OMG. Luxirare has done it again!

Knocked it out of the ballpark! Considering my love of hardware, I'm swooning over how she used hardware when designing and making a leather travel bag and remained so true to her style.

Check out her travel bag, just check it out!

Photo from Luxirare

I have a pile of hardware with visions of stylish bags dancing in my dreams. After weeks of traveling for work, have a few days to play. I think I'll play with hardware and leather and fabric today.

Thank you Luxirare for the inspiration ...

Maybe Don't Shop Under the Influence ...

... of insomnia. As I did back on June 3rd. 

So I received the cutwork fabric.

It's not white as I expected, and I think white is really important. Because it's actually natural color and something about that color makes the cutwork feel sloppy messy, instead of a formerly crisp white that's now slightly messed up. Plus, I washed and dried it. The little cutwork threads are no longer straight and orderly. They're crimped and curly and going all over the place and now this fabric reads like a FUR!

The fabric is kind of like Kristen Stewart's Elie Saab dress for the Twilight premiere. Wearing this fabric would make me look like a poodle.

So I don't know what to do with it now. Maybe it's destined for home dec purpose. I have a room where this could add another texture layer as a throw that lays around doing nothing but adding another layer of texture. That makes me feel bad for this fabric. It was supposed to do more than lay around.

The emboidery on the Tessuti fabric is nice but the actual real-life blue color reminds me of scrubs:

If this became a dress, there's a danger of the top looking like scrubs morphed onto an embroidered skirt. That's not creative, it's weird. How to deal with this? Make the dress bodice a corset style? With seams and boning? Then belted with light supple brown leather, and below that, the embroidery leading down to the border? Need a solution that adds shaping and moves away from loose hanging folds of woven blue fabric.

Some examples of corset bodices on dresses:

J Crew

Rebecca Taylor dress on Shopbop

The hardware from MacCulloch & Wallis is substantial and impressive. The pieces are big, thick, heavy!! It was difficult to narrow my choices -- the shopping basket was too full and expensive at first. But now seeing the quality, I'm tempted to return for more. I also got copper rivets and jeans buttons, to attempt the Jalie jeans. Much of the hardware is Prym, so I'm now wondering, when I'm lusting after Prym fasteners and hardware in Burda that I've never been able to find, would this store be able to get them? I will need to do a real fastidious and patient job on anything I make for this hardware, so I do justice to the quality of the hardware. Big standard to live up to.

How To Make A New Dress Form Look Vintage, Part 1

Do you adore the clean beige look of vintage and pro dress forms, possibly covet a Wolf, but not the price? Me too.

So instead of this:

Image from Threads

I got this:

Far cry, huh!!

It's even more no-name than the Dritz Double Deluxe, because although it has the same measurements, it came in a box without the Dritz brand name. It was $99 on eBay. I've seen these cheap on craigslist too. But truth be told, this thing is so flimsy, particularly the base, that $70 is probably a maximum value price for it.

But it will serve the purposes needed, which are 1) to display things I want to sell for photographs and 2) serve as a basic dress form for fitting and styling until I upgrade someday.

The thing I can't live with is THAT BLUE. While I love to wear blue, there is no blue in my home decor except for fake robin's eggs on a shelf, because robin's eggs are always blue. No offense to people who like blue, it's just too calming a color for me and I feel dragged down by it. I must be surrounded by reds, oranges and fast 80s dance music. Sort of like visual caffeine to keep me awake and alive through the day.

So what to do about the blue? Cover it with beige fabric!

We all know how to manipulate fabric. You could use a linen woven and sew it with structured seams just like a pro form. Include a zipper in the back to allow you to slip it over the form. My form size will be periodically increasing and decreasing, if it's anything like my real body. A beige knit from EmmaOneSock in my fabric stash will be ideal. It's 20" wide, so it's perfect to sew halves together shaped to fit the form's curves, and I can make one size that could stretch and contract as needed.

