fabric fantastic

Baby dresses

2009-11-30T11:20:00.002+11:00

This fab baby dress is for my niece Ivy for Christmas. Its a reversible design with two great vintage fabrics in warm tones.

Love my new label too...

Theo had her cousin Ivy come up to stay last week. These two little girls are so cute together and are gonna be great mates as they grow up!!!

Rebecca Ward

2009-11-25T08:35:00.001+11:00

Fabulous jewellery for sale at Shannon Garson's open studio sale in Maleny - check it out!

Dec 5th - studio open for the month of December at 23 Cedar St, Maleny.

Melanie Vugich

2009-11-13T08:48:00.002+11:00

Melanie Vugich's website is finally finished and I must say I'm pleased with it! This fantastic textile designer has hit our shores from Italy and I can't wait to see what is in the pipeline next... check out her beautiful work.

My bed

2009-11-11T08:13:00.003+11:00

My friend Jess asked me to take a photo of my new bed for her in London. Funny to think they are considering getting the same bed on the other side of the world... guess IKEA really is everywhere!

And here is my cheeky imp looking like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. She's been having a rough couple of days with sleeplessness, a cold and some downstairs dept stuff! LOL! Anyway, that's enough information there. Last night wasn't so bad though, only an hour of settling at 2am... the previous night she'd screamed from 1-5am... delightful.

More bags online...

2009-11-08T18:46:00.002+11:00

Online now - new designs... I have finally managed to get more uploaded and they are already selling fast so check them out. I have one more crazy leopard print ballerina bag to upload this week.

Busy busy busy with design work, graphic design that is, which is perfect to do while Theo sleeps at night. The kidswear is just out of reach at the moment but I think about it all the time... arghhh... soon!

Life is good here otherwise. The mist is creeping in again tonight, it's been cold but I love being home in the Mountains. I have my new bed (yes, the IKEA cast iron one) and it is so lovely. I forgot how nice it is to get something new. And newness I need...

All I want for Christmas...

2009-11-05T09:00:00.000+11:00

Anyone who knows me knows I love red. And, oh my stars, how red is this new limited edition Red Velvet Cake cosmopolitan carryall by Petunia Pickle Bottom. I just need another baby now as an excuse!

Or do I... ;)

These baby bags are divine. I get asked all the time where I got mine (I have the Society Satchel in bright pink).

Check 'em out.

Fabulous artist

2009-11-02T10:37:00.004+11:00

Paperbark pool, Peregian 2009

For the Brisbanites...
The fabulous Adrienne Williams is exhibiting her beautiful paintings at Doggett Street Studio, Newstead 6-28 November, 2009. 5% of profits go to the Queensland Wader Study Group.

She is an amazing artist (and my old boss) - I highly recommend checking out her work!

Allen key

2009-10-31T15:15:00.002+11:00

So I have my new bed... the IKEA iron bed... but of course got the wrong side beams so I still live on the floor! It's been a week and I can't wait to get into this blasted new bed. So much for feng shui changing my life.

But these beams arrive on Monday so I have a few girlfriends coming around to help me build it. You can never just build these damn things on your own. Always slightly tricky.

Anyway, thank you for so many lovely comments. I am feeling great, getting in the pool, doing my own thing while the ex looks after the little one for me. Life is good.

Time to move on...

2009-10-21T20:16:00.006+11:00

I need a new bed. I need new, clear, fresh feng shui in my life. My poor old ensemble has moved around the NT, QLD and NSW so time to chuck it out!

I have started to look around and think an old fashioned cast iron bed would be lovely...

This one is gorgeous...

How about this for a funky bed?

This is really sweet...

But this might just do! It's actually my favourite shape of all. AND at IKEA...

All about me.

2009-10-20T09:59:00.005+11:00

Back in the beautiful Blue Mountains after a few days away at Newcastle visiting my sister and family. It was so lovely to see everyone but it's so hard when your baby doesn't sleep so I felt like a zombie the whole time. I finally broke down and got a good rest while Mum took over.

Yesterday I decided to drive back to Sydney a day early then swung around and came straight back to the Mountains. Luckily, Theo didn't do too bad at sleeping last night (only awake 1.5 hours screaming!) so I am feeling more rested.

