Archive for August, 2007
New Fall Nesting Clutch Colors Tantalize
Sunday, August 19th, 2007
It’s still 90 degrees outside but I have been thinking about Fall for months, and though I am not putting out a Fall’07 Collection, (Busy preparing Nelle Holiday and my Spring 2008 collection), I decided that my Nesting Clutches needed an update to compliment the upcoming seasons color palette. There are 6 new colors and among my personal favorites are pewter and berry. All of the silk charmeuse Nesting Clutches are hand dyed, with each shade being unique to its dye bath. It is such a pleasure when a new dye surpasses my original expectations and turns into something stunning, and the silk charmeuse fabric takes the dye so well with its natural luster.
Stiching to Save a Dime
Friday, August 17th, 2007This weekend I went to Glamorama, one of the midwest’s hottest runway events. The show was very exciting and honestly quite a visual spectacle, the clothing was a grouping of Fall 2007 looks from the New York runways. It was a great night that got me thinking that I might take a shot sewing a stitch of clothing for myself in an effort to save as I dive head first into the Fall shopping season. My quest for unique patterns brought me to Etsy where I found some fabulous vintage patterns that I think with the right fabrics could be turned into some very “now” pieces. I am bit worried about taking on the task of sewing clothing so please if anyone has any tips or tricj=ks of the trade that they would like to share I am all ears
I adore the classic styles of these shirt dresses and think that with a heavy textured tight, ballet flats and a turtle these little dresses would be a fun statement piece to have in my wardrobe for Fall. Then I came across this vintage skating dress pattern and though I am not going to make this for myself I got excited due to my past skating history and thought what fun it would be to frame the drawings on the pattern sleeves to decorate the walls of my sewing room.
A Pleasure in Composition
Wednesday, August 8th, 2007
This past weekend I ended up at the Loring Park Art Fair in Minneapolis where I came across a stunning little bit of work by photographer, Robert Meyer. I have a small background in photography, it was a minor of mine in school, so I tend to get a bit excited when I see an image that’s composition is breathtaking. Robert wasn’t there but I had a chance to speak with his assistant Michelle about a few of the pieces and about the show circuit etc… She was quite helpful, as I was torn in particular between two images; one of 3 horses and one of a winter landscape. The winter landscape was what pulled me across the festival and into the booth so in the end I selected it, but I must say that I still am dwelling a bit over the composition of the horses, it was an absolutely stunning image. What I really appreciated about each of his pieces was their sense of scale and proportion to the subject matter. Included is a shot from the booth as well as a shot of the winter landscape that I brought home. Each morning I wake up and this little print is a perfect visual treat! Roberts’ work’s simplicity of form and it’s delicacy are such an inspiration.
MN Bride Spring Summer 07
Tuesday, August 7th, 2007I got a little shout out from MN Bride, a Tiger Oak Publication in their Spring/ Summer issue. Featured here is my Nesting Clutch in wheat. I would have to say that the Nesting Clutch is one of my favorites and was given its name due to the lemon quartz and freshwater pearl embellishment looking much like a birds nest. So fitting that it has had huge success with the brides as they will soon be “nesting”. These great little silk charmeuse clutches are $60 a pop and come in a variety of different colors, I have been known to do custom colors brides as they make great bridesmaids gifts. Have a peek at my custom color guidelines for more info and if you feel like picking one up they are available here on the site for order.
Nelle Wedding @ Clutch Boutique
Sunday, August 5th, 2007
Clutch is this fetch handbag boutique in Edina, MN located in the 50th and France shopping district. Lori Cheadle, the owner, does an excellent job stocking her shelves with a well edited selection, carrying quality brands such as Hayden Harnett. You can imagine my excitement now that Clutch will be carrying a collection of Nelle Wedding clutches! I will also be offering a custom color service for either the Bloom or Nesting Clutches for bridal party orders of 3 or more. Here are some shots of the collection currently gracing the shelves at Clutch.
Silk Dyes of all Kinds
Sunday, August 5th, 2007I have yet to find a resource that provides so many different dye options than Dharma Trading Company. They are my go to place when I am looking for colors to add to the Nelle palette. I have used their fiber reactive dyes in the past and just recently tried some of their non toxic jacquard dyes. To my surprise I was able to change my plain white silk charmuese to a beautiful pewter shade. Yummy! and so easy to use. I also get a lot of my fabrics here as well, the service is fast and friendly check it out they have everything.
Hello, Hello!
Saturday, August 4th, 2007Welcome to Nelle Handbag’s new blog and website. Here you will have a behind the scenes look at upcoming Nelle collections and the business of Nelle. I will also share great designer resources and books which have really helped me expand my skills and my business, daily musings, and other designers whose work influences my design. Hopefully, along the way, I can learn from my new readers as well, Here is to independent design!