FLECKS & GUSSET

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:07:00 +0000

I decides to rename this blog from FLECKS to FLECKS & GUSSET to reflects the invasion of my interest in sewing into this initially make-up blog.

Why GUSSET? Because gusset is a tiny piece of fabric that added to a garment for better fit and mobility while allow fitted silhouette to be retained. The main reason why I started sewing my own clothes.

I didn't blog much these days because I'm hardly inspired and motivated to write a make-up post. Ideas did pops in my head many times, but I couldn't keep thoughts coherently enough to make a post. I hardly put on makeup aside from sunscreen and some neutral eyeshadows. And sewing take over most of my free time. I think it is only a phase and over time, I'll be going gaga over makeup again.

Finally, the Urban Decay Naked Palette!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:52:00 +0000

This palette ladies has been in my wishlist for the longest time. Finally, I can cross it out of my wishlist, courtesy of my bf, his mum and his sis. His sister, went all the way to KL for Cyberjaya to get this palette. I couldn't thank you people enough.

p/s: Even though UD released Naked 2, I'm not digging into it after seeing the color swatches. But this one here, I can wait to put my grubby paws on it!

Showing some love to the sewing machine.

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:28:00 +0000

The thing about Brother LS2160 sewing machine is that it is a loud machine. So I couldn't figure when is the good time to oil the machine based on the time since it is always noisy.

Dear LS2160 and Singer oil.

The sewing machine light bulb was burnt and I haven't replace it. If I got extra cash, I might want to replace this with LED light.

The best tool to clean up the lint is lip brush! small enough to go through every small nook and corners.

Since I'm gonna start making a dress within this week. I clean up the lint and oil the machine. After that, I sew a leftover fabric to remove excess oil and boy, the machine run so smooth! Maybe I should do this more often.

Petticoat from repurposed fabric, closer look.

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 11:09:00 +0000

Making toile.

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:15:00 +0000

I'm planning to make a 50's inspired dress, which means fitted bodice and full circle skirt. This particular shape I find very flattering to any body shape.Of course it's not gonna look like anything like the Christian Dior work of art up there. But the general silhouette is pretty much the same. In few years, maybe I would be able to recreate something like CD satin dress, in few more years. More technique shall be acquire to make this kind of masterpiece. Anyway, today I finally learn to make French seams. It's a simple technique, but a winner in making the dress inside looks awesome.

Enough on the CD dress, back to the toile. I made the whole thing from RM3/metre fabric. Since it's only the bodice that's need to be fitted, I simply attached a circle skirt I made before this to complete the whole dress. Hooray for smart idea.

The toile needs quite a lot of alterations, which means a lot of modifications needed to be done with the flat pattern. The most important modification is at the back since the back bodice was so boxy. I fix that by increasing the dart intake. But it doesn't work. So I stitch the back bodice along the centre tapering towards the neckline, and voila, issue resolved.

More pic to show how fitted it was.

For the front bodice, I divided it into two panel. The whole bodice except the tummy part, and the tummy part. At first, the tummy part was a little low for the design in my head. It was about an inch too long. So I redo the part and finally the tummy part starts right where I want it, right under the bust. I replace the bust dart with gathers to eliminate stich at the bust area.

I want to make a petticoat so much...

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:33:00 +0000

That I can't wait until I got some tulle/crinoline fabric. I end up salvaging fabric from BLEACH's Shinigami costumes I made years ago.

Finding the fabric large enough for use in the whole stash bag.

Attaching two panels about 9inches width each, length is not measured, but it is about 4-5inches larger than my hip measurement.

The whole stretch of the two panel sewn lengthwise.

Add another panel about 6 inches width, the same length with the previous two panel. This panel using thinner fabric as this is where the elastic waist band will be attached.

cutting strips of fabric about 7inches wide to make ruffles.

How to make the ruffles. Hand stitch along the fabric length and pull to gather.

White ruffles. This one is about 3 inches wide.

The ruffles sewn to the panels.

Just to show what petticoat do.

(The skirt in this pic is not suitable to be worn with petticoat. Petticoat works better with fuller or circle skirt)

before petticoat,

after petticoat.

FOTD: Nabilla's Wedding.

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:24:00 +0000

Went to a coursemate's wedding last weekend at Kampung Matang Baru. Since I'd stop wearing makeup daily, this is the chance to start putting my makeup and brushes to use.

I was planning to put on simple makeup, just enough to cover pimples and hyperpigmentation infesting my cheeks. So I did tried the makeup to see if it works the night before. It seems fine, so I repeat it for the day itself.

Having a nude lipstick is not only good for pairing with dark smokey eyes, it's also good to tone any lipstick that is too bright. Blush, bronzer and highlighter was barely there, just enough to counter the foundation that makes me look pale.

