Thursday 27 February 2014

Spring cleaning, in Autumn...

We are constantly moving things around in the shop. It keeps it interesting, for us and you!
Today's task: to re home our ever growing collection of hand dyed flowers.

We like to keep things colour themed, have you noticed?





Wall of pretties.


Vintage bits and bobs


Some of our vintage handbag collection


More vintage goodies


Trims trims trims!


Vintage sylco rolls, stacked up in vintage glass jars.

Why not pop in for a look see??

Julia x

Tribal tribute

New tribal inspired jewelry range has landed in store just in time for an autumn wardrobe update!
Lots of the pieces have a textile element such as thread wrapped beads, making them the perfect accompaniment for a hand made outfit.
 Beautiful jewel colours, ideal for a pop of colour in winter.


Stunning silver pieces


Combined with these gorgeous new hand made wool felt flowers, winter perfect!


Bring on the cooler weather, any excuse for a new wardrobe!

Julia x




Wednesday 26 February 2014

What I wore

I can't take the credit for the construction of this dress.... i had it made in Thailand on my recent honeymoon. The tailor was a lovely Indian man with a lot of knowledge, not just of dressmaking, but of life and world events in general.
I've had this fabric sitting on a shelf in my sewing room for a while now. It's been one of those pieces I love so much I was reluctant to cut in to, so I thought I'd put it in someone else hands. And I'm really happy with how it came out!
 This is the pattern I supplied the dressmaker with (I'm not certain they actually opened the pattern tho!)
You can purchase it here:
 http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1344-products-44838.php?page_id=1113&search_control=display&list=search

I'll re make this pattern for sure, I love it!

Happy sewing.
Julia xx



Tuesday 18 February 2014

Cheap to chic

We are seeing a huge trend in store for revamping tired garments. Be it something you've had for ages and never really liked, or a new $3 tshirt from Kmart that needs a bit of jazzing up, there's a trim to suit every project.
A great example of how easily you can turn something from cheap to chic is this singlet top

It was $3 from Kmart and I added a $5 motif, it's now my new favorite weekend top, wear with jeans and a floaty kaftan jacket and a pair of leather sandals.....perfect!



Another great example is this little girls dress, $15 from big W, add less than $10 worth of trim and take it from cheap to chic.




You can check out our Facebook page for more great cheap to chic transformations. Be sure to ask our friendly creative staff in store for help with your next transformation.
Happy sewing.
Julia

Leopard print love





Love it or hate it (and I'm a lover by the way) leopard print is here to stay! 
Like nautical for summer or tailored black for winter, leopard print makes an appearance every year. Unlike other trends it crosses the seasons and can be worn all year round. Don't get me wrong, I don't love ALL leopard print, it has to be done right. For starters choose a good quality fabric such as silk or beautiful cotton. This helps to add class as it can easily look cheap if done wrong. Secondly, be careful with your design. Don't go to short or too plunging at the neckline, keep it stylish and classy.


Love this look!

One of our customers shared a beautiful leopard print jacket she made with us this week.
.


The detail in this garment is exceptional. Hand pleated edge work and braid detail, fully lined and beautifully cut with a swing back. Made in our leopard print silk dupion. All these things combined make this a classic statement piece.


A little more inspiration for you......


I'll be adding a little more leopard print to my wardrobe this season, will you? 



Happy sewing.
Julia x

Shabby Annies by Paula Wagner

Shabby Annies by Paula Wagner
I’ve had a long and intense relationship with craft, exploring lots of different modes and experimenting with any little bits and pieces I can get my hands on to appease my bower bird tendencies (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). 

My addictive journey has led me to the exciting business of designing and making shabby chic and vintage inspired dolls - Shabby Annies. I feel lucky that I’m able to bring joy and happiness to women of all ages with my little Annies, a little piece of my heart goes out in all of them. I am always on the lookout for high quality fabric, trim, wool and embellishments to make them just right.

I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the couture boxes from Pitt Trading.  They are co-ordinated so all I need to do when it’s time to dress a Shabby Annie Art Doll is pick a colour and go for it.
The lace stretch trims make beautiful underwear and corsets for my Shabby Annies, and the larger pieces of lace make wonderfully romantic petticoats under their dresses.

The ribbons, bows and flowers are fantastic for embellishing their dresses and hair to make each doll unique and bring an individual style to each Annie.

I recently purchased some of the crochet edged chiffon ruffle trim from Pitt Trading which has inspired a whole new line of dolls – Penni Annies.  These little cuties are only 6 inches tall and the trim is simply the perfect size for their little dresses.



Monday 17 February 2014

Autumn Winter trim overload!

We have had another influx of beautiful trims this week. The coming season features opulent layers of ornate trims combined with gorgeous textured fabrics, I'm dubbing it bohemian luxe. More is more so layer up the trims, prints, laces and textures, let your style go a little wild!

















It's an inspiring start to the season ahead and I for one can't wait to start creating!
Julia xx