Thursday, August 8, 2013

Workshop Preparations (and a peek into the pattern-free class)

 This week has seen me back at the sewing machine, making samples of Chunky framed purses, all pimped and customised and ready to inspire people to come to my pre-Spring Carnival Purse-Making workshop at the CAE
 
 The red purse is made from the felted remains of my favourite red jumper (sweater).  And I'm so glad I finally got around to getting that slam-pressed gathered purse idea out of my head and into 3-dimensional form.  I also put the handle theory into action, and it works a treat, too.
 

I promised photos of the Pattern-Free Garment class before I looked at the quality of the photos.  The gorgeous light that streams into the upstairs room at GJ's is perfect for sewing.... not so much for photographing moving people with an iPad.
 



I was also a tad busy with the teaching, and didn't take as many photos as I'd have liked to.... but you get the idea, non?  There was much shaping and draping of fabric around bodies.
 


 
 I promised anonymity when I took this photo...hence the paper plate face...
 


We had toga tops and glamourously fluid dresses, asymmetrical skirts...
 
 ..and more toga tops...
 
...and this fabulous dress...
 
Love it.  So inspired by historical costume and so very up my alley...
 
 
I'm also preparing new notes for the Zippers For Bags class next week - adding another technique or two to choose from.  We have one space available in the class, and if you'd like to book in, I'll throw in a free bag pattern of your choice.  GO on... you know you want to.... :)

8 comments:

Tanya said...

oooh I'm keen on that gathered purse, and think your favourite red jumper scrubs up well as a purse!

Claire - Matching Pegs said...

Nikki, that last dress is just fantastic!

I would wear it in a heartbeat, but I know it looks best on that lovely maker, who actually has a proper waist.

I hope she finds this comment, so she can read how beautiful I think it is.

I understand that it was a pattern-free-workshop, but frankly, if you wrote a pattern for this, I would be first in line!

A Peppermint Penguin said...

you are spreading the Swishy!

I do, I do want to. But sans matter transporter, as usual le sigh

Festival of Quilts is on in UK this week. Too far for that as well. but I got all excited when I saw that Vilene will have their own stand! I'd be there buggin them about all sorts, FOR HOURS.

amy @ ladybugs and daisychains said...

yay, just booked in to the class. I have been wanting to do one for ages but the dates hadn't worked until now :)

CurlyPops said...

Love the handles on the frame purse - makes it so much more versatile!

marcy harriell | oonaballoona said...

ooooh, plate face's dress is delicious!!

Fer said...

Oo yes, love that dark green dress too!

Doris said...

I *love* that last dress! If that were a pattern, it could be a one-size-fits-most dress, with adjustable side ties. I am inspired to copy it!