Inges Doily Jacket

I still remember one of the hardest things to master 

when I started sewing 

and which I recognise in others now 

be it sewing from a commercial pattern

REinventing from commercial garments

or a combination of both

is which fabrics 

or garments to use

and for what purpose

it can be a daunting task 

as there are many factors which need to work as a whole

if your creation is going to be a wearable success

colour preference & suitability, fibre content & fabric fall, fastening & finishes 

to name a few

the key to bringing it together is simple

listen to your instincts

if you're asking the question 

you already know the answer

and that is why sewing is much more than just making something

Inge did a lot of listening when creating her

Doily Jacket

and the result

I think you'll agree 

was worth it

created with a commercial jacket pattern

using pre-loved bamboo sheets as the base

Inge took her time & had fun 

combining vintage doilies, with colourful Kaffe Fasset trim

adding details in all the right places

ensuring that not only did she create the perfect garment for her
it is one she will cherish wearing for a very long time....

I Made Something....you might like it.

I loved creating my latest REinvention

as soon as I slid the rose crusted linen skirt off the op-shop rack,
 regardless of the too-small size, 

I knew it was coming home with me



initially I thought a skirt REfashion
however I would have lost the gorgeous weighty feel & fall of the fabric
along with a row or two of the roses 
which would have been tragic

 so instead I opted for an Apron Frock

 

and by folding 



manipulating



cutting 

and stitching

I combined
a too-small linen skirt
with a too-big linen top
& edged using contrasting continuous cotton apron ties
while retaining & highlighting existing raw edges

to create 

a garment I would love to keep

but can't fit in the wardrobe

so I'm letting this one go

and because I have no idea if anyone would even be interested in owning one of my pieces

 I am offering it up to the highest bidder.

Bidding starts at
$30 
[to cover postage & material costs]

you can bid over on 
 facebook 

bidding is open to everyone
for 3 & a bit days

until 
8pm Wednesday 28th August

When placing your bid please include your email address
highest bidder will be contacted at 8:15pm on the 28th
payment to be made via Paypal or Direct Deposit 
pretty much straight away
or the garment will be offered to the next highest bidder.

Apron Frock specifications:

Fabric - linen & cotton [extra roses come with frock]

Description - loose fitting apron/pinafore styled frock ideal for layering or worn on it's own.

Size - 14-16+
Bust - 112cm

Length from shoulder strap to fr.hem - 97cm

Good luck. x

Distracted

I've been trying to stay focused


and make something

anything 

so I can share at least one of the creative ideas I have bouncing around in my head 

I hope you'll agree that my excuse for being a neglectful creative blogger 
is a valid one

and it's due in part entirely to a new distraction

Lola
[Border Collie]

a playmate for everyone

and a distraction for me....

Normal creative posting will REcommence 
once the novelty has worn off....

New Zealand Finds the Cure for Ageism.

Must be something in the water

or the cleansing Antarctic winds,

perhaps it's the ancient volcanic soils
 growing lush verdant grasses

that we ran around on with bare feet

which fed fluffy lambs & sheep

and made cows milk super creamy

  

that then turned

Kiwis into a mob of leaders & innovators

in our chosen pursuits

or is it that we look good in black

and like to be noticed...?!

Instead of acting their ages
[youngest 66 and oldest 96]
and sitting quietly at home on Waiheke Island
they've jetted off to the World Hip Hop Championships in Las Vegas

and if you head over to their Website or Facebook Page
you'll be inspired 
& relieved like I was...
there's a cure for Agesism!

Kimono REinvent

Hindsight is a wonderful thing

a before shot of this REinvent would have meant I probably wouldn't have to say anything 

about the talent behind Inges vision & execution

of this the best-Kimono-REinvent-to-date

Kimonos are notoriously tricky to play with

due to the meticulous hand stitching & layers of folded fabric

not to mention the dense weave silk

which seems to repel pins & machine needles 

While keeping the integrity of the orginal garment intact

Inges courageous & curious creative spirit

coupled with her love of a challenge

and a little help from the 
Change of Heart Skirt pattern

meant turning a gorgeous yet unwearable garment

into a stunning very wearable two piece outfit

was a success

and the friend who gave her the Kimono in the first place

wont be getting it back!

Making your Mark with a Change of Heart

By combining fabrics & trims to her exacting standards

Ellies latest Change of Heart Skirt 

is a statement

that

life's too short not to dress how you want

and if people are going to stare

make it worth their while

...have I mentioned how much I love my job.