My first complete sewing project for the year is this peter pan collar chambray number for a friend. I find sewing for others to be a good exercise in fit. Everyone’s build is different and it challenges me to try new fitting techniques. In addition, it’s fun to create a garment that is unique to…
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Metallic Leather Tote
Read moreIn addition to shoemaking, I’ve also decided to try my hand at making handbags. So far, I’m experimenting with simple tote shapes. My friend, Joy, is in the market for a basic tote so I offered to make her one. Here’s a shot of the two primary materials used. The metallic leather is from Global…
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Lilac and Leather: Cream Top and Pleather Leggings
Read moreCream Wool Top w/ Lilac Collar Materials Used: Leather (Collar), Wool (Shell), Silk Habotai (Lining) Design By: Tailor Made Pattern Drafted/Draped By: Tailor Made Construction By: Tailor Made Pleather Leggings Materials Used: Pleather Design By: Tailor Made Pattern Drafted/Draped By: Tailor Made Construction By: Tailor Made Fun fact: I actually drafted the top in Joy’s…
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A Cordwainer’s First Pair of Shoes
Read moreSpoiler Alert: I made my first pair of shoes! A couple of months ago, I decided to take a beginner’s shoemaking class just to see how difficult it is to create a pair of shoes from scratch. I now have my answer: It is not at all difficult! Caveat: Although there is nothing terribly difficult…
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Lilac and Leather: Leather Vest and Tweed Shorts
Read moreThere is something unexpectedly delightful about pairing leather with tweed. It is like pairing two unlikely foods and getting a serendipitous explosion of flavors that complement each other harmoniously. Kind of like eating cream cheese with jelly (on a bread roll). In fact, I happen to think that cream cheese is jelly’s soulmate. (Sorry, peanut…
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Spring 2013 Collection: Lilac and Leather
Read moreBackground: The University of Chicago Festival of the Arts is a week-long celebration of the arts on the campus. The student-run organization, FOTA, provides funding to students to work on creative and artistic projects and performances that are then showcased for the duration of the week. The Festival of the Arts opens with a launch…