Pennycones

Inspiration to copycat to thief!?

2012-01-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

Ok, ok, the title is a little dramatic but I wanted to touch on a subject that recently got me thinking a lot. Maybe too much if I'm honest.

So, we all scour the internet, seeing wonderful things, oooohing and aaaaahing over clothes, things for our home, pieces of art, etc, etc. But what happens if we see something we love and know that we can re-create it ourselves?

I have loved the 1960's fashion designer Ossie Clark for as long as I can remember and when I saw this stunning dress below on Pinterest recently, I instantly started to look for sewing patterns which then got me thinking about getting inspiration from somebody else's work to actually, well, copying it.

Has anyone else though about this?

For me, I guess it all depends what/who/why you are 're-creating' and how you actually go about it (I'm just talking about fashion).

As it happens, I'm pretty sure no pattern for an Ossie Clark actually exists for mere mortals like myself but I do have some patterns that I can re-work and actually make something similar to the dress below and I know I will never have a spare thousand or so quid to buy myself an original piece (nor would I want to if I had the money to be honest). So where do I go from here?

...It's decided, I shall be making myself an Ossie Clark 'inspired' maxi dress designed by Pennycones ;)

I'm looking forward to making it actually. Roll on the warmer weather!

The fabulous man himself with another one of his creations

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And a very happy new year to you all!

2012-01-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

Just like that...it's 2012!

Last year seemed like a little roller-coaster, not just for me but for my family too. Up, down, good, bad, happy, sad...but on the final day of 31st December, I celebrated my 35th Birthday!

To celebrate it, I drove back from my hometown of Southport after spending a couple of days seeing family and friends, on my own (yep, one of those rare occasions where you get a babysitter for New Years Eve!!! Haha) and after making myself a big cup of tea, I set to work on making a dress for my night out with friends at a little local pub.

Ok, ok making a dress hours before going out is probably one of the dumbest ideas; I didn't even get time to paint my finger nails as I'd hoped!

Anyway, a few weeks earlier, I found some Michael Miller fabric on Ebay for a pretty decent price.

I had a rough idea in my head of the design so i didn't use a pattern, just went for it freehand and the little Birthday fairy must have been looking over me because it turned out perfect! However, I did run out of time in adding the little puff sleeves I had cut out so I might add them another time.

I attached a long tie to each side and for that night, as I teamed it with a grey 1970's slim fit Tuxedo jacket, I tied it at the front to make a little bow.

I'm definitely going to made more of these little dresses for myself. You can't really see from the last 'boozy' pic but it really was quite flattering. Well it felt like it was anyway! Haha...

Cheers!

I think I'm back into normal, everyday mode after the holidays. Is it just me or does it seem to be taking a bit longer this year?!?

Lisa

xxx

Roll up, roll up...

2011-12-18T05:38:00.000-08:00

Hey,

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend, wherever in the world you may be!

I wanted to share a few of my favourite things that I have seen lately. I'll take them all please!

Just click the image for the source. Thank youuuuuuu. xx

Folk Inspired Vintage Dress

Hand Knitted little baskets

Another little notebook. Why not :)

Vegan Soap Sticks

I'm more of a cat lady but if I was to ever get a dog, it would have to be a Greyhound

and what a fabulous piece of work this is too

Pretty Plates

Clogs :)

I love these handmade boats

Cuuuute loafers

Simple LBD

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. xxx

Skateboard Zipper Pouch

2011-12-15T02:17:00.000-08:00

I took this picture on Felix's desk. As you can see, stickers, writing, drawings, etc. I guess it's his space and I like to see him express himself :)

Hey, how is your week going?! This week has been a busy one with both my little lady and little guy having their pre-school and school performances. Today is the last day then it will be into full party mode...they have so many to attend; puts my social diary to shame! Haha.

I'm still making little things for Christmas presents and although I suppose I do still have a fair bit to do, I don't think I have felt this relaxed in so, so long!

I wanted to make a present for each of my little people and as my Son is such a boys boy, it had to be something related to something he loved. That meant either surfing, skateboarding or bikes.

So, I bought some of this Michael Miller fabric which cost just over £3 for a FQ and I made a zipper pouch and a small case for his iPod touch. I made the pouch slightly bigger than a pencil case so he can use if for more things.

I'm going to do a little tutorial in the New Year on making simple little pouches and how to insert zips. I might be brave enough to make a video but not sure if you guys would want my little scouse twang, muddled up accent waffling away! Haha...

Take care and enjoy the rest of the week.

Lisa
xxx

Sweet Lemon Tootsies

2011-12-09T02:43:00.001-08:00

Hey,

How is your week going?

I have been cracking on with handmade Christmas treats for my family and friends and I mentioned a while back about sharing some of the things I make.

Well, here is the cheapest, easiest scrub I have made. I decided to just call it a foot scrub as it is quite gritty but I tried it on my hands and it left them really, really soft.

Sweet Lemon Foot Scrub

What you will need for an average size jar-

An airtight container - glass is better (I bought these vintage French jars)

Granulated Sugar

Half Fresh Lemon

Light Olive Oil

Simply pour the sugar into your jar to get the accurate measurement then pour into a mixing bowl.

Squeeze your lemon into the sugar (no pips though!) and give it a good mix. Add your Olive Oil a desert spoon at a time, mixing as you go. You need a mushy consistency but just be careful not to make it too runny. I kind of liked the 'snow like' consistency as it looks pretty when you open the jar.

Now grate some Lemon zest into your mix, stir again and put into your jar.

Then it's just labelling up!

This smells amazing and my little lady actually licked the mixing bowl!

xxxx

Santa & Crafty Time

2011-12-05T03:20:00.001-08:00

Hey,

Hope you are all getting into the festive vibe?!

We put our Christmas decorations up on Saturday. The need for festive cheer was overdue; I think I would have my 'decs up all year round if I could!

I love getting out the decorations that the children have made over the years. The little star below made from lollypop sticks and white trim was made by Felix when he was about 3. It's funny how I remember the exact moment he made it, which was at a little place I'd call our sanctuary when he was around that age; the only place I could find which welcomed us whilst Felix's condition was probably at it's peak.

On Sunday, we popped over to the beautiful Calke Abbey to see the man himself...Santa!

They had also converted one of the old barns into a craft haven for the little people so we made some reindeer dust, Christmas cards, crackers and decorated paper bags with ribbons and trims...

Edie with her little bag of magical reindeer dust

I'm loving this 1970's wool, hooded maxi coat the moment. I think it's the warmest coat I have owned!

xxxx

Feeling Festive

2011-11-30T11:47:00.001-08:00

I don't know about you but I'm well and truly getting into festive mode!

I mentioned a while back about sharing a few things with you all. Well first off is Vanilla Sugar. It's just basic granulated sugar, 2 fresh vanilla pods and an airtight jar/container.

Simply measure how much sugar you need for your jar and put into a bowl (just to make mixing it together a little easier), split the pods in half, scrape all the inside out, mix into your sugar and then pour back into your jar. I also placed the split pods on top just to help with 'vanillarising' (that needs to be a word!!) your sugar. It takes around 2 weeks for all the vanilla flavour to release so best to make this sooner rather than later. Don't forget though, remove the scraped pod skins from the inside before you give it as a gift!

Amazing in a cup of coffee!

Next up isn't a gift at all but bunting that costs about 30p!

I picked up this roll of Matryoshka paper in Asda for a pound (enough to make metres of bunting!), folded over a small section to meet another then my little lady splatted her pink glue stick all over in-between.

I/we then cut out lots of triangles, used a hole punch to make our holes and then just threaded ribbon.

I love any colours at Christmas so this will be hanging around somewhere but knowing my little lady, it will be about for a lot longer after too!

Yes, these are real butterflies. I re-framed them many years ago. I want to do some more so will share that with you when I do!

Have a great week ahead.

Lisa

A New Chapter

2011-11-29T10:56:00.001-08:00

Hello lovely people,

This little post is one straight from the heart, as they say.

So as some of you may know, I have been blogging, general online 'pottering' and also trading as Pennycones for years now.

I decided some time ago to start selling my vintage finds and also my handmade clothing and accessories on Etsy, my own site, through word of mouth and at one point, I also had a Big Cartel store.

You may have seen the various online interviews and blog write ups all about Pennycones and most recently the Love My Dress post featuring a wedding dress I made.

I had planned to put all my focus on my business, even venturing into the big wide world of weddings and had even pencilled in projects for 2012 but in the back of my mind, I knew something just wasn't right.

To make a successful business of Pennycones meant I had to make a lot of sacrifices, the main one was obviously going to be losing time with my family.