I will also decorate it with letters and numbers. That's a project for later this weekend.

Meanwhile, other ways to modify cheapy dress forms ...

If you like the decorative finial on the top of vintage and pro forms, search for wood finials on eBay. You can paint them gold or black and install them on top of a dress form. Some samples from eBay:

My base is very flimsy and keeps tipping over, so I will mount the form on a sturdier cast iron base. As soon as I find the right base. Again, search eBay and your local antique shops for potential solutions. Look for a heavy stable base. For a modern look, think outside the box with an iron microphone stand like this one from eBay seller geartree:

An old table base could be converted for a new job, like this one from eBay seller theantiquewarehouse. Not for this price of $400 though! But you get the idea, look for an antique look in heavy iron:

Also from theantiqueswarehouse, here's a flagpole stand that could be a stable possibility:

More ornate, pretty:

These ideas don't have a pole, but no big deal. Pick up a large wood dowel at Home Depot, cut it to the right length and spray paint it black, and you're ready to go.

For more inspiration for lettering and detail for pinning ribbon markings, check out this old corset form currently on eBay:

There are 7 hours left for its auction and it's already bidded up to $261. Plus $70 shipping. You could easily replicate this look with a modern dress form. Drool on it a little bit for authentic water marks, too! If you have access to a baby, hold him or her up, aim, and you're all set with ample drool.

This website sells jewelry, but I like the dress form:

I hope this has delivered inspiration to dress up your dress form!

Scrappy Metal for Sewing

Need unique metal notions for your sewing projects?

Check out the scrapbook supply section of bigger hobby stores and online scrapbook shops. For metal pieces, Tim Holtz is a prolific producer of ideas -- look for the idea-ology line. I found these swivel clasps and trinket pins at Michaels yesterday, and plan to incorporate them somehow into a garment or accessories with "acceptable edge." My new favorite catch phrase so I can have some edge without going steampunky. Mix these with some snaps, grommets and rivets.

I've seen fasteners like these on sewing supply websites, but here is the same idea from the scrapbooking world, hitch fasteners. I don't know how durable these are, though, for something that would go through more use and wear than a scrapbook sitting on a shelf. Still, they are cute embellishments for a bag when you want metal, but don't want to get as dangerous-looking as spikes.

You could adapt label holders like these by attaching them with rivets on leather or strong reinforced fabric. Showing through the window, attach contrast fabric or even leather pieces stamped with words or symbols. From K&Co.

























Here's another style from Making Memories:

These "word sticks" may make interesting zipper pulls:

7 gypsies hardware & embellishments are another scrapbook fave of mine.

The scrapbooking world has many supplies that could be incorporated into our sewing.

I'd start using the embellishments with handbags and belts, things that won't go through the washing machine. Obviously scrapbooks will not go through the rinse n' spin cycle, so I'd expect the supplies aren't washing machine-tested!

Watch for a handbag soon incorporating scrappy metals ...

Try This Unique Zipper Detail On A Handbag

Continuing my obsession with zippers ... while flipping through the latest Garnet Hill catalog, I found this Cole Haan handbag:

Garnet Hill photo

Check out the zippers. The second inside zipper seems to be possibly functional as well as decorative. Even if only decorative, this is a great idea to add some "acceptable edge" to accessories and clothing. By "acceptable edge," I mean adding some metal without looking like a steampunk wannabe. (nothing wrong with steampunk, I actually like it, but it's not appropriate for my work image)

This zipper detail could be accomplished by modifying the pattern to cut pieces and seams to accommodate the zipper detail, or add a godet and insert it with zippers in the seam. As you can see better in the photos below, the Cole Haan bag has a mix of leather with suede pieces behind the zippers. Nice idea.

This could also give your handbag a feature similar to expandable suitcases, allowing you to carry a slim bag most days, but widen the bag on days when you need to carry bulky items.

photos from Garnet Hill

Couldn't you also make unique zipper pulls like this one, with a combination of leather strips, small D-rings, small grommets and metal pieces?

