away. This project was perfect for using it up.

This is the bag lining with inside pockets for phone and other stuff.

Because the Linton tweed is loosely woven and liable to stretch, I added a wide grosgrain ribbon in the shoulder strap to try and keep the shape and length.





Eventually, all fell into place.


I created an outside welt pocket with a old jeans zip as closure to hold keys and the like. I made the welt too big and had to pad it out with more Linton wool crepe. Live and learn.....





































For security I sewed a 18" bright pink zip to close the bag entirely. I have no idea what a bright pink 18" zip was doing in my notions drawer - obviously the fairies put it there 'cause I didn't.






Those lovely people at Linton's also sent a keyring with the recent order and I've used this as a ring pull on the zip - Linton fabrics with a Linton badge!

When I turn the bag around there's a slightly different colour variation.

What I like best is the idea that some people in the world are walking around with thousands of pounds (dollars /  Euro) worth of clothes made from these fabrics and I've got a freebie patchwork bag made from the same stuff - ain't life fair sometimes?

Belted

In between jeans experiments my super belt arrived from Don and I was dying to have a perfect dress to wear it with. I wanted this (left) - an image I have carried with me from childhood - but obviously a wee bit more suited to a woman of my age and sensibilities. By the way, Don has just started a women's wear range - fabulous designs, unusual but completely wearable - I just know it will be a huge success for him.

Vogue 7898

I dug out Vogue OOP 7898 and made some rather drastic alterations. This is a mock wrap dress with a loop/tie and asymmetrical hemline, but I wanted simple and plain. I cut the left hand side twice and knocked off the slanted hem line and went for longer length all round. Here's the mock up on Doris - with the belt. I used a grey marl cotton jersey that doesn't fray, clings a bit so I either need excellent foundation garments or none at all!



I sewed the two left front mock wraps into the side seams so no tie fastening was required, but I kept the wrap loose below the waist. I cut a curve around the wrap bottom but didn't hem it - it's just the raw edge. I did finish the neck edge and the sleeve hems though.

Not quite as svelte as the model in the macramé belt from 1972 but then I'm guessing she isn't as svelte today either. Ahh time.....

That sunshine is for real! Warm and sunny spring evening and out with the girls for dinner and a chat.
I'm going to make another one of these - easy to sew, easy to wear and doesn't detract from the simplicity of the belt. But what colour next?

Have you ever made something just to match or wear with an accessory?


Thanks, as ever, for reading. Ruth

Psychosexual Stages of Development

It's the time of year that everyone seems to be having a clear out or a re-organisation of stuff. All those anal retentive personalities are reorganising and the anal explusive are clearing out. I'm not too sure which stage I got stuck in but I'm not spring cleaning just yet although my parents seem to be at it continually throughout the year. My mother made all my clothes when I was a child and right up to the age of 18 or 19 she would make me one off pieces that no-one else had. She is the one to thank (or blame) for my sewing addiction today. See, Freud had a point - it's always the mother's fault! 

When visiting my parents the other day my dad said he found some old sewing books and would I like them? Would I what? Of course I would. He then presented me with three volumes of Golden Hands. 

Does anyone remember or know of these? 

It was a magazine series from the early 1970s about sewing, knitting, crochet and all sorts of crafts; with tips, diagrams, clothes, ideas and reviews about collectable handmade items: there are articles on  the home, children's wear and dolls clothes. Practically everything you would ever need to see and know about making things.

I have a vague memory of flicking through these books as a child - I would have been 10 or so - and planning my adult look from the images and pictures presented therein. That childhood experience has created the adult I am today. Now, 40 years later, there's a lot in these books that is still wearable.

Two of the crochet projects in the books and just look at the different styles! The books cater for all tastes. Take away the hairstyles and styling and you could wear both of these today.

How about knitted patterned tights? Full knitting pattern printed in the magazine and of course you can knit any colour you like not just what's available in the shops. At my rate of knitting speed if I start now they might, just might, be ready for next winter.


There are of course some ideas that we just wouldn't entertain at all nowadays: a bedroom that has matching wallpaper, cushions, bedspread and curtains! Kind of a camouflage look.

The other startling thing are the prices! The last page in every magazine has an offer: in 1972 a mannequin cost under £10 ($7) with 50p PandP! 

And this has been my favourite of all time. I remember this image clearly from when I was a child: I loved it then and I love it still. The article is about making the macramé belt and accessories but it's the dress that has always caught my attention.

I bought a handmade leather belt the other day from Urbandon on Etsy - he's one of the few male sewers/designers that I follow - and he makes not just unique and unusual clothes but accessories, jewellery and lots of stuff. Don also has a 'no extra words' policy on his blog, so it's really quick to read.

Anyway - it was this picture that clinched it for me - I see similarity with the picture above - no Rorschach test needed. Straight but slightly flared dress, loose but eye-catching belt and not an extra ounce of fat or lumps and bumps!

This is what I want to re-create in the sewing room. I have the belt - thanks Don! I have a marl grey jersey but no pattern.

Does anyone know of a pattern that kinda resembles the lilac dress above? 

I'm not fussed about the hood but want the length, the sleeves and the simplicity. I just think this would be a great dress for cool summer days and summer evenings but I need to watch that the finished garment does not look like a dressing gown or nun's habit - now that would be interesting to analyse.

With this dress and my sexy belt I'll be as lithe as the model and just as dreamy!!!!!!! Mmmmmm. Either my id or superego is at work here - definitely the alter-ego is exerting influence again. That Freud - he was right all along.

