Questions & Answers

I don't usually do these kind of things (usually because I forget about them), but I've been nominated for the Liebster Award by the lovely and talented Jennifer over at My Sewing Suite, and I'm going to make the effort to actually do it!!

So the Liebster Award is given by bloggers to fellow bloggers who have less than 200 followers, I've been nominated along with a bunch of other lovely ladies to take this little quiz, then make up my own and pass on the love!

Here are the rules:

• You must answer the 11 questions set by the blogger who nominated you.

• You yourself then pick 11 blogs who in turn have under 200 followers.

• You must then think of 11 questions for the blogs you have picked and also tell them.

• You must link back to the blog that nominated you.

• Write 11 facts about yourself

So here goes!

1.  What is your favorite thing that you have sewn or knit?

My favourite thing is generally the most recent thing I have sewn, as I always feel like I'm improving! So at the moment my favourite is the yellow-floral print summer dress I made last week.

2. What is the sewing tool do you use most?

Apart from my sewing machine, I would have to say seam ripper. For sure.

3. Why do you sew?

Well, mostly out of necessity at the moment! I love vintage clothing but find that in general it is well out of my price range. Making replica pieces myself means I get basically the same thing but for a fraction of the cost, not to mention the satisfaction of wearing something I've put a lot of effort into making! I think I started sewing mainly because I found it difficult to find clothing to my specific ideas (living in Australia has it's limitations where shopping is concerned). 

4. What Style icon inspires you?

I can't say I am inspired by just one person!

Everyday ladies from past eras really inspire me, theres just something so amazing at seeing these gorgeous women, dressed to the nines, but in a more realistic and accessible way than a celebrity. I'm also inspired by other bloggers, basically for the same reason :)

5. What is your favorite fictional character?

Hmmmm… I guess it would have to be Ariel. I wanted to be a mermaid with red hair SO bad when I was young, and I kind of still do.

6. What is your guiltiest pleasure?

I'm obsessed with pizza. I will happily sabotage any healthy eating attempt, no matter how long the streak is, just to eat a few (ok a heap of) slices of hawaiian pizza and some garlic bread. I will keep eating it until I have to lie on the floor because if I move I might explode. Our local pizza place knows our order and address off by heart, and the delivery girl is basically our bestie now.
I've also recently gotten way too into the TV shows My Kitchen Rules and The Block. Eli hates it, but I have to watch them now. I'm too emotionally invested.

7. What are you most proud of?

Giving up a job I didn't like to go travelling! It was the best fun ever, I definitely have the travel bug now and we're already planning our next adventure (and the one after that, too!)

8. Cat or dog?

I love both! But I do have two cats, so...

9. Why do you blog?

That's a really good question! I actually started blogging back when I was about 17 (on a different blog, of course) because I had stumbled into blog-land and realised that not everyone had to dress the same. There were all these amazingly stylish ladies with their own blogs that I followed religiously, and I initially decided to start blogging as a way to document my outfits - I would look back at the photos and start to see what worked and what didn't, and it was also awesome to be out there on this platform that others could give their input and opinion about my style too. That blog went pretty well, but eventually I stopped due to work getting in the way. After I stopped blogging I realised I actually missed it a lot. I wasn't putting as much effort into the way I dressed because I was thinking "well, who's going to see it anyway" and that was making me feel pretty down. I also missed interacting with the people who read my blog and those who's blogs I read. 
So I suppose, I blog because I miss it when I don't, and it helps me to remember to make an effort with my appearance, which has a positive impact on my mental health!

10. If you could choose any super power what would it be? 

I think I'd have to say invisibility. Then I could do whatever I wanted and no one would ever know.

11. Describe yourself in 3-5 words
Lucky, creative, worrier.

And I am going to nominate the following. I could only think of 8, I'm sorry! (Also if you are nominated don't feel pressured to play along if you're too busy!)

1. Twirls, Pearls and Combat Boots. My best friend Katie writes this blog. She is awesome in general.

2. Princess Pin Curls. She finds the best vintage clothing at a local Melbourne market and I am forever jealous of her for it. Seriously, amazing.

3. Miss Fairchild's Charm School. A lovely lady I have been lucky enough to meet in real life and whom is a constant inspiration!

4. Little Heap Vintage. Whitney is a great writer and has some serious style.

5. Polka Polish. A recent find for me (I've been having such luck finding all these amazing blogs to read!), she has a gorgeous vintage wardrobe and styles it to perfection, as well as sewing some amazing vintage-inspired pieces (I'm obsessed with the housecoat she made).

