Miss Jackson

My Minoru

2012-01-15T13:21:00.000+13:00

I've been wanting a parka for ages now (something along the lines of this All Saints parka that retails at £395.00!), so once I discovered Sewaholic's new Minoru Jacket pattern, I thought it would be a good one to use and alter slightly to make my jacket, as the basic style is perfect.
I bought some great thick brushed cotton in Nippori fabric town, Tokyo, plus some red plaid brushed flannel for the lining, as well as some faux rabbit fur and chunky metal zippers from Okadaya Crafts in Shinjuku Tokyo (OMG, go there, it's 2 buildings with 6 floors each of sewing and crafting heaven). But I digress. The changes I plan to make are:

Add pockets. Easy, sew on top pockets with a decorative flap and button or metal snap, once I figure that one out.
Faux fur (narrow) around the hood.
Add wrist straps with buttons or metal snaps... I have no idea what those wrist bits are actually called, but I love the look and put them on my last coat.
Add flap over lay to the front with buttons. I'm not a big fan of exposed zipper on jackets, and I want a bit more detail.
Probably make the waist a little less cinched.

The Minoru Sew-along starts tomorrow, so I better get myself sorted today. Can't wait to sew this thing!

Tokyo winter hat

2012-01-09T02:18:00.000+13:00

Nice little winter knitting project for my trip to Tokyo this past week! Details on Ravelry here.

Leathercraft

2011-12-29T15:40:00.001+13:00

I've always wanted to learn leathercraft, and I had the chance this year. It's very satisfying, and quite simple. It's nice doing the handsewing and not having to use a machine. And, using tools :) Here's a satchel bag I made from a basic pattern, using a dome, D-rings, clips and some twisted ropey stuff for the chain. It was supposed to be actual chain, but I couldn't find any [down here in the country]. It's pretty good for a first effort I reckon.

I'm super stoked on it now, and have plans to make another one asap! I think I'll make a camera case, coz my dslr really isn't getting treated very well right now. Here's my inspiration for it.

Leica camera case / Lope Lope camera bag / Orla Kiely bag

Patisserie Lesson

2011-12-27T19:39:00.003+13:00

We had the best girls' afternoon at Arona&Michoco, learning how to make Mont Blanc cake at an "Atelier de Patisserie", drinking tea and making the most of having a decent kitchen to cook in (and an OVEN!!!)

Colour Wheel Quilt

2011-12-27T19:34:00.000+13:00

I finally finished the Colour Wheel Quilt. It was originally based on a pattern from Last Minute Patchwork & Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. It was a full sized quilt and I wanted to make it for a baby so I just made it a lot smaller. It also was supposed to have double the number of colours... but 64 pieces of fabric are hard to find when you're in Japan without your sewing stuff! But I made the pieces twice as wide, and managed to get by with some cute Japanese fabrics plus a lot of donated fabric from my local quilt guru, Chikako. I did it all by machine except the binding which was finished by hand. The binding was actually silk from a vintage kimono! Anyway it's pretty cute.

Gorgeous niece Luella approves!

Crafting up a storm

2011-12-26T19:19:00.000+13:00

I've been trying lots of different crafts recently, and loving it. My friend, who teaches the special needs class at school, has a classroom that has heaps and heaps of awesome tools, supplies and facilities for crafts, and she teaches lots of them to the students. There's even a loom in the classroom! She very generously lets me hang out in there when I don't have class, and helps me out with different things. I've tried weaving, see below, and leathercraft, which I am really interested in. So far I've made a leather bag tag and a notebook cover, and currently am making a handbag... so fun! More on that to come. Also, here are some napkins I made as a gift, from Japanese cotton.

Colour wheel pencil roll

2011-12-26T19:07:00.000+13:00

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.

First socks

2011-12-26T18:46:00.001+13:00

Feeling pretty satisfied having finished a pair of socks. They're not perfect, but I think it's a good start. Pattern details on Ravelry here.

And I'm back.

2011-12-18T01:50:00.000+13:00

After a brief hiatus moving countries and flirting with a new blog, I'm back. Updates to come. In the meantime I'm hibernating under a kotatsu (Japanese heated table) and getting some knitting done. Soooo good! Find me on Ravelry here.

