Heavy Metal

One sure-fire way to make me squeal with delight is to take me to a store full of designer-worthy handbag hardware! Diva Phyllis, Diva Ann and I scoured the bins at Pacific Trimmings at 218 West 38th Street in Manhattan, not once but two days in a row! I LOVE their inventory and the owners and staff are nothing short of delightful! They also carry Riri zippers and will shorten or otherwise modify zippers while you wait. Phyllis had a separating zipper modified to a closed-bottom for a handbag.

Honestly, I thought I’d faint at the site of these gorgeous push locks – they are as nice as any you’d find on a pricey Marc Jacobs bag. If you go to NYC, this place is a must-see. Allow yourself plenty of time to browse. Their telephone number is (212) 279-9310.

The little silver rings in plastic bags are screw in grommets – they are a nice size for both handbags and garments.

Aren’t these the prettiest strap connectors and clips? You won’t find anything like this at the chain stores!

I also found this really interesting ruched organza insert. I’d like to try to use it around the neckline of a knit top.

Hot Patterns Cosmopolitan Dress

I know I’ve been promising to upload photos of my Cosmopolitan Dress for nearly two months and hear they are – finally! Honestly, I have to say that this is my very favorite new pattern of 2006. It is sophisticated, sexy, well drafted and quick and easy to sew. Without a doubt, it is the most flattering dress I have made in a looong time!

I literally whipped this up in a few hours on Thanksgiving day – just in time to wear to dinner! Because I was using a rayon/lycra knit (from Textile Studios) I made a straight 8 without any alterations except to the length.

The only other change I made was to the neckline. Instead of using the facings I opted for a quick-and-easy turned and stitched finish. I serged some lingerie elastic into the neckline and then used my blindstitch machine to secure it. I took the smallest bite possible with my needle for a neat, invisible finish that hugs my neckline.

On the pattern envelope, this dress looks like nothing more than a-line with a long belt. But, it has a beautiful inset waist and the long ties are sewn into the side seams – it is gorgeous!