Anyone who knows me knows how committed I am as a Mama. Felix my 8 year old has come on such a long way since his diagnosis and still has high demands as a child and then there is Edie who is 3 and is such a bright, adventurous little lady who definitely keeps me on my toes!

Sure, Edie starts school next September and I would have had all those school hours to sew but I'm thinking about the bigger picture, the future and security of my little people. My partner doesn't bring home one of those supersize wage packets (you know the kind!) to support my little business, so for us, its time for some teamwork!

I will always love vintage, sewing and getting my 'craft on' and I personally need a creative release so I'm keeping my blog going and sharing the things I get up to and the amazing things I find. It's going to be my hobby. Pennycones is just a part of me, like a nickname I guess. Haha...

So what am I going to do I hear you ask...

I'm taking my booty off to University (the first year will be mainly online though). I'm one of those people who has a lot to give. It's what I love to do and do best. So, I have a four year study plan to be a Therapist/Counsellor. I will be fitting it around my family and when that pen gets put down, it stays down until I want to pick it up again!

I know this next chapter isn't going to be an easy sail, in fact it will probably be one of the most challenging stages of my life but I can't wait for it.

Before I pop off, I want to thank everyone who has supported Pennycones as a business and to all of my customers, some of whom came back to me many times.

Oh and for my family and friends, sure I will still do your sewing alterations or make you a special frock in exchange for cuppas and cake!

Bye for now.

Lisa
xxx

Vintage Forever

2011-11-15T02:17:00.001-08:00

Morning!

Just thought I'd do a little shoe post.

I have been looking at getting a new pair of platform shoes for a while now. I absolutely love them. I have been adding lots of different ones into my favourites for a while but to be honest, I struggle buying anything new these days. Not just the because of the cost but I just love the find original items to add to my wardrobe and life gets even better when its a true vintage piece!

So, these little lovelies are what I found. Navy blue leather 1970's platforms I had shipped over from Greece (of all places!)

They are really well made with leather soles, which are great but slippy so if anyone has any tips on how to avoid a big fall, that would be really appreciated! Haha...

Oh and before I forget, these shoes cost me just £13!!!

I really have a passion for finding unique items and more often than not, find the gem, so if you have a request for anything vintage from shoes to hats to a special dress that you would like me to source, please get in touch. I'd love to hear from you.

Take care.

Lisa
xxx

Original 1970's £13

Tibi £280 approx.

Topshop £58

Free People £79

Shopping, shoppping, shopping...

2011-11-11T03:18:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year where for most of us, our spare cash goes on stocking up with Christmas presents for friends and family.

I wanted to give (from independent sellers) and make as much handmade as I could. I just thought I'd show you some of the lovely things I have got my mitts on so far!

First off, I came across a brilliant artist Scott French recently and knew instantly who these two prints which I bought from Society 6 were for. I have also added these into my own Christmas wishlist, so if my Mr is reading...

Next, I follow a lovely little company called Peony and Thistle on Facebook and they make some really lovely little bits and bobs and sell vintage treats too!

I couldn't resist these little little vintage alphabet cards which I'm going to frame and give to my friends. Well, I think I might keep the bike one for myself ;)

The little hand-sewn notebooks they make are really affordable. A description of the ones I bought as a gift for my Mother in Law - 'The covers of these notebooks are pages of a discarded copy of the lovely book, The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden. In 1906, Edith Holden recorded in words and paintings the flora and fauna of the British countryside through the seasons.'

I still have lots and lots more gifts to buy so I will keep you all posted on the lovely things I manage to find!

Have a lovely weekend.

Lisa

xxx

A 1950's Inspired Wedding Dress

2011-11-10T04:12:00.000-08:00

So here it is...the first ever dress I have made for a bride!

Julie from Vintage & Cake came to me originally to alter a vintage dress she had bought but after realising it just wasn't right for her big day, we decided do make a bespoke dress, using vintage patterns and materials which how I like to work.

Julie wanted a 1950's style so I sketched some ideas I had in mind and was really hoping that this idea with the small peter pan collar would be the one she chose!

I altered a vintage pattern to accommodate this collar and also shortened the length to suit Julie's height.

I was very specific in that I wanted to use lace on the skirt, teamed with a shantung silk style fabric on the bodice so I put on my 'hawk eyes' and started to scour the internet and found the most beautiful 1950's Ivory lace which I got shipped over from the US. Minneapolis to be precise! I decided on two layers of Ivory 'tulle' underneath to give a nice amount of fullness to the skirt.

Julie also asked me to help her with her hair on the morning of her wedding and after a trial run, we decided on the deep side parting, swept over to the side, so the stunning little hat handmade by Extra Special Touch would be the main feature.

I also got to meet Rachel Spivy who was the photographer on the day. Such a lovely and professional lady who took these fab photos.

Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Woods :)

I am now booking consultations for future brides and ladies who just want a fabulous dress to add to their wardrobe so I'd love to hear from you!

I'm also adding a 'Wedding' page onto my blog and putting together a little package for future brides so please pop back soon.

Take care.

Love Lisa

xxx

A Vintage Lace Fascinator

2011-11-09T03:56:00.000-08:00

Hey,

Hope you are all having a good week, wherever you may be.

A good friend of mine is attending a family wedding this Sunday and asked me to do her hair, makeup and also make her a little hat. So of course, I jumped at the chance!

I originally just had an idea of making a little bow, made from some leftover Ivory 1950's lace I had then just attaching it to a hair comb but as my friends dress has black on it, I felt the need to incorporate this into the hat somehow so it made sense to buy a little black base and cover it in the matching lace.

This is the first little hat I have made and I have really enjoyed the new challenge. Now all I need is a wedding so I can make one for myself! But if anyone of you would like something similar making, please email me and we can discuss it in more detail.

I will take some pictures on Sunday of Lucy with her hair and makeup done and show you all. I'm sure she wouldn't mind!

Best wishes

Lisa

xxx

24models24hours

2011-11-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

Hey!

So you may have heard me talking on and on about '24models24hours' lately.

Well, it was a charity event to raise money for Children in Need, organised by two Derbyshire photographers Ewan Mathers and Holly Booth and basically last Saturday from 8am to Sunday 8am, this event happened in various locations in Derby.

For each hour, a new model was dressed in clothing from various Derbyshire designers and I was over the moon to have been able to make a dress for one of the models. There was so much team effort involved by lots and lots of people and I'm really grateful to have been able to take part.

I was teamed with a lovely young model called Sophia Holden who did an a fantastic job and looked amazing! Her makeup was done by Serena White from White Orchid who added teeny little beads onto Sophie's lips giving her a complete party look which is what I wanted!

I was also teamed with Holly and was blown away with the shots, which I only saw on the camera so I'm super excited to see the final shots!!

And to top off all of this...there is going to be a book published this month! All of the proceeds are obviously going to Children in Need.

I have decided as my contribution to the charity I'm going to auction off the little dress I made and will be doing this on Facebook sometime over the next couple of weeks so please pop over to my page HERE

But in the meantime, Holly and Ewan are still collecting donations HERE. So if you have just a tiny amount spare, please help support this fantastic charity. Thank you.

Take care xxx

The dress size is UK8/10 with approximate measurements of Chest 34" and Waist 27"

Update...bidding has started for this little dress!!

please email your bids to thepennycones@btinternet.com

UK P&P of £3.00 will be added onto your bid and for all worldwide bids, please email for a shipping quote. Thank you. xx

bidding closes midnight 18th November 2011

My Little Folk Story

2011-10-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hello Folks!

It's half term here in the UK so for us Mama's is all systems go. My little man was with family in Southport for the weekend so I had lots of girly time with my little lady. But now, she has gone up there for a few days and Felix is back home so its listening to Guns and Roses, playing board games and watching his skateboarding skills! Haha.

But I just wanted to give you a little preview of a new 'homey' range I have decided to do, using all my favourite 1950/60's Penn Dutch and Dutch inspired fabrics. For me, this style of fabric is where my little heart lies. The vibrant colours and simplistic bold prints are my kind of fabric heaven! (If there is such a place. Haha)

There is will be various size cushions and pillows, small purses and pouches, little birdies and other animals.

I'm aiming for my Etsy to be stocked by the end of November. If all goes to plan of course!

Enjoy the rest of half term :)

Take care.

Lisa

xxx

Vintage Lace Capelet

2011-10-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hey!

I hope you have all had a lovely weekend.

