spring inspiration

It was a warm sunny day in London today, spring is beginning to creep in. I'm looking forward to a summer of long sun soaked days, homemade lemonade in glass jars, cycling around the city with flowers threaded in bike baskets, campervans, grassy fields, daisies, juicy mangoes and barbeques on the beach. Here are some of my inspirations for the new spring items I will be adding to the shop. There is a shop update coming tomorrow too (finally), eyes peeled!

work in progress Folly costume

Some work in progress pictures of 'Folly,' a 17th century court opera costume design by Jean Bérain. He has been occupying most of my time in the last months. He has a large padded belly under there, a giant pair of breeches and many other hidden items. There is a lot of work left to do on his sleeves, an overskirt, hat and surface decoration (beading, embroidery etc). He will then be thoroughly broken down to age him, I really want him to look like an old costume that was brought out every year for the court balls, a bit battered and faded but still beautiful.

Still lots to do!

little vintage lover fair

We had an amazing time at the Little Vintage Lover fair this September. A quirky fair packed full of wonderful vintage and vintage inspired handmade items, it was held in the picturesque South Creek in North Norfolk. It was a blustery late summer's day, we were lucky to be inside one of the barns (with bare coloured bulbs swinging in the wind and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling). We even had a few chickens come and check out our wares!

our stall, (FestiveFavours and I)

Festive Favours is a dear friend of mine, she has a unique aesthetic of beautiful old items, especially stunning vintage haberdashery. She has a make do and mend approach to reusing items that would otherwise be wasted. She breathes new life into an egg cup, a picture frame, or a dusty jar, transforming them into tools for creative souls. Above are all examples of her lovely wares.

This fellow is popping back to pick up some original 1950s wrapping paper ready for christmas.

behind the scenes tailoring

quilted inspiration

Look at these beautiful scraps from an old patchwork quilt. The creases and wear, the mottled colours and delicate prints and the history behind them; someone carefully hand stitching it all into place. I'd love to get in the dye lab and reproduce these quirky prints, watch this space, if I can get my hands on these gems, SS12 might be floaty tea dresses and bloomers in these prints!

These pieces were found at Ironing Board Studio, a beautiful online shop specialising in vintage textiles, based in the stunning Cotswolds (where I was born!). So many incredible things I want to display around the studio.

C. Wilhelm grasshopper costume

...fingers crossed this is the next costume I'm making

vintage garment inspiration

...back when dress making was really an art