I . K N O W

Studio Sunday: Not For The Faint Of Heart...

2012-03-06T11:27:00.000Z

(I know it's no longer Sunday - I'm running a few days late this week in my brain)

I understand that some people might find it hard to take, but I am uncontrollably messy. It actually becomes quite a problem really, but, I'm working on it, honest.

Before Christmas & New Year I was doing a lot of work in the dining room, which of course had to be cleared so everyone wasn't eating Christmas dinner amongst piles of shredded fabric & pattern pieces. So, it all got taken up & dumped into my studio without me sorting through it. Now I know that Christmas was 2 months ago now (wow time flies) but I have just been pushing the mess aside, or moving my sewing machine to my bedroom (also a state), anything to avoid organising the mound of fabric scraps that I have accumulated.

So, now I have started to sort it. I know that this doesn't look like I have, but I promise, things have to get worse before they get better... I've heard...

If anyone knows if you can recycle small scraps of fabric I would really love to have some help? I have searched the internet but only get information about recycling garments or old bedsheets. I keep all my largish scraps to make other things with, but some are so tiny & I feel so sad land-filling anything, it makes my stomach turn as I'm sure that they can be re-spun into something new!

Anyway, here goes:

So, I didn't manage to finish my studio, buuuut, I did manage to make this cake with homemade pineapple flowers (inspirtation). It was deeeelish!

Right, back to work...

"One To Watch"

2012-03-02T12:08:00.002Z

A few weeks ago I was contacted by someone at Manchester Uni who wanted to write her first little fashion article... about me!

Of course I was very flattered indeed & said yes please. I have been meaning to get in contact with people from local newspapers & magazines but I am always overwhelmed & confused when I come to it, so this was so lovely to be approached.

She very kindly sent me the paper copy for my scrap book I am keeping of my first year in business (I know this is a little sad but oh well). Here are some pictures of it. :)

i n s p i r e d : Marni for H&M.

2012-02-21T23:05:00.000Z

After the sell out Versace for H&M, I am now totally obsessed with the Marni H&M collection coming on 8th March. Unfortunately one of my new years resolutions was to buy no clothes until June! Which is going very well, but also total torture at times. I may have to break it when this collection comes out, I NEED the swimsuit. The fabrics & shapes are stunning, oh gosh, so lovely basically. & the ad is directed by Sofia Coppola, just perfect.

{image source}

Studio Sunday: Sun, Spring & Sweatshirts!

2012-02-19T18:58:00.001Z

Today has been a lazy Sunday, it's been splendidly sunny & such a feeling of spring. We actually had brunch outside (okay it was very very chilly) but things are looking up.

I can't share any photos of my studio today as it is just such a mess. Like, an unbelievable mess. But I have been taking photographs of my sweatshirts that I am trying to clear. I bought a bunch of sweatshirts a few months ago, & set about the long process of creating my own screens at home (lots of staple gunning & paint stains on tables). But since then I decided to focus on my dresses. I still enjoy screen printing, & want to print some of my own fabric to make into skirts & dresses, but for now I want to sell the last of my tees & sweats & focus on creating a lovely summer range - I have too many ideas for photo shoots & dresses & need to collect my thoughts & ideas & create something!

But for now, here are my sweatshirts, if I really love all the designs (I know I designed them but shhh), & if I could keep them myself I would, but I already have a ton of sweatshirts & I realised that my very undignified uniform for most days is an old school PE jumper & a pair of leggings. May not be super stylish, but you can't argue with comfort!

Gosh, I am such a rambler, must learn to be more concise in my words, I love to natter is the probs.

I've really got that Sunday feeling today, I think I shall have a bath, finish sewing the blinds I'm making & watch something trashy on the telly.

(Please don't forget there is a 15% discount on the whole of my shop too)

A Fruitfull Market Trip.

2012-02-17T21:53:00.000Z

Today we went to Totnes, every Friday there is a market, & they have some really lovely stuff for very reasonable prices indeed. We got so carried away we got a parking ticket. Not so reasonable.

I am on a complete mission now to buy things to put in Cornwall. In the midst of collecting art & paints. Also, I am going to try & make some roman blinds, so have been watching numerous confusing YouTube videos, that I'm sure I can't understand.