I mentioned through the week that I was going to make a new style Autumn cape but I haven't had chance to go fabric shopping but I did manage to make a little Capelet with some leftover 1950's lace from the wedding dress I made recently. I would have preferred to have made it just a few inches longer but this was literally all that was left and there is also a teeny little hole but as it's just for myself, I really don't mind.

There are lots of different ways to make a simple Capelet like this but I just cut a half circle and then a smaller one on the inside and finished it by adding a matching tie. This could easily be changed to satin ribbon or pretty much anything you like! If you would like more information on how to make this, please just get in touch.

I also finally got round to sorting through my little lady's book collection. She has so many and most of them are passed down from her Brother Felix (his Elmer days are over, in his mind!)

I have decided to keep most of them in the the family bookcase but made her three of these simple mini bookshelves from scrap wood we had. I saw the idea on Pinterest but decided to pretty them up with some vintage fabric and lace trim. Ok, we can only fit a few books in each but we have decided on a little 'Library roleplay' each week so she will be swapping and changing them about so her choice will always be different. To see the original idea over on Pinterest please click HERE.

X X X

Pretty Pretty Tulle...

2011-10-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon!

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend.

I don't know if you have noticed, but I have closed my Etsy shop, temporarily of course. Just so I can have a little re-think and come up with some new ideas and make some new pieces for you all to see.

But anyway, I wanted to share my new 'love affair' with you...Tulle!

Since working with it for the first time on the wedding dress I made recently, I now really, really love it!!

I will be getting some of the soft veil like Tulle and playing around with it and making some pretty bits and bobs which I will show you soon.

But for now, I thought I'd share some of my favourite pictures which are all from Pinterest so just click on the pic to find out more information.

So for now, I'm off to dream of being a princess in my pretty pastel shades...

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

xxxxx

A Little 1950's for the Weekend

2011-09-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hey,

I just wanted to tell you more about a little skirt I made myself this morning.

You may recognise the fabric. It's from the 1950's roll I bought a while back. Well, the summery colours just wouldn't work in the Autumn/Winter so I dyed it with a light blue to tone it all down and it turned out great. Underneath there is just one layer of Tulle netting fabric.

I used a 1950's skirt pattern and rather than keep it around knee length which I was going to do, I decided to take it a little shorter as I will be wearing it with tights ( I do love my tights!).

It's to wear this Saturday morning at the wedding of a recent customer whose wedding dress I made (more about that to come very soon!!) and I'm popping over to take the dress and help with her hair.

I don't wear top to toe of one era so I think I will be wearing a navy American Apparel bodysuit and maybe my little pixie boots. Guess I will decide on the morning no doubt!

I actually have enough of this fabric left to make three more and I have the pattern for size UK 8-14 and I'd be more than happy to take a custom order for this little number and you get to choose the length too! One of these little skirts will be £55.00 with UK P&P for free (I will ship worldwide so please get in touch for rates).

Take care and enjoy the rest of your week.

xxx

Un peu de Français

2011-09-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Hey, how has your weekend been?

We have had rain shower after rain shower after rain shower here in Derbyshire!

Yesterday I started to think about a handmade Christmas. Yep, I know it's really early to say the big 'C' word but this year, I promised myself I would be organised and try and make as many presents as I could. Not just to save money but because to me, it will mean more. A lot more.

Ok, so I can't compete with the biggie toy brands for my little people so I am planning to make them one gift each to go with the rest of their presents which I hope they will appreciate just as much!

So my main focus is my family and friends. I want to give them something handmade by myself or from somebody whose work I love.

Here are a few of my ideas so far. If you have any ideas (especially ideas for the men in our lives!), please post below so we can all share with each other... thank you.

To see my Pinterest inspiration board so far and to see how to make some of the following please click HERE

Cute little purses for little ladies :)

For my foodie loving friends

For my girly friends

My Gran would love these (and pretty much everyone else I think!)

Friends who love to cook

I know exactly who I am going to make a little book for ;)

This lace doily bowl is so easy to make!

Cute zipper pouch

Porcelain paint pens!

I popped over to the Wirksworth Arts Festival today (which was near the end so I haven't got much to report about the actual festival I'm afraid) and visited 'The Vintage Rooms' shop that is on the main road. Lovely little place stacked with lots of French inspired recycled and vintage homeware and I picked up these little French jars which cost £3 each and are perfect for the body scrub I plan to make!

xxxx

The final days of the summer holidays

2011-09-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

Hey!

Thought I'd do a little post about the final days of our summer holidays.

Well, firstly I picked up this little table thingy (not quite sure what it is?!) for £2 at a local charity shop. It was a battered old thing painted in a really thick naff brown paint and after a good ol' sanding and a pretty shade of pink paint, this little thingy now takes pride of place in my lounge. If you pick up on the little 'pencil art' on the wall to the right of it, that was courtesy of my little lady ;)

My Mum has spent the last few days with us so we decided to spend a rainy afternoon at the Quad in Derby. We watched Kung Fu Panda 2 (where my little lady broke down into tears and the baby Po scene, bless her) and then spent some time wandering around the 'HA HA ROAD' Exhibition. A new experience for my Mum but she seemed to enjoy it?!

My little guy absolutely loved the videos.

And I hate to say it but here in the UK, Autumn is setting in. So, on a couple of occasions my tights have come out I have started wearing enclosed shoes again. These are my latest pair from the US which I got my friend to bring over with him for me on his last visit (thank you Gareth!)

Have you started wearing your Autumn clothes yet or am I just being a big softie?!

See you soon.

Lisa

xxx

Daydreaming of Prettyful Things...

2011-08-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

Hope you are all well. I just wanted to share some lovely things I have spotted this week. I think I'm still clinging onto that Summer feeling with these grey and pink tones, even though in the UK it seems we haven't really had much of a summer anyway!

So from top to bottom these really are a few of my favourite things :)

I have been ranting about these little beauties from Free People all week. I doubt I could even walk in them but I'd like to try!

Suuuuuuper cute little grey blouse from American Apparel

A very pretty little Liberty cord fabric which I thought would make a fab skirt to go with the above blouse, yes?!

Lovely little 1950's Daydress from Love Miss Daisy

1960's Wool Maxi Skirt. I bought this from ETSY today (just £7 plus shipping) and I will be shortening it to knee length.

The sweetest little 1950's dress from ETSY

So I'll get back to my daydreaming...

Take care and have a fantastic weekend!

Lisa

A very British holiday...

2011-08-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

Hey,

How is your weekend going?

So, we are back from our family holiday to Wales. We had fun but boy did it rain and blow a gale on a couple of the days we were there! We stayed in a pretty little cottage close to a town called Cowbridge. That place took me by surprise actually; I got my little shopping fix and there was a few good places for a nice cup of tea and a good coffee too.

My first stop, on the first day actually was a little children's shoe shop called Liquorice Laces run by a great couple Jeff & Nikki. They had a lovely selection of shoes but what did I first spot in their window...Salt Water Sandals, which I absolutely love!

We had a good old natter and I hadn't planned on getting Edie some shoes whilst on holiday, but I ended up getting her some. I just couldn't help myself.

I chose a pair of the Salt Water 'surfer' in white. No actually, I wanted her to have a pair in red so she chose the white ones and she hasn't really taken them off since so money well spent I'd say. I just want a navy pair for myself now ;)

Here is the little lady in one of my handmade vintage fabric dresses (yep, she took another one from my stock!)

Another place we found hidden away was Happy Days (we went there a couple of times) which sold a selection of vintage homeware and clothing and had a little cafe. They served afternoon cream tea, which was obviously what I chose! The rest of the gang had their Ice Cream Sundaes which looked pretty good too.

I bought myself these little white shoes

Here I am wearing a 1950's French plaid dress with a 1980's Denim jacket and 1990's Headscarf. Mixing it all up, as always...

I'm afraid to say it, because of the weather not being so great, my personal style fell apart at the seams towards the end. Who'd have thought I'd team this vintage skirt with these old Converse. Don't say a word! Haha...

The local beach was so nice. This was one of the rare occasions the sun came out to say hello.

So that's it. Back into work mode and normality for me. I'm hyped about it though at the moment to be honest. My brain just doesn't seem to stop!

See you all soon.

Lisa

xxx

Summer Catch Up in Photos

2011-08-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

Hey,

How is the summer holidays for you? I have slipped right into relax mode and completely enjoying every minute with my little people. Ok, we still have another few weeks left yet and the weather has been really good so I shall report back towards the end!

We have been pottering about every day. Cycling, coffee dates, hanging out with friends and generally having fun. I also had a friend over for a week from the US so that was great fun! My coffee & tea drinking went to a new level! Haha...

