lined ultra suede belt

only took 6 years, and a half an hour to make.

remember blueprint magazine? it was a martha stewart publication that closed down (before my subscription was up!) back in 2006, there was an article with patterns for no sew belts. i bought some ultra suede, but it frayed and clearly needed to be lined. after cutting out the pattern-from suede and silk lining- i put it away to get lost until yesterday afternoon. that's when i found the cut pieces of materials, and the instructions/pattern. perfect timing- i'm taking the rhoda morgenstern dress for a spin at a wedding this weekend, and after trying it on again, i'm convinced that it needs this belt.

• blueprint's pattern (found here), enlarged and cut out
• 1/8yd ultra suede
• 1/8yd lining fabric (this material will show when the belt is in a bow)

• after printing and enlarging the blueprint pattern, add a 1/4" seam allowance to the top and bottom. i wasn't crazy about the rounded edge on the ties, so i cut them off at a right angle.
• pin outside and lining right sides together. sew 1/4" in from the edge all the way around, leaving a 4" opening on one of the ties. trim the seam allowance, and clip the corners off.
• press the seam open, and then turn the whole thing right side out. press again on the lining side. hand stitch the opening closed.

i don't remember if i followed the correct length for the ties when i started this in 2006. if i was to remake it, i'd increase the length so it can tie in front. other than that, not bad for a half hour of work.