Sweet Chivalry Blog

Granny square poncho

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 14:47:00 +0000

I spent a couple days making a colourful poncho for Freya's 3rd birthday this Tuesday, I LOVED making this! They really don't take long to make and are so satisfying. I'd like to make her some more crochet clothes, little people sizes do not take long at all.

Its been quite quiet around here the past couple weeks, I managed to finally finish my spring cleaning. Although you would never guess looking at the house now! But at least I know I tried. I guess that's what happens with a messy 3year old and a feeding baby. We've mostly been watching Frozen, everyday, sometimes twice. It's a good job I quite like it, it's very charming. I definitely recommend it.

Excuse my terrible photo's, and I really must start using my actual photo backdrop. The shed door isn't quite as dazzling!

Happy Weekend.

Antique Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 09:31:00 +0000

I love vintage and antique photography. Being able to actually look into the past is wonderful, plus some of them are utterly bonkers and fascinating. It's fun trying to guess what and why they were taken. My favorite are old circus photo's, and the victorian staged one. I've seen photo's of bears lying on people, children smoking, skeletons set up in real life poses and goats on slides.

My favorite is definitely the third photo! They are the most stylish ladies I've ever seen. And I would totally rock the bottom right pair of sunglasses.

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Bettering myself

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 09:30:00 +0000

This week has been a long one. I'm attempting to spring clean at the moment, which is harder than it sounds with a clingy baby. Not to mention the fact that he sleeps for 30 odd minutes in total per day. I love spring cleaning, it gives me the chance to minimize as much as I can. When we first moved out the amount of 'stuff' and clutter I had was unreal. I like things to be as simple and as tidy as possible because it needs to be easy to manage with two children!

I always see spring as a new start, more so than the start of a new year. I always feel so much different when it starts to warm up. Speaking of new starts, I've been looking for a distance learning course for a number of months. I've looked into criminology, astronomy and some sort of creative course. I've always been fascinated with all of them, but I do miss the art side of school! I used to have hours and hours of art and design a week and miss having the chance to be more creative. I'd love something that ties into setting my own craft business up so a dress making course seemed like the best thing I could do! I've found a wonderful double course on fashion and dress making, that I'm hoping to start in June after our holiday. It would be great to make well constructed dolls with beautiful clothing. Learning a little haute couture is included too!

The idea of knowing how to making clothing like this is dreamy! I'd quite happily live in a different coloured sequin skirt everyday.

Photo from Alice and Olivia collection - here.

Chanel Haute Couture

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 09:50:00 +0000

I've always been a little crazy for the detailing in Haute Couture. Especially Chanel. The dreamy embroidery is the most beautiful work I've ever seen. I was eager to find out how the embroidery was done and found a few videos on YouTube for a technique called tambour. It's basically a form of crochet with a tiny tiny crochet hook. I'm so thankful I learned to crochet, it seems to rule the world! I've always been quite inspired by the clothing when I dress my dolls and would love to take it the step further. I'd like to embroider full dresses with beads and sequins. Because who doesn't like sequins?

I'm going to need to write myself a weekly to-do list of all the creative things I want to do. Or I'll never finish anything! Never mind the space. Sadly our new possible house to be didn't work out, which had a brick shed with electric. It would of been the perfect little craft room. Off to search for a new home...again. Must be third time lucky!

I couldn't find any of the original links but all images were found via Pinterest.

Chanel Haute Couture site here

Favorites - Sweetnellie

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 09:52:00 +0000

I'm crazy for Sweetnellie's beautiful crochet and knit creations. The amount of work that must go into them is wonderful. I love all the earthy, foresty colour's, they look like they've wondered straight out of a fairytale forest. I've spent ages getting lost in her blog, full of rabbits, elephants, foxes and snoots (What an amazing name!). They really inspire me to get going with my doll making, I'd love to make them fabulous crochet dresses and shoes.

You can buy these lovely creations here. I may have to treat my daughter - ok, myself- soon!

Or read her blog here.

Lack of motif

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 10:47:00 +0000

I'm quite ashamed at how much of my dress I've crocheted the past month. I've been trying to finish my sunburst blanket and my Mums scull scarf for her Birthday. It's an amazing pattern (here). I might have to make one for myself. I found the pictures below the other day, they're quite old but I absolutely love them. They're on my about page, which I still need to write. I read everywhere it's quite important on a blog so I'm definitely taking my time with it.

