Simplicity 3688...

I have just finished my third hand dyed silk version of this blouse...

I love the pattern - both fit and style - and it is so easy to put together.

Not a very good photo unfortunately.  Both of these blouses were eco-dyed using rose leaves and other foliage - scraps given to me by my local florist!

The blouse at the back is a cowl top based on a free pattern by Hot Patterns , the only modification was the omission of the ribbed band at the waist/hip line.  This blouse is a gift for my neighbour's 40th birthday.

The Simplicity blouse is for me.

"Shibori" meets "Stamping" meets "Sew and Go"...

Continuing my experiments with fabric dyeing I produced this dress.

Firstly I accordion folded and clamped the cream wool jersey, then dyed it using acid dye - red and yellow mixed to make orange.  After washing and drying fabric I cut out my pattern pieces - Butterick 6305.

 After over-locking and pressing all pieces, I stamped them sort of randomly using three colours of Seta-silk opaque.  The stamp is a hand carved Nepalese "Double Dorje" stamp, which is a Buddhist symbol.  I bought the stamp in Daylesford, Victoria recently.

I really enjoy creating my own fabrics, knowing I am wearing something unique...what do you think?

Congrats...

Congrats to KittyMeow and Lizzy who each won a pattern in my giveaway.

KittyMeow wins Vogue 5121

Lizzy wins Vogue 9874

Thanks to everyone who entered :-)

A Vintage Giveaway...

As I was writing my last post - half an hour ago - I was thinking how slack I am for not posting for 3 months... I am quite undisciplined at times, but am going to improve!

I want to do something for you, to say thanks for visiting... even though I have not been at all inspiring lately, so I will have a little giveaway...

Two prizes, randomly drawn from a hat, for followers who leave a comment after this post.

Both are vintage Vogue, unprinted patterns, size 18 (B-38 H-40).

Vogue 9874 - 1959

Vogue 5121 - 1960

These are two of the first vintage patterns I bought...but they are too big for me so I have never used them. Therefore, I hope they are complete. They do have instructions, and are in great condition.

Please comment regarding which one you would prefer, and include a contact email. I will draw the names from a hat at 9 pm Sunday 12th June, and will post worldwide :-)

Best Dressed in Vintage...

Firstly, I must apologise for not writing for what seems like forever. I have been sewing heaps, but not following through with photo taking and blogging.

I will try to do better...

On Sunday (29th May) I went to the Melbourne Vintage Show. I wore dress and hat - made by me, vintage seamed nylons and foundation garments, brand new vintage-y cream shoes, and vintage Glomesh evening bag, cream belt, and crocheted gloves.


Best of all, I was chosen as "Best Dressed in Vintage" - YAY!

I won a copy of the memoir "A Life in Frocks" by Kelly Doust, and two tickets to an exhibition "Mannequin" celebrating the fashion models in Melbourne during the 1950s and 60s. Everyone at the show was asking about my outfit, and were really complimentary when I told them I made the dress and hat.

Butterick 5281

Vogue 7464

Both patterns are reproduction vintage patterns, and were really quite easy to put together. The dress uses stretch satin, from Clegs, in emerald green. The hat was made with pale camel wool felt, emerald green vintage millinery leaves, and pale 'greeny-cream' velvet ribbon.

I really loved the way the entire outfit came together...what do you think?

Pattern Magic - Volume One...

I went to Tessuti a few days ago, and bought Pattern Magic, a book I have coveted for some time. I chose a bodice to make, and got to work...

I used contrasting Japanese cotton voile, and repurposed a soft, denim dress (which looked shocking on me) for the cap sleeves and skirt.

This bodice required manipulation whilst on the dress form, something I have never done, weaving the sections through each other.


I used the sleeves and body of the dress - cutting, pinning, sewing, and fitting to make it work as a garment. It was fun to "work it out as I go" so to speak... I have never done that before.


I left all the edges unfinished, to give it a deconstructed and grungier look.

I am not sure what I think just yet, it is quite different from what I would usually like. I am glad I was able to step out of my fashion comfort zone a little though, and will wear it today...keeping an eye out for any "funny" looks.

I can't wait to make another item from the book...I haven't yet decided which :-)

DyeHouseDesigns...

I have been dyeing lots of fabric lately, experimenting much more with the techniques for dyeing with plant materials, with great results. I have also been reading widely about amazing techniques for synthetic dyes. So much so that I have been exploring ideas for creating items for sale on Etsy down the track.

I repurposed an op-shop tablecloth and some items of clothing, with great colours and patterns achieved.


I have settled on a name "DyeHouseDesigns", and have opened an Etsy account in this name with the idea of listing items such as these for sale. I am really excited about repurposing table linen for several reasons...

• I love vintage table linen
• I find lovely linen at op-shops all the time
• usually they are hand embroidered
• often they have other delightful features
• sometimes they are marked - of no concern after dyeing
• they are always beautiful and make wonderful keepsakes

I only have these few pics at this stage, but would really value any feedback from you all.

Have a great day :-)