Fabric Collar - Do It!

This week's DIY post was by Santina Cessor, the talent behind the Threads, a blog about sewing and fashion. Santina only started sewing about a year ago, but she was a quick learner and started doing custom alterations on vintage clothes for friends and clients. I asked Santina to take some of the scrap fabric I've been collecting and make us something easy and useful. Keep reading for a step-by-step how-to of how to make a fabric collar. Santina chose to work with one of our vintage kanthas.

DIY Fabric Collar
by Santina Cessor

A simple accessory can update any outfit. You might pile on bracelets, earrings, necklaces or even a scarf, but have you thought about adding collar? Collars, Peter Pan collars in particular,  have been a fun fashion trend we've seen everywhere – high-end runway looks, ready-to-wear-fashion, DIY.

Creating your own collar is simple and can be completed with just a few tools.

Tools

• Cutting Board
• Scissors or Rotary Cutter
• Paper
• ½ Yard fabric
• Thread (matching or contrast)
• Ribbon

1. Create your collar pattern on paper similar to the one above. Be sure to measure your neck to confirm the curve is large enough. Click here for a free printable pattern by Sewing Like Mad.

2. Fold fabric in half and place pattern atop it along the fold. Then pin in place.

3. Carefully cut fabric along the pattern. Repeat step 2 & 3. You should end up with two pieces.

4.  Place pieces right side together and pin.

5. Set up your sewing machine for straight stitch, or thread your needle for hand stitching. You’ll need a standard foot and edge foot.

6. Sew along the curves end to end leaving a ¼” seam allowance. When finished turn fabric right side out and iron.

7. On the open end gather ¼” on each side and fold over towards each other, then pin in place. Sew along the edge with edge foot and leave 1”on each end.

8. Push ribbon into 1” opening then fold ¼” seams toward ribbon, pin together. Fold ribbon to the back and stitch together.

The nice thing about collars is that you can quickly change your look by switching out the ribbon. Change the color palette and slip in a hot pink or black ribbon. Add some texture by trying lace. Swap in a luxurious silk ribbon. Or pin it demurely with a jeweled brooch. The collar offers many, many different looks that can change just about any outfit.

Have fun trying out this new look and we'd love to see what YOU come up with. Also, in case you missed it, see our gift bag DIY with #fabricscraps right here.

Highs and Lows

Earlier this summer I was in NYC and did some comparative pricing, and with my trusty pocket Cannon elf took a few shots!  The particular store I stopped in is a favorite of mine, but frankly more for their marketing then their good value.  So I usually leave empty handed with a few ideas. Delightfully reminded that without brick and mortar I am able to keep my costs down and this translates to VERY competitive pricing from The Loaded Trunk.

Brand X from same dealer in Jaipur ($250.)

We are running a sale on our cotton kanthas from Jaipur in several gorgeous colors and all other Quilts and Coverlets, so take advantage of us as the sale will extend Through Friday the 13th!

the loaded trunk ($175. less 25%)

These soft and lightweight colorful Kantha are from Jaipur. All are hand-sewn with running stitches that vary in color and have a complementary solid color on the reverse side. The desert region of Rajasthan is filled with forts and is breathtaking yet monochromatic. It offers most of it's color through it's people.  They dress themselves, their animals and their rides with the color that seems to be missing in the landscape.

 Color of the Rajasthani landscape (photo by Ryan Jaco)

Colorful sari's(photo by Ryan Jaco)

Colorful footwear from Jodphur, Rajasthan-available at the loaded trunk (photo by Ryan Jaco)

Colorful friend of the desert (photo by Ryan Jaco)

Goods Carrier- typical truck (photo by Ryan Jaco)