Interesting combination of colours

The main body of this little halter neck dress has a russet-burgundy background with pale orange flowers, the waist yoke contrasts with an orange background and stylised flowers in russet and pink. The colours in the close-up are more true than the full view.

Taking a Break Roller Derby style!

Well you might be wondering what the heck I'm going on about with Roller Derby? It's got nothing to do with fashion and that's exactly my point!

Yesterday hubby and I took a well earned break to watch our daughter's team the Surly Griffins win their the grand final bout for the Canberra roller Derby League Season 2. It was amazing! Fast and furious action with lots of thrills and many spills along the way! We were on the edges of our seats for the entire bout. The lead changed quite a few times and with only seconds to go the Black and Blue Belles jammer (scorer) was sin-binned and unable to score any points. The crowd went wild! just fantastic to be part of the excitement!

For those who don't know what roller derby is, it's (in Australia at least) a flat oval track, generally indoors, skaters are in 2 teams. Each team has one jammer who scores points by passing opposition players, no easy task when the other team is blocking her path with any legal means possible!

Sounds easy huh? No way! The action is very fast and yes sometimes people get injured. But it's great fun to watch, once you get a hang on the rules (there are quite a few). the important thing is that all the competitors are great friends no matter which team they skate for! Can't wait for Season 3!!!

I am sooo sorry not to have any images! Silly me left the camera at home!! Rats! Besides, the girls skate around the track so fast, it's difficult to get decent pictures unless you have the right equipment. Hopefully I'll get some of the professional ones soon which I'll post later.

What's your take?

I had an interesting day yesterday at a local market selling my goodies. For the most part it was a lovely day, lots of nice people, some admirers and lookers...you get the picture.

I was feeling quite happy until I decided to get an opinion from another trader, a woman who had been in the clothing industry for many years. I guess she considers herself successful.

She was very polite, seemed interested in what I had to say, or so I thought until one little remark stopped me in my tracks. She said " Do not over estimate people's commitment to the environment". She was referring to my merchandise, all constructed using reclaimed, upcycled, recycled and re-used materials.

Even though this woman didn't actually say it, there was no doubt what she meant by it. Why are you bothering to do this stuff? And by the way, she did actually say that people only want this stuff because they're trying to make ends meet.

Now I'm a tolerant person and I value people's opinions, but let me ask you, how would you react to this statement? I was taken aback, I mean why would anyone say such a thing unless they felt superior?

After some reflection I have come to the conclusion that some people are just plain snobs. That and they must feel threatened by a little competition. I feel sorry for them.

Getting back to basics

Many people ask me where do you get all those wonderful fabrics for your bags/clothes etc. The answer is quite simple. I forage all over town in second hand stores, Salvation army and St Vincent de Paul outlets are absolute faves. I also get a few donations. It's amazing how many people appreciate that I care enough to take their outcast garments and old handbags to use in my creations.

Some finds are incredible like the three leather coats I picked up for a song. They were not suitable for sale due to damage/wear, but to me they were like hitting the jackpot. I deconstructed them, no easy task I might add, sorted out the pieces (and there were lots of them) to see what could be salvaged. I'm thrilled to be able to use almost all of the leather and all the buttons will come in handy. If you have a look at the dark chocolate suede sling bag, you'll see what I'm talking about.

It's a huge amount of work to deconstruct almost anything but the rewards can be massive. Give it a try. If the bug hits you, you'll be hooked for life. And life's good!

Back to re-fashion

This image shows the adjustable belt at the back of the jacket.

A new Re-fashion

This cropped jacket is a far cry from its original design. It was way too baggy in the sleeves making it look quite comical.
I reduced the bagginess and cinched in the waist. I also added an adjustable belt at centre back to allow further contouring depending on the body's needs.
Now we have a smart, wearable jacket with an interesting design.

A White Staple in the Wardrobe

This cute little number is in white random rib cotton. Even though it hugs the curves nicely it still has quite a bit of stretch. I love the design of the loose side cowl collar, very smart and slightly retro. All materials used in this creation were reclaimed from a thrift store rubbish pile. It was an oddment fabric that had never been used but needed a good clean. And they were about to throw it out!! Thank you, I'll have it!

Chocolate is the flavour of the month

This dark chocolate suede leather sling is just delicious!. Beautifully soft to touch, feels gorgeous on your shoulder. Close-up shows the button detail (the colour didn't reproduce so well, it's not charcoal but real chocolate). The inside is fully lined, has a reinforced base and a double pocket with zipper keeps your little bits and pieces secure. I'm happy with the end result.

Extra large Leather bag with Studded features

This extra large shoulder bag was a joy to make, well almost a joy. It's body is all leather (super soft) with the exception of the flap closure and most of the strap, these came from an old handbag. I couldn't resist using them as the main feature, the colour is such a perfect match to the dark chocolate leather. The strap is attached to the body with two wide leather loops.The bronze studs and buckle give some extra flair to the design. The front has a concealed slit pocket as well as the large button-down pocket. Inside is a zippered divider pocket and two extra pockets on each side of the chocolate lining. 100% recycled materials were used in this beauty.

A busy week

Two-tone denim vest with contrasting cotton print lining. The underside of the collar is also lined in the print.

Small bag with Ostrich leather panels

Small but very roomy tri-fold bag with ostrich leather trimmed in black. Inside is lined in black and a leather card wallet is included. Enough room for your cellphone and digital camera. There's even a small mirror and a zippered pocket for little bits and pieces. All secured by a strap and snap closure. 100% recycled materials used.

Super soft leather bag

Extra large shoulder bag with a flap-over belt and oversize buckle feature. There are 2 deep front pockets and an extra large back pocket secured with a velcro tab. Inside is fully lined and includes a double pocket, plus one large, one small zippered pocket, all secured with a magnetic snap. The double strap has a soft leather grip and is attached to the body with chunky metal rings.

Loose and comfy

Now for something a little different. This loose fitting top in creamy beige has a chamois-like feel. The boat neckline leads into a double ruffle down the shoulder seam of the batwing sleeve, single ruffles across the body. There is a wide basque at the hemline.

Glamorous easy care

Gorgeous soft draping combined with a gathered cross-over front make this top in soft cappuccino a delightful addition to your wardrobe. Lightweight stretch polyester fabric means easy care, and no ironing!