6. Bess Georgette. Her Etsy store makes me drool all over my keyboard and cry into my (empty) wallet. Her blog is full of gorgeous vintage articles and photos, and of course personal style.

7. Gracefully Vintage. A very talented seamstress and wearer of beautiful vintage outfits.

8. Beauty In Insanity. Keit was one of my very first readers/commenters, and she is just amazing. She has an awesome, quirky style and is hilarious :)

To answer these questions:

1. If you could be any kind of animal, what would you be?

2. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

3. Scary movie or Rom-Com?

4. Do you have a special talent?

5. Are you a collector of anything?

6. What do you think is your best feature (physical or otherwise)?

7. Why do you blog?

8. Where is the farthest you have ever travelled?

9. What is your favourite outfit you have posted on your blog?

10. If money was no object, what would you do all day?

11. Who is your favourite super hero?

And finally, 11 facts about myself:

1. I am so clumsy. SO clumsy. I'm constantly dropping or tripping over things, breaking stuff, making messes and just generally being a total moron. It's gotten to the point where I'm not even embarrassed by it anymore because I'm just so used to it.

2. I'm not a vegetarian, but I don't cook meat at home. I'll eat it if someone else has made it for me, or if I'm out to dinner and the veg option sounds less-than-desirable, but in general I prefer vegetarian meals.

3. I currently own two cats and a parrot. I'd love to have a dog some day soon too, but they're a bit harder to hide all evidence of from real estate agents…

4. I'm a pretty messy person. It actually drives me a little bit nuts, but I honestly don't know how it happens. I think I tend to get distracted a little too easy, or maybe I'm too excited to move onto another project after the first and I usually just drop things and move onto the next. oops. 

5. I've never broken a bone in my body (touch wood!)

6. I dream of being a singer, but I am way way waaaaaay too shy.

7. I have hyper-extendable elbows and like to freak people out with them.

8. I'm a huge book worm. I will read anything, and even if I don't like what I'm reading I always have to finish it.

9. I can wiggle my ears and tie snake-lollies into knots with my tongue (I practiced for AGES in high school to be able to do that).

10. I really dislike Summer, and heat in general. Give me cold, gloomy winter any day. 

11. I'm a rather good cook, and I really enjoy cooking new foods (and eating them, of course).

Equestrienne

After my last post I couldn't stop thinking about all of the pretty Autumny/Wintery things I've had sitting in my wardrobe unworn for what feels like forever, so I couldn't help myself but get a little bit carried away with it all when yesterday was forecast with a top of 23C.

Of course, the sun came out and made it feel more like 25, so I ended up being just a tad too warm, despite the trousers being rather thin.

I think I shall call this my Equestrienne/fancy Land Girl look.

Scarf, jacket, shirt & trousers - thrifted / boots - vintage

I inherited these gorgeous boots from my Nana, I think they may be from the 1970's. They are absolutely gorgeous but a tad big.. If I wear thick enough socks I'm fine though!

In other news, I've been slowly working on plans and bits and pieces for mine and Eli's wedding, which is going to be this October(!) We have already booked our venue, celebrant and photographer, sent out our save the dates and started on our invite design. I've got my shoes and have finalised the design for my dress.. Did I mention I'm making my dress? Yikes.
I've ordered some fabric samples and have to start on a muslin soon.. I don't have a back up plan as of yet so I'm just hoping it works!!

On the to-do list next is work out a menu (why is this so hard???), sort out the ceremony and start on my many decoration ideas.

I think I'm doing alright at not stressing too much so far, but it's early days.. Just have to keep reminding myself that the only thing that matters is the actual marriage part, if anything else doesn't work out exactly how I pictured it's not the end of the world! Wish me luck!

Winter Dreaming..

I'm sure I've probably mentioned this a few hundred times, but I'm really not Summer's biggest fan.

Particularly the kind of sweltering, over 40C, bushfire-causing endless ones like what we have recently been experiencing down under!

But just when I am feeling like we're doomed to live in a tropical hell forever, the last couple of days have been deliciously cool (well, cooler), and have me dreaming about all of the lovely, cozy things I'll be able to wear come Autumn and more bearable temperatures!

I've been thinking about the kind of look I want to be wearing for the coming cooler months. I'm going to try to stick mostly to a colour palette of pale blue, mustard, hunter green and deep red, with brown tweeds, grey, black, white and cream for neutrals. I've never been very good at the whole "pick two colours and one neutral" rule for wardrobe planning, so this is my compromise.

I already have some cold-weather appropriate things, but I have a pretty long wish-list too!