Grooming my brows like crazy, but it still looks the same. LOL. It's hard to find the balance between bushy and full brows. Furthermore, I'm not into cutting the brows.

The kebaya that serves me well for the past two years. Been wearing it to few weddings and hari rayas.

Part 2: Making a bag - Choco.

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:04:00 +0000

The bag was finally done. Since I'm lacking of accessories needed to make handbag, I just improvise using whatever I have.

Ribbon

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:53:00 +0000

The ribbon was made from old jeans and bits of scraps from deconstructed dress. Hand-sewn and attached to a headband.

Saving Harlie

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:49:00 +0000

Harlie is a stray rescued by Dani. She had undergo amputation and c-section surgery to save her. The bill piled up to RM1000 and Dani needs donations by others to help settle Harlie bill. To read more about Harlie, visit this blog http://kuberkakitiga.blogspot.com/

Jeans and Cotton

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 07:56:00 +0000

A pair of old jeans + A metre of cotton fabric + some laces from old jacket

A new dress

This dress is kinda tricky since I'm working with limited amount of starting material. Was inspired by this Dorothy Perkins dress

Part 1: Making a bag - Choco.

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:30:00 +0000

I was given a small piece of leopard print fabric. At first, I was thinking of using it to make hair accessories. After going through my fabric scraps, I decided to use the leopard print as a bag accent.

The awesome bias tape maker! Click here to find out more. The tape done here used to finish up the edges and double up as the bag accent.

The flap and the main body of the bag.

Quilting the main body.

Pinning the flap on to see the general shape.

Line the main body with polka dot fabric and slide in a piece of plastic to make the base firmer

With the sides of the bag and tape sewn on.

The bag is not done yet at this stage. Buttons and more tape will be added on later stage and shoulder strap added.

When you can't sleep at night, make a circle skirt.

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:10:00 +0000

Lately, I'm a lil nocturnal, won't be able to sleep at night and the earliest I could go to bed is aroung 3.30am, which is really bad. Hope it would be going away soon.

One instance of the nocturnal hours was spent making a circle skirt. A simple project that somehow require more patience compared to the more complex project.

Sewing the skirt hem feels like forever because it is so long. Kinda tricky because of the hem is from circle pattern.

I worn the circle skirt with a self-made petticoat. I'm pretty pleased with it that I made another one in purple.

Inspired by Topshop, a dress with Asian touch.

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:25:00 +0000

Fuuuwaah! The title so poyo. LOL. Anyway, few weeks ago, my friend shown a picture of a skater dress from Topshop. It ignites my sewing frenzy again.

Below is the dress

Topshop

And with this,

it becomes this

The one I made using batik based on the design above.

Dyeing Frenzy!

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:55:00 +0000

My old favourite jean keeps fading and fading till it become almost white. I decided to give it a bit lift up by dyeing it with color.

My friend choose this nice turqoiuse. I didn't follow the instruction word by word since I don't have a stove in the apartment. So I end up using about 5-6 litres of hot water, add some salt, dye and good stir for 30 minutes.

Bucket of dye.

I decided to throw this shirt as well since it need some color too.

The faded jeans.

Note: If you want to this, DO NOT dye nice clothes. Reserve this activity for clothes that you don't really care. Dyeing like this produce really random outcome.

The shirt after dyeing

The jeans after dying.

The colour turns out well for the jeans and the shirt. There are few patches of uneven color. But this is due to tough stains on the fabric. The color is actually more vibrant than this, but the camera flash wash it out.

Waste not, want not

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:01:00 +0000

I have this lovely baju kurung that I wore during my convocation more than two years ago. However, since baju kurung usually is limited to certain occasion, it rarely spent its time outside the closet.

Luckily, I learn how to make a dress quite recently and decided to modify the baju kurung to a more wearable dress. It's kinda tricky since I have to work with fabric cut to a baju kurung. Nevertheless, the project work and dress is awesome. It spent more time outside the closet! It's a fitted dress with pleated skirt, boat neck and long sleeve. The sleeve includes a closure for better fit at the wrist.

Flecks first anniversary and special 20% discounts sale :)

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:40:00 +0000

Wow, it's almost exactly one year since I first posted in this blog. The first post is "FLECKS started", an introduction for this blog.

Let be poyo for a while. I'm not sure the English word equivalent for 'poyo', but being 'poyo' allow the be a bit cheesy. I think cheesy can be used to describe 'poyo'. First of all, when I first started blogging, I think big. I'm dreaming of becoming a makeup guru. But as I take baby steps as beauty blogger, I started to appreciate the term 'makeup guru' and I also started to see my limitation. I'm dreaming that big because I love makeup. So I guess I decided to avoid the 'makeup guru' path and chooses to remain a makeup lover. Being a makeup lover allow me to be more honest with my blog. Especially when it comes to reviewing products. It also allow to be who I am, a person with limited makeup skill, instead of pretending I know enough to be a makeup artist or something.