First There Were Zippers, Now There Are Chains

... on my mind.

Outsapop turned me on to this idea over at Luxirare -- stitching seams with chains. In this case, with leather:

To see more pics, scroll down past the barbed wire teddy. Yes I said barbed wire teddy. It's not what you might think, but there is barbed wire effect.

As if stitching seams with chains is not an interesting enough idea, check out this eye-popping work of art at Luxirare, a chain jacket:

Believe, what is at the chain jacket link is astounding.

Clearly, I've been posting inspiration from works of others, rather than any creations of my own. Been tired. Seems like I have two full-time jobs -- 1.) my own full-time job which is meaningful particularly right now as I'm involved in seeing public health change happen that I never thought I'd have the chance to witness, and participate in so close to my job, in my career. So this is a special time and a treasured opportunity. 2.) Helping hubby with his business start-up. I enjoy exercising marketing skills with that because despite my commitment to public health, I do miss marketing. But overall, the total picture of keeping a foot in two professions every day for so many hours is very tiring.

I miss creating. It is as essential as water and air to me. I've tried to convince myself that creating tangible materials to support behavior change and advocacy in my "day" job is enough. Although it's meaningful and can be fulfilling, and there is creativity involved, it is not enough. I've tried to convince myself that designing print materials, lead nurturing email campaigns and websites for my husband's business is a creative enough endeavor. But it is not. Something is missing. Why must I create with my hands, like with sewing or scrapbooking or any of the other visual hobbies I've done? But why is typing on a keyboard and moving a mouse to produce a tangible visual result that takes creative thought, not enough? I really don't understand the difference other than the obvious, one involves a computer and the others do not. But beyond that, I'm lacking the insight.

Anyway hubby and I argue tonight over things that are related to this conflict I have, over wanting to contribute to help the business, but something in me is drying up and blowing away in the snowy winds if I'm not doing something "creative." But what is "creative" and why does one type of creativity fulfill me and another does not? Bottom line, there is thought that these hobbies and non-money-producing creative endeavors don't matter. Painful to hear.

I have thick dark brown leather and some vintage-style golden chains that could make an interesting bag, using the Luxirare seam stitching idea. But right now I'm reluctant to take the time to play with the idea. But one way or another, it's gotta come out ...

Be Mine, Dear Ribbon, Be Mine

If it were socially acceptable to celebrate Valentine's Day with a sewing item, my choice would be this ribbon:

Bestill-my-heart beauty.

Of course if 10 ribbons were laid before me, without knowing prices, I would fall for the most expensive. Why oh why. So this is the object of today's obsession. And it will remain that, a fleeting visual obsession, like a beautiful face glimpsed in a speeding train going the other way ... sigh ...

Check out this site, Anita Pavani Fabrics, for much more beautifulness in natural fabrics. Someday I will treat myself to something timed when the dollar is stronger; there are unique things here I've never seen anywhere else. Cutwork cotton? Could be interesting layered with cotton voile for a summery tunic. And oh my, a very pricey knitted cashmere with ribs if you wanted the most luxurious casual garment ever. But not a drop of sweat from Bikram yoga should touch that. You could replicate the look with twin needle stitches spaced wide apart on a lightweight knit. And, um, Stinging Nettle Fabric from Nepal? I suppose there is a purpose for all fibers. Personally I like the ring of "bamboo fabric" better, if someone were to ask what my garment is made of.

This is pretty linen/cotton towelling fabric, in my kitchen colors too:

I must go now, before I give in to temptation ...

Have You Disposed of Zippers in the Trash Lately?

My obsessions and inspirations run far and wide. I am both a cat person and a dog person. I love old stone farmhouses and I mourn never seeing Metropolitan Home again. A few days ago it was the silks and jewels of India. Today it is the metal and edge of zippers.

Everyone from Balmain to etsy shops find creative ways to use zippers ...