A lovely wooly blanket. Player's Please card books & two vintage tea towels, to frame. A load of frames, from charity shops, recycling centre & market, all need to be revamped. Amazing vintage linen table runners, for making into blinds.

It's going to be a busy weekend! Hope everyone's weekend is full of a mix of creativity, relaxation & partying. Of course.

Secret Admirer.

2012-02-17T20:11:00.003Z

Hello there.

Well for once I have actually been a little short on things to blog about. Normally I am stopping myself from blogging too much but this week RM & I went down to Cornwall to do some decorating & being away from computers, tellies, etc was quite nice really. But also, I'm glad to get back to a bit of iPlayer.

Anyway, I have reached over 100 'admirers' on Etsy! Whatever this means, so I thought I'd celebrate. I understand this is a very small achievement, but an achievement none the less. So, I am hosting a little sale in honour. You can receive 15% off all items in my shop when you use the code SECRET at the check out :)

Tomorrow I will be putting up all of my lovingly hand screen printed tees & sweats on & they are the last ones I will be doing, each one unique & one of a kind (see some here).

Please take a little look.

Ooooh thank golly gosh it's Friday, right!

Labels.

2012-02-11T01:03:00.001Z

A whole post on labels? How boring! Well... I like them :)

I totally forgot to get pic of all my dresses together (all 8 would have looked lovely I think).

But I did get some snaps of my snazzy labels. I did these big painted ones to sew into the back of the dresses, the colours match & the shop wanted something with my brand but no website.

I think I will do them again, they have a certain impact.

Also, to attach to the dresses I did a little tag. I always enjoy doing little jobs like this, I like an excuse to play around on Photoshop. Just a brief description of me & the dresses & mainly there to reinforce the 'made in England' which I want to drill into people's brains!

Unrelated, here are two lovely new pictures by RM, I think they are very lovely...

{PS: I say lovely a lot!}

Backyard Market London (& Give Away Winner!)

2012-02-10T19:27:00.002Z

Last Sunday we spent all day freezing our socks off at the snowy Backyard Market in London. I'm not going to lie, it was a bit of a flop. Just as the country goes into a big freeze we decide to sell cotton dresses & t-shirts. Oh well. You live you learn!

Here are some pics of our stall. I thought it was very pretty as we are still market amateurs:

This week I have been frantically getting together my order for a local shop, I must learn how to organise myself! (I feel I say that a lot?) I will post some pictures soon, I forgot to get a nice image of them all together. Silly silly.

Also, I almost forgot about my first ever give away. The winner is Anya of Anya Adores. Thanks to everyone for all the support. Don't stop 'liking' me & following me please, it's very lovely of you. & watch this space, more give aways soon I promise :)

Happy weekend lovely people.

Studio Sunday: Portable Studio

2012-02-05T19:19:00.002Z

This weekend we've been in London. Doing some cultural things, seeing some theatre, eating tasty food & visiting some galleries (gift shops).

As I'm not at home I can't show what is up in my studio - but I did take my sewing machine with me to do some last minute sewing, I set it up in the corner of the flat & it was very handy indeed.

Some other piccies of LDN:

Me & RM eating pastries & feeling chilly & looking silly:

Hanging animals in Borough Market:

St Pauls at night on the South Bank:

(Didn't catch any of the snow - it was pretty magical & very cold)

Oh. Snow.

2012-02-04T21:41:00.000Z

Tomorrow me & RM will be selling a bunch of lovingly hand printed tees & sweatshirts (along with other goodies) in East London at the Backyard Market.

Don't be shy if you are a London dweller brave the snow & browse the stalls.

We will reeeeally have to wrap up warm!

{image source}

This is a picture of Arnie when he was young & very strong & muscly looking. I don't know why.

Going... Going... Gone.

2012-01-31T13:12:00.000Z

Oh my golly!

It is the last day to use my massive 20% discount in my Etsy shop...

I have also created a lovely treasury list of Valentines related goodies, take a look here.

Studio Sunday: Putting The 'Stress' In 'Seamstress'!

2012-01-29T18:58:00.000Z

This is my new 'feature' {Oh how bloggy!} - Studio Sunday. It's a little insight into my studio - what I have been up to last week & what I have to do...

So, well, I really do seem to make things more stressful than I need to! I am awful at leaving things to the last minute & letting projects pile up, but I am trying to turn over a new leaf, I promise.