With regards to work, I have decided to limit pretty much everything until after the holidays. My Etsy shop is still open and ticking over and I have a couple of projects I'm working on (one of which is my first EVER vintage inspired wedding dress for a bride!!!!). Autumn/Winter though is busy for me. I'm pretty sure I'm going to take up the offer to sell with NOTHS and I also have a wedding fayre in Yorkshire which is exciting! My little lady starts pre-school (where the hell has that time gone?!)so I will be able to focus more on Pennycones :)

Anyway, here is a few recent pics of my daily life. We are off to Wales on Saturday for a week, I can't wait for that!

See you all soon.

Lisa xxx

think, type and sketch night ;)

Taking the sewing machine into the garden is great

Me and my little people

A summers evening

Despite getting a new bike, I still love my old Raleigh Cameo

Oh look, another glass of wine. Ooops...

Elastic Waist Skirt Tutorial

2011-07-17T10:37:00.001-07:00

Hello,

Hope you are all having a nice weekend.

I mentioned recently that I would do a little tutorial for a basic everyday skirt. So, here it is! I decided to go for an elasticated waist as it is the simplest and quickest way.

I made my skirt from a 1950's fabric and plain white elastic.

As with all tutorials, this is only a guide. You may wish to have your skirt fuller so add some more to the width. You may also prefer to hem at the end so you can try on your skirt first to check the length is right. This skirt is great for little girls and the fabric/elastic combinations are endless!

Happy sewing :)

MATERIALS -

Upto 2mtrs of fabric

Elastic (I used 1" thick)

Pins

Step 1 - Measure your waist and cut your elastic to this length.

Step 2 - Measure from your waist down to get the length you want.

Step 3 - Now time to cut your fabric. You need to double the waist measurement (i.e. my waist measurement was 27" so I doubled this and cut my fabric to 54" wide with the 22" length I wanted)

Step 4 - Lay your 2 pieces of fabric right sides together.

Step 5 - Now pin and sew the sides together using a basic stitch.

Step 6 - Hem your skirt. I always prefer to double up my hem (ironing in-between) if I'm not using an overlocker just to avoid fraying.

Step 7 - Now pin the ends of your elastic together then sew.

Step 8 - Now with right sides together, pin the elastic to the skirt, leaving a small gap from the top so the fabric doesn't pop over the elastic when finished. You don't have to be too neat doing this, it's just to hold the two together to help with sewing.

Step 9 - Now time to sew the elastic to the skirt. Set your machine to a zigzag stitch. Place the fabric and elastic under the needle and gently stretch the elastic underneath the fabric all the way round until you finish. This may take a little practice but don't worry if you don't get it right first time, just unpick and have a go again!

Step 10 - Now it's time to turn your skirt the right way. That's it, it's finished!

I really do hope you find this tutorial useful, if you do have any questions or need to know more, please just message me personally and I will try and help.

xxx

Freestylin' the Bow Tie

2011-07-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hey, have you had a good weekend? The weather has been hit and miss here in Derbyshire. The sun popped out to say hi this afternoon though, which finished the weekend off just nicely.

Anyway, I mentioned in the week that I was going to make a freestyle Bow Tie. So here it is. I drew up a freehand pattern and it turned out to be quite small so it is perfect for a lady. I will be making a larger one for the boys and working on getting some into my Etsy and my own online store very soon. I'm also trying to come up with step by step instructions to post out with them.

P.s. they really aren't as hard to tie as you might think!

xxx

Make a basic bra a little prettier

2011-07-06T05:36:00.001-07:00

Hi,

I just thought I would do a little blog post. About underwear!

I recently bought myself a basic 'run of the mill' bra which I managed to find on ebay for just a few pounds (much cheaper than this brand normally sells on the high street!) and I decided to make it look just a little prettier by adding some ribbon and a little button.

So for another 10pence and a few minutes of hand sewing, we went from this...

to this...

I don't know why I didn't think of doing this sooner! The colour combos are endless.

I just bought myself the same bra but in black so I can't wait to prettify that one too.

Have a great day, wherever you are. xxx

Lace covered Jars

2011-06-25T03:50:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

Well, once again we have rain again here in Derbyshire. Yep, it's June but the summer still hasn't started here yet. I live in hope!

So today with my little boy on a boat trip with his friend (yes in the rain unfortunately), it was just me and the little lady that had to fill the time so we made these little lace covered jars.

I saw some doily covered ones over on pinterest the other night and put it down on my 'to-do' list!

I wasn't sure what bits and bobs I had this morning but I found a couple of jars I had and decided on using some vintage lace. We cut out some little hearts for the smaller one and teamed it with white and baby blue lace. The larger one was finished off with purple ribbon, twine and a little French vintage button. We used that pink glue that dries clear (luckily!) so Edie was able to splodge away where she wanted!

I think it's such a quick and easy thing to do and can't wait to make a few more. I think they would make sweet little presents too.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Lisa

Blooming Lovely

2011-06-17T10:59:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday!

A big smile landed on my face today as my postman delivered a parcel for me from Bareblooms. The lovely Chloe had sent me one her seed kits as a thank you for a Bow Tie I sent for her to wear for the Hay on Wye Fair recently.

Here is Chloe with my Bow Tie just peeping from behind the flowers!

I love the fact that the seed kit chosen for me was 'Eau So Innocent'. Which of course, I am. Honest, I am?!

Well, I was hoping for some cycling and outdoor living this weekend but as I type, the dark sky here in Derbyshire seems pretty much set. Fingers crossed not all weekend though!

Hope you have a lovely weekend, wherever you are.

xxx

I Made Myself a Wesbite!

2011-06-13T06:47:00.001-07:00

Hello,

So I finally finished my little website just for my Bow Ties!

I know it seems like forever since I started it but I was just grabbing an hour here and there when I could. Aaannnnnd because I used a Flash template it won't load on mobile devices such as your iphone but that's something I will work on when I can; I didn't even realise this when I started making it. Ooops. Haha.

The site is just a simple one with lots of photos for you to see. I have decided to add any new fabrics I get, here onto my blog, so if you see a fabric you like before I use it, just let me know and I will be able to customise your Bow Tie to your liking.

You will also see a new embroidered logo on the new site. I'm just keeping it for the Bow Ties so this little fella (designed by Kayleigh Radcliffe) above will still be my Pennycones logo. I love it so much, I will never part with it!

So if you get a minute, please pop on over to the new website for a nosey. Thank you!

New collection of vintage fabrics for Bow Ties

2011-05-27T01:27:00.000-07:00

Good morning or evening wherever you may be!

Sorry for my little disappearing act in blogworld. Again. I only seem to be able to dip my toe in every now and then these days.

I am still putting together a new website just selling my Bow Ties. I had hoped for it to be live this week but things didn't quite go to plan (welcome to my world!) but I just wanted to show you some things.

A couple of my favourite ladies Bow Ties I have recently made and then a FANTASTIC embroidered piece of work which I had commissioned by Annabelle from Three Red Apples. It's to use for my website. You will see what I mean when I get it all going live ;) I did think about having a shot at doing it myself but the writing had to be perfecto so I left it up to the expert!

1970's Green Vintage Fabric

1950's Pennsylvanian Dutch Fabric

Thank you Annabelle. x

I FINALLY got round to adding some pictures to my Flickr, as you will see from the new thingy in the sidebar and I also joined Pinterest which I really, really like. I was a happy bunny to see that my Bow Ties from my Etsy had already been 'Pinned' by members. If you get a minute, you can hop on over to see my pinboards of inspiration HERE.

Right I'm popping off again. See you soon. xxx

A Day Out with the Bow Ties

2011-05-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

So today, we had a little photo shoot and thanks to the wonderful world of Twitter, we were kindly offered to take our photos at the Cathedral Quarter Hotel in Derby!

It was just a bunch of friends and we had a fab time. Not just taking the snaps but we had some drinks and had a cocktail that we had no idea what it was, but it was damn tasty :D

Today was just the first of future things I have planned. Oooh did I tell you on here that I'm currently working on a new website dedicated to my Bow Ties?! I want a huge batch of photographs of all different types of people. All wearing my Bow Ties of course ;) Haha...

Thought I would show you just some of the pictures from today. We were lucky to get quite a fair few which can be used for many things. So a huuuuuge thank you to Leon Stimpson.

So now I'm off again, to edit photos and tackle some more of my website.

If you or anyone else you know may want to share some Bow Tie lovin' then I'm happy to send one out in return for some snaps for the 'Inspiration Page' on my website. Just send me a message!

Bye for now.

xxx

A Green Garden Dress

2011-04-25T04:28:00.001-07:00

I hope you all had a lovely Easter!