I'll post up more wonderful pics from Golden Hands as I work my way through them. If anyone can advise on copyright I could even publish some of the patterns for crochet or knitting.

Thanks for reading. Ruth

The Real Suede Says......

 

When I posted about the Vogue Guy Laroche dress made from synthetic suede, I tried to come up with an interesting and fun title - so I played around with the idea of designers/fabric and stuff like that and it resulted in Suede Says..etc....  Anyway, the internet being what it is alerted the real Suede (Project Runway 5) that I'd used his trademark (only slightly). He commented on the post and has been in contact since.

I don't normally do product endorsements having such a busy schedule and all, but seeing as he asked so nicely and took the time to write to me, I've made an exception.

Hey Ruth:

My pleasure.. Keep up the great work..
not sure if you know but starting 1/24 is the first ever
SUEDEsays™ SEWalong 4 a Cause.

Would love you to join and write about it.  I'm not the moderator of the closed group but please feel free to join if you can..
Should be lots of fun.

Details below..
xoxox
Suede
__________________

Hi Fellow Fashionistas....

SUEDEsays™ SEW 4 a CAUSE: Overnight Bag Sew Along.

Create a hot overnight bag with SUEDEsays Simplicity Patterns #0109 (http://www.simplicity.com/c-690-suedesays.aspx) and support Keep a Child Alive.

This sew Along will include video tutorials with tips and techniques for zippers, piping and much more.. Great for this bag and so many other projects....

ROCK in the New Year2012 with this AMAZEballz overnite bag.....

ROCKon my fellow FASHIONISTAS!!!

LINK 2 REQUEST 2 JOIN THE SEWalong: https://www.facebook.com/groups/335606839791752/

Note: I am not the moderator or the leader of this group.. Just so honored that its the firstever SUEDEsays™ SEWalong...

SEWmuchFUN!!!

xoxox
Suede

I've never made a bag, apart from some crappy, floppy things with left over fabric that after sewing still look like left over fabric. So,  why not have a go?

Thanks for reading.

Ruth

Zhivago & Zeitgeist

I seem to be stuck at the end of the alphabet - maybe it's something to do with the end of the year and the fact that the last month of 2011 has begun.

I also seem to be (no, in reality, actually) procrastinating about the vintage jacket and can find a million other things to sew and think about instead of getting down and just Doing It.

In addition, I appear to be stuck in the 1960s/1970s. Am I picking up subliminal trends or just being nostalgic?

For those dear readers who were born in the 1980s and later - let me briefly explain.
Dr. Zhivago was a mega Russian love story film with Julie Christie and Omar Sherif on show at a movie theatre near you in 1965. It's ages long and you will cry!


Zeitgeist is the spirit of the times manifest in art, fashion and attitudes that reflect the mood of the time. 


Back to 2011 - well almost.......

Fox fur trimmed boots

I spent the weekend not looking at the vintage jacket pieces, even though the organza for the underlining has arrived, and sewed up the leftover faux fur from Paco's jacket instead.

I had enough left not to throw out but not enough for a substantial garment - know what I mean?

Looking for inspiration I went surfing and came up with these:

Faux fur scarves and hats for ladies who don't smile

and then these.......

Faux fur boots (mine)

Faux fur scarf for ladies who smile

Me and Julie Christie doing the whole head to toe fur thing with Omar and not smiling.

SCARF

 As I was using leftovers I can't give you exact amounts, but I'd guess half a metre (yard) would do just fine. Of course you may want to make a longer or shorted one. Take one longish piece (whatever length you'd like your scarf to be) and fold lengthwise - or two narrow pieces - sew both ends closed, one on the slant and one square.

On the long edges, sew together leaving 7cm (3") slits open on both sides at the square end - the lower opening should start where the first opening stopped, so that the openings are on the diagonal to each other. This allows for the scarf to be positioned thus when wearing (see below).

Slip stitch the hem allowances at the openings back and turn the scarf right way out through these openings. If you have the time, press.


To wear, slip the slanted end of the scarf through the openings and wear in a variety of ways, depending on how cold it is or on your Julie Christie mood.

HAT

Cut 4 triangles - to fit your head. About 6"wide and 51/2"  tall. round off the end as shown in the diagram on the left. Cut out and sew together, overlapping at the points.

 Pinch in the top and sew closed from the inside.

Measure round your head and cut a band to fit plus seam allowance about 15cm (6') wide (or whatever you want) and sew one edge to the edge of your skull cap, right sides together.

Fold the band wrong sides together to the inside of the hat. Either slip stitch in place or sew the raw edge to a lining.

If using the lining, gather around the centre top and sew closed.

To wear, turn the band to a jaunty angle and position the hat to one side.

Or wear pulled straight down over eyebrows for a non-smiling version.
















BOOT-TRIM

 Whatever is now left of your fabric, cut two strips about 12cm (41/2") wide if you have it and long enough to go round your calves with 10cm (4") to spare.

 You will need wide elastic, here I used 2" because I had it in the box cut out long ago from something else. You want extra fabric around your legs to give a ruffled look.

Put your fav boots on and measure around the top. This is the length of the elastic. 

Fold the fabric lengthwise and sew, leaving both ends open. Using a safety pin, thread the elastic through the tube and secure the ends together with a couple of rows of zigzag stitching. This is a more flexible stitch and should not unravel even when stretched.

Slip stitch the ends of the cuffs closed.







To wear, choose the boots, slip the cuffs on and position close to the top of the boots.
Stride out.

The best thing about these fur trimmed boots is that the trim can move from one pair of boots to another, high, low, wedges and wellies and even ankle boots - you choose.

Thanks for reading. Ruth