Bag in a day or so I thought

I’m back with some entertaining and fascinating things you can try, if you have some spare time.

This summer, since my son has been out of school, I had a few more hours in the day to use since I wasn’t driving him back and forth. First, I spent some time at the library picking up books on all subjects from sewing to history. Now mind you, I am not the historical person at all, but I did find some reads that helped me put the mid-1800‘s and early 1900’s into perspective.

Rewind; I was looking up history for fashion purposes at first. But as I read more, fashion trends of the times fell to the background and I was able to see how people lived and how different types of people would dress. Back then fashion was similar as were the times, still, there was a difference in what people wore whether by choice or not. So every few weeks I would pick up almost seven books, most of them were sewing related but like I said I did add new ones to the mix. This first book I picked up (pictured below), I thought hey this looks interesting, maybe there is something pretty in here, simply judging from the cover. When I returned home and into the next day; I looked through the pages of all the different types of bags. The visuals are what got me to bring the thing home in the first place. The next day I started reading the directions for some of the ones I liked. One was a large tote, another a zip clutch and the last was a bucket purse.

Oh, I didn’t tell you… I REALLY like purses. At one time I had a decent collection; you know one of every color to match clothes in my closet. Your welcome Salvation Army and Goodwill! Nowadays, I am more concerned with function. The bag has to have a useable feature/ functional purpose for at least several months to the cut. That’s why trying this make a bag thing seemed like a good idea. Also as a seamstress, designer and stylist, I try to challenge myself and add new things into what I make. I make slot of clothes and this seemed like a nice break from my daily routine.

It was a Saturday morning, two weeks ago when I decided to start the bucket bag. I went to Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby to get all the materials I would use and need including purse feet. Several hours later I returned home supplies in and began. No problem the first few sections went off without a hitch. So I keep going; thinking YEAH I can so do this! And I did keep going. I worked the rest of the day on this thing. I had to stop to let the glue dry for the tabs that hold the straps. I decided then to put in the grommet holes for the drawstring.

Arrggg! This is when it became frustrating. You have to hammer in these things good for them to hold. In the past, I did maybe two snaps for a top and it was easier, they were small and went together rather quickly. For this purse, which is made of a mid-weight black vinyl the holes 8 to 10 holes and grommets took two hours. My body was starting to ache because I had been sitting on the floor with this since I started. By now I am eight hours in with more to go. I call it a night.

The next day I start on the heavyweight snaps for the straps. Those went in a lot better than my grommets. Anyway, following the remainder of the directions I was able to get the purse assembled that day. The next day one of my grommets slipped out of place so I glued it back in place. For me, this was a two and a half day process.

 

  The Back Inside

 

Not bad for my first try at this! I think she looks sleek and pretty.

I would definitely try to make another purse or bag again. I just have to get used to all of the little steps in the process. If you have about a day or two or three, try this let me know how it turns out.

Mint & White Cold Shoulder Top

In my last post, I spoke about some of my go to patterns that have never let me down. I also showed you some pictures of outfits that I made recently from those patterns.  They are pretty and cool in my opinion and oh so summer ready.  One top in particular was a mint and white top that I call my mint mosaic. It's a  light, non-sheer, flowy panel like fabric that had a very large repeat, so one panel I used for the front and one for the back. This top has open arm sleeves, reminiscent of the cold shoulder trend going on right now.  I made this top because I like my outfits to be a little bit different like me. They standout, are not sold in stores and have originality built in. Sidebar…That’s how I like my customers to feel when they shop my stores and boutiques. I design and make things you don’t see everywhere and it’s personal, fun and special.  

For instance, the fabric I used on the top is a light cotton poly blend made by John Kaldor Fabrics UK. John Kaldor is an Australian art collector, philanthropist, and the founder of Kaldor Public Art Projects with several companies in the UK. I found his fabric while shopping one day and I promised I would make a top out of it and I did. I had the fabric for about a year and when spring hit this year. I felt the color for summer was going to be minty or pastel-y . Well Pantone said the color was a purple and that’s fine I like that color too, but also the summer trend was starting and it was pastels. Yasss!!!! The top was already complete and I couldn't wait to wear it out or sell it. I decided to wear it, I love it, it got rave reviews and I’m glad the idea I had came to be. The good thing is like I mentioned before, for this idea and pattern I did not have to start from scratch as the pattern was already made, all I had to do was add some fabric, thread, love and it came together with the help of my singer machine.

