Stash Studios

Rock-N-Roll Roadtrip

School is nearly out for summer and I feel a Rock-N-Roll Roadtrip coming on.
Yes, this is the Amy Butler Weekender bag yet again with another Stash Studios twist. For more photos, visit Stash Studios at Flickr.

The bag is enhanced with a zipper pull that sports a hand-blown glass calaveras from the talented pyromaniac - Amy of Torch by Night. Belts have been recycled into handles for the bag and I couldn't resist the urge to color in one of the roses with a bit of embroidery floss. Next round I think I might embroidery a larger rose and possibly a vine of my own design cutting across the front of the bag.

What's inside your Weekender?

Mine has zebra stripe lining and I ripped strips of script fabric giving me rough raw edges then whip-stitched with red embroidery floss over inside seam to give it that been-there done-that look.

Thus ends my series on calaveras and creative skulls. Since we're ready for a road trip, watch for me to share some of my favorite Texas finds. Coming soon.

Hands-Down

Of all the books on my studio shelves, Alabama Stitch: Projects and Stories Celebrating Hand-Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery for Contemporary Sustainable Style has turned out to be my favorite sewing-related book, hands-down. From the philosophy to the no nonsense tool information, this is more than a book, it is nourishment. Natalie works largely in knits and specializes in breaking the boundaries of traditional appliqué.

If you are going to add this one to your library, then I must recommend that you order a personally signed copy straight from Natalie Chanin via her online store - Alabama Chanin.

Skirt It

This one is for the girls. Lest you all think I had abandoned my obsession with vintage textiles and good fashion, fear not.

Anthropologie has given us permission to wear skirts this spring and there is a style to fit every personality. Skirts are so simple to make and the styles I am seeing make this a super season to flaunt that favorite vintage textile or re-vise a dress into a skirt. Crazy easy. I did several such projects last summer. Refresh your memory here and here.

the ZZ Top

Originally published Monday, March 19, 2007.

There once was an old t-shirt that needed a makeover...and this is the story of its transformation.

ZZ Top was on fire last night as they closed out the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The arena lit up with fire and fireworks as they channeled a little Johnny Cash by doing Ring of Fire. Very cool show! Also cool was my newly pregnant friend, Sarah.

You see, Sarah knows ZZ Top and had a backstage pass. She wanted something special to wear.

My mission was to take an x-large ZZ Top t-shirt and make it into a sexy halter. I can never turn down a rock-n-roll project, so I cranked up ZZ Top and got busy.

First I had to get Betty pregnant. I did this with quilt batting and stuffing based on Sarah's measurements. Second, I did a little draping on the form for practice with an old t-shirt.

I chalked the halter lines and darts. I then decided to cut the halter shape from the front of the t-shirt. I cut to the sides of the t-shirt, leaving a full back in tact.

Based on the placement of the back graphic, I decided to flip the back of the t-shirt upside down and use the bottom hem as the top hem for the back of the halter. I chalked more lines on the back and pinned to the halter front.

I used a rhinestone buckle to gather the upper edge of the t-shirt and hide the point at which I attached the halter straps.

Finally, I split the back and edged with a black panne velvet. Sarah finished off the t-shirt by adding grommets to the velvet and a lace to give the halter a corset look. Then she made a shoulder bag out of the remaining t-shirt fabric with the "Expect No Quarter" text.

A good time was had by all.

So before you throw away that old concert t-shirt, think about taking it to a different shape.

This is a great beginner dress form project.

There would be no ZZ Top story if it wasn't for my friend Sarah who recently thumbed a ride up north with a moving van. The junk posse will really be missing you!

Cheers, Cheryl

Carry Me Ohio

Now we are ready for a Flea Market Road Trip! I didn't think I was going to enter the Amy Butler Sew Inspiring Contest. But then I was struck by a lightning bolt of inspiration. Here is the result....

For more pics and some explanation on materials and techniques, check out my Flickr. The bag is Amy's Weekender with handmade leather handles and ticking interior.

The title comes from the fact that Amy is based in Ohio and I am a big fan of Mark Kozelek and Sun Kil Moon. I find myself humming Carry Me Ohio from Ghosts of the Great Highway every time I see the bag.

Have a great week,
Cheryl