This is an image I love from 'Print Workshop' a book I got for Christmas, it's my latest addition to my bookshelves & it is full of fun projects & step by step guides on how to create lovely things. Also, it is just so nicely illustrated throughout.

Here is my fabric hanging in the bathroom, we don't have a tumble drier & I am pre-washing all my fabric before making it up to avoid shrinking/colour running. Time consuming, but essential.

This is my Battenberg design - one of the ones I am creating for Conker, as well as Frangipane.

An old Singer machine I bought to add to my growing collection, I love it, it's so 50s & makes me think of housewives sewing their pinnies.

(Oh & this is my very messy window - the dumping ground really -

full of scraps & things that I need to sort out... Oh dear... I probably shouldn't admit this)

Time Flies.

2012-01-26T17:53:00.001Z

January has flown by. It's been quite a crazy month & full of plans & excitement, & also quite daunting. Next weekend I will be going up to London to do The Backyard Market, flogging some flirty Valentines goodies & my usual wears. Also, have to finish my dresses for Conker for the first week in February. I really need to get better at managing my time!

Don't forget to check out my shop as time is running out on the January sale.

&&& my first ever giveaway.

Oh & one more thing, a lovely lady Lisa Marie asked if she could feature me on her blog :)

I was of course very flattered, so check out the blog post here.

I Have To Tell You Something...

2012-01-24T22:39:00.000Z

{image source - SUCH a lovely picture}

I need your help... you will get a pressie :)

It's a big push to get more blog 'followers' & Facebook 'likes'.

All you have to do is follow my blog, & comment on this post & I will randomly pick someone to give my lovely I Know goody bag of handmade pretty things made by me (FOR FREE, FREE)!

Desperate... 'I Know'
So please leave a comment, just to say hello, & follow me it will be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

(PS: by the 10th Feb '12 - Thank you - Goodnight)
(PPS: If you already follow me well then of course you can comment too - as long as I can see you following me... no stalkers)

Just Another Manic Monday.

2012-01-23T15:21:00.000Z

Happy Monday one & all. Today I start work on my shop order, plan my stock for coming markets & tidy up my studio (I must, I must!).

But for now here are some pictures from my old SLR that I have only just got developed, as always. I love it though, I think it was my parents when they were young & it takes reliably charmingly slightly wrong photos, or maybe that's just me...

these pictures are from bits of life between October/December '11.

Visting Harry & Wes - Brighton - October.

Winter walks & amazing views - Home - December

Tidy for my photo shoot - My bed in the window - November

The recycling centre, where we shop mainly - Chagford - December

Right, with all this stuff to do I seem to have got a silly amount of coughs & sneezes, a lemon & honey & off to work.

I hope everyone else is having a lovely manic Monday.

i n s p i r e d : Collar & Cuff.

2012-01-20T13:53:00.002Z

I have been collecting images of collars on cuffs on my Pinterest. I'm totally obsessed with finding different shapes & styles.

I went to see The Artist last night & it was great. So different but totally captivating, I especially loved all the costumes, as usual.
The lead lady wears this gorgeous drop waistline dress with a big sailor collar:

Also, love this little dress with contrasting collar & cuffs:

Collecting. Collection.

2012-01-19T09:22:00.001Z

Last week I decided I was going to start collecting Hornsea pottery. I'd seen some online & was about to buy when ma said she'd seen one just like it in an antique shop. I know they are kind of hideous (but that is why I kind of like them). So, I bought the big Flour one for £10 in an antique shop, then the next day I saw 4 other pieces (actually 6 as there were matching egg cups which I thought would be a little far) in a charity shop at super bargain prices. I just had to buy it - ALL. Well, now I feel I have enough of it. So that is the start & end of my collection I spose... for now anyway.

I bought these lovely vintage heels in an antique shop in Ashburton, I don't need them, but they are cute, & made in England, & they fit me perfectly. So it's probably fate?

RM & I made a rainbow cake. Just because. Then we had to eat it all.

Wow, it's a little to early for a blog post! Today I am off to Chagfood to help pick leeks & other such things, check out the photo blog I do.
Have a wonderful day :)

Onwards & Upwards.

2012-01-18T22:11:00.003Z

Well well well, what can I say, it's been a bit of a week. Things are starting to change, & it's looking pretty exciting. Today I had a meeting with Conker Shoes, in Totnes, they make handmade leather shoes to fit & also stock ethical clothing bits & accessories.

