Change of plans...

I have not been able to decide on a vintage pattern for my dressmaking class so I have chosen this dress to kick things off. The class goes for 8 weeks so I figure I should have time to complete this one and another dress too. I wear a lot of shirt dresses over jeans and leggings in summer so this dress will bet lots of use. For the fabric I've chosen this summery blue floral print. It is not what I had in my head (I was thinking dots or a gingham-like pattern), but as soon as I saw this print I new it was the one. I don't have a lot of blue in my wardrobe so it will be a nice change. 

Vintage Dresses

My dressmaking class begins again in a  few weeks. Last semester I missed a few classes due to market commitments and illness and I only managed to complete 2 skirts (the same pattern- it's a good patten -one of which I gave to my sister). This time around I would like to tackle a dress. I haven't been able to find a modern pattern that I am happy with, so I have decided to go down the authentic vintage road and buy a vintage pattern online. My requirements are a knee length full skirt and short sleeves (not sleeveless). I've narrowed my choice down to these six:

 

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Now to make the final decison.

And then there were three

And then a tree, some flowers, a cloud and a street lamp. I didn't have a plan in my head when I started this, other than I wanted to do a little red house. Nor did I draw before I began stitching, the design just evolved organically. As I'm new to this craft (I've been an embroider for less than 24hrs!) I'm interested in how others approach embroidery. Are you a planner and a drawer or are you more of a free styler?

My French knots need a little work, but as its's my first attempt I'll let it slide. 

A Little Red House

My very first attempt at embroidery. I am much pleased!

Niche

Day one of Niche: All Wrapped Up is over. Despite the lovely weather market traffic was slow. Luckily I was surrounded by fabulous stall neighbours so there was always someone to chat with. 

New Not@tions journals

Mini button notebooks

My stall

cute retro pencils (free with any Not@ations purchase)

Mini button notebooks

Lovely earrings by The Purple Finch my market neaighbour.

Awesome rocket brooch (The Purple Finch)

Skyline Silhouette (The Purple Finch) 

Not@ations

More goodies for Niche: All Wrapped Up...hand screen printed wrapping paper and gift wrapping kits. 

All of these 'stationary' items are part of a new branch of Notions- Not@tions. At the moment I'm just testing the waters, so to speak. Niche is my last market for a while, so I want to see what sort of response these items receive. If all goes well, then I will be selling Not@tions products at Christmas markets (which start in October!)

Vintage Envy

I experienced some serious vintage envy the other day. You'll never guess where I was when the pangs of jealously hit. I was in Sportsgirl, of all places! Now I don't usually shop in Sportsgirl, but I was drawn into the Bourke Street store in Melbourne by the window display. Inside there was plenty more vintage goodness to be found. 

Sadly the tea cups and suitcases were not for sale, but the clothes were. I asked one of the sales girls what she could tell me about the vintage clothes and she said that they have buyers around the world and that the pieces are wither original or made from vintage fabrics. 

While trying to find out more information about this I came across this interesting comment on the situation. If you have the time and are interested in vintage clothing and consumerism it's worth a read. I think its great that such a large chain store has recognised the value and appeal of vintage, but I certainly wouldn't pay their asking price ($150+)! And if for some unseen reason was prepared to pay that much for a vintage piece of clothing I would prefer to give my money to an independent store, such as my favourite vintage clothing store, Dear Gladys  Anyone else have any thoughts on this? 

Something New: For Niche

New doily cards will be available at Niche: All Wrapped Up this Friday and Saturday at the Boathouse, Launceston. 

Belki Love

I popped into to see the ladies at Belki in Carlton North the other day. While I was there I took a few snaps of the gorgeous displays of some Notions goodies. I always love what they do with my brooches and bookmarks. They have a super cute idea planned for my Spring stock (which should arrive in a few weeks). Hopefully I'll be able to get some photos to share with you.

You can visit Belki at 631 Rathdowne Street, Carton North. 

Escaped Stock

I try to be a good brooch shepherd, but occasionally some stock escapes and finds its way out into the world. Maybe I need a cattle grid at my front door to prevent this? Today some Spring Stock (not yet officially released to stockists) found its way into Inside in Hobart. So, if you are wanting to check out my newest fabrics pop in and see the girls at Inside and and round up a few brooches while you're there.

Cupcakes, teacups and markets

Phew, two more markets down, one to go. The Barn Market was fabulous...again. The girls do an amazing job in creating an awesome atmosphere....mulled wine, live music, free photo booth...what more could you ask for at a market?

I was very excited to the see our Fox & Bowerbird made into cute little purses on A Silver Nutmeg & a Golden Pear's stall. It's great to see people using our fabrics. I love the fabric combination of this one.

After flying into Melbourne last night this morning I rocked up to the Hawthorne Town Hall for Mathilda's Market. It's such a beautiful building. Thanks to the Mathilda's girls I was placed next to Courtney of Silver Nutmeg fame (see above). On my other side was Duckcloth fabrics....very dangerous! The crowds started rolling in at 9am and while Mathilda's is no the right market for my products it was an enjoyable 4 hours. It's always nice to meet customers and to have a chance to see what other creatives have been up to. 

This afternoon I did a little shopping for some supplies for some new market-only Notions products to sell at Niche next Friday & Saturday. 

Oh, did I mention that today is my birthday? Well, it is. Thank you Courtney for my delicious birthday cupcake and my gorgeous new market apron. Thanks to Marita for my lovely coin purse and to Julie for my porcelain doily brooch! It's so nice to have such caring and generous market friends. My pressies will be treasured!

Miss Florence

Well, only three more markets until my two months of Market Madness are over. What was I thinking when I signed up for all these markets??? I have two markets this weekend- The Barn Market tonight & tomorrow and then I'm off to Melbourne (straight after The Barn finishes) on Saturday night to do Mathilda's at Malvern Town Hall on Sunday morning. 

While I'm in Melbourne I will be popping in to see some of my stockists. I'll be showing them my new Spring range. So that you don't feel left out, here are some images (taken just this morning) of the Miss Florence collection. Miss Florence comes in brooches, hair slides and hair clips (hair ties to come).

Divine Delilah

At each market I attend I allow myself to buy one treat for myself. There were so many beautiful objects at YoungBlood that I thought that the decision would be hard, but as soon as I saw Delilah Devine's vintage wall paper flying ducks I new I had found my YoungBlood treat.

Linda (aka Delilah Devine) was so friendly and such a delight to chat too. Aside from the ducks, Linda also makes gorgeous brooches and wall art. Delilah Devine doesn't have any stockists in Tasmania at the moment, but fear not, you can buy online.

Tip Shop Treasures

I bought this retro set of canisters at the Tip Shop yesterday for $1. The large one still had flour in it!

Eye Candy: Lonny Magazine

Have you heard about Lonny Magazine? It's an online (free) publication full of all sorts of visual yumminess. To have a look for yourself click here. Be warned, you'll need a big cup of coffee and a good handful of biscuits when you sit down to take a look because once you start reading you won't be able to stop until the very last page.