When I started romance & ruin my goal had always been to add a line of fashion accessories to the repurposed jewellery that I started with. I even listed it on my business card so I needed to introduce it sooner rather than later. I was a little apprehensive because it has probably been at least
4-5 years since I have done any serious sewing. My wish list includes handbags, hats, ties, scarves, belts and maybe even some one-of-a-kind altered pieces of vintage clothing.
After Christmas I decided to get started. I discovered the most gorgeous jacquard velvet at my favourite fabric store and my mind raced with all sorts of things that I could use it for. Well, the most obvious of course was a carpet bag so that's where I planned to start. When I took the bolt to have the fabric cut, the lovely ladies were wonderful enough to share with me that everything in the store would be 50-75% off the following week (this is one of the many reasons it's my favourite fabric store). So I lugged the bolt back, scoped out all of the other colours I couldn't wait to get my hands on and left.
When I went back the following week I was stunned to see the parking lot was filled. And here I thought that no one sewed anymore. What a wonderful surprise.
I love fabric stores and it's as much a tactile experience as a visual one. I love running my fingers across all of the rich, beautiful fabrics. I could spend hours burrowing through the shelves filled with "ends" looking for treasures.
So after having all of my treasures cut I took my place in line where many of us shared plans for our fabrics, and oohed and aahed over each others finds. An expectant mom with plans to outfit a nursery, a mom and daughter planning to make bridesmaid dresses, and another woman thrilled with the fabric she found to recover her dining room chairs. I was so inspired when I left, it felt great to be surrounded by so many other creative women.
Last weekend I shut myself away for three days, literally. It wasn't too hard since it was a bone chilling -15 C. A perfect weekend to sew and I managed to finish four projects--a carpet bag, 2 hats and a pretty plaid tie. Check out the results:
I added some antique style buttons and vintage chain for a unique look....
...and a red floral toile lining.
I think the black lace on the underside of the brim adds a pretty accent when the brim is flipped up.
The rose is handmade from a black chiffon.
I love plaid and thought these colours would be the perfect compliment on this dark gray velvet cloche. I added the vintage rhinestone buckle to finish it off.
I absolutely love men's-wear inspired fashions and decided to make some ties that would look great with jackets or vests. I plan to add some vintage pins to give them a softer feminine touch.
I'm thrilled with the results and look forward to adding some more to my collection.
Seems like the perfect way to pass the time on cold wintery weekends.
Can't wait to work on some more in the next few weeks.
Stop by my Etsy shop to see the complete listings along with more photos. I've had a great response so far...they've been "favourited" every day!
***
DON'T miss the fantastic Valentine's Day Sale in my Etsy shop with everything
currently 15% off.
The perfect time to treat yourself!
Just use Coupon Code "VALENTINE 2013" when checking out to get the discount.
Take care.....Marian xo
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