I had a fair few hours without my little people on Saturday, so rather than sit in the sunshine getting a tan (which I don't seem to be able to get anymore anyway?! Haha) I decided to make myself a simple dress from a 1970's pattern. I initially started to make the dress on Friday using another fabric but on the Saturday morning, I picked up this pretty green 1970's cotton at the local car boot sale and really thought it would work.

I wanted to make a dress I could ride my 'pottering' bike with. One that wouldn't rise up my thighs. Basically, one that wouldn't flash my knickers with a gust of wind!

I actually worked with a maxi dress pattern. It was a size UK14 so I made it to a UK10, shortened it, added a zipper to the rear instead of hook & eyes and I didn't bother to add the 70's frilly shoulders it had. I also lined the Yoke (chest area) with white cotton.

I will definitely make another one of these dresses. Maybe add some pockets and I think I will lower the Yoke to just below the bust and also lower the front neckline, just a little, as I think this would be quite flattering.

Just click on the picture for a larger size.

The Tan sandals are from Topshop. The bag is a charity shop find.

Thank you for stopping by. See you soon. Lisa x

My Own Little Colour Pop

2011-04-19T00:46:00.000-07:00

So last Saturday was when my creation's went off to the Fayre...

I felt I should have been with them! It ended up that I couldn't even get to visit for the last hour but I got some positive feedback, which is great!

As you can tell, I love colourful, quirky and the novelty vintage fabrics with my favourite era being the 1950's/60's. Hunting and gathering these fabrics is like a hobby in itself!

As it's half term where little sewing gets done and life slows down a little, I will be thinking about some new ideas and also preparing myself for a new website which I will be doing myself...YIKES!

If I don't catch you before, then enjoy the Easter Holidays :)

xxx

An Easter Event!

2011-04-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to have been asked by the lovely Bee from Thisis Bazaar to sell a small selection of my handmade items at an Easter event she has organised at the fantastic Deda in Derby this Saturday 16th April.

I can't actually be there as my little man has his football but as it is on from 9.30am - 3.00pm I will be able to pop down for the last hour. Yippeee.

So, if you would like to support local artist's, crafter's and creative's within Derbyshire, please pop down and take a little look.

I have decided to focus on my Bow Ties made from vintage fabrics and I will also have a few of the vintage fabric Little Lady dresses. Here is a couple of things you can see in the flesh if you can make the event!

This is my first time EVER to be a part of anything like this, so I will be back with pictures to show you!

Take care.

Lisa

Soft Knitted Bottom!

2011-04-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

I mentioned lately about a 1971 Bikini pattern I managed to get my mitts on. So today, I finally had a go at making it.

I was adamant I didn't want to use standard swimming Lycra as this would take the fun out of it for me. So straight away I decided to make this purely for sunbathing.

As hard as I tried to find a vintage fabric, I just couldn't find anything suitable. So in the end, decided on a new Patty Young fine jersey knit called 'Mod Dot'. It feels amazing but if I'm honest, a bit of a bugger to work with. I found it stretched a little too much.

So this is my result. I decided to add a little bow to the front for no other reason than I thought it would look cute.

I'm really pleased how they turned out but from a business point of view, unless I can get some cheaper fabric, it wouldn't be worth me making them for my shop as the price I would have to charge would just be too much.

I'm not sure if I will make the Bra to match or not as they are just so soft and would be so comfortable for bed. It's funny how vintage patterns work out for me sometimes!

Have a great weekend!

xxx

And the Winner is...

2011-03-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

Cheray from 'Other Pretty Things'

My little Ed wanted to help this time but then she didn't fancy a close up shot to show the winning ticket. Oh well, that's toddlers for you!

A big thank you to all of you who entered this giveaway.

Have a great weekend.

xxx

Something Just for You

2011-03-16T05:33:00.001-07:00

A few months ago I promised I would have a little giveaway again. So, now it's time!

I was going to do it through Facebook but apparently, we aren't allowed to promote competitions or the like on there anymore?! Oh well.

The 'chosen one' picked out of the hat will receive a little goody bag mixed with vintage and handmade items. This competition isn't just for the ladies by the way. Come on guys, you can enter too!

All I'd like from you is to just pop over to my Etsy shop and have a little look around. That's it! Oh, well it's not actually, I'd also like you to follow me on here, Facebook and Twitter. That's if you have accounts of course and just basically help spread some love and tell your friend's. Then of course, just leave me a comment on here.

OK it's like a small blast of self promotion but I don't do it very often. I don't think so anyway?! Haha...

Closing date to enter is Friday 25th March and anyone, anywhere can enter :)

Before I love you and leave you, I got some new pattern's to work with. There is a maxi dress which I'm going to alter as it's just a bit too flouncy for my liking and then I got two swimwear patterns. I absolutely love this Bikini. I'm just searching for fabrics to use for it...

Catch you all soon. xxx

Favourites on Friday

2011-02-25T08:34:00.000-08:00

Hey!

I decided to do a regular feature showing some of the lovely things I see on my internet travels.

Some of the seller's I know (kind of!), some of the seller's I don't. It's just nice to show off other people's things sometimes :)

If I had the cash, I would snap all of these items up immediately! But I don't, so I will continue to browse away, dreaming of typing on the little blue typewriter...

♥ Just click the link to go to the seller ♥

So, if you think I would like something that you sell or know of a seller, anywhere, that you think I will love then I'd like to add you to my list next time.

Thank you and see you soon! xxx

Little Ladies

2011-02-13T13:16:00.001-08:00

Hey!

I just wanted to have a little chat about the little dresses I have made recently.

They weren't part of any plan. At all. But my little one asked for a dress just like the one I had hanging on the door which I was in the middle of making.

So, there and then, we made a dress. The little red one below. Pretty much a miniature of the 1970's ladies pattern that I use.

I decided to put the picture of the red dress onto my Facebook page this week and actually sold two!

They are made in the same principle as the other things I make, using vintage fabrics, buttons and trims where I can.

I have decided to sell the dresses for £20.00 (plus UK p&p £2.00 and p&p to everywhere else for £5.00). You can choose the size from Age 1-4.

Each dress in completely unique and I have added a few combinations for you to look here but you can see more over on my FACEBOOK PAGE .

And here is a lovely photo sent to me of a pretty little lady wearing the Blue Check dress. Seeing this was one of the best things ever. Makes it all worth it :)

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Happy Valentines Day

Tattoo Do Nicely

2011-01-30T12:10:00.000-08:00

Hey, hope you have had a great weekend.

If you have been reading my blog since the beginning, you know that I like tattoo's. If you haven't...I like tattoo's!

I got one when I was 18, so we are talking about 16yrs ago now (ouch!) and then another about 18months ago, which still isn't finished. Damn it.

Despite this, I have decided to get another one, on my forearm and I can't wait. Actually, I am getting one with my friend. Yes, we are getting the same. We have a new chapter happening together, we have a name for it and the artwork is nearly finished.

I think tattoo's can look incredibly sexy on a woman but so easily, can make a woman look really trashy. I guess it all depends on who is wearing it. A bit like a pretty vintage dress I guess.

I spent some time trying to find the right photographs to add to this post and amongst the trashy ones, I found these ladies, hopefully proving my point that tattoo's can look nice. Oh and the last picture is of my little lady and I on holiday in Wales 2009.

All of the images above where found on Flickr

♥

A little 50's number

2011-01-17T03:43:00.000-08:00

Hey,

I mentioned over on my Facebook page that I was making this little blouse from a 1950's pattern.

The idea is to add a variety of items into my Etsy shop and a simple blouse was one of them.

But, I have to say, this had so much work for such a simple looking thing!

It was interesting to make and it went well but I think maybe next time, I would change the collar to a slightly smaller one as the collar meets really close together meaning a button couldn't sit nicely at the top which meant I had to use a hook and eye fastening.

I tried to use up what fabric I had lying about so I chose this navy cotton and 1950's Pennsylvanian Dutch fabric (my fave, as you know!) for the collar. The buttons are a little vintage set I was given.

I'm actually wearing the blouse today. I like it and will definitely be making it again, but I'm just not sure I will make much profit from it if I was to make it to sell.

Just out of interest, what would you pay for something like this?

Thank you. xxx

Little Red Robin

2011-01-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday, I got my hair dyed Red. Yep, a bright natural shade of Red.

I turned 34 on New Years Eve and decided I wanted a completely new 'Do' to start the new year. I didn't really think about my clothes and makeup but I soon realised just how much most of my clothes clashed and how my pink makeup palette really didn't work!

