I got a super cute "Tech Girl" t-shirt for Christmas that was kind of big on me, and I didn’t want to banish it to pajama land.
I’ve made a couple of T-shirts before (short and long sleeve) and the end results were less than desirable.
After doing a bit of reading and looking at lots of pictures, I finally mustered up the courage to try it again.
I was very disciplined about it instead of cutting and sewing on the fly like I usually do. Even used the dressmakers chalk! Spent a fair amount of time adjusting thread tension, which was interrupted by a drastic need to clean out the lint below the feed dogs. Basted, tried it on, seam ripped, re-basted, and frequently ran to the full length mirror in the other room to check my work.
Finally got it how I wanted it, and finalized the seams. Should have been a bit more industrious and used the serger for the final seams, but adjusting serger thread tension is more of a pain than adjusting the sewing machine.
Very happy with the results, and it has given me the courage to try it again!
I am really pleased with how this turned out. I have several sets of bamboo handles that I have pillaged from purses with non-salvagable bodies, this terrifically gaudy vintage gold buckle, and crazy amounts of beautiful brocade and upholstery fabric that I’ve been wanting to use.
Self-designed pattern with a solid plastic base sewn into the lining. Magnet clasp. Perfect for dinner or a night out!
Trying to be in the studio as frequently as possible, but balancing that with a need for quiet time, so knitting at home frequently as well. The skull lace curtains I started a few months ago are picking up steam and I might get them done soon. I’ve been working on several custom order projects recently, including a messenger bag and a fitted leather vest for a friend’s wedding.
Picked up a case of Viso Will last week, which does wonders for my motivation. Caffeine conquers all.
I picked up a decent sized stash of buttons (vintage and new) from an estate sale a while back where the majority of them were white. Since I usually gravitate towards the bright and bold colors, I was at a loss for a while on how to best use all of the white buttons. Then I read an article on how to connect similarly sized buttons together for watchbands, and it occurred to me that I could fashion a lattice-style panel of buttons that would be a lot of fun on a purse.
Several handfuls of white buttons, yards of carpet thread and half a season of Arrested Development later, I had a panel of joined buttons. The rest of the bag went together pretty easily.
Don’t forget that First Thursday open studio is this evening! We’ll be open from 6:30 to 9:30pm. Please stop by if you’re in the neighborhood! I’ll be displaying a new inventory of handbags and other fun creations from reclaimed materials. Also showing in our studio are sketches from Catherine, photography from Vanished Twin, and jewelry by Klea.
The intersection near my studio is rapidly becoming an arts magnet between the terrific artists in my building and the gallery shows at Backspace, Just Be, and Upper Playground, so it is definitely worth checking out.
Geek in the City Studios in the Goldsmith Building
20 NW 5th Avenue (Corner of NW 5th and Couch)
Suite 412
Downtown Portland – Old Town/Chinatown