I put together a little scrap book/portfolio. It's mainly for my own sake, I thought I should start to collect little bits & bobs & put it into a scrap book as a type of business diary.

Right, a deal was made & they are going to stock 2 of my dresses Frangipane & my new design Battenburg, which I am really glad about as these are my favourite! I'll be making 8 dresses to start for the Spring, these 2 dresses sizes 8-14. EXCITING! So lets get sewing...

Sunny Sunday.

2012-01-15T13:50:00.000Z

This week has been rather sunny, it's really beautiful, I've spent a few days outside cutting out patterns, which is nicer than it sounds as the wind blew my paper all over the garden.

Over the last few days I've been making some new shapes, this is a skirt & dress I completed last night. They are all available on my Etsy shop now.

Also, here is the trailer for the new Wes Anderson film, I love his work too much. Can't wait to see it.

Don't forget there is a 20% sale off on ALL items in my Etsy shop, just enter the code 'HAPPYNEWYEAR'

i n s p i r e d : Carven SS12.

2012-01-12T23:17:00.000Z

I am just totally in love with the Carven Spring 2012 collection. There is all this talk of pastels & leopard print (eugh AGAIN!) but I'm so happy to see this bold, bright & beautiful collection. It's so inspiring, & great for me as I'm all about the bold colours, cute collars, feminine shape, & simple detail - all of which I am keen on for current collections & future designs.

(Pics: style.com)

Carven's collection also reminded me of this fabric I bought about 2 years ago now. When I lived in London I often frequented Shepards Bush & Goldhawk Road to spend time browsing the many fabric shops & market stalls, one thing I really miss about the big city. One of my fav buys was this great African wax printed fabric, it is so similar to the Carven stuff it's crazy - I think he copied me! So now I must make myself something out of it...

Cavern collection video:

Carven Spring/Summer 2012 | Women's Show from Carven Paris on Vimeo.

P&P(&P&P&P)

2012-01-11T00:14:00.000Z

Postage & Packing: This week I have finally got my first Etsy sale packed up & posted to Australia (there were delays over Christmas time & with silly me/PayPal).

Print: I also received my proper business cards. 250 of them, so everyone I see for the foreseeable future should be expected to get a bundle! I also couldn't resist getting little address stamps & stickers with photos & website on.

Planning & Preparation: Ahhh, also, I have got a meeting with a local shop that sells ethical clothing/shoes/accessories next week. I am scrabbling together a portfolio to show off my pieces & trying to brush up my older designs & perfect my seamstress skills... fingers crossed!

JANUARY SALE!

2012-01-07T23:49:00.001Z

I am doing a little January sale, well not little, I am knocking a massive 20% off everything, that's right, EVERYTHING, in my Etsy shop.

All you have to do is enter the discount code 'HAPPYNEWYEAR' then wait for me to make you something lovely :)

Artist's Studio: Rob Mason

2012-01-05T19:59:00.000Z

My friendly boy Rob has finally built his studio shed in a field near our house, we ordered the shed way back in October but it is up & running now, & just so lovely.

It still needs a lick of paint on the outside, but I really love the hotch potchness of it, reminds me of all the hours I've spent looking at the Tiny House Blog & dreaming to have one of my own.

We couldn't quite finish painting the interior as the wind at the moment is unbelievable & we started to get a little frightened of falling trees & other goblins & creatures that hide in the woods.

I'm too excited for summer to hang out here & to make tea on the woodburner when it's installed.

A little dream come true.

PS: I am going to start a little feature 'Artist's Studio', featuring an artist (& their studio) about once a month. Please let me know if you are an artist (& have a studio) that I can come & take pictures of.
Thanks :)

On The Twelfth Day Of Christmas

2012-01-05T17:23:00.001Z

Tomorrow is the twelfth day of Christmas which means it is officially over. Although it's sad I am excited & very scared on what this year has to hold so we may as well get cracking with it.

Before all our decorations come down I thought I'd just share a picture of our silly tree that was too big, but shall we say full of character...

Christmas Commissions Catch Up

2012-01-04T21:07:00.002Z

Before Christmas I made up some little leather bits for friends.

I think I have finally found the right way to do these wallets but I always forget between making them & totally reinvent a way next time.