Here is the top again

 

If you would like me to make this top for you just let me know. I do have to say I am all out of this fabric but I have a lot more colors and patterns you can choose from. Shoot me a message here or on Etsy, it’s that Easy.

www.etsy.com/shop/lanaedesignz

www.lanaedesignz.com

 

Every year new patterns come out from the top four pattern companies and also from new individuals and companies.

My take is… that is all well and good and I’m glad. Some of them I like and will eventually get around to purchasing and sewing. At the same time I have a couple of oldies but goodies that I will turn to in a hot minute. Take for instance McCall’s 6079 and Simplicity’s 9418. My oh my do I enjoy these two patterns! These two patterns for me are like Honey Buns I may not eat them everyday but when I do…it’s fire, so delicious!

       

Let me back up and explain, first off McCall’s 6079 is a pattern I purchased way way back in 2010 when it came out. At the time I used to write a lot of poetry and I had this amazing idea. I was so amped about creating some new tops that were borderline tunics, and flowy at the bottom. I was so excited when this pattern came out because it meant I did not have to create the pattern from scratch. Part of the notion at the time was to have my tops in boutiques where I resided. Well to make a long story short (I’ll fill in the gaps over time)  and fast forward to this year, I decided to make this top  again, this time out of a fabric that has been in my stash about a year. That’s the best guesstimate I have at the moment for the fabric lol! Anyway it’s a light mint and white top and this is at least the fifth time I’ve made top. And I would still at this moment make it again if I needed it in another color.

The other pattern I was telling you about is Simplicity’s 9418. This pattern I’ve also had for a few years. I found it at a thrift shop some years ago and it matched a few of the bell bottom pants my mom had in her closet, so of course I purchased it. The only limitation I found when I first made the pattern was that in some areas it was too tight. Mind you this is a pattern from the 1960’s or early 70’s I believe. I will go check the cover. I love the pattern but I literally cannot touch it because it will rip. I have pattern software I use for my clients who request custom garments. I pulled out the software and made a jumpsuit pattern as close as I could to the original Simplicity pattern to my measurements. Well look below! I do say she came out pretty well indeed. I liked the jumpsuit so much I inserted it to my collection in my shop. 

I told you I would be back with a pattern review. I have newer patterns but you know sometimes you have to go with your gut and that’s what I did.  I’ve worked them so many times I know them well and they are fabulous. I hope you enjoyed reading this review,  let me know if you have any questions, concerns or comments regarding these patterns.

Talk to you soon!

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Hello again Friends,

Okay, so I've come to the decision  I want to and will post more often. I have so many unpublished drafts that I've written, that it is time to do something about it. You see I've had this blog a really long time and I like what I've written so far and the freedom it gives me to communicate outside of my circle.

So what's the problem?
My issue is that when I started blogging it was just for fun after I opened my businss. You know a place to connect, talk, vent, laugh whatever. Well as work came in and I spent more time sewing, opening boutiques, building websites and other social profiles ...unfortunately I let my blog down. Just being honest I've written word docs, on scrap pieces of paper and Post-it-notes but have never published or released what I was thinking or wanted to communicate.

Why not?
Aside from being strapped for time many days of the week, overly exhausted or just life in general happening. I wasn't able to make it a priority. But throughout the years I've learned that connecting and sharing is highly important and should continue to be a priority. It has been a huge part of my life, so what am I scared of? As I type this I am not afraid of conversing and I have plenty to say and share and I would like to hear your feedback. At the same time I do not want to get burned out from over social media-ing, you know? Been there and don't care for that so I may have to pace myself.

