Where do I start?

HELLO!! I've been busy with all sorts of things over the past few months and I must confess the blog has been badly neglected.

These two lovely cotton dresses are just the beginning of another summer collection which will feature vintage inspired designs and fabrics, such as the little yellow number and of course loads of white. A little pop of colour is always great as seen in the hot pink touches to the otherwise white dress.

Another little item to look out for are the cutest little lounging shorts (also great as PJs) in bold brights and girlie girlie patterns! These will also have matching sleep masks, just because it's fun to be a little ridiculous :)

I've been busy!

I've had a busy time lately creating some more goodies for my collection. This funky slouch bag is in a wonderfully soft leather that has a reptile skin look, very much like crocodile (no it's not real crocodile!). The colour is an interesting cross between an antique gold and taupe. There are 2 large button-down pockets on the outside and an extra pocket on the inside which is lined in a warm cocoa coloured cotton. The shoulder strap is nice and wide for extra comfort.
hmmm....might just have to keep this one for myself!!


This gorgeous number is in a fabulous heavy cotton from IKEA. The large florals look great on the dark chocolate background. Sorry guys, this one sold very quickly!

Lost in Cyberspace ?

Hello there!

You may have wondered where I'd got to....I haven't blogged for a while. Well all I can say is sorry for not being on top of things! Rest assured I'm going to remedy this situation! I've been really busy over the past few weeks, especially leading up to the recent Fash n Treasure Market (21 May). All my posts from around that time have disappeared somewhere into cyberspace! I'll be posting some pics soon of the fabulous little goodies I've been working on....so bear with me and watch this space!

More of the collection

This jacket has been a labour of love to make! Not only is it quilted, but also fully lined, it's so beautifully warm and cosy! Whilst it has a classic cut without a collar, the waist is cinched nicely with elastic for an up to date look. I love this neutral colour, it goes with just about anything and everything. Wear it teamed with a skirt or dress or casual over jeans - it's perfect.

Fash N Treasure May 21 - Stall 101

Things are hotting up for the next Fash n Treasure market 10 am to 4 pm Saturday May 21, once again at the Old Bus Depot buildings, Wentworth Ave Kingston. I'll be there with lots more goodies. Thank God my wrist and hand have improved (still giving me a little reminder from time to time)!! There's so much I want to do!!! It's going to be fabulous (of course!!). Come and see me at stall 101 on the upper level!

Cute animal print

I just had to make another little something using animal print....and here it is, a cute little bi-fold clutch/wallet.

The outside is lovely and soft faux fur with chocolate suede trim. Inside is fully lined and includes a leather card holder a concealed slip pocket as well as a zippered one....all held securely shut with a magnetic clasp. Just what you need to go out on the town.

Of course, all materials used in this little baby have been recycled, even the cardboard! LOVE!!

Cosy and Soft

I had some fun making this gorgeous little number....mmm...dark chocolate...yum! The cape is waist length in super soft faux fur with a silky lining in vintage plum. It buttons on the inside of the stand collar, a decorative suede button on the front finishes off the vintage look. So warm and oh so cosy!

The dress has a retro 70's inspired classic cut with a mandarin collar, elastic waist and self fabric tie. The fabric is very light weight wool with black stylised flowers on a mustard background. Very simple yet still elegant. Team it with black suede booties or pumps and a little clutch and you're set!

A little detour

To save my sanity this week I decided to make a few accessories. I finished this rather nice market bag today. Made from fabulous Ikea fabric - heavy duty 100% cotton - it will last and last. The lining is taupe insulated curtain fabric, great for extra durability. I included a few pockets: one large on the outside, one small slip pocket and a double pocket with a zip compartment inside. There's also a removable base for stability. All in all a good result I think.

Hard at work

I'm back at work again, the wrist is a lot better though the hand is still a bit sore still....grr! don't like injuries...anyway it looks like I'll have my collection at least partially complete for the next Fash n Treasure market next month.

I've been working on a number of projects lately focusing on skirts and jackets mostly but will be getting into the accessories shortly.

Tunics are huge this season. You can wear them over a shirt or sweater and jeans, a skirt or leggings....whichever takes your fancy. I've concentrated on wool as it washes and wears so well!

One lovely piece I've just completed is a gorgeous pencil skirt, floral print in soft pastels on a cream background. Oohh...just wish it fit me!! As always the fabric dictates what size I can make! oh well next time I'll see if I can find something more generously proportioned....