Back on the horse (sewing machine)

2011-09-20T19:41:00.000+12:00

I finally got my new DSLR back from the camera shop, after various incidents which culminated in a rather surprisingly pleasing result. After buying it online from Hong Kong, only to drop it 3 days later and break the shutter release button, I took it all the way to Japan to get fixed (my reasoning being Panasonic was a Japanese brand). One non-fix and one month later here we are. And the best part was they didn't charge me, for reasons I can't begin to comprehend (could be the fact that I spent a whole lotta money in their store? the baby blue eyes? they wanted to get rid of me? haha)... but I shall not argue at this one! Thank you, Japan, Panasonic and K's Denki employees, you have made me very happy.So. I digress. I finished my first Japanese sewing project. I made shorts. Japanese cotton, McCalls M5391, super super easy, it's almost embarrassing. But I feel awesome having actually created something again, especially using blunt scissors and a sewing machine sans foot pedal (please, i beg you, don't try it!)

Up next

2011-09-03T15:50:00.000+12:00

It's actually been really hard finding fabric in Japan, which I did not expect. Maybe we're spoilt in NZ? The only fabric stores I have seen so far are craft shops, and they only seem to carry printed cotton fabric. Hmm. I found this random garage shop that's only open on certain days at bizarre times, but my friend managed to talk to the owner and find out the times...good work Chie! So let's hope that yields some sucess. In the meantime, I bought some patterns from America (you can imagine I am missing my massive pattern collection, which is in storage in Nelson). I never buy new patterns, usually only vintage, so I'm actually quite excited about it. Here is the first thing I plan on making. Not sure exactly what fabric I'll use, but probably will be gingham (I know, because I don't already own a million checked things), but possibly stripes. We'll see.

Laptop bag

2011-07-12T15:52:00.000+12:00

Laptop bag I made from upholstery fabric. Pretty much I just cut around the shape of my laptop... and sewed on some cotton tape all the way around for handles, plus a padded bit for holding on to. Then added a pleated pocket (reverse side of the fabric) for holding the charger and mouse, etc. Last I sewed in a big chunky plastic zip. It was opened ended which made things a lot easier in terms of getting it sewed on evenly, then sewing the side seams. Easy!

Winter coat

2011-06-09T20:30:00.002+12:00

This is what's keeping me warm this winter :)
Details on my BurdaStyle page.

May

2011-05-29T12:44:00.001+12:00

My first quilt!

2011-05-06T09:01:00.002+12:00

This is my first quilt and I love it! It's a baby's quilt and is for my friend Melissa who is having a little boy soon. I started it when I didn't know what sex it was going to be, and she just told me she was painting the room grey. So I thought I'd do grey and yellow, coz it's a great colour combo. The squares are machine sewed, then I handstitched the binding and handquilted the pattern. So it worked out really well, and now I want to make another one... good thing there are lots of people having babies this year! :)

Otago Rail Trail

2011-05-01T17:39:00.002+12:00

New stuff!

2011-04-27T17:34:00.001+12:00

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

Something different!

2011-04-21T09:15:00.005+12:00

So I have just launched a mini "business venture" with my great-aunt, who is an amazing and dedicated crafter. She is retired and does crafts literally all day. She's fantastic. But she doesn't have the time to sell the sheer amount she makes, so I said I'd help her out. So here it is! Totally gorgeous and intricate beaded jewellery... available on felt.co.nz. Check it out!

JAPAN HERE I COME!!!

2011-04-20T11:33:00.002+12:00

Photo: Adrian Vercoe

Just found out I got accepted to the JET programme to work as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan for a year... not sure where I'll be placed yet but I find out next month, and arrive in Tokyo on 31 July. YUSSSSS!

Coming soon!

2011-04-06T16:08:00.002+12:00

The necklace I'm wearing in the post below is an absolutely gorgeous hand beaded creation made by my great-aunty Nancy, who is this super-amazing crafter. Honestly, she does it all - knitting, sewing, beading, tassels, embroidery... it's so impressive. Whenever she comes down she does this big "show and tell" with literally hundreds of things she's made. She is my crafting hero! Anyway she has SO MANY gorgeous beaded pieces that I think are totally wearable and modern, so I'm going to be her agent and sell it online for her through the NZ site www.felt.co.nz. I've sold lots of my clothes on there in the past and it's been great (I'm on hiatus at the moment since all my sewing stuff is in storage!). Having a photo shoot this weekend so it should be all up by Monday. I'm very excited about this new venture...

The ballet dress!

2011-03-20T21:30:00.004+13:00

Here's the final dress. I'm really stoked with it. For once in my life it was an easy sew! Phew. I just used the slightly suspect-looking corset (see below post, lol) pattern for the bodice (simple princess seam), made it a bit lower and without the lace up ties, obviously. Hah. And cut it off at the waistline. So simple, with a rectangle gathered for the skirt, and an invisible zip up the back. Fits real nice. I even used instructions from my "Couture Sewing Secrets" book to make a stay to fit the bodice as it was gaping a tiny bit - exciting!