This almost sounds like a love letter to a friend I haven't seen  in a while and I'm explaining why I haven't called or written consistently. There isn't much excuse to use going forward because from today on I will speak, listen, share and laugh with you more.

So where do we go from here?
Well you can get all caught up with the goings on. I did post on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so I was not completely off the grid. There are pictures and other content posted. I post this today and in a few days  I will be back to post and chit chat some more. So what do you say to that?
I think I will start with some pattern reviews for the projects I've been doing these past couple of weeks. If you didn't know I sew for myself and others so I will add as much as I can. Some clients have non-disclosure agreements and I cannot say or tell what their things are or I can get in trouble and I don't want that.

Thanks for reading I'll talk to you very soon!💚
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Vintage Teal Cream Dress

I mentioned in a previous post how much I love vintage items. It all started with my mom’s clothes from back in the day. As I child I would put on her dress clothes in hopes of one day making my own dresses. That aspiration has not died and I have made a few vintage styled dresses, tops and jackets.

Here is one of moms dresses I have adored for years. It is a teal and cream cotton jacquard with silver metallic. Mom calls it the green dress.

 

OMG Stunning!!!!
Despite taking this photo at night

 

I always wondered when looking at vintage dresses where people were going? Where did they get it? What was the designer thinking when they crafted the dress?

Most of these questions I may not get an answer to except mom said she was going to a party in the 60s. I can understand that, I do not see this dress as one to sit around the house... It is way to beautiful. Well I hope she had a great time. I know I am having a ball imagining a grand venue and people decked out to the nines!

Thanks for reading and I will talk to you next time.

Floral

If you have ever looked at my Instagram or my Facebook pages, you can tell I love flowers. So it’s not a surprise I find fabric other than lace that has flowers. This year it seems to be craze. I have been using it for years and I don’t really plan on stopping. The thing is when you make clothes you can make yours different than what is sold in stores. And that’s usually what I do for myself and my clients.

Here’s the fabric, a light-weight cotton jersey.

Here’s the lace, a sheer and sparkly navy floral lace.

Let’s marry them ❤

I’ll show you the top and bottom later in this post. I did mention in an earlier post I was addicted to lace. See it continues lol.

The pattern I used for the lace top is one I’ve had for a while. I wanted to use it and I figured these pants with this top would make a nice addition to my summer wardrobe. Butterick 4988 without the extra trim on the sleeves. I didn’t do the scalloped hemline as this lace doesn’t exactly have the bottom for it. Had the lace flowers been a closer pattern to allow it, I would have done it. Well that leaves room for me to do this pattern again.

The pants are a McCalls pattern 6404a, they suggested stretch knits, which is fine I wanted some light pants almost leggings for summer. So I went at it. The pattern was pretty easy. Next time I would take out the pockets as I don’t really like them but they don’t really show with the top. Otherwise it is fun and breathable for this hot summer we have had.

Well there is more sewing going on here so please stay tuned and thanks for reading, talk to you soon.

Thanks for reading, talk to you soon.

Lovely Lady Lace

Oh la la!!!! I say while dancing with Meghan Trainor’s All About That Bass playing in the background. When I get in my zone (my sewing happy place), I have the music playing (loud), while I cut patterns, drape fabric and sew fronts to backs. Add in a two-step and spin here, lol!!

 

It not just a job, it’s becoming a lifestyle…hmmm I will have to explore this more but my point is I’m passionate when I get in here and make what Disney would call magic. Taking a flat piece of fabric and literally dancing with it until it is complete and a garment is made. Only a few people knew the studio was like this… (yes a mini party) few were present and heard the music and felt the atmosphere, still it is where I create these custom beauties.

Well ok, the last few months I have had a serious addition to lace. I think it started before then, but anyway I will not argue because I do love pretty lady lace. I have made so many things with it and still have plans on making more lacey cuties. I don’t want the ordinary you can get this down the street, something with a bit of sparkle and sass. In colors besides black and white, I already have those… As I will show you later I made a black lace dress that is so perfectly lady like. It was a client request and I was happy to oblige. I did several others for clients and still I want more.

