Finished purse

I love my new purse. It's so cute! Finishing the edge banding with the black brought it all together.

Mola

Just took a class on mola, an reverse applique process using a free form embroidery foot.  So cool. The technique will complement my current chenille phase! We started making a small purse. The random fabrics really work together in the end.

My first attempt at Chenille rocks!

I am experimenting with ways to attach the bridal lace to the denim. I first tried a 3-thread overlock with metallic threads, but the beads on the fabric kept getting caught under the foot. So, plan B. I recently bought a cool book on making chenille from Half Price books and Bingo! What a cool way to edge finish any garment. I bought a fat quarter from The Cotton Cupboard (a beautiful quilting shop) and made continuous bias strips 3/8" wide. Then I sewed it directly on a piece of jean leg that I had from making my friend Paige's shorts shorter. Doesn't this look cool! It will get fringier once I wash it. The left side has 2 layers of bias strips and the right side has 3. The more strips, the fringier it gets. Second picture is after I worked the fringe…I like the left side (2 layers)…more delicate.

Experimenting late at night

I have GOT to make time to sew more, so I decided to sew after the kids went to bed. I worked on "The Jeans project". I am 2" shy of having enough fabric to do an even repeat on both legs, so I think I will make one side more lacy than the other [work with what you got!!] which actually will be much more interesting.

I painted some of the small seed beeds a metallic dark blue. I cut the top half of the tulle and put it under the embellished side. I like the look! I hand basted the two layers together watching my recorded episodes of "The Killing" on AMC.

In order to cut them out, I need to make appliques, so I experimented with the chainstich on my new Evolution. Wow. I need to get a different thread, but totally cool effect. But I think that I will machine baste an outline around each lace section and then serge them with a 3-thread overlock in navy and light blue. That way I can cut, pin and piece the various elements on the jeans to see what looks good.

Work in progress

The jeans are back in the picture. I've painted the lace. I am trying to figure out how to attache it. I will probably put a washaway fusible lining behind it before I do anything. Here's a picture of the fabric just pinned to the jeans...giving me lots of ideas...

I also received my order of Fine Embellishment Techniques book and The Art of Manipulating Fabric. Can't wait to dive into that world of fun.

Draping Class at Austin School of Fashion Design

I've temporarily abandoned the jeans due to taking my new owner Serger classes at Sew Much More and now, this week, I'm taking Draping class for 4 days. I've learned so much my head is spinning. I wonder if this old dog can learn all these new tricks. Also, a big shout out to my baby boy, Max, who turned 14 today. You are amazing. Not much sewing gonna happen this week with classes and my in-laws arrriving for Mother's day!

UPTOWN JEANS PROJECT

I am making my Uptown Jeans without a clue as to the process. Who knows how they will turn out? That has certainly never stopped me before! It never hurts to try something new - whether it works out or not (Kids, are you listening???).

Recreating the jeans based on a foggy memory of how fabulous they looked on my cousin is not exactly a plan. However, I have some "creative ideas".

I am planning on using just the bottom section of the lace for the side panel of the jeans. I've never painted fabric before and I wonder if it really works. I did follow the instructions (well, almost-I read most of them). Now to let the paint dry.

My new serger

My sewing room is now set up (with the help of IKEA and an OCD organizing blitz last week). Friday, I had my first owner's class for my Baby Lock Evolution at Sew Much More here in Austin. It really is amazing all of the things that machine does. And if you are left handed like myself, the self threading just makes sewing a joy instead of a curse fest.

I couldn't help but be inspired after my class to dive right in and create something. Four years ago, I attended my cousin's New Year's Eve party and my cousin, Aly, who is 5'10" and beautiful, was wearing the most killer jeans. From the knee to the hem, the sides seams were split and replaced with lace and crystals. She let me borrow them for two years and I mailed them back to her a couple months ago. So, I am going to modify a pair of chico jeans to recreate the look. I went to Joanne's on the way home and bought some bridal lace, fabric dye, crystals and ribbons. It's time to sew and see what happens!