Link Love: Craft Suppliers

I've recently rediscovered my love of creating, and it's finding its way into almost everything I do at home! I feel much better watching TV if I'm keeping my hands busy crocheting or cutting up fabric to patchwork at the same time! Here are some places that I like to buy my fabric and gear from, I hope you like them too.

Super Buzzy: Yeah yeah, patchwork and quilting is something that your grandmother tried to teach you and you thought was daggy as right_ Well I can tell you right now this isn't your granny's sewing shop. Super Buzzy stocks an amazing array of incredibly cute Japanese inspired fabric and notions, Kawaii sushi with little faces, too cute woodland animals, and nursery stories just to name a few, but you will also find other crafty goods for crochet, knitting, felting and more. The postage can be pricey but the product is just too cute and hard to find!

Hawthorne Threads: A huge range of quality quilting fabric brands at great prices, stock is regularly updated with new brands at reasonable prices for both product and postage, this site is a great place to start for up market brands with a nod to trends. A great staple site, make sure you sign up for the newsletters as they are full of inspiration, competitions and what's new in store.

Hancocks of Paducah: Quite simply the best site if you're after a bargain, with prices on fabric starting from under $5 per yard you're bound to find something to your tastes. While the variety isn't as hip and cool as the two previously mentioned sites, it is a great place to visit for basics and the occasional gem, I often rack up sales of a few hundred dollars!

Customize your creations with Spoonflower

When I used to study Fashion at TAFE, one of my favourite parts of designing garments was choosing the fabric.  Different patterns, colours, textures, weave, and materials can drastically alter anything you have put on paper, and availability was another matter! If you wanted to be sure that a print existed, most of the time you had to design it for yourself, and find somewhere to quickly print it, and for a decent price!
Sadly for me back then, a wonderful website called Spoonflower hadn't been crated yet.

The basic concept is that site give you the ability to put any designs you might create and print them onto fabric, and not just quilting fabric either. Yes there is a large array of cottons and linens to print onto but there's also some gorgeous dress making fabrics too. You can order a swatch book to see what each fabric is like for $1.
They don't just sell designs on material either, you can also have them printed up on wallpaper. Imagine your own cute creation on the walls of your babies room? A feature wall created by you anywhere in your home.
The most awesome thing? You can sell your designs! Come up with something truly gorgeous, it doesn't have to be intricate, set up shop, enable your design to be sold and it's just that easy, your awesome creativity can earn you money. Of course if you want your designs to be available to just you, you can do that too. Best way I've ever know to have a one of a kind anything!

After discovering the site only this year it's already on high rotation. Because of its expansive array of indie designers you never know what you will find on any given day. Within seconds you can find something perfect, that speaks to you, that you simply have to have. With over half a million members, there's almost endless options!
Highly recommended for days when you have the chance to be sucked into another world. This is a hobby I won't be finishing anytime soon.

Go and check them out!

100 days of Thrift check in - Day 6

Hey would you look at that! I have a post to write! In all seriousness though it has been quite a busy week, lots of long days in the office leave me in a mood to do utterly nothing when I get home. In fact the boy has bitched me out since he cooked more then I did this week, though two of those nights were merely me asking him to cook, and then eating scrambled eggs around 8 when I decided I had waited long enough.

So how has the challenge been coming along? Well it is day six today and it's only early morning. So far I've found this weekend to be quite easy to get through, but that's because it's too hot to leave the house. During the week I had issues, I bought lunch more then I brought it, I'm just not used to having to having to prepare something to bring in. Leftovers are great and all but in this house they're normally snapped up by the boy, and even then we're moving offices in less then a fortnight, so I had to have last meals at some of my favourite places. I am going to be very, very sad when dumplings are no longer within walking distance.

I made a gift for my latest Niece/Nephew who is due in a few weeks, My sister is being a pain and won't let on the gender, We have a theory it's a boy though as her husband is way too happy for it to be another girl. Mind you, the gift is incredibly cute, and so easy to whip up, I bought the kit from Voodoo Rabbit over a year ago, and it was about time I used it. The results are rather cute.

Dr. Seuss Rattle Toy Cube

What I spent:
Dumplings - $10
Pizza - $10 (Boss shouted a beer to go with it)
Japanese Donburi: $12

What's in the kitty:
$60

Lessons learnt?
Plan ahead for lunch. No really, 8:00 am when you're already running late is not the time to scrounge around the cupboard.
Going through old project piles can yield surprising results.

Keep an eye out! We're going to be running a competition early next week and I'd hate for you to miss it!

Link Love: Seven Amazing and Easy DIY Homewares

My inner craftster has been lurking lately, slowly coming out of hiding as I discover all these gorgeous DIY ideas! Here are seven of my favourite easy to do and full of impact DIY projects for your home.

Toilet Paper Roll Wall Art

Source: Made 2 Style

Don't let the word Toilet put you off, this is a genius idea to recycle something that every household has at one stage or another.

