Thrift shopping

I am the type of dresser who wears anything from designer clothes, high street buys to thrift shop finds.

I think true style isn't following any fashion trends but looking at those trends and making it truly your own by mixing it with a few unexpected pieces that signify your own personal style.

With this in mind, I had been told about a shop here in London called The Brick Lane Thrift Store, and had been meaning to visit to for ages. I happen to be working from home today and don't live a million miles away, so when I came to a natural break in my work, I decided to go and get some fresh air and take a trip there.

It was worth the visit. They have a really good stock of clothes and with alot of the pieces going for £10 ($15), you are certainly guaranteed not to break the bank.

Most of the dresses I wanted unfortunately were too big and I didn't love them enough to want to buy them and then alter them myself.

As I was about to leave, I spotted a huge display of scarves and after a little rummage came across this absolutely adorable silk printed scarf with doves on it. I couldn't resist as it was only £5 ($7). I intend to wear it over dresses, tshirts, knitwear and even as a headscarf in the summer!

Have a lovely evening. X

R.I.P Lee Alexander McQueen

I am still in shock.

I found out yesterday afternoon that Lee Alexander McQueen had committed suicide.

The fashion industry has certainly lost one of it's shining stars and regardless of whether you loved or hated his work, no one can argue that he was an enormously creative and talented designer, who wasn't afraid to push boundaries.

RIP Lee.

First Etsy Sale!!!!!

Just a quick entry to let you all know that I made my very first etsy sale on Sunday!!! (running around jumping and clapping)!! Yay to me!!!



It was for the cowl neck metallic knit scarf I wrote about a few months ago. You can see it here.

For the last few weeks I have been making some more things to put in my Etsy shop including the Blythe clothes I mentioned before. Hopefully I will post the pic's of them over the weekend or early next week.

Here's to many more Etsy sales!!!


Have a lovely evening
X

She's Arrived!!!!

How she came packaged

Out of the box

Cute accessories

The postman delivered a very special package today......yes, my Blythe doll has arrived!!!!

I was soooo excited, I actually woke up early in anticipation, sad but true!

She is absolutely lovely , which is quite fitting as her name is Lounging Lovely. At the moment I am thinking about what her name should be, but I have decided when I have made some clothes for her, I will see what name fits best.

I have taken some quick snaps of her and the additional things which she came with.

My hubby was not impressed by her, something I think I'll have to work on as I am thinking about my next Blythe doll already!!!!

I'm off to some fabrics shops to buy some additional fabrics and trims for my Blythe clothes.

Have a lovely Saturday. X

Entering "Blythe World"

I always have scraps of fabric left over from the various sewing projects I undertake.

Whilst having a conversation with one of my student placements in regards to this, she suggested that I could make doll's clothes if any of the fabrics were suitable - namely clothes for Blythe dolls. I have made doll clothes in the past, but it was a very, very long time ago.

Now, if you have never heard of Blythe, check out http://www.thisisblythe.com/, It explains everything about how Blythe started to present day.

Anyway, I personally have always wanted a Blythe doll or two.... or three and so took up the challenge.

I firstly had a rummage into my fabric archives and to no surprise found so many pieces of fabric that would be ideal for doll clothes. Pictured are some of the fabric and trimmings I found.

I haven't started making anything yet, I have been making patterns and getting my head around sewing in a slightly different way as well as handling smaller notions etc, but I must admit I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge. I will post pictures once I start making things.

On the Blythe doll front, I am waiting for my first doll to be delivered this weekend and again, will post pic's when she arrives - I cannot wait!!!!

Have a lovely evening. X

Knitted Cowl

The current weather in London has inspired me to take up my knitting needles and knit myself some new things.

I bought 2 balls of Como by Debbie Bliss, which is a superchunky weight, in a lovely pale blue/light grey colour a long while ago, but I was undecided in what I wanted to knit, so it was just left in a bag in my sewing room until now.

It is 90% merino wool and 10% cashmere and I have started knitted a very simple neckwarmer/cowl to keep me warm during this cold spell.

Have a lovely evening. X

Wedding Outfit 2

Here are the pictures for my second wedding commission.

The wedding is on Saturday and we are due to have more snow, so I know the wedding photo's will be really pretty.

I made an outfit for the Mother Of The Bride and I also made the Groom's waistcoat and cravats and ties for the page boys and escorts.

The mother Of The Bride outfit was designed by myself and the Mother. It is made in a really vivid lime green silk douppion. The jacket is shaped like a riding jacket with it longer on the back and shorter on the front. We decided to put the beading on the back at the vent although the obvious place to put it would have been on the lapels, I wanted to do something less obvious. The sleeves are a bell shape.

The dress has an empire line with a sash. the embellishment is on the ends of the sash and around the sleeves. The bottom half of the sleeves is made in chiffon. The shape of the dress is very fitted with the skirt section being almost like a hobble skirt - it looks really great on.

I was also asked to decorate the feathered hair band she will be wearing to incorporate the lime colourway as she wasn't keen on wear plain black with the outfit. (This is the last picture).

I used regular lime seed beads and Swarovski crystals squares for the embellishment which is featured around the dress sleeves, on the sash ends and on the back of the jacket.

The Groom's waistcoat is made in the same silk douppion but in violet with a lining of silver, covered marigold buttons and silver back buckle.

Let me know what you think.

Have a great evening. X