But bigger than all that personal wish. I think I achieve my goal with this blog. From blog stats, I can see Flecks popular for those looking for review and swatches pictures. I hope all that helps consumers out there making better choice and stretch the value of their money.

Thanks to my blog followers for making this blog as it is today. Special thanks for special bunch of sweet bloggers that always come and visit me, not to forget leaving all those encouraging comments. You know who you are. I love you guys *huge cyber hug*.

I feel like celebrating but I didn't have time and resource to host a giveaway. So I decided to host a sale for my blog follower. Basically, I decided to give 20% discounts from 19th August to 22nd August 2011 for all item in my handmade shop to my blog follower.

So guys, feel free to visit my shop here. To claim the discount, simply mention you GFC ID/username.

Tnc:

This sale only valid from 19th to 22nd August 2011 and restricted for this blog follower.
Transaction in MYR
Discounted price does not include postage fee
Postage delivery limited to Malaysian address

All these in one day.

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 03:08:00 +0000

The last post about nail polish is about the NOTD below. My current favourite.

Since I had the nail look for quite some time and the tips started chipping, I tried a different look.

Since plain black a little to harsh, I add glitter polish on top, but it looks weird.

I removed it all and started again with something neutral. But it looks a lil boring.

So I add purple on top. It looks nice.

But my hand so itchy, I add chunky glitter. It looks childish, so I remove it again.

And apply red nail polish. Still gatal tangan (itchy hand), I taped my nail and add black tip.

By this time, I'm too frustrated and tired. I end up leaving my nail like this even tho I'm still not satisfied.

Simple EOTD 5/8/11

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:20:00 +0000

Simple eye makeup that can be done in less than 3 minutes.

I used

ELF Metallic Olive Cream Eye Liner as base.

Applied taupe shade from ELF Ivy Quad to blend the eye liner base.

And one coat of mascara since the weather is really hot today.

p/s: I noticed using lipgloss during fasting is the best way to test how long it would last.

Current favourite nail polish combination.

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:31:00 +0000

Pardon me for the pic, especially the nail tips. It look like this because the picture taken about 4 days after it was first applied. Anyway, currently, this is my favourite nails look. It looks more peachy corally than in the picture, but it is really that shiny. Hehehe. I like this one in particular as it is simple, pretty and the tip wear off nicely instead of cracking just like that.

I used one coat L.A. Colors Nail Lacquer in Suede as base as Elianto Nail Color in Coral Light stains nail badly. I apply two thin coat of Coral light followed by one or two coat of The Face Shop WH003.

The real star for this combination is The Face Shop WH003. I have this bottle for about 2 years and it is still good. It's pretty sheer, which makes it great for transforming other nail color. It is like doubling your nail color collection. After all, this is the closest I get to holo nail polish....it is so hard to find holo nail polish, let alone cheap one.

Puasa

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:43:00 +0000

First day of Ramadhan, a couple of hours before sungkey. So far, so good...the only thing is, I don't like feeling so dehydrated.

Again, I'm slowing down with this blog as I find it is hard to be passionate about makeup when you're not wearing them. But really, I have to start posting more regularly.

Regarding my skin condition, it's recovering, but I think it gonna be long before it look decent again. So much acne stains/hyperpigmentation and comedon still there. Acne itself is under control, I have few break outs during time of the month, besides that, no new pimples surfacing. Turn out, the simplest skincare with good supplement is the one that works.

So yeah, I don't know how to end this post. (this makes me want to Monty Phyton, off to Youtube then).

Till next post :)

Review: Organic Aid Vitamin E Moisturizing Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 02:55:00 +0000

Product Description:
It contains natural Vitamin E. Non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic.

Benefits:

•Enhances the skin elasticity which tones and smoothes out fine wrinkle.
•Soothes and refreshes dry, irritated skin.
•Protects skin against sun and wind.
•Moisturizes and nourishes dry skin.
•Non-greasy and quickly absorbed.
•Helps retain and enhance skin moisture balance.

(RSP: RM14.90)

I was glad to have Yuberactive sending this product for reviewing purpose as I'm in love with the Organic Aid Vitamin E Facial Foam sent previously. To read others review regarding this product, click here.

The product sent for reviewing weight 28.3 gram and priced RM14.90. Considering on the fact I didn't actually need to used a lot for it to works, this product definitely is a great buy (pppstttt, I'm considering getting a backup soon!).

It comes in jar packaging with screw on lid. However, Organic Aid product seems to be a bit lacking in packaging department. When I first received the product, I noticed some of it leaking to the screw top, and the white cap is a little too flimsy. Since the cream consistency is not that thick, a vacuum pump packaging would work better.

