Monday, June 28, 2010

BUSYBUSYBUSY!!!

If I'm not in the sewing room, at the design table or out at the markets, you'll often find me trawling around the charity shops (especially Salvos) for the next treasure! Today was a trawling sort of day. I've decided I want to make a man's outfit for my next parade collection. I've already finished a shirt (two shirts combined to make an awesome new one!) but still need trousers to go with it. I found a fabulous, albeit extra large, pair in dark charcoal pure wool. Once they are refashioned into something more modern-looking, the outfit will rock! No pics yet.....I want the whole look together first. So watch this space!

I also found some other little goodies just begging for a transformation. I can't make up my mind whether these will go straight into my collection (I already know what I'm going to make) or into my own wardrobe, which is looking a little sad this winter. I just never seem to get around to making anything nice just for me. Oh well, maybe this time I'll spoil myself.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Black and Blingy!



This beautiful three fold evening wallet/purse is just the ticket for that special occasion or when you just want a little extra bling without wearing all your jewellery at once! The black mesh is sturdy, soil resistant and easy to keep clean with a simple wipe of a damp cloth. Inside is fully lined in black and includes card pockets, slip pocket and a large zippered pocket ideal for makeup. The magnetic snap holds everything together securely. Please yourself, with or without the detachable strap.

Busy days ahead


Working hard on getting things in order for my next day at the markets. Everything is coming along nicely. I just completed another two purses for my collection. I'm loving leather at the moment, as you can see by this ab fab white beauty! It certainly has a nice retro feel about it. While only small it has plenty of room with its extra large outer pocket nicely secured with the flap. Inside is fully lined in pretty cotton chintz print, a sort of sliver/blue/white abstract spatter pattern and has a good size zippered pocket for extra security. The top has a magnetic clasp as well as the flap and turnbuckle closure. Hard to believe this gorgeous shoulder bag began its life as a pretty awful leather skirt!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

A day out "Green on the Green at Forde"



Last weekend I attended a sustainability fair, Green on the Green at Forde, a new suburb in the ACT. Of course the focus of the fair centred on how we can all contribute to a more sustainable existence. I was happy to be invited to participate and show off my handbags, accessories and new clothing range all created using reclaimed, upcycled and recycled materials. It was really great to get feedback from the public about my approach to the recycling and sustainability cause.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Planning under way

No images just yet, but designs are ready for production! I'm flat out planning the next adventure with Re-Loved Creations (my other blog). Our 2010 fashion event is called Re-Loved: Re-Vamped and will be held in the gallery space at Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre in Canberra City on 30 September. We'll have 5 designers (including me) showcasing new creations all out of recycled, reclaimed and upcycled materials and found objects. It's going to rock!!

I can't wait to have my designs up and going, and more importantly finished! I'll be showing new handbags and accessories as well as my new collection. The theme this time round is "Party Time: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!" Lots of work to go but progress is being made each day.

In the meantime, my other duties include a lot of behind the scenes organising with our other designers. A lot of work goes into making a fashion parade a success and I couldn't do it without the help of my daughter Lee, the other half of Re-Loved Creations. She's great at getting things done (especially at the last minute)! and she's great at getting others to get their projects in on time too.

Well time is getting away from me again. So much to do! More updates soon.

I've been busy!


The body of this lovely medium size shoulder bag used to be part of a fairly ordinary looking pair of pants. The strap is a combination of two different leathers over two PVC straps. Nice and comfy over the shoulder yet very strong with the reinforcement of the heavier leather. The chunky clasp is an unusual variation of a dog-clip. Left unclasped it still has sufficient weight to hold down the pocket slip. The top of the bag is secured with a magnetic clasp. Both the interior and pocket are lined in a bold multi-coloured printed cotton, very sassy! Inside has a triple compartment pocket, one is zippered for extra security, the base is reinforced. A very neat package and a great staple for your wardrobe.