I'm not big on process posts, but you have probably noticed that. By that I mean, I take you along as I work on the project, from pattern and fabric choice, through fitting, through the various stages of the project, until the unveiling at the end.
The idea of process posts makes me nervous. Maybe I have a commitment phobia (it's entirely possible) but I change my mind all.the.time. I change my mind about what I'm going to make, both the fabric and the pattern. I have Hamlet-like indecision. I change things constantly as I work. I do not have a full vision of the completed project - it changes as I go and I can be just as surprised as anyone.
Do you like process posts? Or can you take or leave them?
Having said that, here is sort of a process post. I have been working on a coat using stash materials. (For fiscal reasons I will be mostly sewing from stash for awhile. Given the depth of my stash, I have nothing to complain about!)
However, I was in Stone Mountain recently and I bought a couple toggle closures. I love me some good hardware and these were very cool. They feature metal clasps (they came in black, silver, or gold colored metal and I also saw them at Britex the other day).
They have leather pieces that you attach to the garment, as you would expect in a toggle closure. The leather is thick-ish and very stiff. I'm sure you could put it through a sewing machine, but I didn't want to. Given the curve of the leather piece, it would be a challenge to make it look nice on a standard sewing machine, even with buttonhole thread.
It was an opportunity to use some leather working tools I have been wanting to use for a long time. (I just love me some tools.) I used a wing divider to lightly score a guide line along the edge of the leather. I then used the smallest hole on a mini hole punch and a wooden mallet, on a cutting board, to punch holes into the leather.
Punching the holes is so.much.fun. All of the aggressions, if you have any, just go away. I was sorry I didn't have more holes to punch, though my work table was littered with tiny little leather dots afterward.
I attached the leather to the coat using size 8 pearl cotton, purchased at Britex, and a large-eyed needle. I double sewed - each stitch has 2 threads.
Easy peasy!
This coat has some other interesting details that I've added, so maybe I'll do another post or two, if you like.
By the way, I want to give a shout out to a couple of really neat women I met recently! I was in Fabrix a week or so ago when a woman introduced herself as a follower of my blog. Well, we hit it off and I ended up goading her into buying (a lot) more fabric, then driving her to a UPS store to ship it home - she was visiting SF while her husband attended a conference. Then she treated me to lunch and we went to the Ribbonerie where she bought some beautiful ribbons. She also blamed me and Margy for her new Trippens. (Just call me The Enabler.) I really enjoyed meeting you and hanging for a bit, MaryAnne!
More recently I ran to the grocery store and a woman complemented me on my polka dot coat and unusual scarf. We struck up a conversation and are planning to get together for lunch. She's also a blogger who makes the most amazing mail art. (Yes, mail art! Beautifully collaged pieces! I did ask her to spell it, though, because for a moment I thought she was doing some sort of art on males.) It was nice to meet you, Pamela!
Love your tools and notions - fabo. I too am a tool lover and purchase anything I think I may need at any time in the future.
ReplyDeleteAs for process posts, I usually don't do them myself unless I am having a problem or don't think something is working. But I am huge believer of a writer being able to put whatever they want on their blog - it is after all - their blog. I love to put plans on mine (which I am sure other's don't like to see or do) but it helps me to track progress. And I loved seeing your different toggles.
Isn't it great when you meet other bloggers. Blogging is certainly something that brings us together and we get to know a little bit about another person on this planet - yeah!!
Process posts are interesting if you are making something interesting, which this is. I love the clips and your method of attaching them is perfect.
ReplyDeleteLove your tools, particularly that teeny hole punch. I may spring for that baby.
ReplyDeleteYou know my blog is a lot of process posts. It's just what I enjoy doing and it keeps me on my toes. I don't like to work on more than two projects at a time so I tend to stay focused on the project at hand and the blog really helps see me through it.
As far as reading, I like all sorts of blogs, particularly those that are written with a bit of humor, wit, and skill. Guess what? That's you, Madame Shams!
I enjoy process post as there is so much to learn... And I agree with Bunny.. Fun, witty and inspirational
ReplyDeleteI love process posts because they allow me to see what you were thinking while you were constructing the garment. However, I don't think of this as a process post so much as a technique post.
ReplyDeleteAnd you should blog by what serves your creative muse best. Personally, I like your from beginning to end posts because you touch upon the important parts, yet bring us quickly and concisely to the finished garment!
It's what makes your blog such a good read!
You are right, Carolyn, it is more of a technique post. I even tagged it that way. :)
DeleteI'm really looking forward to seeing the end result of this one--it looks like it will be interesting. Re: process posts--I like them when they are about an unusual technique, or a twist on a technique, or if they have a problem-solving aspect. And these are the types of process posts you usually blog!