Here are two I made with recycled leather from a local cobblers & using my organic cotton for lining.

I also made a new knife sheath for a friend, it was all a bit of a guessing game but in the end I am rather pleased with the way it came out.

This is his old tatty/broken one:

For January only, wallets are reduced from £18 to £12! An absolute steal, please drop me a line if you fancy one... other linings & leathers available!

Frock 'n' Roll New Years Eve

2012-01-02T20:48:00.001Z

Ahhhhh, can't believe Christmas & New Years is over! It's all been such a blur, so hectic & lovely.

For NYE we had a big party at our family house in Devon, we had a 1920s theme last year & this year was 1950s/Rockabilly, which was the perfect opportunity for me to make some 50s inspired dresses & also make everyone's Christmas presents at the same. Two birds. Lovely.

Here is a little inspirational mood board of 50s bits I've been saving.

1) Old vintage patterns with lovely simple illustrations.

2) I've finally watched all of the BBC's 'The Hour' on DVD, such amazing costumes & beautiful looking.

3) Cute tops with interesting details.

4) Very full full circle skirts, perfect for dancing!

5) Nautical inspiration & simple colour schemes.

I made Alice a mini polka dot skirt for her Christmas present (that I thought was also sensible enough for her to wear again for work etc), then eventually made Harry & my dresses the night before New Years Eve.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

(Also this is my favourite photo of the night)

Dough!

2011-12-19T23:05:00.003Z

I've been reliving my youth & making salt dough decorations. Mine were a little more safe than Rob's, I used some little pastry cutters.

The recipe I used was:

2 cups of plain flour
1 cup of table salt
1 cup of water

Which was enough to make, well, a lot!

Try it yourself, it's super fun. (but don't be tempted to eat it, it tastes... salty).

More, More, More...

2011-12-13T00:40:00.001Z

...markets, fabric, screen prints, & orders!

Last Sunday I did Totnes Art & Craft Fair, it was a horribly wet & windy day. Which meant in turn most people were at home snuggled in front of the fire & telly, where we wanted to be. After a very slow morning we packed up early, Rob did sell a painting however, HURRAH! Totally unexpected, making it all worth while.

My day was also brightened by my very first Esty sale, & all the way from Australia. I can't wait to get cracking on making it, a sign of what is to come I hope. I also have an order from a friend & Exeter market on Saturday to be getting ready for this week.

Today my new order of Monaluna fabrics have arrived, they are even more beautiful than I'd imagined. Cannot wait to start creating with them.

In other news, new screen print! Our first using 2 screens for a double colour effect. I love it.

Fair.

2011-12-08T22:59:00.001Z

Last weekend I did my first fair, it was a bit of a muddle but it was only in my village so quite a good practice run. I was displaying my dresses but ended up selling mainly these little vintage tea-cup candles "tea lights" that I had made up that day with a bunch of my granddads old crockery & some beeswax I'd ordered online.

This Sunday I will be at the Totnes Christmas Art and Craft Fair, having a stall with Helen Melland & Rob Mason. The week after I'll be in Exeter, busy busy, I hope to sell a little more but would be happy for people to take my card & have a think about organic clothing would be nice.

Above: Us at the Lustleigh Christmas Fair. Me with an array of disorganised makes & Rob Mason with some 'friendly taxidermy'

Final Winter Photos

2011-12-02T21:13:00.001Z

These are a few of my favorites from my photo shoot on Wednesday with Beci. She has edited them perfectly as I wanted them to look retro to match the style & shapes of my dress.

Soon I will do a proper website. & also I am going to order new fabrics from Monaluna which I am very excited about.

This weekend I am doing a small market in my village to promote my dresses & sell some Christmassy bits & bobs. I have a lot to do...

Lights. Camera. Action.

2011-11-30T17:04:00.001Z

Today I have been doing a belated Autumn/Winter shoot with photographer friend Beci McDonald. It was such a fun & tiring day but I am just so excited to see the photos & get some decent ones to send out to people, use to create a proper website & even get round to making myself some business cards. Beci will be sending them over beautifully edited soon, which is just too great.

For now, here is a little video that Rob did for me of the day & the shoot.

I Know A/W Photo Shoot from Izzy Knowles on Vimeo.

Holidays Are Coming...