More detail

What to wear to the ballet

2011-03-17T18:17:00.008+13:00

So I'm going to Tutus on Tour on Saturday. I got rid of all my clothes when I moved towns so I seriously have nothing to wear... not that it really matters in Dunedin, it's pretty chilled out. But a girl can dream, and I think I'm going to attempt to make a dress... I've been wanting to make it for a while. It'll be based on this BurdaStyle pattern, but probably without the front slit! Questionable.

BurdaStyle.com pattern - source

And maybe have the back like this... but probably not in a heart. I'm not that cheesy, haha.

Source

You'll die when you see what pattern I'm using for the bodice....

I know, I know. Hilarious eh. And the skirt will be a straight rectangle gathered onto the bust. We'll see how it goes...

In the flesh

2011-03-14T16:49:00.002+13:00

Here's a pic of Karen's dress I made for her (on the left, not the bride, lol!)

I am so totally doing this

2011-03-12T12:45:00.004+13:00

How cool is this! Knitting bag tutorial from Design Sponge.

Image source

This week

2011-03-12T12:32:00.004+13:00

Image source

I've made a couple of things lately, but have been too lazy to take photos and post them.... I'll do it soon... But I got the cute merino dress above from Gemma, a Dunedin designer. Good to support the local crew! I've been pretty busy with lots of other things like having the boy back, looking after the cutest sausage dog ever, getting amongst it at the gym (I know, lol) and freelance design work, so there's been a lack of knitting and sewing happening. But moving home next week so should be able to get back into it hopefully. It's getting colder now so have plans to make things like leggings, and knit a cardy.

Christchurch

2011-02-26T10:18:00.002+13:00

Words can't really begin to describe this tragedy, it's unbelievable.

Ways to donate

If you're in Dunedin

Handmade for Christchurch

+ many other fantastic ways I'm sure are out there.

Up next

2011-02-26T10:11:00.003+13:00

I've been teaching myself to knit in the round with double pointed needles. It looks bizarre but once you get a few rows deep it's not too bad. I find it's easier to keep count of your stitches this way. I got this super soft and gorgeous "Ecolana" wool (60% Alpaca/40% Merino) from Aslan Trends. It is soooo nice to knit with and I bet it's going to turn out so nice to wear. It's South American... I might see if I can find some NZ Alpaca wool next time.

love love love

2011-02-24T22:32:00.003+13:00

@ Anthropologie

@ Anthropologie again. Wonder if I could knit this... haha. Saw a pattern vaguely similar at the knitting shop today. Working my way up to bigger things so this could be a big autumn project!

dudstown good times

2011-02-20T01:08:00.000+13:00

dancehall, red wine, old friends. yusssssssss.

I've given up

2011-02-17T15:02:00.003+13:00

So my original cowl (see below) was too hard. I tried three times but kept messing it up, so am gonna try something a bit easier... from CCKnits - the Cali Cowl! Fingers crossed it works!

Dress!

2011-02-15T11:49:00.004+13:00

Pretty yellow dress I made to wear to a wedding, part of the Colette Patterns Spring Palette Challenge. Straight out of Burda Style magazine 07-2010, but I pretty much just ignored the instructions coz it had like three layers of different fabrics and got too confusing. Anyhow it turned out perfectly with no fitting issues, probably due to using a stretch jersey.

Autumn inspiration

2011-02-14T23:26:00.004+13:00

Wow, not having a house, a full time job or a boyfriend in the same town is really doing wonders for my blogging! lol. I discovered Best Behavior, a Danish fashion label a while ago through NotCouture (such a great site with cool trends, quality stuff and interesting things). Love love love their stuff. Nice cuts, cute colours, just kinda different! I absolutely loved the AW 09 collection and always go and check it out every now and then. Here are a couple of my faves from then and now...

What I'm going to make next

2011-02-11T15:55:00.003+13:00

Not sure why they have this male model guy here. But yes I shall be making this cowl scarfy thing. Just took the big step of getting circular needles, eek! Curb Your Enthusiasm marathon and knitting here I come! Pattern from the Lion Brand Yarn website (you have to sign up to get the free patterns) via Ravelry.

Inspiration

2011-02-10T14:58:00.005+13:00

Now I usually would still be in the midst of summer dresses, beers in the sun, going up the river, high tide beach swims... generally just good hot Nelson times, but alas, Dunedin has happened so it's autumn clothes already... meh. These are what I'm feeling at the moment. My knitting obsession is opening a few doors in this department.

Both from NZ label Ketz-Ke - LOVE those tights and this cardy

I. must. knit. this (source unknown)

From NotCouture

Knitting: complete!

