When I decided to make Bernadette the LSDS 1912 Music Carrier, I knew I wanted to use leather. What I didn’t know was how to transfer the complex design. This is what the pattern looked like:
I attempted several things. I drank a lot of coffee. Nothing was working.
In desperation, I decided to try the “old fashioned” way. I got out my tissue paper and traced the design. Then I pinned the tissue to my leather.
It did not look promising.
I have a vague memory of discussing this thing with Agnes Sura once. I don’t think I wasted any time in questioning her sanity. So I’m sure she’s watching from Heaven right now, and having a well deserved laugh at my expense.
Because Agnes was not insane.
The crazy tissue thing actually worked! It did not tear into smithereens at the first touch of my needle. It didn’t slip around. With a reasonable amount of care, I was able to stitch all the vines and outline the leaves. Then I removed the tissue and did the satin stitch on the leaves, and added the sequins and beads.
After attaching the little braid handles, I covered the inside layer with silk and tacked a piece of braid across the center to hold Bernadette’s music in place. (This wasn’t in the original pattern, but it seemed wise).
The last step was stitching braid along the side edges. I dreaded having to turn under the little ends. So when the moment finally arrived to do that scary thing, I admit to cheating just a little. I dipped each end in a mixture of white glue and water to help keep it from fraying (also something learned from Agnes) and let it dry. It wasn’t the perfect solution, but it helped a lot.
We all look forward to finding out what instrument Bernadette will choose. She’s keeping it a surprise. But the first thing she wants to learn to play should surprise no one. She used her allowance to buy sheet music for La Marseillaise:
To see all of Bernadette’s wardrobe so far, click HERE.
And to follow along with her back to school ensemble project, click HERE.