ReplyDeleteWow, you did a fantastic job on those toggles! I would be embarrassed to tell you how many tools I own for so many different types of work...if it requires a tool (s), I'm on it. I'm like you in terms of process posts, but Carolyn is right, this is really a technique post and I LOVE those!
ReplyDeleteFrankly I'll read anything that helps me do new or better work.
ReplyDeleteLove the leather tools you have. I've only started using leather and I think I need more hole punching tools:))
Great closures and a hint of lovely fabric too! I'm always interested in technical posts, notions, tools, tutorials :) and always enjoy your posts. However, this is your blog, so any snippets are a privilege... thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the process posts. Sometimes I have a very clear idea of where I'm going and how I'm going to get there - but even then, it's still hard to stop in the middle of the creative process in order to document everything. Totally harshes my mellow. (LOL) I'm also a little scared to photograph while I'm making something, because I have the same approach as you - I very often change my mind mid-stream and it almost seems like I'm jinxing things to document the process. Either that, or I worry my readers will think I'm the most indecisive crafter ever.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes!
DeleteI've never worked with leather, so this is a terrifically informative post for me! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI like reading about new or different techniques or ideas. That and finding new pattern ideas are really why I read blogs. Blogging myself is not possible with my current time constraints but I seem to manage reading more than a few. That being said, I made a trip to the Bay area last month to have Lynda Maynard make me a pants pattern (as a result of reading Margy's blog) and while there enjoyed visiting a number of stores I wouldn't have known about without your posts. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI told Margy about Lynda Maynard (she had asked me if I knew anyone who could help her with pants fitting), so it's great how these things keep rippling out! Too bad we didn't have a chance to meet when you were in town, Nancy!
DeleteThe closures look fantastic. I have a friend who works with leather and says it soothes her to punch some holes, I need to try that!
ReplyDeleteLOL about the mail-male art!
ReplyDeleteShams.....great minds think alike! I was looking on the Web at some of Bonnie Cashin's coats last week and decided that was my next closure. I'm going to an old hardware store and poke around under dusty counters. They used to sell a lot of horse equipment...My other alternative is a trip to "The City" 'cause L.I. has nothing...Nancy Bailey
Why does this sound like deja vu? Meeting you, Fabrix, ship lots of fabric home from UPS, eat, buy Trippen's? You seem to have the same effect on everyone you meet. When you come to think about it, you are an expensive person to hang around with. if you weren't so cute and talented, women would lock up their wallets and run the opposite direction!
ReplyDeleteHehe, that's how I knew what a good idea it was! I enjoy watching other people shop!
DeleteI have a feeling that I'd better start saving up for some Trippens -- in case we ever meet in person! To answer your question, I read several blogs and enjoy each of them, for different reasons. I say, follow your heart and blog what and how and when you feel like it. Life has enough pressures and constraints, no need to add more. ;)
ReplyDeleteAs a new blogger who has created several tutorials, I have a MUCH greater appreciation for everyone who does them. It's really difficult (e.g., to remember to stop and take a photo), time consuming, and challenging to put it into words. I think I might start adding some photo-free posts.
Oh and I am pretty sure that I need that teeny-tiny hole punch. I have a set but none in the set are that small.
I enjoy all your posts. I believe I would read your blog if you posted a review of the telephone directory 8-). Seriously, I love all your posts, I learn something from most (if not all) of them.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you attached the toggle, brilliant idea and a really professional look. I would never have thought of it.
Those toggles are really interesting and the holes you punched look so uniform. I would be most interested in seeing other interesting things you feel like sharing about the coat project.
ReplyDeleteAs far as your question about process posts - I enjoy reading all kinds of posts. I am so dedicated to reading blogs now that I rarely bother with magazines anymore. Bunny said it very well!
These are really neat! I'd be tempted to give a project like this a try, seeing what you have done.
ReplyDeleteI would give a LOT to get my hands on hardware like this. They are stunning and even from the pictures I can see obviously good quality. Even that ball of pearl cotton is gorgeous :)
ReplyDeleteI don't mind process posts... but enjoy them more when they point out something that is interesting or a bit different (like this). How fabulous is meeting people through blogland? I've made some really fabulous new friends lately, and I think that before blogging I'd kinda forgotten what it's like to make new friends :)
Yes, it is great to meet kindred sewing spirits, eh? Love it when that happens! I only like process posts for myself when they resolve, with a garment to show at the end. This was a worthwhile read, though!
ReplyDelete