Some things on this list include:

1. A New-Look style coat.

Polka Polish / Etsy / Here

I've been searching for a coat like this for such a long time. I've finally come to the conclusion that I'm way too fussy (and poor), so it looks like making my own is going to be my best bet. I'm still thinking about colours, but leaning towards grey with a nice coloured lining, like this one seen on Polka Polish:

Maybe a deep red printed lining? In any case, I hope to start this at least by the start of Autumn so I can get the most wear out of it as it gets colder.

2. More cozy knits

They Roared Vintage / Tickety Boo Tupney / Etsy

I love the look of a pull-over knit with a blouse collar poking out the top, tucked into a skirt or trousers. Knits are so versatile, whether they are button up or not, and make a very useful layer for those chilly mornings and nights. I really need to re-learn how to knit!

3. More trousers

Scan from the Fedora Lounge / Lucky Lucille / Va-Voom Vintage

I already have a few pairs of trousers which will work well with my overall look, but I would like maybe just a couple more pairs.

4. A pair of 1940's-style fur booties or over-boots

Etsy / Polka Polish / Blue Velvet Vintage

I love the look of these adorable boots with seamed stockings and a woollen a-line skirt. I already have plans for a potential DIY project coming up soon, so keep an eye out for that!

5. Long or mid-calf brown lace-up boots

Va-Voom Vintage / eBay (listing ended) / Vixen Vintage

So versatile, so pretty, and so easy to hide big thick socks under :)

6. Blouses

Flapper Girl Creations / Etsy / Etsy

Sure, maybe not a strictly Autumn/Winter piece but I currently have a severe lack of blouses in my wardrobe. I'm looking at making a bunch of them in my chosen colours and various prints to mix and match with everything else.

7. Woolen A-line skirts

Tumblr / Lucky Lucille / Fedora Lounge

So far I've been happily sewing pencil skirts, gathered skirts and circle skirts, but none of these classically vintage skirts. Perfect in wool and tweed, and amazing for avoiding embarrassing skirt vs wind moments.

8. A snuggly-yet-glamorous house coat/robe

Polka Polish / Etsy / Miss Sixties Vintage

Another thing thats been on my to-do list for a while now. My current, very fluffy, hot pink, modern monstrosity of a dressing gown is just not cutting it for me - I want something with the same warmth and comfort, but about 1000 times more glamour. The immensely talented Frances at Polka Polish made her beautiful housecoat (above) herself, so I am determined to do the same, I just need to settle on a colour and fabric type.

9. Mid-weight jackets

All from Etsy; 1, 2, 3

Another great layering piece, which is essential in Melbourne's unpredictable weather. I'd love to ideally have a range of jackets and matching trousers or skirts which I could mix-and-match with each other. I adore all of the styles above so I'll definitely be getting my sewing machine out for this one.

10. Accessories

Tickety Boo Tupney / Here / Etsy

And finally, to top it all off, I'll be looking for some more cold-weather appropriate accessories - such as hats, scarves, gloves, a fur muff and various jewellery.

Is anyone else over their current season? Whats on your wish list?

Lately I've been sewing..

Though I don't have currently have a job, I've been working really hard at not becoming the stereotypical unemployed person, sitting on the couch/in bed watching trashy TV all day (although I can't say I haven't done this a couple of times..)

So in an effort to stay occupied I've been organising, cleaning and sewing up a storm!
I thought I'd share a few things that I've made recently, as well as some of the projects that are on my to do list..



I was given this pattern by Eli's amazing Nan, along with a whole bunch of other vintage sewing patterns and home books (best. day. ever.) As soon as I came across this adorable boat fabric at the op shop I knew it would be perfect for a little nautical-themed outfit..





The darts at the bottom give a really great fitted shape, but the blouse is kind of looser up top for a nice relaxed look.

Ironing.. who does that?

My first time using my sewing machines automatic button hole.. I was very impressed! So much easier than my old sewing machines manual setting!! I went with these clear buttons sewn on with some blue cotton because I just could not find a colour that didn't make it look super tacky.

The collar ended up a little bit different to the picture but overall I'm really happy with it!

I've got plans to make another one, maybe with a different collar variation (round collar?!) in this adorable fabric:

Ladybugs!

After I had finished the blouse I decided I needed to make a matching skirt, which I wore on my Hanging Rock outing. After I had finished the skirt I decided it also needed a matching jacket, just to make it a whole outfit of course!

I drafted this dolman-sleeved cropped jacket from the pattern below.. It's the first jacket I've ever made, and simple as it was I'm pretty proud of it! 