 

If I were you I would stay tuned to see what else I make and say. I don’t plan these conversations they just come out. If you have any sewing questions I’d sure love to hear them. I also have Facebook and Instagram pages if you would like to follow me there as well.  

LaNae Designz Instagram

LanaeDesignz Facebook

Silk

The Red Orange Silk Halter Top
 

Red Silk Halter

Silk fabric to me is always fashionable and timeless. It’s one of those special types of fabrics that has extra care written all over it. I could give you a detailed history about silk, but you can Google it for yourself. Some important things I want you to know though is:

You cannot treat it the same as cotton, which is also a natural fiber. Silk comes from the fibers of the silkworm’s cocoon and is woven into fabric. Then it is dyed in various colors.

Silk is used for many things like dresses, tops, pants, jackets and more. There is also silk thread, which I found is like many other fabric threads in that it comes in many colors, but it is not as strong as cotton and polyester threads. It can be and is used in sewing garments but I would say if you have an item that is 100% silk please be careful with it.

The top I showed you last month with my silk skirt…remember that?
Well here it is again just in case.

Silk Tapered Mini Skirt

I made this top to go with a matching skirt but when I made the tapered mini I had to line it up with this top.

For this top I used a vintage pattern 1365 by Simplicity. As you can tell from the pictures I made a couple of tweeks. It’s a beauty and one of my favorites.

I have several colors of silk here; perhaps I will make another in a different color. The pattern was pretty simple, as always though I make my adjustments.

I Believe

Sew for the love of it.

Every day I am captivated by new dresses, blouses, skirts that find their way into my mind.  I continue to sew for the peace of mind it brings me. Despite life’s changes and challenges, this is the place where things make sense. A seam is always a seam and a hem a hem!

On my Singer machines I craft for others garments that are meant not only to fit, but to look beautiful and gorgeous. Every person is unique and so are the outfits I make for them. Occasionally, I get the request to make an outfit a celebrity has worn, or an outfit from a picture. No problem, just remember I am making a replica and when I do that, and it will be your own outfit when I’m done.

I used to have a slogan when I began… You are the celebrity.

Over the years I’ve learned it is not size that matters. I can sew for many sizes… I think the key is being comfortable in your skin. My custom-made clothing can be and is catered to the individual no matter their size. Oftentimes I use patterns and alter them to get the look I want. Some patterns I do not have to do this at all. It all depends on what a client wants. Last year I got a new software program from Wild Ginger that allows me to make almost anything based on my client’s measurements. So far I’ve had a few requests and got the chance to test it out. I like it and it works well.

Here are a few of the things I’ve made with the new program.

From a flat piece of silk to a very beautiful silk skirt. 

 

This is a high waist tapered mini skirt made of an exclusive silk tapestry like fabric. When I tell you pictures do not do this skirt justice. I am so serious. This fabric is also textured, which makes it that much more amazing. It’s soft to the touch and can be paired with any color in the skirt.

Here I have it pictured with a silk vintage halter top I made. I will tell you more details about that in my next post.

 

 

Dear 2015

I haven’t written much so far this year on this platform. I have been sewing my heart out. I think this has been the most I have sewn in years. I completed several tops, dresses and skirts. I posted them to my Etsy Shop.

So far a lucky customer has found my shop and placed an order. Off to a good start!

So excited!

Hello Etsy

Hello Etsy

For a while now I’ve been considering selling my garments online. So today after I put my nerves aside I signed up for Etsy. I was considering other online marketplaces; however this is a start to test how my items will be received.

I do not know much about online sales but I will take some pictures and post them to the site.  It sounds easy and this is the marketplace for handmade items so here goes.

Lord I pray this goes well.

Faith Hope Love

… If I have faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

 

Faith Hope and Love - The Greatest Gift

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…

From 1 Corinthians 13 NIV

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 Happy Holidays today and always

Hounded

Hounded

I’ve arrived in North Carolina… finally! So happy and excited, my plans are working out! Thank you Lord! I have gotten all moved in and mostly unpacked. With the help of family, I got most of the furniture where I want it and have begun working. Sewing is still part-time as I adjust to my living and working conditions here. I think this is going to be an exciting opportunity. That’s my optimism speaking and getting carried away. I am also exhausted from moving but I find the time one Saturday morning to find the local fabric store and get to sewing.

