At our ASG sewing meeting on Saturday, we had a woman who makes Rodeo Queen dresses give a presentation. All of them are made from a very soft leather that costs about $4 - $6 per square foot. 
She explained her process on fitting, sewing and embellishments. She glues all the rhinestones on by hand... and her sewing machine goes through about 3-4 needles per dress. You can imagine how tough leather can be!
Meri was home sick, so she missed out because I'm pretty sure she would have tried to get me to buy her one... Not that the woman had any to sell at the meeting, but I'm sure that would be Meri's someday prom dress!
I probably won't be making a dress out of leather, but was inspired to do more work with some of the leather and leather-like fragments I have in my stash. Maybe with purses or totes...
What I didn't realize about leather is that it comes in smallish pieces. No real yardage to speak of. The edges are much thinner and can stretch a little. Talk about a fussy cut...
Also you have to be careful because any hole you poke into the thing, stays put! Unless of course you have some leather patch materials in that funky red color...
I know I don't.
Anyway... It was very interesting to learn about a segment of Iowans that I'd never even dreamed of before.
I wonder what Rodeo Clowns wear now.
Hmm... an undiscovered niche!
5 comments:
You always leave me with a smile.
Those dresses are cool and I'll bet it was "sew" interesting to hear her presentation.
Leann
Breaking 3 or 4 needles a dress would drive me batty.
Yee-Haw! Love those dresses. :) I've always wanted to sew on leather. Hmmm...maybe a skirt for this Fall? I doubt I could afford the real stuff though. ;) Happy Wednesday!
Guess there is a market for anything. I mean look how much those little girl padgett dresses go for!
I wouldn't wear them but they are beautiful!!
Post a Comment