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?