Being the sole parent, doing everything on your own is incredibly hard. I am still very angry about things but I am getting through it all.

I am determined to get to my baby range soon... but I just don't know when. I have some design projects to finish first, which is great to do at night while she goes to bed, but I'd love a little time to myself.

Buttons buttons buttons

2009-10-10T07:47:00.000+11:00

If you are lucky to live in Brisbane, please check out the button exhibition at Paddington Antique Centre, Paddington from 13 November - 3 December. I am so excited to be included in Suzy's collection - and there are a fab range of other designers!!!

My range of delicious handmade handbags will be on display and for sale.

On my way

2009-10-08T11:19:00.002+11:00

I am back at home in the Mountains and slowly getting used to the idea of doing everything myself. Theo and I have such a lovely home that it's quiet enjoyable hanging out together, playing with fabrics and listening to her chatter away...

So I hope to get back into things soonish. I have some design projects that need to be finished then I can play more with patterns for kidswear.

It was lovely spending some time in Sydney with Mum. Theo really enjoyed playing on the beach at Bundeena though it was so cold!!

I'm just waiting for her to wake up (2 hour nap so far?! Crazy as she doesn't normally do this)... then we can go visit baby Lily!

The good and the bad...

2009-09-24T18:08:00.004+10:00

Before I start I must post this...

Ali J's fabulous illustration work has been stolen - mimicry the best form of flattery? Fair when Killah make 75 pounds per dress? Shameless, disgusting and damn unfair... This makes me sick!

I have managed to update my website somewhat. It's been so tired so I was happy to give it a tidy up. Just need to get some more bags online!

And... my baby & kidswear site is up! Of course, nothing for sale just as yet as I have just sent off for my swing tags today, deciding if I will be doing postcards for the baby range (might have to come later) and still awaiting my new labels to sew into clothes. It's all so terribly exciting - and I am really pleased that I have managed to get so much done with little Theo dragging herself around amongst all my fabric and bits here in my workspace!

More fun

2009-09-21T08:21:00.002+10:00

6 month old baby dress. Vintage fabric mix.

More baby dresses I have been creating. The patterns are still not finalised as yet but I'm really happy with them!

9 month old baby dress. Vintage & recycled fabric mix.

Theo has worked out how to scoot around the room - not crawling still but rolling and dragging herself around. I have set up a travel cot in my workspace to keep her contained as she has already grabbed the foot pedal for overlocker and sewing machine!! I can see plenty of bumps ahead!

Pssst... want a bargain?

2009-09-17T21:02:00.001+10:00

My x-large tote range is ON SALE! 50% off while stocks last!!!

Clever chicky!

2009-09-15T08:34:00.003+10:00

I just had to blog the cleverness of friend Jo who is from my online Mothers Group! She posted these photos on facebook and has kindly let me blog them here. She has a fabulous craft group get together and made these fabulous baby pants out Dad's recycled t-shirt. Boys have such a problem finding funky threads and I think Jo's nailed it for funky duds!!!

She had these gorgeous monkey pants that are now too small so has enlarged and cut out to fit on an old t-shirt. The edging of the t-shirt creates the hem at the bottom of the pants.

As you can see these are a quick, funky and fabulous way to recreate something new from something tired and past keeping! I just love them.

This gorgeous girl's dress was also recreated out of a man's shirt... read here to see how Jo did it!

Dresses galore

2009-09-10T08:28:00.003+10:00

Original 1960's fabrics - I love the geometric mod one!

I am having a lot of fun with these baby dresses. The patterns are pretty much final - just need to check the size 1 and 2's to fit on little girls. A lot of my fabrics were too thin for handbags, so it's so great to know they are going to become dresses!

New labels are on their way so I just need to get my swing tags finished, postcards, etc... whew! Still so much to do! Plus running around behind my little girl. Why am I going like crazy doing it now? Well, Theo isn't quite crawling yet so I still have some time before all stops and I do have to run around behind her!!!

