Collars

Made these a while ago. These collars are reversible and great for spicing up any garment.

The second one is a bit shorter, hence it cannot overlap. Yet that doesn't diminish its beauty!

Obstrigillate

Meet Obstrigillate!
It's a word I adopted through save the words which is an initiative of Oxford English Dictionary for saving words that are slowly falling into oblivion.
Being a philologist, a teacher, a spinner of tales and a lover of the written word I simply could not ignore the appeal and became a word saviour. They offer adoption of words which I was amazed to find they exist and some I did not know even how to pronounce. However, if you like the idea and would like to join this cause then simply visit save the words and save a word.

Obstrigillate is a verb and it means 'to oppose', 'to resist'.
I also received this cute certificate to witness the adoption.

The certificate states that I 'solemnly promise to use this word as frequently as possible from this day forth in conversation and correspondence and to the best of my ability'.

As you see I respect my part of the deal. This post is the witness of my first use of this word.
P.S. If you try to find this word in the dictionary your efforts will be fruitless. At least mine were - I couldn't find it in any of the popular online dictionaries. If I am wrong, you are welcome to correct me and obstrigillate my statement!

Technique of the week

My ruffle making techniques and Dotted dress made it to the front page of Burdstyle at the same time!

I am sorry for the small picture but no matter how hard I tried I couldn't save it bigger.

Dots and stripes

I found this beautiful cotton fabric with big and small dots and decided to make a dress out of it. I wanted to make a puffy dress by using several layered fabrics but somehow I could not find the right colour of tulle for the underskirt. The colour of the fabric is an interesting hue that cannot be defined as simple blue-ish, so I changed the design and just lined it with taffeta silk. I made ruffled straps, I ruffled the lining and made a border ruffle.



Although I am a bit sad that the end of the summer is nearing I must say that I find this period thrilling because of the wonderful discounts in the shops. On one of our walks around town we saw this tunic in a big girls' shop and Eva immediately fell in love with it. Unfortunately the decollete was too low-cut and too big for her. We conferred and decided to buy it (the price was unbelievably low) after I agreed to redo it with a piece of elastic. Here it is before the insertion of the elastic:

And here it is after. I think she has got herself a nice dress. One she can wear to her heart's content!

Oblivion necklace

I just love crocheting! I never cease to be amazed of how magnificently lace like creations can emerge from a ball of thread. I am still not advanced at it, and I don't believe I shall ever achieve the level of greatness at this as my grandma, but little pieces like this can give one the courage and more importantly- the will to continue crocheting.

I proudly present - my Oblivion necklace!

A Bolero Day

Yesterday was such a beautiful shiny day at the lake so Eva and I decided to use it to take pictures of the boleros I made. Eva assumed the role of the chief photographer after being bribed with a Waldorf doll that I have to make including clothes for it. Having been promised such a great offer she carefully followed my instructions and managed to take some fabulous pictures.

I think she made a beautiful job of it. Thanks honey!

Happy forest

Animals in bright, fresh colours can associate to one happy forest. The colour combination is wonderful and refreshing.I love this vintage scarf and Eva looks so lovely with it.

However I couldn't leave out this one with ducks and little ducklings.

Nor this one:

For sale here

Wrap me up bolero!

Remember the organza stash I made at the beginning of the summer? Well, here is another creation originating from the stash. A beautiful, turqouise bolero I made for the shop.

A perfect piece for adding flavour to any garment! So romantic and dazzling!

Marie Antoinette necklace

Creating this necklace I had in mind the luxurious, picturesque and exciting parties thrown at the royal courts....

..... all the glitter and splendour, all the vivid colours and enchanting fragrances seducing the senses...

I present the Marie Antoinette necklace.

What treasures do old boxes hold?

While trying to tidy up my studio and bring some kind of an order, I dug out a box hiding pieces of fabric I have forgotten all about them. Oh my! Was I surprised! Look at the cuties ....

I bought these in a store that sold and it still sells fabric in kilos (not meters)!!

I already know what I am going to do with them! I washed them last night and now they are ready to be transformed.

This one's has an amazing texture.

I hope to have the final product by tomorrow.

Pink flowers dress

I finished this dress last week and I have already worn it a couple of times. I made it according to a BWOF pattern and I love it. It's girly and flowy and makes me feel really comfortable.

The last picture was taken on a wonderful spot and the view of the lake was magnificent. This picture reminds me of the waiting Penelope.

Black bolero with a ruffled front tutorial

This is the tutorial for the black bolero. A great T-shirt refashion idea. This is how I made it. It couldn't be simpler.

Step 1: You need one T-shirt. Mark the length you want it to be (mine is 40 cm) and mark down the center.


Step 2: Cut down the marked places.


Step 3: Sew and hem all around the bolero (i.e. the sides that are cut)


Step 4: From the pieces left over from the t-shirt make straps and ruffle them. Pin the ruffles on the bolero.


Step 5: Sew the ruffles on and you are done! This is the new bolero!