Regarding consistency, this product is quite thick, however not so slippery. The first few time using it, I always end up using too much as this product does not have much slip. After some time, I figured out that the best way to use it is by rubbing tiny amount on my palm and pat in on. It absorbed quickly to non-greasy texture that it feels that my skin almost matte.

One of the immediate effect, like after few hours applying this cream is that, I noticed my skin looks plumper, like raisins soaked in water for too long. Hehe, okay, I might exaggerate a bit, but it does look plumper. It does great moisturizing the skin. However, since I have acne prone/oily skin skin, this moisturizer is a little too emollient for me. Using it during the day would make my face a little oily at the end of the day, so I reserved for night time usage.

I find this moisturizer is great as it is gentle, not much of noticeable scent and light. The last vitamin E facial cream that I used have strong smell and unbearably thick and greasy. Most importantly, this product does not cause break out! Hooray!

So yeah, it works, it's inexpensive and it's easily available. Definitely a keeper in my skin care routine :)

The product was sent for reviewing purpose by Yuberactive, this however does not affect my view of the product.

Review: MAX FACTOR Liquid Effect Pencil Eye Liner

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 02:18:00 +0000

Product Description:
The new MAX FACTOR Liquid Effect Pencil Eye Liner is a modern day eye liner with an edge; incorporating the easy application of an eye pencil and the smooth and lasting effects of a liquid eye liner. You can effortlessly create any number of looks from the striking shades of Lilac, green, purple, silver, brown and black, whether you’re going for something simple, exaggerated or bold.

As one of the items in the MAX FACTOR Eye Effects Collection, the MAX FACTOR Liquid Eye Effect Pencil Eye Liner will be available in store from July 2011.

(RSP: RM38)

I was given a chance to review this eyeliner from Max Factor by Yuberactive. To read others review regarding this product, click here.

Yuberactive sent me the eyeliner in Violet Voltage, a lovely purple shade. At first, I was excited by the product's name 'Liquid Effect Pencil Eye Liner'. I was expecting a pencil eyeliner with opaque and crisp application of liquid eyeliner, but I should now better not to expect too much.

As you can see from the swatch above, the eyeliner is not really opaque even after few layers. The thickest line is the eyeliner smudged with the smudger tip, but it works more like an eraser than a smudger. I think could be because the smudger made of rubbery material instead of something spongy.

Applying the eyeliner on my lid can be a frustrating business, no matter what I did, it won't apply evenly. Apply it thinly, it looks too sheer. Apply it moderately, it looks uneven. Apply it thickly, it starts to clumps. Yes, the liner become sort of concentrated to some area if it applies in thicker layer. So I gave up and accept the fact in won't applied even on the lid.

How long lasting is it? Well, on my oily lids, it's pretty good. It could last for more than 4-5 hours on good weather, but it will transfer or smudge after 3 hours. Eye primer or eyeliner coat helps minimised the problem.

On hot weather, it smudged badly and at one occasion, the eyeliner color actually bleed, making me look like abuse victim (or like Ashley said, 'eye lid surgery went bad'). LOL. The violet color seeps to the crease and the eyeliner left with black-blue color.

Overall, for me, this eyeliner is just decent. I think it would work better for those with normal or dry lid, and less hot and humid weather could also helps. I keep this eyeliner for daily used and for special occasion, I stick with cream eyeliner.

The product was sent for reviewing purpose by Yuberactive, this however does not affect my view of the product.

It's ready to open

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:57:00 +0000

My handmade items online shop is ready to open!!!!!!!! Err, wait, I forgot to include banking, postage and etc details *back to editting*

*few minutes later*

Wait ah~~~ need to edit some more (I should be asleep now, gonna OT tomorrow).

*few hours later*

The internet connection was not good at all after midnight, it was so slow I think garden snails are faster. Hehe.

Anyway, the shop is ready :) Feel free to come and visit. At the moment, I have added three collections, a bunch of brush rolls made from reused fabrics and miscellaneous pouches.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peppers/206754632707918

here the 2 collections, Clara and Mabushi~~~ I'd recently made and all ready for sale at the link above.

p/s: LOL, today is Saturday, which means that I open the store a day early.

Busy at the moment...

noreply@blogger.com (Pepper) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 01:37:00 +0000

because I'm setting up an online shop for my handmades!!!! Yay! I try to make as much stuffs as possible before the shop open by the end of this week (hopefully). I hope to open it latest by Sunday.

Initially, the plan is to use Blogger as the platform, but I find Facebook is better as it allow better network and and easier editing. I iz essaited XD

Be back soon with proper blogging as I got some stuffs to review.