I love reinventing a classic, so you'll see a few re-fashions this season. Look out for the wool blend coat, it's just wonderful! and don't forget to check out the edge-to-edge cardigan jacket with the faux fur trim!

Winter is going to be so lovely and cosy!

"Autumn Trends" Fash n Treasure 21 May

Hi there, thought I'd give you a little heads-up about the next Fash n Treasure, Canberra's only true fashion market, which will be held on Saturday 21 May from10 am to 4 pm, at the Old Bus Depot building, Wentworth Avenue Kingston.

I'll have a stall upstairs, with other professional traders, presenting my new winter collection....as long as I'm not too incapacitated! The recovery is coming along, so I should be fine by then.

Look out for the new season trends.....soft pastels hues and natural earthy tones offset by a few strong colours. Leather is once again huge this winter, as are natural fibres like linen and wool both in garments and accessories. I'll have some new leather handbags to show and maybe even some animal print....but only a little!

Looking forward to seeing you all in May!

Out of Action!

Hi all,

I'm sorry to say I'll be out of action for a little while following a fall, hurting my wrist and forearm.....no sewing....no designing.....NOOO!! It could have been worse I guess. I tripped on a concrete median strip and literally flew into the middle of the road....during peak hour on a busy bus route! Luckily for me I missed, or more correctly, was missed by the traffic in both directions.

After having x-rays, I was relieved (at first) there were no broken bones....however all blessings come with a little catch: there's a good chance I have some tendon damage. If that's the case, I may be out of action for a couple of months or more.

Well, I mustn't moan and complain. I have a stack of books I can finally catch up on, not to mention research. I'm even learning how to write with my other hand!

This doesn't mean I won't be staying creative.....just perhaps not in a very physical way :)

Re-Loved Creations Pop-up Shop

What a fabulous experience we all had at the very first Re-Loved Creations Pop-up Shop during the Canberra Festival last weekend! Ten designers and artists came together to showcase their talents in a 3 days only temporary shop stocked full of one-off original and repurposed pieces. Anything and everything from Canberra suburb names posters and other digital artworks, original paintings to designer clothing and accessories, even repurposed furniture was on display and didn't the public lap it up!!

As the co-founder of Re-Loved Creations I am proud to be associated with these very talented artisans. This is exactly what I wanted to achieve when I first thought up the idea of "Re-Loved"....supporting and showcasing local designers and artists. I hope you enjoy the pics!

Canberra Festival - 3 More Sleeps!

Time is ticking! As many of you know, I'm the Co-founder of Re-Loved Creations, a project which my daughter Lee and I started in 2009 to promote local designers with sustainability in mind.

This year we have broadened our horizons so to speak including not only fashion designers, but artists and illustrators as well as crafters in a one-off three day exhibition and sale of works in a temporary shop, located at the Canberra Centre between Sportsgirl and Birkenstocks (near the fountain).
Our official opening is from 5 to 8 pm on Friday 18 March. Come and join us for some light non-alcoholic refreshments, cupcakes and tea (coffee too) and chat with some very talented artisans. All works will be for sale so make sure your bring your cash!
There will also be a Clothing Swap on Sunday from 2 to 4 pm for those of you keen to get your little hands on some pre-loved treasures. Simply drop off your donation of clean wearable garments and pick up your tokens. If you don't have anything to swap, a $2 donation will be fine. All monies raised will be donated to the Salvos.

Our trading hours for the weekend are:

OPENING 5 to 8 pm Friday

9 am to 5 pm Saturday
10 am to 4 pm Sunday.

Here are some images of a few works. Hope you can join us some time over the weekend!

Time for some fun...

Oooh.....apricot jumbo cord looks fabulous in these winter shorts! Little patch pockets and wide buttoned belt tabs add to the design. Linen has made a big comeback this autumn/winter. The button through dress is a light weight linen in charcoal. The 3/4 sleeve has little tucks at the hem and there are neat buttoned epaulets at the shoulders. This dress with it's dark chocolate latticed belt is perfect as a light weight coat left unbuttoned for a casual effect over a top and jeans or leggings.
The black leather skirt is a great example of recycling at its best. Formerly a tired looking 80's horror, it's been repaired, restored, re-cut and re-fashioned into something with a bit of attitude.
The little black skirt with cross-over removable braces is something a little different from the norm. The skirt body has soft gathering into a wide waist yoke. The front buttons (with Snoopy on them!) are on the outside while the back buttons are concealed inside the back yoke. The 60cm length is perfect for cooler days.