2011-11-27T19:29:00.001Z

Well, not really, but I seem to be doing a lot of preparing & it's getting busy busy.

Over the next three weekends I am going to be doing stalls around Devon, so we have decided to cash in on the Christmas shoppers & make some special Christmassy bits to sell. I've teamed up with artist (& friendly boy) Rob Mason to make cards. By 'team up' I mean, I forced him to do the illustrations whilst I did all the computer editing, photoshopping & ordering off line. We've ordered them off Moo so hopefully they will arrive this week with some gorgeous red envelopes.

We will be selling them for £2 each or £5 for 3.

Feel free to send us & someone else some Christmas love.

Other Christmas items to follow.

(bunting, xmas decs, candels, etc.)

Knickers & Knitters

2011-11-18T23:13:00.001Z

This week I have made some funny little undies out of my lovely organic cotton, these are just practice ones, but I am hoping to make a few more sets to sell at Christmas markets. I think they make very cute presents, especially for someone special (or yourself).

These are some inspirational examples; lovely catwalk bralet combos, & Free People, who I just discovered & think are gorgeous, do a lovely lot of bloomers.

'Knit Infested' was a stall me & my friend Iona had at our village Dickensian market when we were about 14/15, I think we made about £100 selling chunky knitted hats, which isn't too bad really.
Now Iona is doing neuroscience & I am still preparing to do the village Christmas market...
How things (don't) change.
I am doing a photo shoot with a photographer friend in a few weeks to get some good proper pics of my dresses, but I wanted some accessories, especially wintery ones, so am making some knitted goodies, I might try & sell these too. Knitting is therapeutic.

Oh Grandma...

2011-11-08T17:52:00.001Z

what big eyes you have! I have made this cape. My mama gave me an old velvet curtain that she was going to throw out, & I just had to make it into this little circular cape.

Ever since seeing Jane Eyre I have been feeling inspired by the clothing in the film, but at last I got round to making something.

I'm also really into using bias tape to edge things at the moment, it makes such a lovely finish & can look lovely in a contrasting colour too. (The navy trim on the yellow cape).

I also made my sister this dress for her interviews last week (she got offered both jobs), she's a real grown up doctor lady, so I had to make something a little more simple & sophisticated, but still bold using the gorgeous Peony print organic cotton.

MATCHING MATCHING! Just for giggles.

Remember Remember

2011-11-06T17:01:00.002Z

The evenings are feeling chilly & it smells of autumny wintery goodness. But luckily it is warm(ish) in my studio so I have been busy making some little skirts & finishing off my screen printed T-shirts & sweatshirts.
Check out all tees & sweats here!

In Totnes market on Friday I bought this very tiny little sewing machine, to add to my ever growing collection. I like it.

Bags Of Fun

2011-10-31T20:24:00.003Z

This weekend I went to visit my sister in Brighton, she was doing Videopia at White Night.

We had a lovely weekend eating a lot & wondering around antique shops & cafes, I only took my film SLR so pics will have to wait.

I bought this lovely plate from the Flea Market, it's 'Beardy Man' by Donna Wilson & I got it for under half the price of what they are new.

I want to have the matching egg cup!

(& I love his rosie cheeks)

Also, when it comes to makes I have done the following; a tote bag! I know that maybe I have gone a bit crazy putting this design on everything, but it's my favourite, so I am allowed to. It's a tote that is perfect for A4, made from 100% organic cotton on the outside & inside is vintage fabric (a lovely old bed sheet that I have been ripping up), it also has an inside pocket to put your phone & wallet, I need to add a little button to make sure nobody goes picking a pocket or two, but this one I am keeping for myself anyway. If you would like me to make you one, I'll charge you twelve English pounds & would be happy.

Oh & another thing, I have made a purse for a friends lady friend, I hope she likes it, making things for other girls as presents is tricky, I'm a perfectionist in my mind but not in reality.

I make my wallets from recycled leather from a local cobblers & the lining is from the recycling centre, I love buying from there. Here are some images.
I can make you one of these too, £20 please :)

Thank you, happy Halloweeeeeen!

Sample Sale & Chin's Dress

2011-10-24T21:59:00.003+01:00

I'm having a sample sale of my 3 sample dresses. I made these dresses as a tester to see how the fabric worked, get some promo photos & try out some different styles.
I am selling them off at cost price though as I am not going forward with all these shapes & would like them to go to a good home.

