Kimono bag

Here's a little bag I made from a Japanese craft book. It's made from recycled kimono silk, the outside is hand-painted! I love the gold on it. It's lined with more silk, has a hand-stitched flower on the zip.

Spring Macaron

I made this Colette Patterns Macaron in December but couldn't really wear it until now. I didn't mean for it too look so similar to the pattern picture, but I happened to have the light blue cotton in my stash. As for the top part, it's actually silk from the inside of an old kimono, I assume hand-dyed. I love ombre! Anyway, it's a really nice pattern. I didn't make any changes to the pattern and am really happy with the way it turned out. It could possibly have done with a lining on the skirt but I didn't have anything at the time and it's not a deal breaker.

Close up of the silk

And in other news... SPRiNG!!!!

Hanami picnic in the plum forest

Colour wheel pencil roll

A pencil roll I made for a friend, using some leftover fabric. I'd seen this design around the internets somewhere but can't remember where. So no pattern, just sewed the coloured strips together, added the pouch and backing, and sewed it together. I actually recycled some fabric from an old trench coat for the backing, as well as the button/fastening bit.

New stuff!

Couple of new (but old) pieces in my Felt store. Check them out!

Shirt restyle

Cute "Jaeger of London" shirt I found out in South Dunedin. Got rid of all the excess ruffles to make a simple blouse.

first [proper] jacket

I mean, I've made a few before, but always quick and easy, nothing tailored. Totally love it - Burda magazine pattern 5/2009/102 (GREAT issue.. so many cute dresses). But I digress. I found both of the fabrics in a random op shop in Palmerston (South) aka the middle of nowhere, for $2. Score! I fused the navy with coat fusing (all pieces) to give it firmness as it was really light, then did extra interfacing on top. Pretty much used the pattern straight as it was, apart from taking in the princess seams a bit to give it a slimmer, more tailored look. So yeah, it was pretty straightforward. I used The Sewing Book by Alison Smith to give me a bit of help with the instructions for the collar, as per usual the Burda magazine instructions are rather brief. It was the first time I actually did all the “bits” – shoulder pads, sleeve caps, full lining; stoked that I know how to do it all now. I took a few weeks to slowly make this and it's turned out so much better than my usual quick furious sewing session! Photos courtesy the very talented Elizabeth Myra who just got a new lens and was keen to try it out in the beautiful lights of Wellington. Thanks Liz!

Finally, a picture!

Here's my dress at the Hokonuis.

Hokonui Dress

Here's my entry to the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards. It was originally a long, satin and brocade opera dress I was given. I used both sides of the fabric and shawl to make this woven bodice, striped drapey skirt dress. Love the colours! Didn't place anywhere but I think it's gorgeous, and can't wait to put it in a proper photo shoot, I think it will look way better.

Collaboration!

These were Jess's hairstyles for the Wella Trend Vision competition. I think the hair is AMAZING! And my outfits match the hair, I hope! My painty dress from a month or so ago makes an appearance with a [once massive] vintage blue wool coat that I reworked into a little bolero jacket, and shoes from Taylors. The other is a crazy midnight ballerina look! With a super intense black tulle skirt and satin asymetric top. And crazy hair, love it.

Pro-photos

These didn't scan as well as I'd hoped.. but they still look cool! This is the dress I made (from recycled circles of fabric) for the Nouveau Design Awards in January - it looks so much better on film than on the stage I reckon.
This last one is a beautiful dress I was given by Barb, I shouldn't really call it vintage coz she's not old! But it's from the 70s and so gorgeous - gold paisley. It had a few holes but I fixed them up and put a gold ruffle on the neck.. Goes well I think!

And it begins...

I'm using the fabric from an old opera dress to make an avant-garde evening dress.

Shirt makeover

I think we all know how I feel about checks/plaid. Can't get enough. I used this XL mens shirt and cut off the collar/arms and used them to lengthen it. Totally love it..

Nouveau Design Awards 2010

My entry, in the "Waste Not" section - made entirely from fabric scrap circles! No win, but it looked gorgeous so I can't complain. In the process of hunting down some professional photos...

Emma pants!

Pirate/harem pants for Emma... simple elasticated tie waist and gathered at the bottom into a band with a vintage buckle, adjustable. These happen to be made from a tablecloth from an opshop - the fabric is gorgeous none the less! Click on pic for bigger and better view.

Cutest dress ever!

Newest addition to my shop! Adorable reworked vintage dress with belt... love it!

In real life

Amanda modelling the gorgeous dress from below!

Frame makeover

I can never find frames I like, so I decided to do a little vintage makeover... I find it very soothing! Found this old frame (with glass) at Richmond Antiques and Curios (favourite antique shop).



It's pleasantly surprising what a bit of paint can do! I primed the frame, spraypainted it with a standard black paint, then got a piece of white mounting card for $4 at the local art suppliers and used a [very sharp] builder's craft knife to make nice little square windows in it. Then put my beautiful medium format graduation photos in (courtesy of Adrian) and there you have it! Nice little Saturday crafty job.

From the pattern archive...

Last weekend's find at an antique shop, vintage Simplicity patterns. I'm guessing 1950s cos there wasn't any date printed on the packets but the shape is pretty retro. I may need a bigger room for my pattern collection, it's getting a bit out of control!

On a blog roll

Here's a dress made from, pretty much, a muumuu. Inspired by this background by the Kingan Jones summer collection. Gorgeous colours and really pretty clothes. If anyone wants it, let me know. A bit baby doll for me!

Art Deco refurbish

I kinda have a thing for Art Deco - houses, furniture, art... but this tea trolley's salmon pink formica top had to go. I found this in an antique shop attic (there was no light!) in Dunedin in 2006 and had to have it. It now is matte black and a little more pleasing to the eye.