This beautiful giraffe print (original 60's fabric) is now a cute size 0 dress. It closes with vintage yellow buttons and I've sewn two other cute buttons on the front. The reverse is 1960's yellow and navy fabric. The idea of a reversible dress is perfect for little girls who can sometimes get grubby - just switch the dress around while you are out!

Crafty Craftiness Day

2009-09-07T18:45:00.004+10:00

Today we had a Crafty Craftiness Day with some of the Mums around here. Babies played, screamed, ate and generally did their think while we tried to do something creative. For some crazy reason I imagined a quiet homely scene with us all knitting, darning and doing things in an orderly fashion... ha ha!

We had lots of yummy treats and managed to cut out some patterns - Azure's Monkey Pants for Ziggy are going to look great (above).

How is this for sewing!?! Sam sews with Sterling in the sling in front of her. It was fine while he was asleep but wanted to join in the action when he saw Mum was making him some funky pants!

And finally, happy 8th months Theo! I can't believe she is 8 months old now... :( Makes me sad but I love seeing her grow up.

Dresses are coming along nicely...

2009-09-05T11:33:00.003+10:00

The dress shape I have designed is constantly being adapted (with ideas coming to me in the night) and I can't tell you how many I have made this week when Theo sleeps or plays on her own. I've realised this is such a good time as she will shortly start to crawl - so that will be it!!!

I have made two in this fabric with the shape slowly changing. I felt it gaped too much at the back at the bottom and my last design has it fully covered at the back - bloomers optional!

They just look so great with little shirts, bloomers, jeans, long sleeved tops, etc. I'm actually wondering if I can source some groovy long & short sleeved tees and leggings to sell online with the dresses... hmm... Where to start looking? I'd love to have a complete 'look' as an option.

Pants will also be coming soon for the little boys out there who never get a look-in fashion-wise.

Some of the many dresses I have been making this week. All are reversible with vintage buttons either side. The gingham dress at the back has a cute pocket on the front.

Dressed for success

2009-09-02T18:32:00.003+10:00

Patterns are still being finalised (poor Theo has been wearing them all so I can get the design right) but we are getting there! I'm almost happy with it. A few more tweaks and I will have to stop!

This pinafore style dress has been adapted from 1950's patterns. I've added more fabric at the back so it doesn't gape... just finalising how the front will sit. This particular dress has 80's Noah's Ark fabric on the outside with big red recycled buttons and the interior is vintage star seersucker with big white buttons. Too cute!

I keep getting asked about boys pants so maybe it will be something to consider too.

Clambering around

2009-08-31T13:04:00.006+10:00

Theo's baby gym & vintage Fisher Price telephone amongst my stuff!

I just turned around in my workspace to grab something and had to clamber through babygear. It made me chuckle so I took a photo. This is what I deal with every day now. Theo has taken to pulling out fabrics to play with - which I love - and I love watching what she finds interesting.

The beautiful gift bag on the chair in the photo at top (with pinnochio drawn on the front) is by Italian clockmaker Bartolucci. Steven's parents brought back this cute retro-styled clock from Italy on their recent holiday. They picked this ladybird as they thought the face looked just like Theo's.

Last night I managed to create more of the look & feel of the new baby range I will be doing soon. It was so fun to be able to be creative and get into it as Theo is finally getting some sleep - 6pm to 6am... yay!

And finally, check out Made by White's fantastic sale! These girls do the most fabulous perspex jewellery and wall art and I urge you to check them out... mmmm... jewellery...

Revitalised

2009-08-30T10:30:00.004+10:00

For ages I haven't been able to log on to my website - arghhh! The joys of having a baby mean that resetting passwords with 1 hour to log on mean I never get there in time. Anyway, finally I got on after about a month to update the site a bit!

I've left a bit of a hint about the baby dresses coming soon. I have still not finalised the sort of pattern I will be doing but it's so fun that I wanted to share. I have some cute kewpie dolls as my models!

Life is good at the moment. We are back on track (my relationship) and Theo is a constant joy. And I mean constant. She doesn't stop chirrupping, laughing, smiling and playing. Still no sign of crawling but that can only be good as I am not ready to completely spend all day running around behind her!

I'm on a roll...

2009-08-25T08:35:00.003+10:00

Ok, so feeling more inspired and getting things done. Well, actually Theo is sick with runny nose and so forth so she keeps sleeping. This means I can do stuff! Horrible, aren't I?!