Have a lovely weekend!

A colourful home.

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 14:18:00 +0000

We've been trying to find a bigger house since I was pregnant with Saul. So we're talking a good year and a half now! I attempted to 'house swap', which suited us best but there just seemed nothing out there! It's quite possible we may have found somewhere more than perfect but nothings certain yet, so I'm keeping my fingers - and toes - crossed. I can't help dreaming up of how we would decorate. It's something we've put off doing in our current house until we found somewhere new. Least to say I'm bursting with idea's.

My idea of a home is somewhere cheery, full of art and colourful. I'd love to DIY as much as I could, on as much of a budget as possible too. I absolutely love the idea of making a boring old door as pretty as above with little polka dots! In different colours would look super cute. Or different colour spots for each door?

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My motifs.

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 12:12:00 +0000

So I finally got around to taking some photo's of my motifs! It feels like I've made so many more as I practiced with a thicker green yarn before. All bar one need the excess thread weaved in. That is definitely something I need to start doing every time I finish one, otherwise it becomes a great big tangled nightmare pain.

I'm unsure and honestly worried about steaming the motifs, terrified I'll end up ruining them! Also whether I should wait until the end or weekly? I'll have to do my research. I've learnt pretty much everything from Kathryn White's book 'The Go-To Book for Irish Crochet Motifs'. It's very clear with simple directions, all I'm yet to learn is padding cord length's, which looks fairly intimidating to say the least.

We quite recently brought a new DSLR and I'm still learning (badly). I need to brush up my skills on crochet photography, I'll have to take a little more time with laying them out nicely and spending more time on it in general. With a 5 month old and a grumpy 2 year old isn't always the easiest of tasks but it can be done, I'm sure.

Circus dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 17:30:00 +0000

I've been coming across a lot of circus inspired clothing lately, and absolutely love these two. I'd be quite happy with them in my rickety old (not in the good way) wardrobe. You'd definitely feel like you just stepped out of a 1940's travelling circus wearing either.

I was hoping to take a few photographs of my motifs so far but didn't have access to the camera today, so it'll have to be tomorrow. How amazing is the dress above on the right? I loudly swooned when I saw it, a whole wedding dress with large motifs like that? PLEASE! As far as I can see it has the same flower design, leaves and the odd circle in certain places. I constantly change my mind about things because I'm so inspired by certain collections I stumble across. Darn you pinterest.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Wedding dress - The basics

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 18:20:00 +0000

After trawling through hundreds and hundred of not-so-special wedding dresses (within my price range, of course!) I never found anything that I really loved. Until I had the idea of making my own, eventually it turned into the idea of crocheting it myself. I then by chance came across irish crochet, also known as Irish lace. It's basically crochet created with thread and usually 'padded' to give it a 3d effect. It's so beautiful and intricate I had no idea I'd even be able to do it. But I was brought a book and have discovered I can, so there begins a project for me! No pressure. I've narrowed down my design ideas, but until a lot closer to the wedding, in 2016, I'm not setting myself on something. I know I'd like a pretty neckline, for my lovely family heirloom necklace I was lucky enough to receive. Some sort of sleeve and a fitted waist/hips. I'm so excited that I started a couple weeks ago already. I'm hooked (excuse the pun)

My favorite neckline and sleeves! Would be so flattering. My aim is to make at the very least one motif a day.

Photos 2 and 3 found on vintagetextile.com. All other images found via google.

Style icon - Pattie Boyd

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 16:40:00 +0000

Pattie Boyd was (is) a model, photographer and author, most active in the 1960's. She is most known for her marriages to George Harrison and later Eric Clapton. She was said to be the inspiration of many of George's and Eric's songs. And honestly who can blame them? She was a stunning yet adorable young woman with a wonderful sense of style. In the 60's she had a girly 'mod' wardrobe, consisting of above the knee length patterned dresses, peter pan collars, colourful tights, calf length boots and sweet little heeled shoes. In the early 1970's she embraced the 'hippie' style wearing wide brimmed hats, flared trousers, suits and fabulous accessories. She is definitely worthy of being noted as a style icon, and inspires us often, the reason for my wish of long hair with bangs. We also think there is a huge like-ness between her and Hannah Metz!