They are all lined, & nicely finished & have only been worn in one photo shoot.
They are a small (8/10).

Please email me if you are interested :)

I have also made a bespoke dress for my good friend Chinnie. She's going to a wedding next week & wanted something special. I did a knee length full skirt, with pockets, a fitted top with a round collar & vintage buttons down the front. I will get her to model some proper pictures for my portfolio at some point (not just in my kitchen).

Breaky In Bed & Biscuit Birdy Bags

2011-10-23T21:11:00.004+01:00

I love the way my room is rearranged! This Saturday I forced my mama to relax so made her watch iPlayer in my bed & brought her breakfast.

Also, I have made some new little bags to sell, in the pipeline are small flat pencil case/makeup bags, bit bigger make up bags, & a classic tote.

All hand printed onto organic cotton & lined with recycled fabric, enjoy:

Oh & I call them 'biscuit bags' because for some reason they smell of biscuits.

Restyle File

2011-10-23T18:05:00.002+01:00

As you can see I've had a bit of a revamp on my blog, after checking out a lot of other blogs & getting a bit confused where to go with the whole blog thing I've decided that it doesn't really matter.
It's just a little diary of what I am up to creatively & can be used with my website to keep people (anyone!) interested.

Basically, it's mainly for my own amusement. Which, for now at least, is fine for me.
Right though, I have done some homemade business cards! So have a look, I'd love to send one.

Nature Red In Tooth & Claw

2011-10-18T22:47:00.001+01:00

I have done a new screen for my t-shirts & sweatshirts, but we are having a bit of a debate about it. Apparently it is too brutal/morbid, but I think it is just a symmetrical design & nice shapes, but I'm simple minded perhaps, not big on deep meanings, not for t-shirts anyway.

I would love for some feedback? Before I go ahead & waste a loada tees/bin the design. Or any ideas of what people would like on a t-shirt, I'm here to please.

Today Was Okay

2011-10-17T20:13:00.000+01:00

Today I papier mached brown paper over a horrible polystyrene tailors dummy I found. Brown paper makes everything seem better, after all, 'brown paper parcels tied up with string' are one of Maria's favorite things.

Birds From Books

2011-10-17T19:50:00.001+01:00

I am finding it hard to come out of the bird phase, I think it's something everyone goes through... isn't it?

My bookshelves are slowly becoming predominantly bird related & trips to the Oxfam Bookshop, Bookcycle & Proper Job, I rarely leave empty handed.

I am trying to create 3/4 more designs to make into screens & print onto t-shirts & sweatshirts. Here are 2 of my books & pages of inspiration.

Yes. Dress.

2011-10-14T13:35:00.001+01:00

I bought some really lovely organic cotton wholesale from Monaluna. They are such pretty fabrics I was inspired to make some dresses.
These are 4 different dresses for each of the fabric designs.

I am looking into doing some stalls & getting into some independent shops, but idealy would like to make bespoke for individual people.
I can add bows, buttons, sleeves & collars & pockets.

To see all photos of the dresses & details please look here.

Fright & Flight

2011-09-29T18:43:00.000+01:00

Oh dear, I have bought a ton of sweatshirts & tees.

Please let me screen print you one for money?

T-shirt = £20. Sweatshirt = £30

I have a range of colours & coloured ink.

I'm currently working on some more designs, on the theme of feathered, winged, bipedal, endothermic (warm-blooded), egg-laying, vertebrate animals (birds) & also migration etc.

1 colour bird on small white tee.

Navy & pale blue double print on small white T.

White ink on navy tiny sweatshirt.

Studio

2011-09-20T15:52:00.001+01:00

It's been a work in progress for a while but it got all messy. Robbie tidied it for me so it's pretty much done.

I love it & it's lovely.

Screen Siren

2011-09-19T23:06:00.000+01:00

I got this pretty basic & probably over priced screen printing kit.

I think I will end up screen printing everything.

I'm making this tea towel for our little cottage in Cornwall, it's all a bit fishy.

Jarhead.

2011-06-16T16:29:00.003+01:00

More lovely old jars on shelves. These are from Castle Drogo National Trust place.

Jarring

2011-06-14T16:37:00.007+01:00

I have decided it is actually time that I start to sort out a studio space & get all my sewing stuff together. I also just really like the look of things in jars. So this means I can do both.