Painted & Stenciled Fabric Covered Padded Headboard

Source: Infarrently Creative

This one is a little more labour intensive and expensive but still stacks cheaper and more unique then anything you'll find in store. I love the chic look of it, and that it wouldn't look out of place in a glamorous Boudoir. (Hello Blair Waldorf!)

Turn a Chair into a Bedside Table

Source: Design Sponge

This tutorial was made specifically for an Ikea chair, but I think it could wok easily with any flat pack chair so long as it has a panel below the seat like the one used in the instructions.

Backlit Canvas Art

Source: The Scrap Shoppe Blog

A gorgeous and whimsical DIY the doubles as mood lighting, Make sure you have a steady hand for this one.

Doily Lampshade

Source: DosFamily

A variation of the popular strong lampshades and ornaments that are floating around the internet, this casts a dappled light around the room and you can make it any size you desire. Or make a bunch of them in different sizes to create a cluster with real character.

Recycled Glass Candle Chandelier

Source: CasaSugar

I'm going to rig up one of these our my patio using Moccona coffee jars, I have so damn many of them and I've been saving them for a good suitable DIY Project.

Fabric Bunting

Of course I couldn't do this post without including my favourite project that I made myself! Bunting is cute, very simple to sew and very flexible, you can make it any shape you can sew, any length you need and easily match it to any theme or decor.

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Bought! Printed Trousers and Bodysuit by ASOS

I can't get over how much prints have taken over this season. Everywhere I look there are masses of bright, colourful and intense mixes of shades in exciting hues. Mixing and matching is highly recommended to make the most of this trend, but it's also a useful tool to attract attention to your favourites features. One of the biggest things I love about it is the transeasonal nature of it, you can do it in Spring, Summer Autumn and Winter. It's not very often that both the Southern and Northern hemispheres can delve into a trend at the same time, and take inspiration form each other all at once!

I fell in love with this gorgeous bodysuit from ASOS and had to have it, how beautifully do the colours work together? Some of the greatest colour combinations around are inspired by nature, with a big bonus with this garment being that it has so many different pastel hues, that you're bound to have something gelato coloured to go with it! The fit is great on my frame, and it looks cute-as with an A-line skirt.

Sunset Bodysuit available from ASOS

I also picked up these printed trousers, admittedly on first glance they do look a little pajama like, but that is why I plan on taking them in and tapering the legs into a slimmer cut. Slim cut print trousers take away from the pajama look you can get with wide leg printed trousers, making your look infinitely more refined, and the trouser just plain more wearable. The print is oriental themed (tipped to be massive in upcoming seasons), with images of peacocks and plants.

Trousers available from ASOS

How do you like to wear your prints? Are you a fan of this trend?

Bought! DIY Pillow by Sportsgirl

Make your own embroidered cushion by Sportsgirl x Beci Orpin

Beci Orpin put together some cute stuff for the Sportsgirl Gift ideas table this year and this kit was part of that.This was probably my bargain of the day from Boxing day, their price started off at $29.95, but in the sales I picked two of them up for $6.65 each! I wasn't going to pay full price for them before Christmas but I had to stop myself a few times in fear they would sell out. Basically it's an 'embroider your own pillowcase' kit, Kind of nana-ish I know but didn't you know that DIY is awesome? I've been sitting on the couch while my boy plays video games for the last few nights trying not to stab myself in my fingers. But it's looking good so far. The kit comes with everything you need with needles, embroidery thread in a range of colours and the cushion insert (fun to lug around on boxing day!) but I'm going to go one step further and insert zips into my covers

The Project in process, I picked up the embroidery loop from Lincraft for a couple of bucks and recommend anyone with this kit do the same.

Minxy author Kelly Doust coming to Brisbane

Hey girls, while going through some information for an upcoming craft and quilting fair, (Don't mock me, sewing is invaluable.) I found out that Kelly Doust will be signing copies of her new book Minxy Vintage on October 22 between 12 and 2 pm at the fair.
For those of you who have no idea who I'm talking about, Kelly runs a site called The Crafty Minx, about her love of vintage clothing. In her latest book she helps readers bring vintage pieces into their wardrobes with some love, reviving techniques and care. She has fans in people such as Dita Von Teese and Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant.
Even better? She's an Aussie girl!
The craft and quilting fair is also something I highly recommend attending. When you get past the fact that it's mostly attended by women past a certain age, you can find a wealth of knowledge, as well as things you never even imagined. It's fantastic for inspiration, as well as being educational. You could go not knowing a thing, and leave with at the very least knowing where you can find out more and many places that will help you along the way.
I'm excited now! I loooove getting books signed!

Cute handmade owls by Tickled Pink Events.

OK, I admit it, I am one of those girls who utterly adore owls, and if it didn't make me look like a crazy person I would quite possible have them all over my house. But I'm no Nina Proudman, and only let my owly obsessions out to play occasionally.
Tickled Pink Cards is a stationery company that ties in with Tickled Pink Events, a wedding and occasion planning company. I had the pleasure of meeting Natalie at the Young Designers Markets last week and she is lovely.
What drew me to her stall were of course these gorgeous handmade owls she was selling, I wanted to take them all home with me. Have a look at these and tell you you don't want one of them to pop on your couch or to sit with your books.

