I love... ornithology!

I simply couldn't resist this fabric, designed by... Edwyn Collins, from Orange Juice! 

In 2005 Edwyn suffered a severe cerebral haemorrhage that he took six months to recover from. As part of his rehabilitation he drew a bird a day, each of which has been used by the Liberty Fabrics Team in this remarkable print. The design created pays homage to Collins’ dedication, like a sketchbook on fabric complete with names of birds and dates when they were drawn.

Button pins set...

There are coming up in my shops, and aren't they good stocking stuffers? Talking of which, I've started making stockings... and hope to finish these soon!

A thrilling etsy purchase!

A little before my birthday I purchased this vintage watch from a very friendly seller, Sharon from DeliciousBling on etsy. I didn't really know what to really expect, as not all my online purchases were a success... Sometimes you open a package and feel a bit ... disappointed. But on this occasion, my jaws dropped... in delight! I'm so thrilled with this purchase, and now I can be on time too!

Appearing in my stores...

Golden yellow on green gingham

Preppy felt bows on cotton covered badges

Aren't these cute? The button badges are just over 3 cm (1 1/4") wide. Hand-making the bows was a little tricky at first. I tried smaller, but there were too bulky and too fiddly! I'm happy with this size, they "poke" out a little from the buttons but it's kind of quirky!

These badges are one of the first things I handcrafted since moving to Canada. My supplies only reached me in September, it took a bit of time to organise my flat and my studio space.

Since moving to Montreal, I found it difficult to find nice fabrics and gingham, so I'm using the bits and pieces I moved!

A perfect autumn scarf...

Cream tree of life silk scarf, Liberty London

Well, it's no secret that I'm fond of Liberty prints....  but this is a really nice scarf!  I love the rich autumnal colours, said to be inspired by English gardens in winter! It is described by Liberty as "photographed and hand painted flowers complimented by organic abstract patterns based on microscopic imagery of botanical plants"... Well, their prints are always special! 

In the shop...

and I'm quite pleased with this picture!

I'm getting more organised! I've inventoried all my stock, and I've started listing the purses I made but never got to list... So here is a Liberty print chain clutch, in glorious jewel tones, emerald, amber and touches of rubies...

Things I miss about Britain...

the creativity!

When I lived in London, I never had too far to go to be charmed by the creative spirit of others! 

Whilst I'm not obsessed with Grayson Perry's vases, I still admire his creative spirit and quite like the way "Claire" (his alter ego) dresses... It's mostly the granny look, but with nice quirks. 


This is  the dress he created for the Liberty National Treasures auction. The quilting on the bust is interesting, it reminds me of Jean-Paul Gauthier's bustier for Madonna... in a granny way! The dress is reversible, the circular quilting is more obvious in the dark lining, so I'm including both pictures. 


I was amused by the way he describes his design as the perfect mini-break dress: “As a transvestite, I have to pack for two people when travelling, so I hope this dress will solve my luggage space dilemma.” 

Getting back to work!

A beautiful poster by Lovely Designs

Since leaving London and heading to Montreal, Canada, I have not been doing much crafting or blogging! Or sewing either, as I didn't have any supplies until mid September! But now, I'm slowly getting back to work and my etsy shop has re-open.
The past few months have been very hectic! I'm trying to adjust to this new phase, and will write about my new lines, what I miss about Britain, and what inspires me!

Inspired pin cushions...

Earlier today, I stumbled upon Cathe Holden's blog, JustSomethingIMade. com. I was impressed by some of her projects and ideas, just like this quirky pin cushion! Old toys have so much charm, but they're hard to reuse, so this is such a lovely idea!

Goodbye London...

Well, I've been off line for quite a chunk of time, while I was tidying my flat, packing and organising all sorts of practical things. I've closed my folksy shop and made myself inactive on etsy for now. I've left London and now try to adjust to living in Montreal...
It's actually harder than I thought, but it's been only two weeks. I'm hunting for a good sewing machine, so it'll get easier when I have time to start crafting again!
This cute necklace is from Il Gatto Selvatico. It's hand-stitched, a little piece of wearable art and so colourful!

Cute cross-stitch projects

 In a very idle moment, I stumbled upon these cute cross stitch projects. Mice actually terrify me, but this little red one is just too cute!

Both designs come and more come from marthastewart.com.

A retro cute cowboy coin purse.. sample sale

I'm having a studio tidy, so I'll be listing a few sample items on etsy. This is the first of these items, a retro cute cowboy coin purse! I did not place the horse where I wanted to, so I couldn't place my signature bow... I couldn't quite decide if I should keep it or sell it... so it's available as a sample item here.

Preview! New stock coming up in the next few weeks...

Blue peacock clutch pouch - perfect with anything denim!

Plenty of cross-over the body purses, with chunky, bobble and modernist cubic chains... once I manage to get better pictures! Expect some classic Liberty, such as this blue peacock as above, and some tan and brown leather versions, perfect to carry small essentials with spring clothes!

A glorious visual treat from Vain & Vapid

Ever so often, I can resist to peek at Vain and Vapid, one of the best fashion blogs; the pictures are just so perfect and inspiring! Last week it was a real treat to see the Rodarte moodboard (and as I'm working on moodboards too, it was so timely!). This week, I fell for this fabulous image, I just love the glorious colours and its dreamy overtones.

