lorimarsha

In the process of trying to rediscover my waistline, I’ve been looking at belts lately. I haven’t worn one on my waist for a looong time and thought maybe it was time to revisit the idea.

After shopping at a few stores and searching on-line, it hit me. I have leather scraps. I have a sewing machine. I could sew one. I hadn’t been down in the studio for a while so maybe it was time? I headed downstairs, opened my bin of leather and pulled out some brown and black pieces.

I measured my waist and decided I had enough scraps to make a brown and black reversible belt about 4 inches wide. Using the upper part of a black leather skirt I’d rescued from a thrift store, I removed the zipper and cut the base piece. It was the perfect place to start because the skirt already had slightly curved sides which created a good belt silhouette. I patched together a few scraps of brown leather (upholstery grade) for the reverse and sewed both sides together. I cut a slit on one side and stitched the opening, creating a large opening to slide one end into the other. I then cut and sewed the black and brown ties.

I spent about an hour cutting and sewing my belt and calculated my savings at about $80- the price of the belt I had most admired.

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I’m making cashmere scarves again. We’ve had such odd weather here in Southern California- ranging from the 50s to the 80s within a couple week’s time. Staying in touch via Facebook and Flickr reminds me that it’s still really cold in many parts of the world! This scarf pretty much epitomizes my love of the mix…in fashion, design, food…just about everything!

I designed this scarf from cashmere and cotton remnants salvaged from recycled sweaters. I love digging through my box of “stuff” and adding bits and pieces of silk applique, felted wool, etc.

Whenever I redesign a garment, I remove the labels. I’ve been saving them up for a while and wanted to make myself something with them. Today I used them to create a border on a vintage silk scarf. I have named it “Label Wh0re”.

I feel honored to have been chosen as the featured designer for Belle Armoire magazine. I received my copy in today’s mail and it should be in the stores shortly. It’s available in most Barnes & Noble bookstores. The article includes an interview by Rice Freeman-Zachary and eight page photo spread.

Spring/Summer 2008 (available at most Barnes & Noble bookstores)Rice Freeman Zachary and an eight page photo spread.