Tomorrow afternoon, I head out to Italy for 10 days. I'm going to Venice for three days by myself (I'm really excited about this AND a little nervous) and then I will meet up with people in Tuscany, where a friend of mine is renting a villa. It's all good.
I usually make myself a new purse when I'm going on a trip. This time, I made my travel purse last July before goining to ArtUnraveled in Phoenix. I made it with both trips in mind. It's currently stuffed with things for going to Italy.
I also have made my self a duster/jacket to take on the trip (there may be some cool evenings in Venice or in the Tuscan countryside). I have long wanted to try my hand at altering clothers, inspired by Lorri Scott and the beautiful work she does. This is my first attempt and I ran into a lot of problems ( I am "sew" NOT a seamstress); but I am inordinately pleased with my results.
I started out with a white cotten dress.
I decided to dye it red (not a surprise to those who know me); and, while I was at it, I threw a vintage lace doily into the pot along with the dress. I also threw in some lace, but it was rayon and didn't take the color. The dress and the doily took the color beautifully.
I cut the dress down the front to start turning it into a duster/jacket.
Oops, I forgot that the hot dye bath would make the cotton dress shrink. I had to put a panel in the back to get the dress back to being big enough for me.
I sewed the lace doiley on the back to soften the lines of the panel.
Obviously, my duster needs sleeves.
At 10 p.m. this evening I finished my duster.
I jazzed up the pockets and added a polymer button (I have an abundant supply of these) to fasten the top. I also added two panels (one lace and one fabric) to the front).
You can see where I had to add a gusset to the back panel ( this whole project has been a big lesson on garment construction)
Left side sleeve and matching pocket.
Left side - do you recognize the heart on the sleeve? It's from my component parts post. I decided that having the courage (which is what the word on the heart is) to wear my first altered garment is literally wearing my heart on my sleeve.
Now it's time to work on packing and to make a list of all the things I've forgotten to do. I'm going to try to blog on my iPad while I'm in Italy, so you'll be hearing from me (I pre-posted my inchie for Monday, so that should definitely show up).
Love your duster! You will feel fabulous in it.
Posted by: Andrea Stork | September 21, 2011 at 09:37 AM
Hope your having a wonderful trip. Your outfit rocks!
Posted by: kathy mcelroy | September 18, 2011 at 01:37 PM
Oh, this is fabulous Joanne!!!! I'm a bit behind on my blog reading :) I hope that you're having a wonderful time in Italy!
Posted by: Martha brown | September 17, 2011 at 09:23 AM
What an amazing project!! I love how you transformed a plain white dress into something so bright and fun and original - you are SO creative!! The "heart on your sleeve" is ingenious!! And of course your purse is gorgeous! Yay for you to be so independent and take a few days all to yourself! I look forward to all of your posts! Have a ball!
Posted by: Jackie Smith | September 16, 2011 at 11:44 PM
Joanne! This is fantastic! LOVE your duster! What a fun journey you are on too! Wish I was with you!
Posted by: angie platten | September 16, 2011 at 11:14 PM
Joanne, Lovely work as always. I'm impressed you had the courage to make an altered dress right before you leave for a trip- sounds like you are like me and thrive on time crunches to get your creative juices flowing.
You like to Dye? I need help with dying velvet for a project. Do you think you can help? When you get back of course. Enjoy the trip!
Posted by: Danee Kaplan | September 16, 2011 at 03:01 PM
Jo, This is stunning! I want to see photos of yo using it in Italy. Bon Voyage, my dear friend! xoxo
Posted by: Fran | September 15, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Honestly, you are so amazing, so multi-talented that I gasp! I love your purse and duster -- both are terrific! So creative! Have a glorious time -- I know you will!
Posted by: jeanie | September 14, 2011 at 08:58 PM
Love the duster! It's got a festive air which suits you perfectly. Have fun...and Bon Voyage!
Posted by: Jill O | September 14, 2011 at 08:46 PM
It certainly IS all good!! Purse and dress are just fabulouso... safe and happy travels dear friend! xo Deb
Posted by: deb | September 14, 2011 at 07:36 PM
-you will be the fasionista of Italy!