It's cold outside, even though crocus and daffodils are starting to peek up, it is still winter and I've just caught cold.... In need of a good cheer, what better than these now-classics Katie Hillier designs? I admire her "luxury-with-a wink" style of these paperclip animal pendants, it is difficult to pick a favourite!

a bird announcing spring

A quirky sausage dog

Katie Hillier's signature rabbit

Earthy colours clutch

I fell in love with this Liberty print, but cannot quite describe what it represents – animal pelt, feathers, or simply abstract brushstrokes? In any case, it is prefect to channel both the safari look  and something a little more arty or rock n’roll! The design is flame coloured: yellow and earthy red orange, a little reddish brown on a cream background. The colours are also quite similar to those used by Australian Aboriginals... so there's a lot to like about this clutch!

A silvery grey version in silk will be coming soon!

The talented Hilda Grahnat

I am in awe with Hilda Grahnat's blog. Her photographs are just so sweet and retro; her sense of the visual inspiring! I love this postcard collection, and the formica background!

A picture-perfect pair!

I was working on a moodboard when I stubbled upon this wonderful picture earlier today! It's just too perfect and comes from the website of the Giddings Horse Rescue Ranch in California.

A night not to be missed! LOVE EASY Valentine's Craft Market

Next Friday at teh William Morris Gallery in East London!

An evening market with the best, filled with original and handcrafted gifts from London based designer makers and artists. Come and browse through the stalls, make your own Valentine's card at the MAKE EASY table, win a handmade prize at the WIN EASY tombola or just enjoy a drink at the pop up SPEAK EASY BAR...

Entrance proceeds, tombola and stall fees go directly to the gallery and the refurbishment fund.

LOVE EASY Valentine's Craft Market
Friday 11th February 6-9pm
William Morris Gallery
Forest Rd. Walthamstow E17 4PP
£2 entry (complimentary drink with every ticket)

 

Embroidery obsessions - part 2

And yes, I finally purchased this tapestry set by Emily Peacock! I love the fancy looking letters and the bright colours. I had wanted to buy it for ages, so I was thrilled to see her featured on CH4‘s Kirstie's Home Made Home... Suddenly the waiting list increased and my kit won't reach me for another few weeks... It's great to see that people are rediscovering traditional handicraft and giving it go!  Emily's designs are wonderfully contemporary, yet they're heirloom to pass on to future generations. In fact it took me so long to decide because I simply couldn't choose between "Kiss" and " Hug"...

Black peacock clutch in an iconic print

Just listed this item on folksy and etsy. It was very popular over the holidays! I love the pink and green feathers on the black background, it's so easy to wear!

Liberty lawn are so finely woven, they almost look like silk.

Inspiring knitwear

I am a huge fan of Annie Larson's work; I love her creative use of bright colours and funky patterns! I tend to go for, let say, toned-down colours but seeing her work is just so inspirational! Her work has the same energetic vibe than Fred Butler's jewellery design. This amazing scarf, for instance - just looking at it makes me happy, and this is after all a grey January Monday morning...
She handcrafts each of her designs in her home studio and continually adds new designs. Truly inspirational!

Keeping organized in 2011 - part 2

I used to keep all my addresses, email contacts, phone numbers into my macbook, which was so practical until the "logic board" failed... with no saved backup. Having learnt this lesson the hard way, I bought this wonderful retro looking address file from Lovely Design in maple. I love that all the cards are made of upcycled papers in different colours, it's not just practical, it's very well made and pretty to look at!

Keeping organized in 2011 - part 1

This year, I've decided to me more organised, to keep on top of orders, paperwork, deadlines and so forth. When I start sewing, I find it difficult to keep an eye on the time, let alone planning how long things take... So would it not be perfect to have a lovely wall clock? Maybe this cute owl from Decoylab ...

Perforated black patent

I love patent leather, especially in black and colour bleeds, so I've been making more patent items! A leather merchant convinced me to purchase some black perforated patent. I was not too sure at first, but now I'm quite pleased with the minimalist chic look! The picture shows a small clutch pouch that can be used as a clutch or as an organizer to store small items in a larger bag. I will be listing more items on the website and my etsy shop!

Vintage western-style shirts...

I don't know what's wrong with me, but at the moment, I am obsessed with vintage western-style shirts! Unsure how it started! I found this great pattern on etsy, but the shirt size is twice too big, so it probably would not be a good buy. The illustration is stunning though.

I love the contrasted cuffs and collar, the piping, the snap buttons, the embroidery... I have been busy making button badges for Drink Shop Do, as well as some clutches, but if only I had a little more time, I would be sewing something with this retro look!

Embroidered Che

the finished piece in my fair hand, afer a few hours!

I find cross stitching really relaxing and have yet to start experimenting with other techniques, so here is a picture of a Christmas present I made for my brother!  I was proud of myself, it took a lot longer to make than expected. The design is not original, it was a kit bought at a craft night organised Craft Guerrilla. The craft nights are held once a month in East London and there another major event, part the Camden Crawl on 1 May.

I only looked at original pictures of Che Guevara after... maybe next time I'll do more research...

The Proenza Schouler western-styled dress that started it all... (for me)

Over the Christmas holidays I headed down to Dover Street Market for a good dose of creative inspiration and fell in love with this dress... I woke up on 1 January with the huge to sew my shirt version of it! I had bought a few men's shirts in charity shops for a yet-to-conceive future project, so I took a beige checked one and started cutting... I've been quite busy with the shop this week so it's not yet finished.

Happy new year...

A favourite Norman Parkinson picture 

... already January! December went in a flash... I'd never been so busy, it was frenetic, thanks to The Guardian's feature!
Hopefully this year will be as exciting as last one!

I've just read an etsy blog post suggesting we make something new everyday to keep creatively refreshed, but I'm not sure where to start... Daily Portrait for instance make a new portrait everyday, and I would love to do something along this idea, but time is the big hindrance... Any suggestions?