I have put Theo's quilt over the chair in her bedroom. Last night was the FIRST night that she didn't wake for a feed so I feel rejuvenated today. It's such a heavy quilt - all recycled fine upholstery and backed with polar fleece - and she wears a grobag at night that I worry it's too heavy and warm, hence being on the chair for now. The colours work so well with the warm tones in her room.

For now it looks so sweet this way... I really want to make more quilts and have them for sale online. Something to think about in the future.

I have also been playing with baby dresses and have adapted a pattern to create more of the shape I like. This little dress is made from vintage seersucker fabric, recycled gingham for the interior and a cute denim pocket on the front. It will look cute with jeans or leggings while it's still cold too. I think I will do a crossover pinafore style dress/top next and see how that works... great with vintage buttons and all the fabrics I have!

Creative days

2009-08-24T13:23:00.003+10:00

At last I have had some time over the weekend to create some new things and finish some old! I have been playing around with baby dresses and deciding if it's something I will go into. Theo wears a lot of pinafore-style dresses which I love teaming up with patterned tights and different t-shirts and skivvies.

I haven't decided what sort of pattern I will do (and still have to develop one) but playing around with existing patterns to see what I think. These dresses (above) are made with some of my recycled fabrics and trims. At the top right of the pic you can see the next one I'm getting ready to make in a gorgeous 60's Gummerson Fern fabric. So lovely for the coming warmer months!

Theo's baby quilt is finished! It's actually the right size for her cot and will be great when we are ready to convert her cot into a little bed as it will fit beautifully around the sides when the rails come away. I ended up backing this with pale pink polar fleece. It's weighty and warm and perfect for the Blue Mountains - in summer it will do just fine with a cotton sheet underneath.

Quilts are another item I am considering exploring to sell... I have some amazing fabrics and this could be a lovely way of showing them to their best advantage. What do you think?

Hill End

2009-08-19T13:03:00.004+10:00

Theo jammed into the car with all our stuff AND Nelly the dog in the back!

Last weekend we went to Hill End for a much deserved break. What a fantastic gem of a place it is! I had only ever been as far as Sofala many years ago - but the extra journey to Hill End is well worth the effort. And what was once a bumpy dirt road is almost paved the whole way through!

Outside Cookes Cottage with Theo while Nelly sits under the trees.
She loved barking at the roos every day.

We stayed at Cookes Cottage which was a pleasant surprise. 4 star boutique beautiful old cottage with everything that opens and shuts including a roaring fire! Oh and Nelly was able to stay there too. I love dog friendly accommodation as it makes the holiday so much easier.

Theo outside the front of the cottage - the sun shone the whole time we were there!

A highlight of the trip was discovering Ackerman's cottage - which is one of the oldest cottages out there (all circa 1860's-70's) and has a descendant of the original family still living there who showed us everything. It was a real treat to see and the house and garden - just divine.

We also loved, loved, loved having Devonshire Tea at Rose Cottage next door. $6 a head and out came the lace tablecloth, doilies, scones in baskets, proper tea set and real tea!!! It was so delightful and of course, we forgot the camera! I highly recommend stopping in there. Tea is served in a lovely garden at the house where little birds played in the trees and the winter sun shone on us.

We have had a bit of a hiccup in our relationship... personal, sad, but we are working it out. It's not uncommon for new parents to struggle and I am amazed at the lack of support for new fathers out there. Anyway, we needed a holiday and felt this one was highly beneficial.

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Despite that, I am frantically busy with design work (graphic) and haven't had a chance to do much bag-wise. I have about 10 bags sitting here that need to be finished with buttons and buttonholes but can't find a second to do it all. It's soooo frustrating! I keep thinking that I can 'handle it all' but really I can't! Having a baby slows you down incredibly and no amount of telling you really helps you understand.

On another note, I'm still debating whether to stop my blog. It was really about fabrics, the bags, design and colour but, as I don't get a chance to do much bag stuff at the moment, is it fair to keep it running? Or should I sway it more towards my business v's personal life being a mum and business woman??? Any thoughts?