Sunday 30 September 2018

How to Replace Broken Buckle on Leather Belt




Finished view of belt.
Next dastardly mini task. This is a vintage belt with fine leather marquetry in scallop shape navy and white c. Late 1960s or early 1970s anybody? 
As you can see it is missing a buckle because it has rusted or disintegrated away or whatever. Reason for fixing this belt is that it’s leather and handmade in the first place. If I start unpicking old plastic/vinyl, it will just crack. 

You are probably thinking to yourself, why don't I just throw it away. I can't just throw it away because we are already living in a throw away culture, and I was brought up to always fix or repair or mend something at least once. If it cannot be mended then you have to throw it away.

1/ The first step is to unpick the entire area concerned to open up the buckle holding capsule.

2/ Buy a belt buckle that fits with the width of the belt. Yes you might actually have to spend money. But it won't be the cost of a new leather belt. I promise you this.

3/ Sew it on using the original holes to make it easier and not to impale yourself.

4/ Glue and clamp to make the new joint flat.

5/ Wa-lah! All done. 




Thursday 27 September 2018

1960s empire line Jackie Onassis Audrey Hepburn Wedding Dress

“It was 20 years ago today...” I wore my homemade wedding dress to London’s Westminster registry office. Hey yes thanks for asking, I did do my own makeup, of course! I was always mad about makeup. This 1960s Jackie Onassis Audrey Hepburn style dress took me 40 hours or so I wrote in my time sheet as I was so meticulous and thorough (THEN). The neckline was completely hand-embroidered with beads bought in #JohorBahru my home town with my mum. The fabric is ivory duchess satin and the polyester lining were from Singapore’s Chinatown. It is of course fully-lined, including the sleeves and to the full length of the hem, none of this cheating stuff. The most fun was handmaking the pretty bow which is perfectly shaped. I was size 12 then and I’m size 6 now, see photo of the back being clipped/clamped. How things have changed, right? #whatwouldguccido?#fixingshit #dressmaking #imakemyownclothes #sewing #sewcialists #customized #customizacao #DIY #homemade #vintage #sundayvibes#weekendproject #weddingdress #1960s #jackieonassis #fashtag #wiwt #whatimwearing

Friday 21 September 2018

Vintage 1960s style FRANCOISE Dress with French Darts

After about 600 years I finally finished making this #Francoise #dress from #Ikea curtain fabric. So called because of the #French #darts. Oui. Not the championships but one continuous dart from hip to bust each side. 
#whatwouldguccido? #fixingshit #dressmaking #imakemyownclothes #sewing #sewcialists #customized #customizacao #DIY #homemade #vintage #sundayvibes #weekendproject #francoisedress #peterpancollar #fashtag