Dapper+Dash

 

Small Batch Manufacturing: Dapper + Dash

One of our small batch manufacturing clients is a new local business called Dapper + Dash. For them we cut, press, sew, label and deliver quality bow ties to spec.We've been working closely with the owner Aaron Kimberlain since November of 2011 to bring his product off the page and  into the built environment. He came to us with a detailed packet of his needs and expectations required to make his bow ties. He designed three styles of bow ties, each end shape dictates the tied volume and relative bow shape, Huckleberry, Dagwood, and Churchill. 

Aaron gathers long retired neckties and puts them back to work as the main material for his collection. From there we open each tie and begin the process of cutting and sewing them til they are ready to once again grace the collar of a dapper man. Also available is the option to take your current neck tie collection and have them revamped into bow ties. They are available online at Dapper + Dash , at a Frances on Central and Camelback and at The Mercantile on Central just south of Roosevelt.

Make It Be

 Custom | Small Batch

 

 Make it Be

One of the advantages to our sewing services is that we can take our rules and mold them to suit the needs of your project. One particular instance is our work with Make it Be purses. These lovely bags are hand knitted with delicious colors of yarn, felted, and then decorated with a knitted flower or brooch. Each bag is unique with ruffles or stripes, fun linings and handles.

Our side of the work comes in with the linings. We receive the knitted bag shell and fabrics with which to make a sewn lining with an interior pocket and a top closure. We measure each bag, cut linings and pockets, make handle attachment straps, create a zipper top panel with zipper stops to finish each end and then the whole assembly gets fitted and sewn into each knitted shell. Each lining gets a label too! Can't forget to sign your name to your product.

Though the process is the same every time each bag can vary in width and depth. We combine a standard method and a custom fit for each bag. Each bag looks uniform in execution for a consistent finished product but is tailored to allow for the various sizes of bags by design or by expected handmade differences.

We truly love that we can be a part of the finishing steps that make these beautiful bags become a staple accessory in a woman's daily life.


How can we apply this same custom small batch concept to your product line? If you have a product that you create that needs a sewn step consider our shop to bring polish to your line. We understand that handmade means variety in size and we can work with you and create a look that unifies your items for branding stability. Whether you make hats, purses, need someone to sew finishing step or cutting contact us today to see how we can bring your products to the next level.

shop Make it Be

Custom| Slip

Custom: Half Slip

 


One task we at Creatable Lady find most difficult is clothing shopping specifically when you are looking for one particular item. it seems then if you do happen upon something that might pass for the intended garment it still might have fit issues or design elements that you weren't looking for. You buy it with hesitance and it sits at the back of your closet till you see it again and wonder, Why did I buy that?

The worst shoppers remorse is any kind of lingerie or under garment mainly because any piece is a real investment. Buying a bra or fitting garment that you aren't in love with is jurried, for us at leas, by that price tag. 

If you have ventured out lately to find any type of classy undergarments whether for yourself or for a gift you know how  tiring it can be to sift through piles of string-a-ling undies, crazy patterns or on the other extreme, the Grandma beige full coverage collection. Granted, every leopard print demi cup bra and high-waisted brief have their time and place but where do you look to find a classic silhouette?

This classic half slip was a custom item commissioned by a husband as a gift for his wife. He came to us after ordering one online that didn't meet his expectations in quality. He specifically wanted nylon tricot [tree-coh] material which is what slips were typically made from but now are available in all kinds of blends. Nylon tricot is great for a slip because of it's natural non-static, wrinkle resistance and non-snag qualities; perfect for a slip. Tricot is a knit and one of very few fabrics that is easier to work with if it is not laundered first. It keeps its shape and shine through washings and is very comfortable to wear.

We ordered this lovely red nylon tricot from an online source that specializes in fabrics, hardware and trims for lingerie building. Sometimes shopping for supplies via the internet sight unseen can be a little nerve wracking but they were able to help us also get a beautiful matching 4" lace for the trim and a sweet picot [pee-coh] elastic trim for the waist. We created side vents from the hem up the side seam for ease of motion while wearing the slip. 


Upon receiving this slip the husband was so excited. He couldn't wait to get it home to wrap it for his wife. His enthusiasm was endearing.  We can't wait for our next venture into the world of undergarments!...

Custom | Burlap

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Custom Work:

Ring Bearers Pillow and Flower Girl Basket

 

Weddings have become a time when the bride and groom showcase their design aesthetic with non traditional locations, events and accessories. Brides choose colored dresses that more suit their personalities. Grooms trade in a traditional tuxedo for a tasteful linen suit.

In this case satin is traded in for burlap. This flower girl basket and ring bearers pillow were custom made to bring an earthy, romantic tone that is rich in texture. Vintage and new lace trims, hand cut wool flowers and leaves soften the burlap as it folds into the basket and around the form of the rectangular pillow.

The materials lend a characteristic of handmade comfort that allows the couple to keep the pillow around their decor, perhaps on the bench at the front door.  We hope that in their comings and goings they can see this pillow sitting quietly and be reminded of their friends and loved ones who came together to celebrate them on a special day in their relationship.

Bridal | Melissa

 Bridal Alterations:

Melissa

The best brides to work with are the ones who are ridiculously happy to be marrying their best friend. Melissa was so happy to marry her best friend that she would do it any time anywhere wearing anything, truly in love. She chose a simple and very elegant dress and brought it to us for a little modesty decoration and a non traditional bustle.




We fitted a gathered portion of romantic lace at the v of the neck to give a touch of time to this new dress and to provide a little more coverage for comfort.



The lace was inserted carefully by hand with the full width at the lowest point and gently tapering off towards the shoulders.





To bring a little something special to her dress we also did her bustle. For most weddings the dress spends more time being worn in a bustle than down so when it's bustled it needs to be strongly rigged, completely off the floor for easy movement and to keep it clean. It also needs to go with the style of the dress and be pretty. Some times the traditional three point bustle offered at bridal stores just isn't special enough for certain styles of dress or personalities of brides.

We did a one point side swept bustle that brought the whole train up from the center back to the soft folds on the left hip. The rigging was tucked under the folds for an invisible connection. The bustling created similar coordinating soft folds that really connected the whole dress. 

Small modifications like this help to turn a wedding dress into your own and show off  bit of your personality. This is especially helpful when you've been sorting through racks of characterless dresses on your hunt for the perfect dress for your special day.

Now you can bring a fresh eye with you and every dress has openings...we can add lace, colored or white beads, sequins, a special bustle something to set your dress apart from the rest.

We just had to show this last photo! There are so many things to do with your wedding dress after you are done with it and though you can donate it, turn it into doll dresses for your kids or have it turned into a wall hanging instead of having it collect dust in your closet we still think it is so romantically gutsy to rock the frock and Trash the Dress. So inspiring!

What We Do

It's about time we get grown up and write a blog. Creatable Lady Sewing Design is a sewing setup designed to meet the needs of those searching for knowledge in a way that just doesn't seem to be present in Phoenix, Az yet. We are looking forward to offering personal services that you can't find at your local alterations shop, though we also offer alterations services.

Do you know where to go when you have an invention that needs sewn? Google it? Now there is a service where you can sit down with a real person and discuss your needs, be heard and develop a physical item for yourself or for production.

Do you want to learn something sewing related that they just don't cover at big box craft store lesson? We thought so. We are curious like you! We can show you how to create patterns, insert zippers...anything that feels out of your reach.

It's exciting, right? We think so! We are happy to bring the sewing manufacturing process out into the light and bring transparency to the world of custom creations.