This is the process by which your custom made purse, clothing or other
accessory is constructed. From designing the pattern to the finishing
touches. Each step is carefully planned and taken to ensure your product
is perfect!
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Everything starts with a concept. It may be a picture, something I've seen
somewhere or even a dream!
The Mankei Neko was a custom order from a collector. She sent me a picture of
what she wanted.
The next step is to either find a pattern or draft one. I've been doing this for quite
some time and have many patterns I've drafted previously. In the case of the
Mankei Neko, I had to draft one from scratch. I enlarged the photo to the
finished size of the purse and drew the pattern (front and back) by tracing the
photograph.
I used a sequined fabric for the Mankei Neko, so throwing it in the washing
machine would not have been appropiate. I steamed the fabric with an iron (not
touching the sequined fabric) to get any bolt wrinkles and sizing out and to
preshrink the fabric. Laying out the pattern and cutting the fabric was next.
I added the embellishments while the fabric was still flat. If this was a garment,
any darts, pleats and tucks would have been sewn at this time.
The sequins and paint I added to the Mankei Neko were fortunately cooperative,
though time consuming.
Sewing the project is the next step and my favorite. This is where I feel I'm really
accomplishing something and can see the item taking shape. I guess I get into my
happy place when I am at the sewing machine or serger.
There is a specific order any project is sewn, but the Mankei Neko was easy to
sew (after putting in the zipper by hand) and came together rather quickly. In
much less time than all the prep work.
A few finishing touches, like buttons, other embellishments which could not be
applied flat and it's done! In the case of the Mankei Neko, two final gold spots
and black rings were added to the cat's sides. The velvet ribbon for the collar, the
gold cord for the shoulder strap and a couple of buttons to anchor the cord were
applied. More hand sewing! But, the Mankei Neko is finished and that is my
second favorite part of the whole process.