Discussed at Outsapop, Balmain zipper jacket:

Snails, oops I mean zippers, shown on Outsapop. The point of this is the power of exaggerated multiples:

And zippers as decorative trim rather than function:

High end zipper jewelry from etsy seller katecusack. This elegant cuff doesn't read as zippers at first glance. Also check out her blog for zipper eye candy. Who'd believe there could be "zipper eye candy?" Believe it. She creates it.

Oh my goodness. A shrug. Made entirely with zippers. From Sohung Designs. Wow wow wow. I could do this. And wear it over something frilly. You can apply the techniques shown here to line up zippers and make a similar shrug.

You need a zipper jar to store your notions, from etsy seller AmaliaVersaci:

What to do with all the zipper pulls from the above projects? A Valentine idea from AmaliaVersaci:

Also from AmaliaVersaci -- can you tell these are zipper pulls too?

This headband is a sweet style from etsy seller louandlee:

Is this made from zippers?

Yes. Yes it is, according to The Crafty Crow.

Going full circle to where this momentary visual obsession started, back to Outsapop, check out the Outsapop post about zipper jewelry at Etsy. She gathers the best of the best. I love everything there and would wind up copying the whole post here! Not cool. But the jewelry, so cool. Take a look.

There is no reason to ever dispose of a zipper in the trash again ...

Oh, and if you don't want your zippers as DIY project, I love unusual use of zippers like these Sergio Rossi boots at Zappos:

Get a similar effect for much less $$$ by wrapping your own zippers around boots, an idea shown at Outsapop:

Add interest to a simple knit top. What a great idea! This is also shown on Outsapop. To see all the zipper inspiration there, simply click on the "Zipper" topic.

Geez, I thought it was a wild idea (for me) to think about sewing nonfunctional gold RiRi zipper tape on the outside of the Simplicity Cynthia Rowley jacket, discussed in this post. After seeing all this, wild no more!

Score! Simplicity Cynthia Rowley for $1. Leaves $ for Hardware Closures.

At Joann a few days ago, I picked up two Amazing Fit pants patterns at the $1 Simplicity sale. I'm interested to examine differences between the slim, average and curvy patterns.

But I didn't even know about the new Cynthia Rowley jacket, Simplicity 2443. When will be the next $1 sale? So today I hoped hope-hope-hope it's still on sale when I swung by Joann after work. It was. But where it wasn't was in the drawer. Argh. So I need to go to Target anyway for shampoo, and there just happens to be another Joann near Target. That Joann is also a very old run-down looking store, so I hope it's less popular than the brand spanking new store. Think there's a higher probability there will be envelopes behind the 2443 tab? And indeed there was. Yay.

I will likely do a different front closure. But don't want to lose the funkiness. Just something that looks less messy. Ideas? Maybe a front placket with snaps like this:

 It's OK. It works, in a manual way. But it doesn't work. It loses uniqueness.

Maybe use this Dritz Magnetic Closure, with petersham or grosgrain to attach it in the seam? Attached with the ribbon, the metal pieces would be a little floppy when unfastened. But still a cleaner look than the original floppy ties.

A swivel clip closure? For something very different?

And if you're looking for swivel clasps, check out all the swivel clasp styles at Pacific Trimming. Who knew there were so many?

There's many other unique metal closures. I may go this route. I love metals and hardware.

A-HA! Here's what I want to use. I have a bunch of these in copper. I just couldn't find a picture of it online. I see this is called a surcingle. Never woulda guessed.

But if I got these in gold, I have gold RiRi zippers and I would consider replacing whatever that horizontal detail is on the front jacket with nonfunctional RiRi zippers, with the zipper tape exposed and topstitched on outside of the jacket. Just to add to the hardware angle. Actually the zippers would be functional, but wouldn't lead to anywhere except a view of the top under the jacket. Or the gold zipper tape and teeth could be stitched on without the pulls, with no purpose other than having some zipper teeth detail. Hmmmmmm ... this project may be elevated to priority status.