Spring/Summer 2011

Summer 2011 by kelisabeth

I have been inspired by the ladies at The Sew Weekly to create a Spring/Summer Palate. I can't even pretend that I can sew a garment a week, but I have my goal set at 2 a month. My goal for the next few months:

• wrap dress (or two)
• shirt dress
• ruffled top
• teal and purple plaid tunic
• white linen pants
• dark indigo skinny jeans
• coral long cardigan

It's not really a collection, more assorted separates. I believe I have everything I need to make each item, maybe more interfacing and a zipper or lining fabric. I hope to be able to do a me-made September or so.

the Sketch

So I was thinking of adding a little hardware, two silver rings to attach the purse strap to the purse body. I'm also planning on doing contrasting stitching the color of the lining along all seams. I had originally planned to use some of this "invisible thread" I bought (it looks just like very thin fishing line) but my sewing machine HATED it. It made lots of noise and a huge "invisible" knot.

Patternmaking

I envision more of a three dimensional feel than a flat purse. I also would like it to flow, no corners or hard edges.


After a few paper tries, I ended up with a 4 piece pattern for both the purse and the lining, plus the strap piece (not sure yet the best approach for that).

Fabrics

With the fun, colorful purse in mind, I have had my eye out for material that seemed suitable. I actually found something in the discount section of the fabric store, it was from last halloween...

it's a red pleather, thin but very shiny.

For the lining, I wanted a high contrast color, something to make it more versatile (and even more fun!) so I found a teal raw silk-like lining fabric.



Can't wait to get started.

Handbags

I am in dire need of something to hold my stuff. I'm very particular about purses, so I always have quite a hard time finding anything I LOVE enough to purchase. So I shall make one!

My inspirations are the hobo style bags. I want something larger that will manage a notebook or two and fun, bright colors.

Rainbow in the Apartment

I loooove Half Price Books, I do my book shopping from there exclusively. If I had my way, I'd go once a week. And I have a peculiar way of shopping for books. I go by color (because the hot pinks and vibrant greens and turquoise blues always have the most exciting stories) and refuse to read the backs (because it's typically like a bad movie preview and gives away the best plot twists).

So I found it appropriate to turn one of my bookshelves (the one in the living room) into a pretty display. I think it needs more blues and purples...