Scappoose Historical Society's Spring Tea

Well, you've seen the bags, so I thought you might enjoy some shots of the decor at the museum where the Tea is held.  This year's theme was--you guessed it--purses.  So everything from the tickets to the centerpieces to the rooms is decorated with purses and handbags.

The tickets were pink for one week and green for the other.  These lovely die-cut three dimensional paper creations were put together by ReAnna Sharp, the president of the Scappoose Historical Society and my mum.  (She's super artsy and was in charge of most of the decor and such for the Tea.)

The luncheon is held in an historic home that's over 100 years old.  You can see one of the tables set up--even the napkins were folded like purses!

The centerpieces were chocolates made in molds shaped like various purses.  Here you can see the coloring and lovely patterning on the pieces.  (There was oohing and aahing over these little gals.)

And a couple of shots of the decor throughout the museum.  The first shows an old fan and opera glasses with the purse--check out that bling!  The second was a beautiful black beaded handbag with a turquoise silk scarf and matching glass perfume bottle.

I wasn't able to stick around for food shots, but here is a shot from the kitchen where they were preparing to dish up the first course.

In all, its an elegant little event in the town of Scappoose, Oregon--and if you've ever been here, you'd know, there's not a lot of elegant to go around.  If nothing else, you learn to appreciate culture when you find it--and create some when you can't!

I hope you all enjoyed this Mother's Day with loved ones, and if you're ever passing through Scappoose, stop and tour the Watts House Pioneer Museum, you'll be glad you did.

Noriko Handbag

I finished two more handbags the other day for the drawing at the Scappoose Historical Society's Spring Tea.  For these two, while using the same fabrics as the one's using the Amy Butler pattern, were made with the Noriko Handbag pattern by Lazy Girl Designs.  I had the extra fabric leftover from the previous handbags so I only had to get buttons, ribbon and canvas. 

The only changes I made during construction were as follows:

1.  I color blocked the cover panels with two coordinating fabrics.

2.  Because I used quilting cotton, I also added a light weight canvas interlining (basted to the lining layer) for more body to each of the four sides.  I added this canvas to the handles as well.  The results were what I was hoping for--stability for a handbag with flexibility in the sides.

3.  I sewed the button onto the front cover layer prior to attaching the lining to the cover.  It just made more sense to sew it on at this point instead of trying to attach it by reaching into the inside of all layers.  I used a small piece of heavy interfacing behind the cover where the button was attached to help provide strength for the closure.

3.  I didn't add a tassel--it just didn't fit the fabric style.

Here's a look at the two finished handbags.

I love buttons (I know, it could probably be classified as a weird obsession) so I had fun finding the perfect ones to coordinate with each fabrics.  The black one has a flower design and raised dots (the sparkly parts) which I felt carried across the dots from the blue fabric and the flowers on the black/white fabric.  The other handbag has a lovely pinkish shade which matches the lighter pink on the floral print and I liked how the shape seemed to have an outer circle and an inner circle like the dots on the fabric used for the upper portion.  I used a black velvet ribbon on the one and a yellow satin ribbon for the other.

Here's a peek at the lining used for each.

I didn't have time before the tea to set these up to show the fullness and shape (okay, I 'fess, I finished these at around 2 am today, tea at 11 am).  So, here's a look at the sides as pressed to create the side creases.  You can see that these little gals will hold all the essentials at around 6" x 9" x 6".

I definitely can say this is a sweet little handbag pattern that you need in your collection--and hey, it's free, so why not print yourself one today and give it a whirl.  (I think in a silk or brocade this would make a lovely evening bag too!)

David Coffin Workshop: Spouse/Companion Attendance

Okay, I have had some recent questions about non-workshop attendance, so I thought I'd just put that info here for everyone.  For those who have a spouse/companion who would like to come along, but not attend the actual classes, it will cost an additional $158 to cover the cost of meals, etc.  (Children cannot attend as there will be no supervision for them or lifeguard present.)  Please understand, that you will not be able to interrupt classes or sit in on them, but there are lovely grounds to view and downtown Newberg is only 10 miles away--so you won't feel locked up!  :)

If this is an option you would like, please email me at whitedragonstudios@hotmail.com or call me at 503.543.2850 (home) or 503.734.0953 (cell) so that I can send you an invoice with the total for a workshop attendee and companion.

