Wednesday, May 14, 2014

DIY VALENTINO ROCKSTUD LEATHER CLUTCH



Remember when I made the DIY leopard clutch in this post? Well, I'm back at it, this time with leather and studs. Valentino's clutch is available at Neiman Marcus retailing for $1,345 and is on back order. But mine is less than $15 and will be available as soon as I make it.
I purchased 1/2 yard of faux leather at Hobby Lobby for $5.99. Bought 200 12mm studs from largedepot on Ebay for $4.19 and the lining will be from a pair of silken pants that ripped.


I bought these "hard to find in the stores" 14 inch gold teeth zippers from ZipperShop on Etsy for $6.50. 


I cut (2) 14 x 9 1/2 inches of the leather and (2) 14 x 10 inches of the fabric.



Next, I used a ruler and penciled a mark every 1/2 inch for stud placement.


Then I just pushed down each stud, flipped it over and used small pliers to fold over the prongs.




I pinned the zipper to the leather and lining. When sewing, line the sewing foot close the zipper teeth.





Repeat on other side.


Flip it over and bunch up the lining, because it will be sewn apart from the leather.


 Pin and sew


After you're finished sewing, cut off the corners, because when you turn it right side out, the corners will be more defined.


Turn it right side out and pull out the lining. You can either hand sew this or on the machine. I used the machine.


Here's the finished product.

Adding a graphic lining adds a professional finished look.


Rockin' my clutch @ work!


Monday, May 5, 2014

THINK PINK!

I'm loving this hot pink color right now! This pop of color takes an outfit to the next level. So vibrant. So bright. I've been on the hunt for a skirt this color. I've gone to my usual thrift shops and my favorite store Target, but to no avail.  So, guess what? You already know, I'm gonna make one.


Rach from Pink Peonies

Priscilla from Prissysavvy

I stopped by my new favorite craft store, Hobby Lobby, and purchased a yard of this pink stretchy fabric, which was $9.99 a yard, but with 40% coupon, only $5.99.



I folded the material in half with the open sides facing me. I used an old pencil skirt as a pattern and cut about a 1 1/2 inch allowance for the seam. (note to self: cut fabric on the fold, so you only have one seam to sew)



As it turned out, I measured incorrectly and the panels were too small, so I cut a third panel and I sewed all three pieces together.



I sewed the last seam in the back. 


Next, I pinned and ironed the hem before sewing, so it will have a nice crisp line.




Added an elastic waist band.


A little tailor's secret, iron down your seams for a more smooth professional look.



Here's my finished product.





Not bad huh?