My very first comission...

Wow... I just completed my very first commission - a shibori dyed blouse.

I have made a blouse like this before, and was asked to make a black one for a friend in the U.S.

I've never sewn anything for another person, or for money, and was nervous that the blouse look right. After all the nerves, I am really happy with it - and I hope my friend likes it too.

More posts to come soon... I still have to take some photos.

Advance 4826 - 1949 Sundress and Bolero - my interpretation

Since starting a fashion design and technology diploma, I have learned the fundamentals of pattern making, I have created many patterns, both, at school and at home. This has always been what I really wanted to learn, because I knew that I would no longer be restricted to purchased patterns. Now, I look at patterns online, and rather than buy them...I copy them.

Sadly, I am so addicted to patterns that I DO still buy many...c'est la vie :-)

Voila, I offer you my interpretation of this pattern - Advance 4826...

I used the bodice from this pattern...
Vogue 8184, view F (centre bottom, green)

And, the skirt from this pattern...
Butterick 5214

...to make the sundress. I then drafted a bolero pattern to complement. The dress fabric came from an op-shop, for about $4.00. I purchased the trims, and white linen at a local fabric store. All up around $20.00, and two days work.

I am really happy with the result :-)

Electra "Amsterdam" Sport Special 9D

My boyfriend and I bought new bikes recently, and I wanted to show mine off as it has plenty of retro elegance about it. From the lovely metallic olive green paint, gold and silver pin stripes, to the extra special "Brooks" aged leather saddle and grips.

The weather has started warming up nicely here, and because we live 5 minutes from the waterfront we have gone for a ride along the waterfront path every night after dinner. My new bike has 9 gears, and is quite light and speedy for a "city" bike. I just adore the European styling, and even though it is a men's bicycle I can still ride it whilst wearing a dress and heels.

I added the silver mudguards, rear rack and wicker basket, and also some extra grippy pedals - necessary when one rides in heels ;-).

A rather daggy, but practical, accessory I picked up at my local op shop for $4.00 is a bicycle rain poncho...worn by tons of people all over Asia, who only have bicycles for transport. They may look silly, but they really do help one stay drier.

Still haven't photographed my most recent projects, but soon I promise. School is almost finished for the year, and photo taking weather is upon us...

Have a lovely weekend :-)

Forgive my slackness...

I am terribly sorry that I have not posted for a while. I have several items to show you all, but the weather for taking photos has been pretty ordinary in Geelong lately - I am hoping for some sunshine soon so I can have a photo taking day.

Stay tuned, because lousy weather allows for lots of sewing :-)