Functionality Vs Frivolity

Now that the saga that was the Finders Keepers market is over, and I have a few other sewing projects out of the way (Regency gown & Christmas/Birthday gifts) I am super duper, totally and utterly excited to get back to sewing for myself!

Selfish much? I'm not even going to try and deny it.

But, Dear Readers, the question is - What next?

Photo-recycling - Don't mind if I do!

I am planning a short trip to San Francisco for New Years to visit my Brother, so naturally I would like to work on some winter attire to take with me.

The first idea was to make a cape. I would base it on Burdastyle's Lindsey Cape and sew it up in a beautiful thick rust wool that I have been dying to use for over a year now. I envisage it with black velvet trim and a large black pussy bow that ties at the front (Much like the one in the picture above). This would be a very practical plan.

However, there is something constantly looming in the back of my brain.....

Ba ba ba bum! The BOMBSHELL DRESS!

I bought Gertie's Bombshell Dress course a couple months ago and have by dying to try it out ever since. There is small amount of dull bronze metallic "Toffee Bark" fabric is my stash that would be just perfect for it. Together the combination screams New Year's Eve!

I know that its going to be very cold in San Fran for New Year's, much colder than I'm used to. But with a good coat, gloves and Stockings, I'm sure I can pull that dress off, at least until I arrive at our celebration destination.

Now, before I go getting ahead of myself, there is one major deciding factor. Time!  Will I have enough time between now and Christmas to make the bombshell dress?? I am led to believe that it's rather time consuming. Where as I know that I will have the time to make the cape.

Have you made the bombshell dress? How long did it take you? Should I save that project for January? Or dive right in? Can you tell I enjoy asking questions? No?

Tell me what to do!!

Dreaming of Austen

The Lovely Michelle, mentioned in my last post, is celebrating her birthday next week.

Being the exuberant person that she is, she will not be celebrating in just any old fashion; instead she is throwing a celebration entitled " The Great Garrett - Dress inspired by your favourite literary character"

YES! I'm am so excited, I have not yet, until this time had an opportunity you go as.... you guessed it... Elizabeth Bennett!

My love for Jane Austen rivals that of my love for Harry potter, and that's a huge statement in my book.

The BBC productions of Jane Austen play on a continual loop in my room while I'm sewing; its gotten to the point where I know most of the dialogue before its said ( I know, I know, that's kinda sad).

So, when I read Michelle's invitation I knew instantly that I would dress as Elizabeth Bennett and knew precisely the pattern and fabric that would get me there.

Here's my inspiration:



Aren't they glorious?!

So, this is the plan - I will use Burdastyles Danielle Pattern which I already have on hand, and have made once before.
I also happen to have 4 large curtain panels of Mustard Shantung that I picked up at the charity store. I feel like the colour and weight of the fabric is perfect for this project. Its seems to me that all of Austen's more headstrong characters are often dressed in rich earthy colours; for example Caroline Bingley (regularly dressed in rust & mustard) in both BBC adaptions of Pride & Prejudice, along with Lizzy Bennett; as seen in the second picture.

 I will need to make a few alterations to the pattern such as lengthening the skirt. I would also like to gather the front bust, rather than use darts. If I have enough fabric I would also like to slightly gather the back skirt panel to achieve a more dramatic look.

Have you made a Regency dress before? Can you offer any tips?

Of course I won't be sticking to the old world sewing techniques with this project! Seeing as I have to have it ready by Tuesday (and the fabric could do with a good clean too) I will certainly have no qualms about sewing a sly zip in.

Well, I better get to work, time is ticking!

The Old Hatters

About 3 months ago I got an email from the delightful Michelle Garrett, a fellow blogger (at Ravishing Retro), vintage lover and Sydney resident. She was also, at that point a complete stranger.

This email was an invitation to join her newly founded group "Old Hat". As soon as I read about it, I was as excited as a kid in a candy store. I don't actually have too many close friends that share my love of  all things old world, so I jumped at the opportunity to meet and mingle with some like minded folk.

Since the inaugural G&T at Darlinghurst's adorable Hinky Dinks we've been vintage chums ever since.

The group meets once a month, dressed to the nines, in various vintage inspired bars to sip cocktails and have a jolly good time.

Here are a few snaps from our November Social at The Green Room Lounge:

I got to wear my new red suede shoes!

 Nick & Rachel

Michelle, Jesse & I

Tim and Jesse - A.K.A Johnny & June

I very much look forward to our next social!

P.S if you too are a Sydney vintage lover, drop me a line - we'd love for you to join in our festivities! 

Hurrah!

I can finally breath now! Finders Keepers is over!

What a wonderful two days! The markets were amazing, there was such an eclectic array of stalls selling their quirky colourful wares and the place was packed with charming, fashionable and friendly folk.

It was such a fantastic experience, and although I was intimidated/terrified/exhausted by the time I got there, it was so utterly worth it in every way.

My wee Stall!

 My New Range of Skirts - Soon to be available in my Etsy Store!



With a mojito in hand, and the stall set up, all I had to do was sit back, relax and make friends.

Thanks to Mel from Roger & Peach and Rabia from Ginny & Jude for your help and moral support - Such a pleasure you meet you girls x

I can't wait for Next year!

P.S Thanks a MILLION Mum for helping me out and making my adorable Molly-Made Banner!

Finders Keepers

Preparations for my stall at the Finders Keepers Markets are in FULL SWING! Realistically, I should be done by now and planning my stall layout; seeing as the market is tomorrow, but true to form, I'm still frantically sewing on buttons, hemming and embroidering.

In fact, I don't think I have ever sewed this much or this intensely in my life! Its has gotten to the point where I dream about it at night and think about it every waking moment!

The stress of it aside, I am very proud of the amount I have achieved in just a month. I've made about 10 full circle skirt (some with AWESOME pom pom trim), 30 collars and I am still working on some cute bow hair clips. Oh, and kept a full time job too! Not bad, hey!?

I'm super excited to set up my stall too. My lovely mother and sewing room "assistant" has made an adorable banner for me, which I will proudly hang over my stall and I also bought a big lolly jar filled with starlight mints - yum!

Should I get the chance, I'm also looking forward to doing a little shopping myself. Finders Keepers has always been one of my favourite markets to attend. The talent there is always so inspiring. I suspect it will provide a great opportunity for a wee bit of Christmas shopping.

Here are a few stalls I'm eager to check out:

ALAS Sleepwear

I've been dying to get a look at these dreamy PJ's since the sweeties at ALAS launched their online store in October. I'm putting the Sailor top on my Xmas wish list right away!

Ginny & Jude

What Can I say? It's got "Molly" written all over it. These poor dears have me as a stall "neighbour" and will  undoubtedly have to put up with me drooling over their goods for two days. I apologize in advance.

Made by White

Hello Stocking Stuffer Heaven! How magical it would be to wake up on Christmas morning to a stocking filled with her delightful little friends.

Sirens Swimwear

I Simply cannot start my summer without this darling bathing suit, and yes, I need the matching floral swim cap too.

And that's just to name a few! I'm glad I have been saving my pennies!

So, if your in Sydney and looking for something to do, come along and join the fun! There will be a great line up of live music and plenty of delectable things to eat and drink.

See you there!