Secret Garden Inspired Dress

I am a collector of many things, but vintage sewing patterns and old books are among my favourites. And the latest piece that I am working on for my portfolio is inspired by these two.

I found this 1953 girls dress pattern in an antique store, It was just so cute I couldnt resist. So I decided to use it as inspiration combined with one of my favourite books The Secret Garden. I have always loved the image on the cover of my 1956 edition, which I have made into an embroidery design that will be repeated along the hem of the dress.

Japanese Street Fashion- cute nerd girls

I have always been hugely influenced by Japanese youth culture and street fashion. Their clothes are so cute and expressive. I love the uniqueness of their styles and how they express themselves through fashion. I wish I were as fearless to just wear anything I wanted. Even with my subdued style I feel as though I stand out too much here.

At the moment I am absolutely in love with these girls and their adorable nerd chic style. They are just too cute for words. I love their glasses, plaid outfits, bow ties, adorable hairstyles, pretty shoes and socks, subtle makeup and shy glances.

I like the girl with the scruffy hair the best, in both photos she's just darling. I'd really love a pair of little booties like hers and some cute round glasses.
Off to go do some drawing now. I feel inspired to draw cute little nerdy girls wearing glasses. Later I might make a pair of suspender sorts like these (below).

Photos from tokyofashion.com

I love bows

I am obsessed!

I just love bows right now. 

...and the number 3 for some reason : P.

I have been trying to get back into sewing and it has been going pretty well, just a bit lazy with taking photos. Bows are adorning all my new work. On skirts, in your hair and on brooches. More and more of my girly side seems to be showing itself. I have so many ideas in the works but dont know where to start. The cold weather is coming here in Australia and its just rain, rain, rain. Time to start making some warm winter goodies.
The move is done and I'm all settled into my new space but I am still trying to look for work. It would be nice to have that stability so I don't feel so naughty going and buying supplies. And I do still want to open my Etsy shop, it will happen one day, but I for now I don't want to rush things. Gotta take things as they come.
A friend of mine suggested I go check out this little local designer shop and approach them to sells my clothes. So that is next on the list of things to do. It would be nice to have something local so I can establish my name in the area.
Current task at hand =  getting together enough stock to approach shop with.

Here are two of my most recent creations...

 

Rainy Day's Bow Barrette

Made a few bow barrette's recently but this one probably my favorite. 

It's not easy to seen in the photos but it is a white cotton with these cute little glittery blue rain drops all over it.

 

Miss Mustard Skirt

I really like this fabric its so soft and its a beautiful golden mustard colour. The pockets are made from cute little hand embroidered doilies and I've pinched the tops in with a red bow. It's a high waist design and would look awesome with tights.

How I wish I was a trendy little blogger like the rest of you out there doing outfit posts everyday.
How do you girls do it?
I'm thinking I might have to invest in a tripod so I can start taking my own photos. Because I really want to do some outfit posts of my own. I figure the tripod will allow me to take the photos myself. I feel weird asking people "hey do you recon you could take some pics of me wearing this?". Its like they are always to busy to help, don't understand what I want or think I'm crazy.
So if any of you stylish ladies out there have some pointers I'd love some advice.

Creme Dream

Ive made myself a new skirt from an adorable creme fabric that is adorned with little golden embroidered flowers and a soft wavy edge. My girly gathered mini sits snuggly on my waist and fastens with pearly buttons that run all the way down the back.

Sundays

I have just completed the Sunday pinafore.

Bright and girly.

Candy stripe skirt.

Sunday hankie featuring an adorable little bunny riding a rocking horse.

Adorned with a blue deer button.

She's up for sale, $60(aus) Contact me if your interested.

The waist will be finished to your measurements so it fits you perfectly.

Squirrel Pinafore

Creme woodland squirrel pinafore.

Brand new pinafore, almost complete waist just needs to be fitted.

Hand made with love from new and vintage fabrics with a hand embroidered bib.

Be like the squirrel, girl

Little hand embroidered squirrel.

He's going on a new pinafore I am making.