My mom and I visited Mary Jo’s and chose this black and white cotton hound’s-tooth. I was so eager beaver to get in my happy place; I forgot to jot down what pattern it was. As you can see this pleated front sheath dress is almost done. I measured the hem line and ironed it flat so all I have to do is sew it in place. I can’t wait to try it on.

What is going on?

Well it has been a few months since I’ve been on my blog, I wonder how you are doing but no one says anything, just read through my posts I’m guessing. It’s okay that’s why I post. I’m a woman who loves clothing and ol skool sewing.I seriously can’t help it lol!  Let me take a few and explain a couple of things on how I got here…I don’t think I have done that yet.

Well my name is Nadia Lake and I’m an aspiring designer.  I began sewing when I was a kid, some twenty five plus years ago now.  I started because I wanted my dolls to have new clothes, so I would make them out of any fabric I could find around the house. My mother had sewing books and I picked those up occasionally to figure things out. I would ask her for help with the big black Singer sewing machine she had, but for whatever reason she didn’t show me how to operate it. She said it was broken and it probably was but that didn’t stop me. I grabbed needle and thread and my story began.

Throughout the years I did small fixes and alterations on my own clothes accordingly. I didn’t have the skill to make the outfits yet, so I would draw on the sides of my notebooks and on random pieces of paper. When I find that box again I will post some of the pictures for you.

When I was on maternity leave with my son in 2000, I made a handful of pieces of my own for me and my little one. They were not perfect like I wanted but I was still trying and it’s amazing I made anything on the tiny machine I was using but I did.

Along the way when I wanted something different I would hire a seamstress to make skirts and dresses for me. This still was not enough. In 2004 my family and I moved to a house that came with a vintage Singer machine. I thought it was destiny! This machine didn’t require electricity as it had a foot pedal, and was in working condition. The dream continues and begins again.  That year I made a jean skirt and an orange blouse. Still not the outfit of my many dreams, it was a start. I also made some bracelets to go with it, but that’s another story for another time.

It wasn’t until I read every Singer, Vogue and other sewing book and encyclopedia I could get my hands on. During this same time, I practiced the techniques listed in their pages and began watching sewing videos and tv shows on pbs or cable. I was determined to understand garment construction to its fullest. I asked friends and family and others for work to gain more understanding and knowledge. I took on alterations left and right and thankfully, I have not messed up anyone’s items. I thank them for the experience and trusting me with their clothes.

From hand sewing to machine operation and serging wasn’t a short trip, but I appreciate the journey. There were ups and downs throughout the years, but I guess that how life is and you have to pick yourself up when you fall and keep on stepping.  That’s part of the reason I continue this journey to see where else it will take me. Also sewing is so much fun for me, problems and issues seem to melt away when I get in front of that machine and focus my attention.

Well I will tell you more soon thanks for reading.

Am I still here???

Am I still here...Of course I am! still in my sewing room, going through fabrics and patterns and trying to find the ones I like best to begin building my line.

In case I didn’t inform you, I decided to turn my passion into my business. Still I’m working for an investment company and sewing for others part-time.

I’ve acquired a bunch of new fabrics in really cool colors and textures. My mom loves them as much do. I usually take her with me fabric shopping, we spend hours picking and choosing.  I love the clothes she used to wear when she went out. She’s a fashion hottie, in a good way. I look at her vintage clothes all the time in amazement. I believe her clothes are where I began to love back in the day clothing.  

 

Also I’ve been working on editing my business plans. Here in SC where I live my outfits have gotten a lot of attention. I want to grow from being a part-time seamstress/ designer to more. I know it will take time but still I pray for things to change.

Well sew girl sew!!! Is all I hear...

Where are we?

