Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

Much of my time during my holiday break was spent in the studio, first cleaning and reorganizing, then sewing...yay!
My main projects were a New Year's Eve Nettie dress for Julie- to be blogged as soon as I have pictures-, a couple of t-shirts, and the transformation of two sweaters I never wear into two cardis I certainly will!

There are many tutorials on repurposing sweaters into cardis with plenty of good advice.
I used my serger to finish the edges in the front and  I actually liked the results - the "lettuce leaf" edging- so I left them alone. The sleeves were super long, so I cut off the excess and the edges received the same serging treatment. I kept the ribbing just in case I get tired of the wavy edges and I want to finish them, which, ahem, I might do right after I finish this post.
The next project involved a black sweater that my mother knitted for me years ago... The yarn she used has a wonderful fluffy body. After washing and drying the sweater, you are suppposed to brush it for a soft fur effect. Alas, it is also a bit itchy and the sleeves were way too long. I cut them and reused the ribbing to finish them.
I used a 1" ribbon trim to finish the front edges, turned it under and topstiched for a nice, clean finish.

In addition, I finally finished my Gerard coat from "Republique du Chiffon". YAY! This is my second version of the Gerard. My first version is really a wearable muslin- very wearable indeed- because I had bought this wonderful, amazing, and quite expensive Donna Karan cashmere blend at Moods, but oh so worth it, and I wanted to test the pattern before I cut into my special fabric.
The pattern was a bit challenging for me- I consider myself an advanced beginner :)- but extremely well put together. Geraldine does not hold your hand during the process- the expectation is that you know how to sew- so you may want to read up on coat making techniques before you start- and a muslin is always a good idea. The language was not a problem (ha ha), and for the sewing techniques, I went to one of my favorite sewing blogs  and I followed Kelly's great advice  (including using silk charmeuse for the lining). Another must is Jen's tutorial on lining a jacket.

 Silk lining

 The reason it took me so long to finish the coat was that I could not find buttons I liked. I finally found them in a small "mercerie" in France during my November trip.

This coat is super warm and comfortable. It looks great with jeans or leggings, or a dress. A scarf is a must- at least for me this time of year- because of the opening in front.
I have a few (a FEW) sewing projects in mind for the near future, among others: the Chloe coat from La Maison Victor, Named's Magena Jumper, and the Chardon skirt by Deer and Doe.

What is on your sewing table for 2015?

Last minute gifts

I still have a few fabulous ready to ship items in the shop like this bi-color zippered tote (on sale too!)  and clutches, and such...
Take a look at Zakken for more items. Happy shopping!

The Square Tote

I love big bags. I always have a ton of things to tote around... So I designed the Square Tote just for me. I used repurposed wool and brand new waxed canvas and leather. This is a perfect tote to carry the supplies for a Fall picnic, to take to the market, or to use whenever you need a large tote. Find it here. 

Nice Fall colors

It folds neatly for storage

Fall Sale at Zakken

It is never too early for Christmas shopping! Enjoy 20% off a whole bunch of Zakken bags and clutches! Waxed canvas, leather, wool and vintage silk! Click here to check them out.

This is only a small sample of bags that are on sale:

A great carry-all or beach bag: the Ombre tote.

 One of my favorite totes: The City Tote.

 An elegant and super practical navy waxed canvas tote with a leather bottom.

One of a series of six bi-color waxed canvas totes with a zippered top.

I also have many made-to-order designs. Click here to view my shop.

Happy shopping!

Elisalex Dress Hack

I love the Elisalex dress. There are so many fabulous versions of this dress on the blogosphere....here, here, here, and here... and so many more....
I just wasn't sure how the skirt design would look on me... So I used the Elisalex bodice- with the By Hand London ladies' sew-along, it was a breeze, even for a beginner like me.
I just love the back neckline of the dress.
For the skirt, I used BHL circle skirt calculator. Super easy!
The fabric is a cotton linen from Mood. A bit heavy, but with a lovely texture.

After looking at the 3/4 sleeve Elisalex on the BHL website again, I think I want to try the original skirt.
Have you made your Elisalex?

Zen Bag in Chocolate Brown Leather

New for Fall: The Zen Bag, a simple, minimalist design. It is crafted from super soft leather, in a delicious shade of melted chocolate. It is large enough to hold your tablet and your everyday necessities.

Available here.

Anima Pants Version 2

I love the Anima Pants pattern.
My second pair is made from a blue and white cotton/linen print, with gray waistband and cuffs.

Have you made your Anima pants yet?