Well I am finishing off my Spring Challenge projects... not got to make all of the items but least I still have a plan to follow. I have been wearing my linen navy maxi skirt and I love it, it swishes so well and in the Australian sun it provides some shade for my pins (yes it is autumn here, but still hitting a sunny 33, phew). Will post pictures soon of all my finished items.


In the meantime the simple lovely-ness of ric rac roses. They are so cute. I was brought to the attention of these lovelies while browsing Wardrobe Refashion blog, which lead me to twobutterflies blog and I saw this lovely image.


So lovely, I am sure that you would want it... well pop over to twobutterflies blog before the 31st of March and leave a comment to be in for winning this ric rac rose necklace. Sweet.

If you want to attempt some ric rac roses yourself I looked for some links. On Pintangle there are instructions for two types of roses, and the link that twobutterflies links too Nostalgic Needle Art. If you want your rose to have a flat bottom Crafty Pod worked it out by ripping it up, ah yea!

I see a ric rac rosey future.

In finishing check out this super duper video from Swonderful in Wellington, NZ.


Papercup - Alphaville - Winter 2011 from Micah Sargisson on Vimeo.


xx

Colette Spring Challenge: In Progress

Hiya.

Well I have been trucking along with my pieces for the Colette Spring Challenge. There are a few items that have changed. I have not made the long linen bias skirt from the new look pattern. Instead I made it from the  1970's pattern I found at the op-shop for 50c. I made the long skirt on the right. Easy peasy.

Don't they look happy, maybe its because they are wearing fashionable clog shoes, ha ha.

Below is the nearly finished article, just got to hem the mammoth hem and put in a hook and eye...
and an iron.

Then I did a toile of the vintage 1970s blouse pattern in a fabric that I have had in my stash for ages, it fitted really well! So it is a wearable toile, yes! Just going to tone down the puff on the sleeve cap a wee bit.

The purple skirt is finished. I have made this skirt before so it was easy to get it together quick smart. I used a wonderful breathable purple linen.

I really love the patten for the godet skirt, it swooshes wonderfully. Whooooooooo!

So now for some hemming, hook and eyeing and erm more sewing of godet skirt.

The wrap skirt I wanted to make may be cast aside. I am trying to stash bust with this challenge and the material I wanted to use is not enough. 

Just wanted to say to any New Zealand readers that my thoughts go out to you at this time, such a terrible time for those involved in the earthquake. Hope you and your loved ones are safe.

xx

Colette Spring Challenge: The Patterns

I looked at my inspiration board and then at my wardrobe. What I really need is casual separates. So then I raided my patterns and fabric stash, as I don't really want to buy an thing for this challenge.

New Look patterns are quite cheap and on the up side I never really have to make many changes to the patterns so I have quite a few of them. I am going to make the t'shirts from some fine cotton knit that I have, stitch them with cotton thread and then dye them. The shorts are going to be made from a cotton sweat knit that I already have in the dusky pink colour.

The faux warp skirt is from a lovely slinky poly fabric in the coral peach. The vintage blouse is going to be from white cotton Swiss dot fabric. The godet skirt is going to be made with the material in the swatch, which is silk.

Both the skater and long bias skirt will be made in a cotton/linen blend, which I do have in navy. i have a purple colour but it is a bit dull so I will dye it a deeper purple.

Right better get cutting out... think I will make the godet skirt first :)

xx

Spring Palette Challenge

I have decided to take up the Colette Spring Pattern Challenge . The idea is to collect inspirations, fabric and patterns and make these into clothes or accessories by March. I am a little behind but here is my design board and colour palette.

My main inspiration is from some images I took when I was in Scotland this year, I love the contrast between the white of the snow and the amazing pastels in the sky (main background picture).

I also went to see the Ballet Russes exhibition at the V&A while in London, it was incredible and I loved the detailing one costume in particular (second image from bottom right). Even the garments in the poster were very sweet (second image from top left).

Out of my Japanese fashion books I loved this Suffolk puff headband (top right) and cowl neck drop waisted dress (second image from bottom left). I also love the detailing on the red drop waisted dress (bottom right image).

I think Michelle Williams has great style and I have had this skirt in my fashion folder for a while now ( middle image bottom).

The floating images of the two tops in the upper left are techniques I would love to try. Beading and ribbon detailing. On the sleeves of the bow blouse the stripes are made by making thin tubes of the main blouse material and then sewing it on to the plain sleeve fabric.

Lastly the vintage Dior Cloche, love the colours and feather detailing. Want to make a hat as an accessory within this challenge.

Right, now I am going to get on a select fabrics and patterns!

xx

Knitting, snow and Lomography dreaming

Hello. Well I have returned back, to Brisbane, from my trip home to Scotland. You may know, or not, that floods of an epic scale have hit Queensland over the last week. Fortunately we live on a hill out of the reach of the muddy water. Of course others are not as fortunate and now the big job of cleaning up begins.

When I was in Scotland there was big disruptions with serve cold weather and snow. So from one end of the scale to the other. I did really enjoy my trip home, seeing family and friends was great. I mostly just hung out with my parents. It must be in my blood to enjoy wrapping up warm and walking about in the cold!

One of the only semi- reliable and safer ways of getting around was by train. So took my knitting needles out of my case and got on with my cardi while the winter landscape went flying past. I am quite new to knitting and its a slow process. I also worked out that I have been adding extra rows on, duh. My Nana assures me that once you have knitted your first garment that you get faster.

I got heaps of lovely presents, mostly costumes pattern books. But on thing I did get was a Lomograpghy Diana camera. You can see it in the picture above. I have taken some photos with it, but they still have to be developed. You may remember my post when I day dreamed of having one... well I do now and it is aptly named   'Dreamer'. Plus the fact that it is sherbet mint is very agreeable.

xx

Modern knits with a vintage look

Hello, Some of you will be in 2011 already, I have still got 12 hours to go as I am back home in Scotland! I arrived early December and have been having a jolly good time with my family and friends.

Not much sewing has been done, but I have made some fabric place mats and coasters with my Mum, as she is an amazing quilter. One other thing that I have been doing is knitting. I purchased the Paton's pattern book because I like the vintage feel of the finished items. I really liked the one below.

But its way pasted my current knitting skills! So instead I am knitting the second one from the left on the top row instead (in the same colour as the one above).

I do have expert guidance while I am at home as my Nana was an outstanding knitter. In fact I am taking home the Shetland Lace shawl she knitted for me when I was born back with me to Australia.

Nana approved of my knitting a said that I was a fine firm knitter. Because she can't see that well anymore, she is 89, she is giving me all her knitting paraphernalia, including what will be vintage patterns. I am going up today to sort them out with her.

I have only knitted about 10 inches of the back pattern... will show you when I achieve more.

Well have a great start to 2011. I think its going to be a good one.

xx