It's inevitable. As soon as I get something(s) sewn up, I want to go right back to the drawing board. The whole design cycle of research, sketch, (possibly more research), patterning, cutting, stitching, fitting, re-stitching, finishing, and back to researching again, is so deliciously cyclical. I really seem to enjoy the research/sketch phase, collecting ideas endlessly and like the idea of continuing to collect more rather than actually produce work from them. Thus the 500 notebooks filled with collaged magazine bits that I've been pasting together since High School. Here would be my latest entries - 1930's fashion sketches:
I'm imagining the little embroideries on the collar and rolled-up sleeves as recycled corners of old handkerchiefs, plus I'm digging the wrapped front with buttons on the side, kind-of sailor-esque.
Left to right: Scalloped-edge circular collar with single button closure and bow tie belt - so cute. Lace-trimmed shawl collar with kick-pleat detailed sleeves - yum. The other lady has just about the chicest hat ever, very Ingrid Bergman in
Casablanca,
non?
The curved waistline below sumptuous bust gathers works for bathing suits and evening gowns alike.
This is what makes 30's dresses so great - dramatic, feminine collars; smart, sexy little hats (with gloves); interesting seam placements and waistlines; detailed pleats and godets in skirts, (which add fullness below the close-fitting hips and clever tailoring details to the whole look). Plus cute belts.
Really adorable, right? Left to right: Little embroideries on butterfly collar, plus trim around sleeve cuffs and scalloped waistline; triple soft ruffle collar, high curved empire waist and little side-tie belt; pleated sides give skirt a cute apron-like look and cleverly add fullness above the waist, topped off with a sweet little sunhat.
My friend Faye came by a couple nights ago with her roommate and we had a little sewing lesson. The project: tote bags. Faye wanted to do a fold-over style and brought leather & denim to work with. Ambitious materials for a first-timer, but she rocked it out.
Took us about three hours (and a couple needles - that leather is killer), but at the end of the night both had new bags. Faye kept twirling around the room modeling her new creation, so I couldn't get a clear shot.
It has a magnet clasp that closes the bag, an adjustable belt closure on the strap, and a secret pocket inside, too. It was nice to be crafts teacher again, it's been months since I was teaching classes at Craft Gym. I love sharing the handmade skills! Plus I got to trade my teaching for a massage and Farmer's Market mushrooms. Bartering's the best.