Who is your style icon?

Images found via google.

Inspired

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 22:13:00 +0000

A quick post to say I am thankful for beauty, innocence, knowledge, learning, dreaming big and love.

Without these I don't know where I would be right now.

I am so lucky to have such high hopes.

Fingers still crossed awaiting my 'launch' meeting.

For now I will be a little quiet in the blogging world awaiting to see when the meeting will be.

I am currently at a business standstill, all I can do for now is learn.

(A photo of my Dad in the early 1950's with his cousin. Such a beautiful photograph!)

Vintage shop favourites

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:33:00 +0000

I've been a big fan of poshgirlvintage.com for years. The sell some of the most beautiful, unique items I've ever seen. It's also a little more special because it's family run and has a great history. The clothing and accessories here are some of my current posh girl vintage favourites. One of the quotes on their about us "If we wouldn't wear it then we won't sell it!" made me think about Sweet Chivalry. I think this is such a good view to have and something I stand by strongly. There is no point in selling something you don't fully believe in is there? Today has been a long day full of tantrums and trying to (unsuccessfully) figure out website hosting. I almost forgot, I managed to buy sweetchivalry.com last night! I am still waiting to hear back from the princes trust about my business plan. I'm so desperate to receive my grant so I can start buying and open. I hope everybody is having a good week.

Finalizing

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 08:33:00 +0000

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Happy Friday guys! She & Him are one of my favorite bands (duo?), this song is perfect for cosy days inside. My daughter seems to love it too as she's dancing around my living room. Today Sweet Chivalry's first advert is on Scathingly Brilliant, it's so exciting! I'm so eager to spread the word about Sweet Chivalry.

Today will be a productive day, the business plan is being sent off to the Princes Trust,

i'll be making some buttons for sharing, a new blog description and possibly pie making. I'll be back on Sunday for a current loves. Before I go, here a photo of my Nan

(far left) and her friends back in the early 60's. She was such a stylish lady!

Dreaming of Versailles

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:49:00 +0000

Anybody that knows me know I am HUGE lover of Marie Antoinette, it was of course Sophia Coppola's film
that first introduced me and I don't know where I would be without it. I could spend hours swooning
over the beautiful dresses. Which actually, was the foundations of building my love for history and vintage fashion.
If I could dress in mid 18th century dress every day, I would. In fact today I've decided to
(again) grow my fringe out in order to style more Kirsten Dunst
(as MA) hairstyles.

I've featured Oxford Heaven on here before, because I am head over heels in love with her shoes.
Especially since I discovered her flickr account here. There are page and pages of the most beautiful
Marie-Antoinette inspired shoes I have ever seen.

Closet peek.

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:13:00 +0000

I thought I'd share a little of my vintage clothing. All dresses here are from the 50's-70's. A few of them will be for sale when the shop opens. I think I might make this a frequent thing, perhaps monthly. The terrible quality photos makes me question sharing, but everybody has to start somewhere, and it won't be too long until I have my new camera. 1. Late 1950's prom dress. 2.70's maxi dress, this has the most gorgeous lace detail empire line and sleeves. 3. 70's print maxi dress. 4. Early 1960's couture dress. 5. Handmade 70's layered dress. 6. 1950's candy pink prom dress. (My favorite)

New website.

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 22:10:00 +0000

The past week I have been completely re-designing the website. I was happy with what I had before, but felt that I needed something a little more professional and simpler. I LOVE it! Most of the photographs I use are my Nan or photo's she has given me. My Nan really was a stylish lady and I love showing her off. I'm so lucky to have all of these beautiful old family photos. Do you have any old family photographs you treasure? I'm soon to start our opening countdown. It really is one of the most exciting adventures I've ever had.

Isn't this dress stunning? Found here.

New dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 09:52:00 +0000

We have been on to some lovely dresses over the past few days. I received this beautiful 70's maxi
dress in the post yesterday and it's so dreamy! Below is an early 60's couture dress I found, it is in
the prefect condition, it so beautiful! I'd keep it myself but sadly it doesn't fit. We have also discovered
a beautiful 1930's mustard coloured dress, another 70's maxi dress and a patterned 60's mini dress.
Having all these lovely dresses makes me so excited to start selling! I love the idea of lovely ladies
finding the dress of their dreams. I've set myself a goal of finishing the business plan this week,
which brings us ever closer to the launch. A new year opening is currently looking more realistic
at the moment. Which is great! A new year with new beginnings. Do you have any goals or aims for
the new year?