Seriously-beautiful work and can't wait to see your photos in your dresses touring everywhere! Have a fabulous time. ~Lou
Posted by: loumcculloch | September 14, 2011 at 04:32 PM
The coat is terrific.... it's very you....terrific.
cioa
Posted by: Cathwren | September 14, 2011 at 12:52 PM
Well, well...aren't you the cat's meow?? What an awesome job! I love it! I'll raise a toast to you tonight with my vino. Have a great trip!
Posted by: carol sloan | September 14, 2011 at 12:48 PM
Your talents and creativity never cease to amaze me. And I think that Connie is wrong ... if you didn't have other - better - plans, you'd have knocked out at LEAST a dozen of these! ;-) Love that bag too.
Posted by: jan | September 14, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Joanne it is brilliant!! I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! Altered clothes are so fun to create and i am hoping this will be the first of many to come from you! Have fun on your trip and take lots of pictures...it may be years yet before i get the chance to travel to Europe...so i must live vicariously through my friends! ciao!
Posted by: Angela Hofffmann | September 14, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Wow, I am so impressed by your creations. That duster is awesome and I love that the shrinking caused more creativity! Looking forward to seeing your Itailian photos!
Ciao!
Posted by: Kris | September 14, 2011 at 10:37 AM
Love your purse & that altered duster....OMG...it is totally gorgeous, if I hadn't seen your photo steps, it would be hard to believe it started as a white dress :)
Have an awesome vacation, can't wait to see your pix!
Posted by: Cat Dodt-Ellis | September 14, 2011 at 10:37 AM
Omg! It's amazing what you did with a plain white dress! Fabulous!! Has so much fun in Italy!
Ox
Posted by: Maija lepore | September 14, 2011 at 09:39 AM
The purse & jacket turned out wonderful!!! HAVE FUN!
Posted by: Brittney | September 14, 2011 at 08:19 AM
Have an amazing trip! I can't wait to see what you create with all the photos I know you will take. Both projects above are lovely!
Posted by: Rhea | September 14, 2011 at 07:36 AM
Joanne!!! I am speechless! You are truly one amazing woman!! I love your duster and I think you are sooo brave to tackle making one!1 It turned out simply FAB!!! Love the colors, the fABRIC, THE LACE, AND THE BOTTON!! Have a grand time and Italy and I'll look forward to your posts!!
hugs, Andi
Posted by: Andi | September 14, 2011 at 05:31 AM
Ohhh that is gorgeous! Yes, you are quite a phenomenal seamstress! I bet if you weren't on you way to italy you'd have whipped out 10 of them....lol...have a marvelous time in italy.....
Posted by: Connie | September 14, 2011 at 01:16 AM
Impressive! You did a fantastic job. Have a wonderful and safe trip.
Posted by: Vicki | September 14, 2011 at 12:13 AM
The duster is fantastic and will be great with your bag. Have a marvelous time!
Posted by: Last minute lynn | September 14, 2011 at 12:05 AM
Wow Joanne, it's amazing and b
Posted by: Wow Joanne, it's amazing and absolutly beautiful. If you have time om your travelplans you should go visit Cavallino while om Venice. It's just across the inlet. | September 13, 2011 at 11:56 PM
What a cool jacket! It turned out just great.
Have a fab time in Italy!
Posted by: Marie | September 13, 2011 at 11:44 PM
Yesterday, I went out and bought extra cards for the two cameras Im taking (my point and shoot and my SLR).
hugs,
Joanne
come visit my blog,
http://joannethiemehuffman.typepad.com/
come shop at my web site,
http://jthcreations.com
Posted by: Joanne Huffman | September 13, 2011 at 11:41 PM
Have a fun time in Italy. I know I don't have to ask you to take lots of pictures to share because I know you'll do so. Travel safely.
Posted by: Judy Streger | September 13, 2011 at 11:34 PM
Oh have a wonderful trip! You'll look smashing in Italy with your new duds! Wish I could hide in your suitcase and join you! LOL!
Posted by: Di ;) | September 13, 2011 at 11:29 PM