This white jacket is one I picked up from The Buffalo Exchange when I went to Austin (I want to go back!)

So, with Spring just around the corner, this seems like the perfect time to start looking for new clothes that work with my hair. I think the obvious shades of greens work best but more pretty lighter shades than bold greens, to avoid looking like a little Leprechaun!

I'm also thinking purples work well too and as I type, I have on a yellow and white Breton style top with my cigarette cut jeans which works pretty well. And of course, good old black is my fallback colour, again!

As for the makeup, it wasn't too hard to sort out. A simple peachy blusher and a green eyeliner seems to be just fine.

All of these vintage pieces are available on Etsy right now and all are around the twenty to thirty quid mark ~

Oh and I also came across these Lilac Moccasins for fifteen quid. How cute are these!

If anyone has any tips for us little Redheads, please let me know! Thank you :)

Some Dutch Folk

2011-01-03T12:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

I hope you all had a great Christmas.

We headed back up to my hometown of Southport on Boxing Day, then we brought my good friend Kayleigh back to spend the following week with us to celebrate my Birthday and bring in the new year.

It was really lovely to have her stay and spend some quality with a really good friend. Whilst she was here, sipping on a cup of tea, we came up with a fantastic idea of working together on a little project. I can't say too much about it right now but we are so similar with our ideas and despite a big age difference, we are completely on the same page, so to speak. It's exciting stuff!

Before I closed up shop for Christmas, I finished off a custom order for a dress. I was lucky enough to have been able to choose the design and the fabric and this is what I came up with ~

Blue 1950's Pennsylvanian Dutch fabric teamed with a new organic navy cotton

The design is a simple 1960's A-Line day dress with fitted bodice, made for a modern day UK16

I made a skinny belt to match and handmade the buttons too. As usual, I hand sewed the buttonholes

I'm hoping to be able to catch up in the blogging world now the stresses of Christmas has passed. I feel I have missed out on so much!

See you soon.

♥

Love & Peace

2010-12-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

So here we are. Coming to the end of 2010. It has been a crazy year, like most other people's I guess. Good times, bad times, sad times but also a lot of fab times!

I wrapped up the last custom order today and off it went to it's new owner.

I have already taken orders for 2011 which is completely amazing and makes all the late nights worth it. So if you have a special occasion next year and would like a new frock, just ask!

All that is left for me to say is have a fantastic Christmas and see you in the New Year!

♥

No Flashing Earrings

2010-12-06T13:07:00.000-08:00

I was so happy for the postie to come today. It's been so long since we have seen him here in our village since the crazy weather has taken over the UK!

He didn't bring the fabric I have been waiting for (booo) but he did bring me a little package of lovely items I recently purchased from Josie Mary.

I have got to know what this lovely lady makes mainly through Twitter and I had planned to pop to her shop to see what little Christmas presents I could buy for my family and friends and when I did, I just couldn't help buying the cutest little hair slide for my Niece and the lovely green brooch for my Mother in Law.

And as for the mistletoe...

I have never been one for the whole festive flashing earrings get-up but I thought this was super cute so I bought it :) and I think for the cost of £3.50, it's worth every penny.

To visit the Folksy shop, please click HERE

Shop Update

2010-11-28T13:08:00.000-08:00

Hey, I hope you are all having a great weekend and for my British readers, enjoying the snow!!

I love it but it's just way too cold to enjoy it. This weekend, we did make a little doll size snowman which is still sat on our doorstep but other than that, I have just taken a quick trip to the village Christmas Fayre and to my local garden centre for some Christmas shopping. I have to admit, I have become a winter hermit. Not to worry though.

Anyway, last Wednesday, I managed to get a good batch of photographs and updated my Etsy shop with a small collection of my handmade things and also some vintage. I'm really pleased with how the day went and without my good man Leon, it wouldn't have gone so well. So a big thank you to him :)

Oooh and another thing, I now have a holding page, the website type! Once again, not done by me I'm afraid but my good friend Gaz, from Mutiny Bikes. He took time out from his Thanksgiving holidays to do it for me and I'm so grateful to him (and Vikki). I owe him (and Vikki) cake. A huuuuge amount.

If you pop over to my WEBSITE you will see the same design as above but with some cutesy festive snowflakes, again done by my best bud Kayleigh Radcliffe. If you have been following my blog since the beginning, you know the lady. If not, click her name to see just how bloomin' talented she is.

Here are a few images of some new products in the shop and to all my blog readers, I'm offering you free postage on any handmade item, no matter where you live (just message me through Etsy first) right up until Christmas. So pop over and take a peek. New items being added soon :)

A little bit of Liberty

2010-11-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

Wow, I have just popped over to do this post and it's been ages since I last posted. I'm sorry about that. Home life just seems busier and busier as the days go by!

Well, I have still been sewing when I can and the vintage sales have been pretty good. You can tell it's Christmas. I remember this time last year was a good time for Etsy :D

I have had a few custom orders and generally have just been happily pottering on, the way I know and do best.

I have got my little hands on some really fantastic patterns and I decided to have a little shot at a 1970's Liberty Bralette which was described as bed/loungewear. Ok, I know your thinking that I was focusing mainly on dresses at one point. I still am but I really have a thing for vintage patterns in general and also my love of Liberty so I just had to try this.

It is made of an old piece of Designers Guild fabric with some leftover purple cotton and trimmed with a black lace bow I made.

I also have a small piece of pretty blue floral fabric and teamed with the purple it would look so cute. So if anyone would like me to make a bralette using this, then please just let me know. I would say the price would be around £10.00.

Although this can be made to most sizes; personally, I think this style is best suited for a smaller bust.

I have been hoping to put some dress pictures up but its been two weeks now that I have waited for my new Dress Form to arrive so I can display them properly but...its still not here! Apparently, it will be with me Tuesday. Lets see hey! Haha...

See you soon.

Lisa

♥

Bow Tie

2010-10-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about other little things that I can make to add into my handmade section and came up with the idea of Bow ties. I really like them. Here is my first one. It is made from a heavyweight 1970's fabric.

I know that Bow ties are not for everybody but I took a little look on the good ol' internet today; I actually looked after I decided to make them and after I made this one but I found so many pictures! Here are just a few which are from Lookbook and some others I found on Google Images.

I will be adding this Bow tie (with some other things) before the weekend for around £12.00.

See you soon. xxx

P.s. I will also be making some for the men too :)

Waste Not Want Not

2010-10-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the lovely 1950's Floral Full Circle Skirt I had for sale in my shop recently? Well, I decided that the tiny 25" waist was just too tiny for most of us today and despite people loving it, I couldn't sell it. So I chopped it all up and made two pairs of Play Shorts.

Also, I have made a few little Tea towels with fabric I have had leftover from other projects and used the even smaller pieces for Buttons.

What could be sweeter than drying the pots in a matching Dress and Tea towel! Ok, that's a joke, but you see my point? I just can't throw away fabric, or anything else for that matter.

All the Tea towel's and the little Shorts (which I haven't completely finished yet by the way) will be added into the shop next month along with a small selection of Dresses. I'm going to keep sewing right until my Fayre at the start of December (Wooo hoooo my first ever one!!!) then I'm going to rest my old bones until just after the new year and pick up pace again.

Before I head off, I just wanted to mention a massive opportunity that has come my way. Its a collaboration with the talented fashion photographer Holly Booth. We have both been asked to produce something for the next issue of 'From Dusk 2 Dawn' cultural magazine! The mag covers art, fashion, music, culture and even politics basically telling you what is happening in the Derby and Leicester area.

I'll keep you posted on how that goes :D

See you soon. x

The Versatile Blogger

2010-10-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

It's always nice to receive a blog award and this one was no different. In fact, its been ages since I have had one and was really surprised! Thank you 'Holding Mummy's Hand' and another thank you for saying that you find my blog inspiring.

Rather than tell you seven things about myself which is part of the deal, I thought I would share seven people with you. In my true style, a complete mixed bag of the things I like. From a friendly genuine blogger, illustrators and artists to bmx t.shirts and handmade jewellery. Here are my super seven and yes, all very different people :) (but just to let you know, I could have listed way more!) ~

In a Welsh Garden - Genuine and lovely blogger

SeventySeventyOne Design - Handmade Felt loveliness

Mr Yen - Handcut Paper Stationery & Art

Secretly Swedish - A talented Mr. Illustrator

Samantha Eynon - Talented Lady Artist

Mutiny - Not for the little bikes but the T.Shirts

I wear them for my Yoga, Walking and Cycling. Hands up though, I haven't worn the 'Gay for Satan' shirt. Yet ;)

Lou Lou's Luxuries - Pretty and affordable handmade jewellery

I would like to pass this award to all of these seven people who may or may not like to carry it on. Thanks and see you soon. xxx

Three Little Dresses

2010-09-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

You may, or may not have heard me talking about three dress designs lately.