You can follow me on instagram @caraleighjane for new vintage finds and goodies.

Paulie Antique

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 21:01:00 +0000

We are constantly looking for lovely lookbooks for inspiration. This is the A/W 2012 by Paulie Antique We love that there's a great use of colour. As soon as the weather gets cold we tend to wear lot's of dark dull colours and its nice to have something to brighten those cold dreary days! Long sleeved 70s maxi dresses are a good way to stay warm but still look fabulous. It's been a little quiet lately, life is full of illnesses and work at the moment, but Sweet Chivalry's open date is looming ever closer!

Thursday fancies

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:09:00 +0000

A few current vintage and handmade loves. We love the new baroque trend and this little 60's jacket is gorgeous. On to the shoes! I've been an admirer of Oxford Heaven's etsy shop for a long time, she take's plain shoes and embellishes them with the most beautiful lace, bow's and more creating beautiful Marie Antoinette inspired lovelies. I wish I could own the whole collection. I also wanted to talk about the make up academy shop. They sell (hand's up) the best make-up I have ever used. The lipsticks last four hours, the colour's are so vibrant and best of all everything ranges from £1-£9. I'm slowly collecting every thing they sell!

I've changed the layout (again!) and am so happy with it! I'm finally getting to grip's with blogging, it's harder than it looks. I also find it difficult to upkeep exciting post's because of the lack of a good camera.

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October!

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:26:00 +0000

I'm so glad it's finally October! The next three months are my favorite out of the whole year. Now I have a daughter I have the excuse to go all out on Halloween. It's still not as widely celebrated here in England as it is America, but every year it seems to be gaining in popularity. (Exciting!) I've finally managed to fix my new laptop colouring problem and can get back into designing the shop's website again. I have a few more updates to do on the blog and we now have a twitter, tumblr and facebook page. How lovely are these Halloween inspired vintage outfits?

1. Black and white patterned collar here

2. Orange and white dress here

3. Gorgeous handmade lace cat ears here ♥

4. Halloween apron here

5. Perfect 60's dress here ♥♥

New gadgets

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 13:33:00 +0000

Isn't this photo lovely? Found here. I haven't posted lately as i'm having a little dilemma! I finally got myself a new laptop last week, and the colouring is different to my older laptop! The pale pink that plays a main part in my design is an awful purpley/pink that completely upsets the whole feel of it. If it is just my laptop i'm not sure I can continue designing my website until it is fixed. I desperately need to find a way of changing it.

Website peak

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:26:00 +0000

A little screen shot of the homepage of the website. I'm so happy with it now. The first image is a slideshow that will feature new products etc. I've managed to keep it fun, bright and colourful yet feel it's a little more professional than before. I believe I should keep the design a constant throughout website/blogging and others to upkeep a certain 'look' I have created. Yesterday I managed to get myself evening bar work so i'll be able to fund Sweet Chivalry a little more! It would be an understatement to say how good thing's finally are now!

A little inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 09:10:00 +0000

I just wanted to share the new John Lewis advert! It's so lovely. I swoon over her outfit every time I see it. I've been very busy over the past few days, I purchased the Red Velvet Shop's dream job e-course, and it's helped me so much! I've changed the website around a little, and am very far through my business plan. I can't wait to take it to the Princes Trust launch, and hopefully get my funding. It's so exciting!!

Girl's vintage.

noreply@blogger.com (Cara-Leigh Jane) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 08:54:00 +0000

I love buying girl's vintage clothing for my daughter, there's some beautiful pieces out there. Not to mention how affordable it is! Here are a few of my current favourite's from etsy.

1. Picnic shorts here

2. Blue spot romper ♥ here

3. Red nautical romper here

4. Blue embroidered top here

5. Green and yellow roses dress ♥ here

And something for Mumma's!

I can't even..oh! Isn't this to die for?
From Aiseirigh Vintage. My new favourite shop, the dresses are so lovely.