2011-02-09T22:16:00.006+13:00

So I've successfully finished my first project in 5 days... stoked! These were relatively easy, and I might make some more when it is actually winter... hmm. But probably in a plain colour like cream so you can see the cable better. Now the big question is what to make now? I should probably finish the mens' waistcoat I have to make before a wedding on Sunday (he's the best man) and the dress that I'm supposedly wearing to said wedding... so it's back to sewing I guess, for a few days anyway.

I know these look a bit lopsided, but they're not - it's just the camera angle!

Note: for pattern details - see below.

Knitting so far

2011-02-07T16:01:00.001+13:00

I've almost finished the first fingerless glove! Loving the cable!

Semi-fail

2011-02-07T09:33:00.004+13:00

Simple pleated cap sleeve tunic top from Burda 05-2007. I wanted to try it out and used some heavy black lycra that was lying around. Pretty much the fabric is too heavy for me, so I'm not really into it, thinking of making it again with a really light fabric so it drapes way nicer. I really like the pattern, especially with the exposed zipper, but at the moment it's a bit too maternity, which is not really the look I want to go for! Ah well.

Knitting has commenced!

2011-02-06T14:30:00.005+13:00

Note: this is the pattern, not my actual knitting! Hopefully it will look something like this!

My mum said the scarf would be too hard for me so I relented and am doing something smaller and faster. It's a cable-knit fingerless glove pattern above that I got for free from Getting Purly Wit It - they look super cute. Going ok so far, I taught myself how to do cables via this video and it really helped. It was done on massive needles, which were easy to see. Definitely recommend it. Anyway, back to it!

Knitting!

2011-02-04T22:30:00.006+13:00

Not content with sewing and a recent foray into quilting, I am now slightly obsessed with knitting. Maybe coz it's pretty much winter down here, haha... Life's pretty quiet for a change, thank goodness, and it's really nice to have cool little projects on the go. I joined Ravelry, the knitting website, which is amazing and full of awesome projects and patterns and stuff. I also came across Julie at Knitted Bliss who's designed this gorgeous scarf. So that's my first pattern, I think. Gonna look for wool in the weekend.

Image source

This girl is amazing! I can't believe you could actually knit this whole thing. It's my goal for the winter!

Image source

Via Knitted Bliss I found this cute pic too, from an Etsy. Definitely great inspiration... hope I can remember how to knit. Hmm.

Image source

Shirt restyle

2011-02-04T14:57:00.001+13:00

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

2011-02-03T15:28:00.004+13:00

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!

The plan!

2011-01-31T10:25:00.004+13:00

Can I just say, Burda Style 07-2010... wow! Haven't come across that many nice patterns in one mag in ages! Really simple, pretty stuff, love it! Well, apart from the slightly questionable drapey harem pants... but hey, at least there's no "Safari Style". Now that's a trend that they flog hard. Anyway, here are the items I plan to create for the Colette Patterns Spring Palette Challenge Not all from scratch - the ruched skirt will probably be a recycled skirt with added fabric, and the shorts may be made from existing pants... sometimes there's already something you can get for a couple of dollars that will work as well, or better than buying new fabric and spending heaps of time sewing...

* Update 4/2/10: here's the first piece, the jacket!

Colette Patterns Spring Palette Challenge

2011-01-28T10:50:00.002+13:00

A little something to keep me motivated over the next few months while I am working from home, waiting to hear what my future holds... (hopefully Japan in April, but we'll see). Colette Patterns is running a little challenge in which you choose some colour inspiration, and from that create a few items of clothing. I chose this Monet painting because it's a) stunning, and b) has a range of colours that could be for Spring, or Autumn, as I could be going into either, depending if I get to the northern hemisphere or not! Most of the images are wintery looking but I hope to make them a bit lighter with the fabrics.

I've started my first quilt...

2011-01-28T10:41:00.001+13:00

I won't lie, it's pretty exciting.

Central Otago Summer

2011-01-24T12:58:00.004+13:00

From the pattern archives

2011-01-09T13:28:00.002+13:00

One of the great things about going home to your parents' house is finding lots of old stuff that's hiding there!
This is such an awesome pattern, not because of the actual pattern but for the absolutely gorgeous pictures on the front. Come on - how great is that big flower, the colours, the accessories... love love!

Fascinator!

2011-01-09T13:20:00.002+13:00

Final dress

2011-01-02T17:56:00.003+13:00

Spent so much time on this and don't really want to see it for a while! The left pic is the original inspiration Karen found - think it's from the Emmys? And then the final dress... not much else to say.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-28T10:25:00.002+13:00

Summer... ooh yeah!