Well, I 'think' I am going to go with these three designs to make and sell in my Etsy shop. The patterns are all from the 1960's and all very different.

We (the boyf and I) decided to head out and take some photographs today in the next village and although I did have another idea initially which would have had more of an Autumn feel, the sun was beaming so we put our shades on and made the most of it.

The first dress is made using the folk fabric I have spoke about and I made it quite short turning it more into a tunic. It can be made longer or even shorter so I'm sure each dress I make of this design will vary. It is quite tailored in the design with a small zipper at the back and has lined areas creating a slightly fitted look.

The second dress is a basic zip up back tent dress. Such a versatile everyday design which can also be layered up with tights, leggings or even over jeans. I wear this style with bodysuits and cardigans so its a really good all rounder :)

The third dress is a sweet A- line style dress with hook and eye fastenings down the chest and puff sleeves. This is a really loose and simple style and can also be worn with tights or leggings and you can easily throw a cardigan over it for the cooler days.

At the moment, other than the tent dress, the dresses are quite small in size but I'm working on making the patterns larger and I'm also on the look out for larger sized patterns I want to use.

I am hoping to start selling the things I make in the next month or so...

Dress No.1

Dress No.2

Dress No.3

P.s.

Before I depart, I just wanted to say that I do still have original vintage for sale in my shops and will continue to do so but I just wanted a fresh new challenge. Just sayin'. Haha...

Hats Off

2010-09-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

I thought I would write about hat's in this post. Not because I'm an avid hat wearer or anything. In fact I have hardly ever worn a hat. There hasn't been one special occasion where I have decided to finish my outfit with a hat. The only one I have ever really worn is the straw one below and berets and knitted ones in the winter.

But I recently purchased a beautiful green velvet one to sell in my shop and actually loved trying it on. Needless to say, it sold very quickly so I never had the chance to really think about keeping it.

But anyway, recently I started following Chrisse King from Hat Therapy on Twitter and also her blog. I have never really read much about millinery and once I started reading about the process of her work and just how much work is really involved in producing hats, I was fascinated. Plus this lady uses vintage embellishments on many of her creations which is always a good thing in my book's!

So I think maybe, just maybe I may get a little hat for my next special occasion. Somebody invite me to something soon! Haha...

Summer 2007

The Green Velvet Hat

I think the one lady that stands out for me for being a hat wearer was Isabella Blow. Along with being one of the most popular fashion editors of all time, she was also the muse for Philip Treacy, one of the most well known Milliners in the world (just in case you didn't know of course!)

I very much doubt I will see myself parading around in one of these creations in the near future but I think they are completely fantastic.

Below are some images from Hat Therapy.

Folk Story

2010-09-01T12:01:00.001-07:00

One of my new little loves in life is fabric. I really do have a thing for vintage folk fabric from the 1950's and 60's. It's not always been my thing if I'm honest but when I spotted this little purple tent dress on Etsy six months ago, I fell in LOVE.

So, I bought myself the 1960's dress/tunic and have worn in non stop since. I tried to find a picture of me wearing it but the only one I could find is of me prancing around in Austin, TX out of focus (obviously)! Haha...

Then a couple of weeks ago, I found this amazing unused 1960's fabric which I got shipped over from the US. I'm not quite sure what I am going to use it for but I just got some new 1960's patterns I will be working with in a couple of weeks, after school starts again and I get some of my brain back!

Within the package, the lovely lady whom I bought it from included this cute vintage seam binding and buttons; the yellow tone of the buttons works fantastic with the green printed fabric so I will be using them if I can.

I have searched hard to find more information about this type of fabric but haven't had much joy so if anyone knows anything, please let me know. Thank you.

This is my new Lady

2010-08-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

Charge 'Hob'

Well, in November she will be; she won't be released until then but mine is ordered.

So what do you reckon? Ok, its not the Pashley but I do have my Rayleigh Cameo and its official, I am allowed to squeeze the two bikes into our tiny shed!

So I went for this fixed wheel number because I like the look of it and I want to do some solo miles (butt busting) without my baby seat on the bike but still have the classic look that I wanted.

I'm not going for a basket on the front this time. But I have been searching for some other bits and bobs to dress her up a little. I just can't help myself! Haha...

This vintage lovely is on sale on Ebay right now!

Goodbye Summer

2010-08-19T13:01:00.001-07:00

I finally finished making this little top. Yes, just after the British summer has finished! Oh well. I really like it and I'm going to go with it as one of the pieces I am going to sell. It just so happens that most of the buyers I have had visit my vintage shops are actually from Australia and their summer is coming very soon, so if I'm quick...

Anyway, about the smock top. It is a 1970's Laura Ashley pattern and made from a liberty 'style' cotton. It is a UK14 and normally, this would fit in vintage sizing but as usual, Laura Ashley have come up big. Making this little top not so little but too big (for me anyway). So I did pin it at the back just for the purpose of the photograph. It is buttoned up the front with handstiched buttonholes and has two really big pockets.

I really wanted a picture outside. So yes, as you can see I'm holding a brolly which means it was raining. No surprises there then! But I quite like the colours we got.

Special Things

2010-08-11T02:00:00.001-07:00

A couple of Sundays ago, I headed up to my home town of Southport for my Niece Scarlett's Christening. I was actually quite organised is choosing her gift (so rare!) and decided to ask Annabelle from Three Red Apples to make her a custom blanket.

One of the things I love about the blogging world (and now Twitterland) is that I now know lots of creative lovely people whose work I love and want to support. More often than not now, I will buy handmade or something that is from a local seller when buying gifts for friends and family and the little treats for myself ;)

So, the blanket arrived and it was so beautifully gift wrapped, I couldn't open it! The pictures below are Annabelle's which she kindly sent to me when it was made. I have a link on the side if you wish to visit her shops.

A slightly grumpy little lady at this point. Bless her.

Before I sign out, yes the dress in the picture of me is for sale in my shop! I only got back from Cornwall the day before and hadn't thought about what I was going to wear (see, not always that organised) so i put this on and as it is a little big I teamed it with a skinny belt nipping it in at the waist. You can look at the dress properly HERE.

My Cornish Love Affair

2010-08-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Last weeks family holiday to Cornwall was really lovely. Is it just me or does Cornwall have that special something about it?

We stayed in Perrenporth this time. To be honest, it was mainly for the surfing for Felix, who will hit the water rain or shine but it is also a good central spot to travel to the surrounding towns.

The weather overall was good, but obviously, we had a touch of rain and some cloudy moments - It is England!

We did the normal day trip to St. Ives; I love that place. I'm sure anyone who has been there will agree, it is really different to most of the other towns within Cornwall. It has some really lovely shops and lots of little streets dotted with small galleries.

I came across a new little place (to me anyway) called the Vintage Boutique which sold a lovely selection of vintage homeware, handmade items and a vintage inspired clothing line. Although, I have to say, a little pricey for my liking!

Felix at Gwithian beach. Before the lifeguards flagged the beach due to the fog!

St. Ives Beach

A happy chatty moment in St. Ives

Perrenporth beach

Beach jogging?

I'm not sure if we will head back next year. Felix would love to but I don't want to kill my love for the place. Not yet anyway!

Plain & Simple

2010-07-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

I thought I would show you another dress I have made. Again from a 1960's pattern.

I have used a simple linen. Mainly so I can see what I'm working with more clearly and it also gives me a better idea of what alterations I need to make.

The style, as you can see, has bell style sleeves and a deep neckline which I adjusted to have a collar style finish. The original pattern was much longer in length so I altered this too.

I will probably wear this as a tunic as I took it a little too short but it does look sweet with flat sandals so I might just be able to get away with it?! As this is such a simple little number I will probably wear a headscarf to finish off the look.

At the moment, I'm still playing with ideas and patterns and I will probably have a few key styles using lots of lovely fabrics.

I just want to say, I know this picture really isn't the best quality. I literally ran (well you know what I mean. Haha) out to the garden just an hour before writing this post when it started to get dark.

Yes, we could have used flash's but we have had hardly any spare time this last few days getting ready for the annual family holiday to Cornwall. I'm really excited and even the 5am start in the morning doesn't seem so bad. I was also informed earlier that I am doing the 5 hour drive too. Now that's not something I'm particularly looking forward to!