David Coffin Workshop Update

Great news!  The retreat center had an opening for the rest of the weekend and we are able to switch the dates of the Workshop to May 28th-30th.  This should be much more accommodating for those who were debating about work vs workshop.

Shannon Gifford--You will be missed!

It is sad news to tell.  The lovely and talented Shannon Gifford has passed away.  Her fight with cancer is over. 

Shannon was an extremely gifted individual who shared her talents and knowledge with all.  While I only had the privilege of knowing her through the online forum Pattern Review, I can honestly say that she was one of the most caring and helpful teachers that I have had.  Shannon had a way of helping you learn that never made you feel incompetent.  Her patience towards each person really made you feel as if you were the only student she had to work with---and she had so many.  For those who did not have the opportunity to take classes with Shannon, go to her website and get some back issues of her newsletter.  Hopefully, her class books will also become available and you will have the privilege of still learning from a great teacher.

May her family, friends and students all have peace in this time of loss.  And may her enthusiasm for all things sewing continue on in those that remain behind.

David Coffin Workshop:Tailored Trouser Techniques

Alright everyone--here's the information you've been waiting for!  You will want to sign up right away to secure your spot.  (Just use the Buy It Now button to the right for secure payment through PayPal.*)

TAILORED TROUSER TECHNIQUES WORKSHOP
Date:  May 28-30, 2010
Location:  Tilikum Retreat Center, Newberg, Oregon
Instructor:  David Coffin
Cost:  $310 per attendee

Join us for a hands-on two day workshop this May taught by the expert himself--David Coffin!  Beginning on Thursday morning, the class will open with a guided tour of the features and details of custom and high-end RTW (ready-to-wear) trousers for men and women from David's personal collection, as well as, using photos from his book, Making Trousers.  David will then demonstrate how to copy an existing pair of pants to create a basic pattern.  For the remainder of the workshop (Thursday and Friday), David will demonstrate and students will create a variety of samples using techniques and variations from the book.  We'll cover pockets, closures and the waistband, making several samples of each, exploring the full range of possibilities for each of these essential details, and pants patterns.  You need only bring a sewing machine, some standard all-poly thread (Gutermann or Mettler recommended) and your favorite trimming scissors.  If you'd like to, you can also bring along your favorite curved rulers, sewing tools, and cutting devices (rotary cutter or scissors) so that you do not have to wait to use those provided during the workshop.

Evenings and breaks can be spent enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Retreat Center including a lovely 15 acre lake and walking trails.  There will also be a campfire outside in the evening.  (Yes, the makings of smores will be provided!)

All sample materials and notions will be provided in a kit.  The cost of the kit is included in the workshop fee.  Also included are all meals (from lunch on Thursday through breakfast Saturday morning) and a room.  You do not need to spend the night, but as there was no cost difference in renting the facilities, we are making this option available for those who do not wish to commute each day.

If you haven't already purchased David's book, Making Trousers, you'll want to order one so that you can have it signed at the workshop!

If you have further questions, feel free to email me at whitedragonstudios (at) hotmail (dot) com.  Thanks.


*Your receipt from PayPal will say White Dragon Studios--don't worry, that is me.  White Dragon Studios is my photography/design studio.)

I'm Ba-ack!

Whew, who knew a sinus infection could create such an ordeal--yep, it became bronchitis.  Yuck.  But, I don't want to bore you with the details of sickness, none of which are pleasant.

However, the great news is that I've been cooresponding with a very talented individual--David Coffin.  He's the author of two must-have books:  Making Trousers and Shirtmaking.  He is going to be teaching a workshop here in Oregon this year!  I'm just ironing out details like the needed fabric kits and such right now.  Needless to say I'm very excited.  I'll be posting details and sign-ups here on my blog, but if you're interested let me know and I'll send an advanced notice to your email prior to posting the sign-up.

Now if this stupid cough would just go away...