Work in progress

2010-12-14T21:57:00.003+13:00

Totally stunning (well, it will be soon when it's done!!) light blue taffeta dress for a mother of the bride (who doesn't want to look too "mother of the bride"!) with chiffon bias sash bits that will come around to the waist as well. We were going to do long sleeves but looking at it now I'm thinking maybe shorter will be a better idea. Cannot wait to see this on! :D PS ignore the horrible sleeve cap - needs major work. they are the one thing i have yet to master... so off to read "dressmaking made simple" and "couture sewing secrets"!!

Grad dress

2010-12-12T21:10:00.005+13:00

A simple but cute dress for a friend to wear to her partner's graduation. She'd seen one of my other dresses and wanted it, but when it didn't fit I made her another version. It's just checked chiffon for the top and a black suiting with matching pleats. The photo isn't the best - the neckband looks a bit bumpy. Looks much better on her, as my model doesn't quite have the curves to pull it off!

Failing... but kind of winning

2010-12-08T19:39:00.004+13:00

Have been sewing non-stop. Pretty much all for other people. But the jobs are taking forever and I have nothing to show for it! Ah well, will have some good photos soon enough, when I man up and buy a new SD card for my dead camera...lol. Anyhow before I get into a massive whinge about everything, here are a few of the latest things I've done.

This is a maternity skirt. As soon as I did that pink top (see older post) for a friend, suddenly I had like 4 orders for maternity stuff.. haha. This is a BEAUTIFUL FABRIC honestly sooooo awesome - green, yellow and black cotton with about 8 green gores around the bottom to give it lots of body, then a contrast green lining. Perfect for summer when you're pregnant with twins. The best thing about maternity is you can just stick a big band on the top - less fitting!! Jokes. Also made a pretty grey tiered one, but alas camera died before I could retrieve it.

And this, not too exciting... 2 out of the 3 pairs of pants for a friend (pregnant). Not really maternity but they have a low waist. Just cut off an existing pair of pants so can't really claim to any exciting design or patternmaking! Definitely don't want to see the pattern for a long time!

Anyway now only a grad dress and a mother of the bride dress and I will be back to SEWING FOR MYSELF YUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

Also for sale

2010-11-14T10:35:00.002+13:00

Pretty white ruffle shirt dress (reworked vintage) for sale here!

Actually using up fabric...

2010-11-13T16:03:00.005+13:00

Had an epic fail the other night after almost finishing a pair of pants and realising that they were approximately a whole size too small. And the person they're for is pregant.. so it's not like they'll fit anytime soon... So - anyone need a pair of size 10 black pants?? Anyway so I made this dress to make me feel better! Love the combo of grey marl and pink ruffles, makes me smile.

It's for sale here.

Summer's coming

2010-11-10T21:46:00.004+13:00

Rather bad photos so sorry.. but hey. Little high-waisted red cotton shorts for my friend Michelle.. swapped her for a print of a beautiful photo she took, that girl's got talent! I'm definitely into swapping. Based on a cute 70s pattern - how awesome is it? Based on the look of the girl with the denim version. Oh and final product on the right. Yay it's getting real nice and hot, definitely summer on the way, it's been a long time coming and I for one am stoked.

Now doing maternity wear!

2010-11-09T20:06:00.004+13:00

Not for me of course, but a pretty gift for a friend who's pregnant. I found this amazing ruffled fabric at Moreland's - it's sooo cute. It's all the rage now; I've seen it in heaps of shops in Wellington and now in Nelson there's a whole stand of it. Kinda jealous and considering getting some for myself. It just hangs so nicely.

Anyway! This is a relatively simple top I modified from a Burda magazine pattern from last year I think. It was originally a long sleeved top but I thought that might be too hot for summer. Gathered around the bust, empire line and slightly gathered under the bust to allow for growth, plus the front is a bit longer than the back. Instead of using one fabric like the pattern I just used two, and cut it where the gathering line was. Then it has a little tie belt that can be wrapped around/loosened if need be. The good thing is it can probably be worn as normal top and not look too maternity :)

Wow.

2010-11-04T20:12:00.004+13:00

Image courtesy of AlexiaSinclair.com
I've admired the NZ Opera's Macbeth advertising in a BIG way - it's just stunning. I always wondered just how they got that hair like that. Anyways, after a bit of web tripping through various design company websites I came across Alexia Sinclair. She is the super talented photographer and graphic artist behind this shoot (and much much more awesome, award winning stuff - check her out asap!). The icing on the cake was finding this video, with the photography and post production - it's amazing, especially for someone into costumes, photography, design, theatre... wow.... watch it now!

Alexia Sinclair: Behind the Scenes - Macbeth from Sultana Studios on Vimeo.

Easy easy...