 

Owl obsession now sated for the time being ...

Tickled Pink Designs are stocked all around Brisbane, Please visit her site to read more information and find out where you can buy her wares!

Brisbane Vintage Fashion and Decor Fairs

Last time I went to one of these it was located in Westend and it was epic. Time has just escaped from me and it looks like they've expanded!
Brisbane Vintage Fashion and Decor Fairs are going to have their next event on the 29th and 30th of October, at the Eaglefarm Race Course, (Just a quick walk from the train station) and even if you aren't a buyer it's well worth a look just to see. I love going to these places to get one of a kind items that you just can't find in stores nowadays, 40's suits with their gorgeous shape, 70's suede skirts, and vintage clothing patterns by the barrel load, and at great prices too.
Depending on the stall holder the prices can be awesome or a bit OTT. I have in the past snaffled a vintage Oroton glomesh bag for $20 (still in its box and with a tag stating that it was 70 odd dollars back when it was bought!), numerous dresses that only required a little altering to be worn today (shortening sleeves and hemlines are something even a novice can do), and the patterns, gorgeous Jackie O suits, 70's caftans, and great Vogue designer stuff. Admittedly I haven't touched some of them, but they're great collectibles.
A lot of the stalls are run by vintage clothing stores throughout Brisbane and surrounds, so you can get a feel for their wares and then visit them when the fair isn't on.
I'm really interested in checking out some of the decor as this looks like a new addition to the stalls, Perhaps I'll find something to jazz up my then new house. (Yup, you guessed it, I'm going to be moving house AGAIN in another two months.)
Also another draw card is that everyone is so nice, Very few shops around have such warm and welcoming staff who are dying to tell you about their favourite and latest find, and they really know what they're talking about, they have collected and sold vintage for years and it really shows in their knowledge.
I'd recommend signing up for their mailing list as the markets are kind of sporadic from what I can remember, and it's a good prompt to remind you when they're coming up soon. Until then, I'll find some other events to tell you about!

Incoming: Kimono style

Keep an eye out for this trend coming to a store near you very soon, it looks great worn with slim fitting trousers and shorts, probably not with skirts, I think they'd just look odd.
Inspiration?
Nicole Richie has been a long time fan of the style, it goes well with her bohemian style.

Here are some for sale:
Band of Gypsies available at ASOS

Winter Kate Available at My-Wardrobe

Make it yourself?
My type of girl! If you wear it undone you could use any kimono pattern, but I'd recommend adjusting the pattern a little. And don't go for brocade fabric(it'll took far too 'I just got back from Japan!', try something in a light to medium floral fabric for this season's look.
Check out the patterns I've found to DIY.
Simplicity
Bryn Gwlad
Burda (Yes it's a dressing gown, but don't they all look vaguely like one?)


If you give it a go comment below and let me see!

Clothes Tip: How to make an inside showing waistband sit flat.

While I went to fashion school (lol) I picked up more then a few tricks to make clothing work better, techniques that are used on more expensive clothing that are just left out of a lot of mass produced clothing because it's time consuming, and time is money, money that not everyone wants to spend on your clothes!

Now that heading may sound a little confusing, so let me show you a picture that should sum it up nicely.

This is a picture of a skirt in my wardrobe, I love it, and when I bought it it was perfect, but after a few washes, lo and behold, the damn thing's waistband is looking kinda funny. It won't sit flat, and now this annoying sliver of the inside pops up for the world to see, Front and back. Sometimes in cheaper clothing land this is happening before you've even bought the skirt, but more on that later.

Here is How you can fix it. You will require a pair of fabric scissors, and a steady hand.
First check that you can have access to the inner workings of the skirt, get between the outer fabric of the skirt and the lining. Like so.

Unfortunately you may not be able to do this, in that case though you should be able to press the skirt flat to hopefully fix the problem, fingers crossed.

Once you have found the seam where the outer fabric of the skirt, meets the fabric that is annoying you, grab your scissors and make some little 'notches' (for the uninitiated, these are done by clipping perhaps half a cm into the seam, DO NOT cut through any stitches.)
Do them maybe 5-10cm apart along the entire waistband.
Do on the other side as well if required both front and back.

Now flip your skirt back out the right way and press. Sometimes you'll be lucky and won't need to press at all, other times you may have to go back and put a few more notches in.

Swish! Now your skirt sits properly and you can wear it over your shirts again.
This technique can also help with faced necklines that are doing the same thing.

Remember what I said before about this happening before you've even bought the item? Have a close look at the inside of it Before you take it to the counter to see if this trick can be done!

Why does this work?
Because this can happen on clothes where the waist (or neck) is curved, the tiny bit of fabric in the seam is shorter then the seam, only by millimetres but this is enough to cause problems. By clipping the shorter length, it enables it to sit flat.

Let me know if you have any questions, I'd love to help!


Mwah!
-Birdette