Before I head off on my travels I just want to remind you to enter the competition in my last post!

See you all soon. x

A Fantasy World of Art

2010-07-17T03:18:00.000-07:00

Kayleigh Radcliffe

I have a little treat for you all!

The young talented artist Kayleigh Radcliffe from Lancashire who designed my logo has launched a new website and to celebrate this she is giving away one her A4 prints.

I have known Kayleigh for over fifteen years (since she was a little nipper) and have loved watching her artistic knowledge and work blossom into the style she has today. Her illustration work has a slightly dark edge to it and some may say strange. I love this style of art and I am lucky enough to have received many pieces of Kayleigh's work as gifts over the years.

Here is a few words taken from her Bio that describes her style exactly ~

'Inspired Wholly by my adoration of animals, anthropomorphic animals has become a frequent theme within my work. I like to play on the make believe idea of animals being part of the human society and not much different from ourselves. German expressionist silent films, the Victorian and Edwardian period, the countryside, folklore, and nightmares and dreams also have a part in inspiring my work.'

You couldn't meet a nicer, more genuine person than Kayleigh (Biased, Moi ;) Haha). But seriously, if this style of folk inspired art is your cup of tea then please leave a comment giving a little feedback about her work and which print you like (there will be more added soon) in her shop right now. You don't have to follow me but it would be fab if you could follow Kayleigh's blog (HERE) and then you would be kept right upto date with what is happening in her world.

Visit Kayleigh Radcliffe's website

HERE

The winner will be drawn next weekend. I will be on holiday in Cornwall but Kayleigh will post here for me :D

Before I say goodbye, good luck and thank you for taking the time to enter. x

N.b. This is open to anybody, anywhere but please note that free shipping is only available to UK residents and a small shipping charge will be applicable to other countries.

Purple Lady

2010-07-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

All week I have been trying to get some photographs of this little dress I have made but as its summer, there always seem to be a million other things going on.

Well, last night, we had a slot. Or so we thought; Edie decided to wake up and join us in the garden!

It also turned really windy so I didn't actually get a decent pic but thought I would show you these anyway.

The dress is a simple shift/tent style from a 1960's pattern. I used a lightweight purple cotton and finished it with a delicate lace trim. I'm trying out different finishes and adjusting the patterns I have to see what works best.

I did wear this dress yesterday. I didn't wear the wedges during the day, I wore little ballet pumps and then later whilst watering the garden (my glamorous life?), I put my clogs on. But I always feel a simple dress like this works in so many ways and I find the loose fitting of this style works great when I'm having a cake kinda day ;)

I thought I would keep with the purple theme and show you some pretty purpley things I love. I could have kept going with the list. There are so many gorgeous things out there!

Just click the picture for the link :)

And whilst writing this post, this was the view from the window.

Have a great weekend :)

Keep the Faith

2010-06-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Seeing a clip from a new British film Soul Boy, which is to be released very soon inspired me to write this post about Northern Soul.

The music, the fashion, the people, the life. Ok, so I can't tell you everything there is to know about Northern. In fact, I wasn't even born when it all started. But, I was brought up on the music. It was my Dad's scene. My Dad's passion.

It was a small underground music scene that started in the late 1960's with American Soul. By the early 1970's, there was clearly a scene happening here in England. There was a distinct style of dancing and fashion associated with it and was based mainly around the North of the country at venues such as Twisted Wheel in Manchester, Golden Torch in Stoke and Wigan casino.

The style of clothes was initially in the Mod style of Ben Sherman and Brogues. But once the dancing got faster and people started to really go for it on the dance floor, the Bag's (loose Oxford trousers) replaced the slim fitting jeans and out came the tight vests with badges from venues and competitions sewn on. This, I believe was my Dad's wardrobe staple for his weekend nights out. He would still have had these vests if Mum hadn't thrown them out!

I would happily wear any of these outfits, thats for sure.

I got told many stories about his teen years; the bus trips to Wigan and Manchester from his hometown of Leyland, Lancashire and the tales about each of these 'big' nights out he had. It sounded amazing.

I also remember so clear when I was small (probably the late 70's) that every Sunday afternoon after our roast dinner, a friend of my Dad's, a little Scottish fella would pop over with a box of records and my Dad would happily sift through, picking out goodies for his collection. It wasn't long and I soon had my own little collection going. It was more Jackson Five in my little case though. Haha...

Apparently, the scene slowed down come late 70's early 80's but still to this day, there are people still passionate about Northern Soul.

I was looking for a video to put up and came across a few new videos from a little scene that is/was happening over in Tokyo called the Northern Soul Picnic. Ok, so there will be plenty of people slating these young people but how amazing would it be taking your picnic, record player and your dance moves to your local park. I'm game if you are!

So yeah, as you can tell, watching the trailer for Soul Boy brought back fond memories of my childhood with my Dad and I really, really can't wait to watch it. Maybe I'll bust some moves in excitement! Haha...

If you read this Dad, Happy Fathers Day. Love you. x

Put Yourself Out

2010-06-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed on Twitter today that I offered some free space for people to place a little advert on here. Without charging a penny, without wanting anything back in return. Why? Well, why not.

When I first started this blog I knew straight away it wasn't to make money. I didn't want my little 'space' to be strewn with ads people just weren't interested in and that was why I added the little 'owl, ad free widget'.

Since blogging, I have come across many interesting, inspirational folk who's work I like and whose ideas I love so I feel that by adding these people onto my site, it is letting my readers (Mum included) into my world a little bit more.

I also have a big belief in people doing things for other people without expecting anything back (a Thank You is a must though!). I know people are pretty busy with their own stuff and I know how chaotic our lives are. Especially for us Mums out there! But I'm just not into the dog eat dog world. Its never been my thing and never will be. My parents always told me there was a bit of Hippie hidden within me and as I'm getting older I think I might agree with them to be honest; I think I could easily fall into a 'Hippyhood' lifestyle as the years go by... Haha.

As you will see, I have added a young photographer to my ads. Hol ly Booth just so happens to be a local lady but I personally think she is pretty good. I also have a couple of other people who will be added soon (get that image sorted out Annabelle! Haha).

Another thing I really want to talk about is the trading section I started up. I can honestly say I have had some fantastic things through trading!

I can remember many years ago reading about a community in Australia who had little money to spare so they exchanged the things they had. Ok they were doing plumbing jobs for a box of veg but I think trading a vintage skirt for a little watercolour print is just as important, right? Yeah, shame on me for comparing the two but you know what I mean.

It's so easy to do and only costs you the postage of your item. I'd really like to ask you to help us spread the word on this. It works, it really does and it's fun :D

With the talk of hippies, I wanted to share these fab images with you. I wish I could jump into them. Even if it was just for a day...

All images from Getty Images

P.S. I'm still working on getting the bike...

Always My Friend

2010-05-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

I ♥ my Raleigh 'Cameo'.

A little ride around the village last week with Felix

I have had the old thing for years now but it seems to rattle about more and more each day and with the weight of Edie on the back, which is most of the time, it seems to be struggling. Bless the little thing.

So, I'd rather like a new bike please. But when Leon said I had to get rid of my 'Cameo' in order to make space for the new one, I felt a little sad! I know, that actually makes me a little sad too doesn't it. Haha...

As Leon works in a bike shop, I though it would be easy for him to find me a replacement. One which I loved just as much, which would help me plough up the hills and keep up with the boys, one which would be a breeze to ride even with a couple of stone on the back. He did find me one. A modern one with a 'traditional' look which was OK I guess but it was just too modern, if that makes sense?

So, I set myself to work. I wanted a typical old fashioned looker, wicker basket on the front, big wheels and the option to put Ed's baby seat on the back. I did wonder about a front seat for her but being the Mummy Mummy I am, started to think about the wind on her face, the sun blasting onto her and if ever I had a little bump (which is very, very possible I can tell you) the little lady would be hit first (Jesus I sound neurotic saying that).

So this is what I came up with. The Pashley Poppy. My dream bike actually. In a lovely pale blue. But, its even heavier than what I have and really doesn't fit the criteria if I'm honest. But you know when you just see something and fall in love...

It's not the cheapest of bikes and at a few hundred quid, I'm sure I could get a super duper all bells and whistles wonder machine but to me, this is a little beauty. Do you reckon if I stamp my feet hard enough, I may get one?! The other thing I have to work on is keeping the 'Cameo' too. But I reckon that will be the easy part.

Wish me luck!

Oh and keeping with the Bicycle theme, a few people have posted about 'Bombay Bicycle Club' recently and reminded me just how good these chaps are so here is a little musical goodness to finish off.