2010-10-31T17:28:00.003+13:00

Again I'm posting a super easy piece but hey, it's cute, and it's summer weather today so I can pretend I'm in Santorini or something, haha. Simple racer back singlet taken from an existing one, stripe knit from Global Fabrics in Wellington... had a bit of a run-in with the sun (not used to it) so am looking a bit pink! Gonna make a few more summer tops like this, love this style.

Summer stuff, at last

2010-10-30T16:56:00.004+13:00

For once in my life I am actually making clothes ahead of the season! I suppose the thought of my sewing machine being packed away for a while over summer probably is an incentive to get stuff done now!
For this batwing top I picked up a beautiful striped modal (if I remember correctly) at Global Fabrics in Wellington. Fantastic to wear. I've been trying to get in to wearing a few more drapey kind of things so this is a good start, I'm sick of wearing tight stuff! The pattern is a free download from BurdaStyle.com Big ups to pixelink for the design, it's super cute.

These are from BurdaStyle magazine - 2/2010. Kinda harem pants but a bit tailored still. I sewed down the pleats to avoid having puffy hips! This is a denimy-lineny-cottony fabric from Moreland's Fabrics in Nelson. There's elastic around the bottom to make the pants bag a bit, I quite like them! You can also download the pattern here at BurdaStyle.com

Here's the technical drawing:

This is for you, Liz!

2010-10-30T16:30:00.004+13:00

Liz and I went PJ inspiration-shopping at Peter Alexander... such gorgeous stuff. We'd already been on a bit of a Wellington fabric shopping spree and both whipped up our own :) I can't really boast about any amazing skill here coz it's the easiest and quickest thing I've made in years, which was nice. Sewers always love a bit of instant gratification, haha! But the colours alone are worth a pic, loving the brights for summer! PS Nice lemon tree huh?

Project Funway

2010-10-17T17:10:00.003+13:00

A cool little Nelson competition in which entrants had 2 weeks to make an outfit out of a white sheet! I created a cute little summer jumpsuit/romper, with hood and cutout back. Did some dip dying to give it a fun look. Even managed to get in the paper!

While i'm on a blogging roll...

2010-10-17T16:55:00.004+13:00

Here's a beautiful photo of Michelle wearing her ball dress I designed. We started with a few ideas from pictures but it ended up completely different. She picked the colours and the basic look and we went from there. It's a front cowl neck bodice with a long silver satin back crepe bottom layer, with blue chiffon draped over the top. Plus an awesome low back... LOVE IT!

A fun little job

2010-10-17T16:46:00.004+13:00

Helping my friend & expert print account manager/wedding invitation creator extraordinare Melissa with her company, as she's getting it going properly. She designs gorgeous invites, and manages the whole process from concept to design, printing, stock, and even matching table cards, save the dates etc... the whole works! We worked together to come up with a simple, elegant floral logo that says 'weddings' but isn't too over the top. I love it! Average photos sorry... am saving up to get better camera!

Jardin du Luxembourg dress!

2010-09-25T15:16:00.004+12:00

Well, that's what Burda Style magazine is claiming you'll feel like in this dress pattern... I'll give it a go - just need to get to Paris first. Guess our rhododendron will have to suffice at until then. This is a really good pattern - I didn't need to make any alternations which is a change. Cute fabric from Fabric Barn, some kind of self brocade-ish thing... not sure, but it's very heavy and very nice to wear.

Finally, a picture!

2010-09-13T09:15:00.002+12:00

Here's my dress at the Hokonuis.

Hokonui Dress

2010-08-05T20:49:00.002+12:00

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.

And more check... I know you're not surprised.

2010-07-15T21:55:00.006+12:00

How could I not? At a minor splurge in Global Fabrics in Christchurch I found this blue buffalo check, which as it happens is the bigger, blue version of my orange check dress. Anyways it started life as a shirt dress from a 50s pattern but due to the stretchyness of fabric it didn't turn out that great and was generally just "frumpy" - which according to certain a gentleman is not the look a young lady should be going for! So, I ended up cutting the whole thing to pieces and recutting out this Burda magazine dress. Man, matching checks is so tiresome but I think I managed it ok, apart from the back where I didn't have enough fabric and had to sew together two bits. But enough about my fabric inadequacies... it turned out cute enough!

I. MUST. START. MAKING. MY. NEW. BAG....

2010-07-15T17:50:00.000+12:00

It's getting pretty bad. Shoulder straps falling off, stains, yuck. Have this gorgeous faux distressed leather and heaps of gold hardware from that time I bought half an old sewing shop at an auction. Here's the inspiration:

Soon to be famous! Kind of...