In every ad we see there's someone urging us to want "more." Telling us we "lack" something because we do not have the object or toy they want to sell us. Brainwashing yes, forcing the hand... Definitely. Tempting us to "want more," Sure… Substances to the substance abuser I mean user. Users of the computer systems which surround us daily and constantly. Yes you are being tracked to prove to the world you are who you say you are. Login. You have already subscribed once you checked that you read the terms of the agreement to paste your face on a virtual web page. To keep up with all the hype we just do it with Nike and have it with a smile. Ultimately, complicated at times, distracted we don’t even seem to notice. How can we?... We’re too busy on our devices, running errands, in meetings, attending parties, on vacations, and more. We are intricately intertwined in the matrix of life.

Hello, it’s nice to meet you I am Nadia. And this is my different world.  By day I work a 9-5 and come home take care of family life and sew. I absolutely love it; from day one sewing has been one of those things that bring me joy. I turn on my music and I’m in my zone, my world filled with fun, colors, fashions and my Singer machines. Currently I do alterations, embroidery and custom sewing. You can view my project on my Facebook page under LaNae Designz.

All in a day’z work

Most days consist of work (for a living), right after my son’s football practice, then class at 7:30 pm (3 nights a week). Most days I fall off to sleep without remembering if I had a chance to eat dinner or wind down. Obviously there’s not much time to sit and think, to dog gone busy busy busy all the time! On the weekends I manage to squeeze some time in for sewing, something I’ve always loved to do… Create and express… my form freedom, escape from the mental world into the depths of my sewing room. Where the tunes of soulful music drown out the week’s issues and fill the atmosphere with rhythm, simplicity, patterns and gorgeous fabrics. 

My mind comes up with all these fabulous ideas, costumes and outfits, but my person doesn’t have the time to fill all the orders. Well it gives me something to do and I’m not complaining. I’ll jot them down and get started when I can.

 

 

V8799 -Jacket

Pattern Description:

Semi lined linen Jacket with elastic in the waist for figure flattery.

 

Pattern Sizing:

I made a size 14, I like my jackets, where I can move in them and do not feel constrained while moving around.  

 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

 

Yes and no. Yes the jacket looks similar to the one in the picture however; I made some modifications and adjustment so it would fit me perfectly. Overall the jacket looks and feels great. 

Were the instructions easy to follow? 

 

Yes the instructions were very easy to follow, but since I changed some things around I kind of had to add in some steps of my own to accommodate the modest changes I made.

 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

 

I like that I did not have to make alot of adjustments to the pattern to fit me and that the instructions did not complication or confuse me while the jacket was under construction.

 

Fabric Used:

From my fabric stash I chose pink linen. I can’t remember where I got it but I like it now.

Pattern alterations or any design changes I made:

 

I did not want elastic in the sleeves nor did I want a fully lined jacket, do I didn’t put them in. Only other changes were the contours around the waist to fit lil ole me. 

Would I sew it again and /or recommend it to others?

Yes in a New York minute! I am just thinking of a color to make this jacket in next.

 

 

 

Do authors get stage fright?

Entering the preliminary stage of “coming out of the closet” whatever your closet holds … It has cocooned me, my thoughts and my emotions. Popping out and diving head first into the outside world… is an unambiguous way to perceive the situation. However once one leaves the proverbial closet you’ve …you entered into another which you can stay, retreat back to your prior closet or again venture out of the newly recognized enclosure.

With that said check out a few things I've been working on in my closet. Nervous at how it would be perceived, a seamstress I am with a deep hankering for fashion, crafts, colors, vintage and most of all the freedom to express myself.

Not all the garments have recognized patterns attached to them; some are deviations from original designs.

I introduce a Tom and Linda Platt design I chose from Vogue 1283. I like that it’s not a regular dress with just two side seams. I like the detail of the gathers.

 

 I added a bit of eye candy - red rubies to the gathered front seam.

On the back I did not add any embellishments; I just extended the gathers right up the back unlike the pattern said.

I like the fit and the material. I chose stretch knit cotton of some sort. I know it’s soft and light and has a nice flow.

 

Overall I would love to make this dress again but something is telling me to switch it up a bit. Well we'll see!!!