I cut out a load of cardboard to put my wool on too, I like cardboard.

I also made a makeup bag & wash bag cos I've been needing a new one for flipping ages. My brother got me this lovely fabric a few years ago for Christmas so I thought I'd finally use it, & I lined it with another snazzy print.

Green With Envy

2011-06-06T21:58:00.002+01:00

I found this picture of a green piano on someone else's blog. I want a piano of my own to paint.

Stop That Ruddy Motion

2011-06-05T20:28:00.003+01:00

Playing around making some silly stop motion vids in the morning.

Pin Up

2011-06-05T18:41:00.007+01:00

Today was super sunny, so I set up this sweet sewing situ, alfesco bitch.

I bought this lovely screen printed fabric from Stones in Totnes on Friday & couldn't wait to chop it up with my sharp Indian tailors scissors.

I just really like branding things to be honest.

The next dress I make will have pockets.

Grin & Bear It

2011-05-14T11:31:00.002+01:00

I made a big old bear mask. He is silly & not quite right. As usual.

Cross A Few Things Off The List.

2011-05-02T15:45:00.008+01:00

I've finally finished off these animal heads that I started months ago. Gave them a few coats of varnish too to jazz them up a bit & stuck buttons on for eyes. Obvo.

The fox is a little wonky & still looks like a pig in a fox mask.

I've also started a new pap mache bird, more of a snazzy tail, but just as unstable on his feet.

Rob & I have started to paint this massive canvas that I have had hanging around for a while now, I'm not sure what to do next on it...

This evening I will finish off a loose cover for a neighbours armchair & tackle another layer on the painting. Not a totally unproductive bank holiday. Not that weekends & holidays make much sense to me these days.

Today I have mostly been listening to Buddy Holly & eating chocolate rice cakes.

Tweet Chic.

2011-04-26T16:08:00.008+01:00

I found this book in the garage, it belonged to my granma. I think it's lovely. Anyway, I have made a papier mache bird.

This is how:

The usual suspects when it come to some pap mach, I taped up a few balls of newspaper , then smothered them in the sticky stuff.

Popped a tail on the bitch & left him to dry.

I added a beak, and some spindly legs that don't really work, gave it a few more layers of pap mach. It is now it lost all resemblance to a real bird. So I'll pretend it's a made up bird.

Here comes the paint...

Glue gunned on some button eyes, I think it makes them look dead. I like it.

Can't resist an excuse to use my stamp.

This is the finished thing standing in some plants. Rob says that lumps give it character, mine is such a ruddy character.

Unrelated: This is my fav snack. I love bean sprouts & balsamic vinegar.

This is my new puppy Arthur. He's a mother flimping cutie.

Today Love, Tomorrow Live:

2011-04-25T23:58:00.006+01:00

The things I love today...

This beautiful sewing shed that I am ridiculously jealous of.

(that I have found belongs to Junkaholique)

This cute homemade collar I found on BurdaStyle. (& the lovely taylors dummie)

Papier mache birds in twigs.& colourful homemade macaroons.

Tomorrow I will start/attempt to create these pretty pretty things.

Bangers & Mache

2011-03-05T17:29:00.011Z

We started making some masks out of cardboard & paper mache last week for no real reason. Apart from cos we are really cool. Vap!

Rob painted little black hairs all over his. It took a while. We ate super spicey olives & drank beer & I wasawasawasa hyper listening to Davey B.

Mine looks like a pig at the moment, but I'm gona felt it up & make it into a right foxy beast.

Brekfest 2010. A year late, but mother flimpling tasty, yo.

Bangers, poached egg, mushys, & lovely onion mash.

Funny & creepy:

A Little Birdy Told Me

2011-02-10T23:59:00.004Z

I may be a little bit obsessed with fake birds & flowers - a few headdresses I've made.

Love Is In The Air

2011-01-30T02:48:00.004Z

It's almost time for the Secret Garden Party's 'Lost Lovers Ball' at Battersie Power Station. It's going to be LOVEly!

I've been playing around with costume ideas for the Videopia crew...

Inspiration:

First makes:

Lovely Leather

2011-01-30T02:39:00.007Z

& joyful wallet making.

001 - 'Martin'

002 - 'Rob'