2010-07-06T21:35:00.002+12:00

I'm going to be in a book! Not till 2011, but hey! BurdaStyle website asked me to contribute to their new project - a coffee table book with sewing patterns, resources and projects by members of the BS sewing community (ie. me!) I get to see my interpretation of a sewing pattern professionally photographed in New York and published. So exciting. Stay tuned...

Collaboration!

2010-07-06T10:22:00.003+12:00

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

2010-07-06T08:28:00.004+12:00

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!

Another dress for Amanda

2010-07-03T16:52:00.002+12:00

This girl gets all the good stuff! Gorgeous aqua knit maxi dress with gathered midriff, simple and perfect for summer.

Rugby

2010-06-13T13:47:00.003+12:00

Hooded rugby dress, inspired by Ralph Lauren Rugby. Been wanting one for so long, and had metres of this rugby knit from seasons ago when I got it on sale at Fabric Barn for $4 a metre. Made Andrew a rugby out of it but sadly didn't pre-wash and it shrunk... so after washing and tumbledrying to be certain, I made this. Got a nice little cotton-lined, white-buttoned placket collar, otherwise just a standard simple dress.

If only I lived in New York...

2010-05-27T19:44:00.001+12:00

Via Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing.

More painty dress!

2010-05-27T19:41:00.004+12:00

Another one for sale.. yup, I got my act together!
Pleated/ruffle top with grey pleated skirt... For sale here.

20s modern dress

2010-05-23T17:37:00.002+12:00

Cute little dress for sale in my shop. I found this fabric in a second-hand shop ages ago and have always wanted to use it. 20s style drop waist, loose top and gathered skirt.

The painty dress

2010-05-09T16:58:00.005+12:00

What a mare... beautiful fabric, but major pattern issues. I started with Burda WOF 08/2009-128 (minus the sleeves and a bit of length). Another situation where the top of the pattern was massive compared to the bottom, the top then didn't fit right, blah blah blah, and it just wasn't happening. So in the end I had to unpick like all of the dress and rework it. Thankfully it turned out pretty good, love the colour and the style.

And it begins...

2010-05-08T16:58:00.003+12:00

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

Biker jacket!

2010-05-08T16:54:00.002+12:00

Biker jacket from Burda WOF 5/2008. I didn't really want any embellishments so left off all the random bells and whistles and just had a plain black and silver zipper. It's a light distressed denim, quite soft... Kinda 80s...

Shirt makeover

2010-05-08T16:38:00.002+12:00

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..

Work outfit

2010-05-08T16:25:00.005+12:00

Cute little ruffled chiffon blouse with button/ribbon front catch, and a fully lined grey suiting high waisted skirt with button front. Both are Burda WOF patterns - blouse =8/2009 - which I've made twice before, always awesome, and the skirt is 1/2009 - weird pattern, hard instructions, no lining.. so i ended up just doing my own thing, and it turned out ok, not amazing though.

Inspiration...

2010-05-03T22:02:00.005+12:00

So i've been working on my evening dress for the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards. After my major stress attack/last minute/disappointment of the last competition dress I made, I've started super early and still have a whole month before the entries even close. I've been painstakingly slowly handsewing the bodice together and it's looking good so far. Here are some pics I have been looking at for inspiration.

So pretty much, bright colours, satin, intricate bodice, gorgeousness... but it's obviously gonna be a little bit crazier than a normal formal dress... avant garde of course! Now just need to get on and make it!!

Design competition inspiration

2010-03-06T18:30:00.003+13:00

Ridiculously gorgeous. I have a bag of paint test pots in pretty colours sitting around... this could be fun! I'm entering a fashion design competition in July and am attempting to get started now, cos otherwise it won't happen!

An oldie but a goodie

2010-03-04T20:13:00.004+13:00

This is a dress from WAY back in the day! As you can see I made it back in the summer of 06/07... it's when I really got into sewing, as a creative relief from the issues with moving to a new town, knowing hardly anyone and having a crap job! (That said, it was an awesome summer in other ways...) Anyway it was made vaguely off my oldest vintage pattern... mostly just the waist and the gathers, then i freestyled the rest.

A couple of years later I pulled it out, took off the tiny straps (hate them) and added nice thick tie halter straps, and shortened it to a decent length. Voila!

Another day in paradise...

2010-02-22T21:47:00.004+13:00

The latest!

2010-02-21T18:45:00.004+13:00

Cute little dress up in my online shop... I know.. finally got my life sorted and made some new clothes! Honestly I love this one - made from a vintage dress, mixed with a gorgeous stripey lycra knit top, and it even comes with its own belt! It's for sale here. So if you're in the game for a cute, handmade, eco-friendly and sweatshop free dress, check it out! Or hit me up for custom work... I'm easily bribed.