I wanted the jacket to have a more 50's look, so I changed this 80's jacket pattern to include dolman sleeves, as well as more pronounced front darts and also darts in the back.

Then there was the dress I made to wear to the Skyways Are Highways residency on Thursday. I picked up this lovely fabric at the op shop when I stopped in on a whim and as soon as I had it I knew I wanted to make a pretty, summery dress.

I remembered that I had this beautiful 50's pattern in my stash, so drew up a little modified version..

I was so happy with how it turned out - you can see it in my last post :)

My last project for the week was a little bit nerve-wracking. A lady I used to work with contacted me last week and asked if I would be interested in making something for her to wear on a special Valentines Day date. I agreed, and she became my very first paying customer!

I can be a bit of a perfectionist, particularly when I know someone is going to be examining something I've made very closely, so I was suuuuper nervous handing it over! Luckily everything worked out, it fits and she loved it :)

So, whats on my list for next week?

This absolutely beautiful, mid-weight, slightly shiny cotton fabric with a floral pattern in blues, greens and mustard.. I definitely want to make a dress out of this but I'm just trying to figure out the perfect pattern. Perhaps a simple, short sleeved wiggle dress?

(from here)

And out of the light-weight houndstooth-y fabric I am planning on making a little 60's style jacket, cigarette pants AND, if I have enough fabric left over, a simple pencil skirt.

I can't wait to get started on these projects!! Do you have anything you're currently working on or have recently finished? Let me know, I'd love to have a look :)

Yellow flower puffs

Hola!

Happy Valentines Day, one and all. I hope everyone is having a lovely day! 

Eli and I haven't celebrated this year in a traditional sense. No date night or presents, but we did go to the pet store for cat food and came back with a new little feathered friend! I'll share some photos of her/him (we're not sure on the sex yet, waiting for a DNA test to come back) once I take some!

This is the outfit I wore last night to see Eli's band play. I made this dress in one sitting on Wednesday from fabric I found at my local op shop and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out!

Dress - made by me, everything else thrifted

 

The bust darts are a little off due to my lazy re-sizing skills, but it's not too obvious I think. Also this weather is wreaking havoc with my hair.. sweaty AND frizzy, ugh.

circle skirt!!

These shoes were an amazing find at the op shop - all leather, perfect size, suuuuper sturdy and only $7.

 Happy Friday everyone!!

A Picnic at Hanging Rock

Hi everybody!

So due to me misplacing my camera charger and the subsequent loss of battery-power of our camera, things have been a little quiet over here for a bit longer than expected.. oops.

It's also still about a million degrees in Melbourne which, along with being jobless, is really affecting my will to live outfit decisions.. Clothing is highly optional at the moment!

Yesterday, however, was a lovely, cooler, breezy day so we took some Canadian friends out to the sticks to have a picnic at Hanging Rock.

We didn't end up having our picnic there (we got there 40 minutes before they were closing the gates), but we rushed up the rock and managed to reach the summit. Of course we forgot to bring the camera with us, but we got a couple of phone photos..

For those of you who haven't heard of Hanging Rock, it's a volcanic formation about 50 minutes north-west of Melbourne, right next to my home town :)

It's most famous as being the setting of the 1967 novel and 1975 film Picnic at Hanging Rock, which is set in 1900 and tells the story of a group of school girls who go on a Valentine's Day picnic at the rock and mysteriously vanish.

(warning, longest movie trailer ever)

I watched the movie a number of times as a child but have never read the novel. Apparently the author wrote the entire book in the 60's, however just before it was published in 1967 she requested that the last chapter be removed, to be published separately 3 years after her death. The final chapter was released in 1987 as The Secret of Hanging Rock.

I remember after watching the movie as a youngster being convinced the story was true.. I'm pretty sure I tricked many a friend into believing that you could still hear the voices of the girls as they roamed about the rock, lost forever.. Mirannnndaaaa….

Anywho, I wore an outfit completely inappropriate for rock climbing (naturally).

Scarf, shoes and belt - thrifted, top - eBay, skirt - made by me.

I made this circle skirt a week or so ago and I'm completely obsessed. It's so swishy and lovely to wear, I can't believe this is the first one I have owned!
The top is a style I've been after for ages, I found this one super cheap on eBay and bought a black one too. I've basically been living in them whenever I leave the house, they're lovely and cool and very pretty!

I've been very busy sewing lately so hopefully I will have some more pretty things to share soon. I'm just crossing my fingers for a few more cooler days so I can actually make some kind of an effort instead of laying on the concrete floor in my underwear.. hmm.