127 Bow Ties Later……..

127 dandies strutted away with clip-on bow ties at last Thursday’s CRAFT BAR. To our pleasure, there were a plethora of first-time craftsters. This infamous collaboration between Britex Fabrics, The Museum and Craft and Folk Art, Bretts and Avery from Whippersnapped, and Etsy was a hotbed of mad stitchery, and there have been requests for a repeat performance. Can we say Guinness World Records for community bow tie making?

Back-Stitch & Whip-Stitch

Just in time for all you debonair craftsters, who are coming to bow tie Craft Bar this coming Thursday, here are clear instructions on how to make a simple back stitch from Janet at Stitch School! And to sew the bow tie center piece, here is a simple whip stitch from the folks at Holiday Crafts and Creations. Come on over and let The Museum of Craft and Folk Art, Britex Fabrics, Bretts, and Avery help you get your suave on!

Glamorous Golden Book Gown – Ryan

Ryan Novelline, a Boston-based alchemist, constructed this glamorous ball-gown from the pages and spines of that childhood favorite, Little Golden Books. This is fitting for the most discerning member of royalty; the billowing skirt consists of 22,000 square inches of fantasy and includes a train trailing in back. Here he documents the process from unboxing the volumes, to sewing them together with gilded thread, to modeling the evening dress.

Liberty of London Dress – Sadie

Sadie made this delicious springtime frock in one afternoon using Simplicity #2472, and from Liberty of London cotton lawn. She says, “Last year I treated myself for my 40th birthday with a trip to SF. I left my family alone for a long weekend and headed to your beautiful city. First on my list was a visit to Britex. I purchased the most beautiful Liberty fabric with a plan to make myself a simple spring dress. Well, I finally finished that dress! Here is a picture of it. Thank you for all the assistance in picking out the fabric. I love your store and can’t wait for my next visit! Maybe again this year for my 41st birthday.”

Gift Quilt – Melody

Melody, from Britex Fabrics’ 2nd floor, constructed this beautiful quilt as a gift for one of our much loved employees who is at home recovering from illness. Melody even industriously organized four floors of employees so that they could add personal messages. We are all hoping that we’ll see our sick co-worker bouncingly back at work soon!

Learn to Make a Bow Tie at Craft Bar – Thursday, April 7th

Join us on Thursday, April 7th from 6-8pm for a Craft Bar worthy of the most discerning dandy. We are excited to announce that MOCFA will be joining forces with Britex Fabrics to present a make your own Clip-on Bow Tie Workshop! Designed by local crafters, Bretts and Avery, this project will add style and joie de vivre to any outfit. And if bow ties aren’t you thing turn your accessory into a pin or hair clip! $5 admission includes materials, tips and tricks.

Don’t forget to take inspiration from the gallery and Museum gift-shop while you explore the creative process. Materials kindly provided by Britex Fabrics. A San Francisco landmark since 1952, Britex is a must-visit for designers, sewers, do-it-yourself-ers and anyone seeking creative inspiration. The four story, family-run shop contains beautiful quality fabrics and sewing accessories from around the world. Drinks provided by Trumer Pils. CRAFT BAR is an innovative Museum of Craft and Folk Art public program which connects the crafting community to the museum’s educational and curatorial mission by creating a vibrant and dynamic after-hours collective crafting environment. The love of making and the desire to socialize are brought together under the MOCFA artistic programming umbrella @ CRAFT BAR. Museum of Craft and Folk Art is located at 51 Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco, Ca 94103.

New Liberty of London is at Britex Fabrics!

Britex Fabric’s second floor is blooming with a new shipment of soft Liberty of London cotton lawn! Today my favorite is this one with grey and brown birch trees adorned with fantastical fleurs and paisley. As Nanki-Poo would say……
“The flowers that bloom in the spring, Tra la,
Breathe promise of merry sunshine —
As we merrily dance and we sing, Tra la,
We welcome the hope that they bring, Tra la,
Of a summer of roses and wine, Of a summer of roses and wine.
And that’s what we mean when we say that a thing
Is welcome as flowers that bloom in the spring. Tra la la la la, Tra la la la la,
The flowers that bloom in the spring.”
(From The Mikado and by the immortal Gilbert and Sullivan)

Tahitian Grey Mother of Pearl Button

Upon arriving home, I found white paw prints leading to two chagrined kitties lurking beneath the sleigh bed, both tails swishing dejectedly. In the spirit of Tom Kitten, they had spent the afternoon frolicking in the bread flour container, and were covered from ear-tip to tail-tip in white powder. All they’d need were curls and ringlets, and they’d be mistaken for unctuous French royalty. Gathering one limp cat under each arm, we had a bath time adventure, and were now snuggled in bed together. I am reading a kitty bedtime story to pacify them. They ‘re wearing newly washed and dried fur, and I’m wearing my turquoise blue peacock Liberty pajamas fastened with fancy-pants Tahitian grey mother of pearl shell buttons.
“Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer were a very notorious couple
of cats.
As knockabout clown, quick-change comedians, tight-rope
walkers and acrobats
They had extensive reputation. They made their home in
Victoria Grove–
That was merely their centre of operation, for they were
incurably given to rove.
They were very well know in Cornwall Gardens, in Launceston
Place and in Kensington Square–
They had really a little more reputation than a couple of
cats can very well bear.”
(From Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer by T.S. Eliot )

How to Construct a French Seam

Gertie from the blog Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing: A Modern Homage to Vogue’s New Book for Better Sewing (pub. 1952), has posted a fabulous tutorial on French seam construction. French seams are a classic method of seam finishing, making back of the item as attractive and neat as the front, and are an ideal finish for sheer fabrics. This is another bit of persnickety attention to detail that lends flair and beauty to hand-sewn garments!

How to Use Silk Organze as Underlining

It is bridal season! Sherry from the Auckland, New Zealand-based blog, pattern ~ scissors ~ cloth demonstrates how to use silk organza as underlining for a fitted cocktail or wedding gown bodice. She says that she uses it a lot in wedding gowns because it is lightweight, crisp, and is easy to cut, sew and press. Underlining adds body and stability to your shell fabric, and allows you to catch stitch hems and seam allowances invisibly. It is this kind of persnickety attention to detail that makes bespoke items fit with flair and beauty!