Sundress

2010-02-13T16:14:00.003+13:00

In a last ditch effort to prolong my summer wardrobe I made this light summer dress. In a previous life it was a standard shirtwaister and I noticed it (at Butterflies Hospice Shop in Dunedin - one of the best!) due to the gorgeous pastel print. Plus we all know I love a good elasticised waist.. perfect for Friday night complete with a pint and a curry.. could've done with that last night! Anyway, back on track.. it wasn't a major, just cut the shoulders, pleated them a bit, chopped down the sleeves a little, took it in a little and took it up a few inches. It's not rocket science, kids. But yeah a nice little addition to my dress collection.

Bridemaid's dress for Alex

2010-02-08T21:27:00.003+13:00

But in all actuality it could be worn whenevs. Lexy specified a 20s style dress with a drop waist, full skirt with tie, and perhaps lace. We drew pictures of it when we were on holiday. When it got made the weekend before the wedding (!) it got created from blue chiffon, with an attached (vintage) lace/lining slip with an extra skirt layer on the bottom, chiffon tie and underlining. Kinda flapper looking, it looked so gorgeous on her and I'm so happy with how it came out. Just need to get my hands on the photo shoot pics!

Picture courtesy of You Could Totally Be French

So hot right now.

2010-02-08T21:22:00.004+13:00

What else can you say? (I made those shorts... haha... oh and we're related... yussss).

Finally, some graphic design!

2010-02-08T21:10:00.008+13:00

Did these a while ago, but since I actually went to the wedding (and wow, what a wedding, thanks Soph & Ryan!) here is the invitation I designed for their wedding. Totally love it. The photos don't really do it justice - the paper stock was quite a bit lighter, and the non-printed one doesn't show the nice stock... ah well, you can't win em all. Oh, and Mrs Eaves, you are officially the best font ever (but always with an Adobe Caslon Pro ampersand...)

Anna's custom dress

2010-02-04T07:33:00.003+13:00

Cotton voile with striped cotton lining the skirt. Self made belt with vintage buckle. Waist ruffle. Cap sleeves. Low back. Super cute!

boy shorts

2010-01-31T23:17:00.002+13:00

Just realised these photos don't actually show the shorts at all... ah well. Just a basic pair of straight-ish men's shorts, with tab belt loops, made in cotton pinstripe. Took me 4 gos over a year or so to actually get it right, thanks Andrew for putting up with it, now you finally have decent custom shorts!

Nouveau Design Awards 2010

2010-01-09T13:31:00.001+13:00

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!

2010-01-05T14:26:00.003+13:00

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.

Flissy

2010-01-05T08:28:00.004+13:00

Cute little black and white patterned chiffon top for Fliss. Ruffles down the front and a hook and eye closure. Click for bigger and better quality pic.

A country affair

2009-12-03T17:09:00.004+13:00

Julia and I spent a lovely Sunday morning out at Neudorf Vineyards at "A Country Affair" - an annual country fair. It was a very hot day out in the gorgeous countryside, complete with live jazz, craft and food stalls (I got local olive oil and tea), and of course then we had to sit under a tree and drink Pimms... Plus you can see us feeling very cool in our maxi dresses we made. I designed the pattern and made mine to try it out, then gave Julia some sewing lessons (a birthday present from Amanda) in which she made this dress all herself. Very impressive!

I am inspired by...

2009-11-26T07:46:00.002+13:00

Cutouts & textures.

Crazy colours & fabric painting & puffy skirts.

Tim Walker & beautiful couture made from household objects. How awesome is this?

Psychedelic

2009-11-24T23:11:00.003+13:00

So I made this pattern up so I could give Julia sewing lessons and she could have a personalised maxi dress.. of course I had to make one up to try out the pattern first!! I hate all the baggy/maternity ones in shops, yuck. It's all about the cut - nicely shaped and fitted but still maxi. Seriously love this fabric (the yellow/grey/white).. the grey contrast knit was a bit thick, but that's ok.

As always, click on photo for larger, better quality image.

Yase!

2009-11-24T17:38:00.003+13:00

A dress I made for Yasemin - ruffled chiffon top (see pic on right for ruffle detail) plus slightly gathered linen skirt.
Click on image for larger and better quality image.

"Little house on the prairie"

2009-11-08T12:15:00.007+13:00

Click on images for bigger and much better quality view!
Is what my new dress looks like, according to Emma! Awesome orange and turquoise check from Global Fabrics in Wellington (again...) Gathered waist, bias waistband and gathered neck (vaguely based off a Vogue Paris vintage pattern), with a shoelace tie at the moment but will probably go for a turquoise ribbon or fabric tie... new favourite dress, and I even get to keep it!