Fash N Treasure Saturday 5 March 2011

It's on again! Canberra's only true fashion market takes place this Saturday at the Old Bus depot buildings Wentworth Avenue Kingston from 10 am to 4 pm. I'll be at shop 101 (just near the ramp). You'll get to see lots of new stock. Some pics here but many others not in the portfolio yet....I haven't even had a chance to take lots of photos of everything yet!

Hope to see you on Saturday!

The collection is coming along...

It's always a challenge to create a coherent collection when using reclaimed and recycled materials. Creating this new collection has been no different. Whilst I would love to supply a size range S,M & L of every new design, the reality is more often than not it's just not feasible to do so.

Instead of worrying myself over this issue I decided it was more important to concentrate on bringing to life my ideas and create more one-off pieces. The common thread to my creations has always been wearability rather than what's "in fashion" at the moment. Fashions and fads come and go. Good style, cut and comfort are essential if a client is going to get enjoyment from wearing my clothes.

So what do you think so far?

Busy times for Hanny-d

Whether it's sourcing fabric, deconstruction, designing or sewing, there's never a dull moment in my household!

Here a just a few of my recent creations. The fabulous printed cotton skirt with matching yoke and hem basque is a real gem! It has inverted pleats which give fullness but still ensure a flattering fit. I love the blossoms!

The natural coloured skirt is probably my absolute favourite! The fabric is HAND-LOOMED SILK which is just divine to the touch! The skirt's hem basque has strong one-way pleats a little off centre front. This gorgeous skirt is fully lined.

I was in a garden party mood when I designed the blue floral. It's a style I have repeated twice (something I don't normally do!!) it's one of my faves, so what can I say? The full skirt is lined in light weight cotton lawn - a really cute little number with its little tulle peep at the hem.

Finally, what better way to finish off a pretty little party frock than with a classic sheer shrug? The powder blue chiffon has a textured finish with tiny rectangles all over. Pop it over a 60's inspired shift and off you go!

A Nostalgic Look

Princess Line dress in textured antique beige with brass buttons in filigree pattern with matching cropped shrug/jacket

Classic lines are back

This stylish outfit in a wonderful textured antique beige has classic lines straight out of the sixties. The princess line of the dress provides a beautiful flattering fit, skimming gently over the waist and hips while the side button opening gives extra impact to the overall look. The brass buttons have a delicate filigree pattern that perfectly reflect the retro feel of the design. The matching cropped shrug/jacket is a delight with its single button close to the throat.

The dress would be ideal for the office teamed with a simple blazer. After work simply change your jacket, slip on some fabulous heels and you're ready for cocktails or that special dinner date.

Ebony and Ivory

This stunning two-fer with its strong printed full skirt is truly a beauty. The bodice has an embroidered detail to the front plus a keyhole closure at the back. The lined skirt has strong tucks that open up to soft folds giving a flattering silhouette. The wide band at the hem provides balance to the design.

This little gem would be perfect for that special lunch date that continues through to the evening. Team it a cropped 3/4 sleeve blazer or bolero and some cute heels and you're set for whatever comes your way!

Coat to shoulder bag transformation

This is a perfect example of what you can achieve with a little imagination and perseverance. I met a young lady at a recent market who asked me to make her something out of a well-worn suede leather coat. She gave me an idea of what she wanted and then said "go for it".

The result is a fabulous large shoulder bag with plenty of interesting features such as the large patch pockets with button-down flaps. I used one of the sleeve cuffs to make the closure flap and the belt (complete with metal rings) to make the strap. Inside is fully lined with a central divider and lots of extra pockets - an absolute must in a large bag!

I'm rather proud of the finished product.....not too shabby if I say so myself!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, here we are at the beginning of a new year! Where did 2010 go?? The end of last year was an incredibly busy time for me and as you can see I haven't posted a thing for quite some time.

Rest assured, I will be posting more pics and info in the coming weeks. I've already started my next collection....it's going to rock! No sneaks though! I've had my finger of the fashion pulse and I must say I'm excited with the return of more glamourous looks, longer hemlines (and shorter ones too!) with a sedate colour palate.

Of course, you know how I love all things retro, so there'll be some more of that along with a little rockabilly....but more of that at a later date!

I hope you have a wonderful New Year and may all your dreams come true....but only the good ones!