Everything 50% off!

I AM HAVING A 50% OFF SALE ON EVERYTHING- INCLUDING CUSTOM ITEMS- IN MY SHOP!!!

I am working on some new items I have drafted patterns for, 

it would be great to clear out past creations

COUPON CODE: SPRING

THE SALE ENDS MAY 7TH!

STOP BY AND SHOP!!

The New Season is Here!

For my new piece in my Etsy shop I was inspired by the beautiful weather! Finally we see some sun, and I can see our rosebush starting to bloom. Hopefully it is the end of snow for us!

This lovely is set on a felt wired base. The colors and feel of the fabrics inspired me to make this headpiece. The silky netting is the perfect length to just covers one's eyes. Mysterious anyone??

Here you can see a close-up from the top-view- notice the three rosebuds!

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Spats, Spats, and More Spats!!

WHAT IS A SPAT?

Spats are a type of shoe accessory covering the instep and ankle. They were primarily worn in the late 19th and early 20 th centuries. Originally they were made of leather. Those for horseback riding continue to be made of leather. They can be made of any and all materials, a few examples are wool, polyester, and canvas.

Traditionally they are used as an accessory in marching band uniforms, pipe bands, in various militaries, and in everyday clerical clothing. They are also used for safety reasons in certain industries such as, in foundries, by welders, and even chainsaw operators.

WHY DO I MAKE THEM?

I am inspired by that lovely feeling of completing a three piece men's tailored suit! Or even the completion of a corset. I refer to my spats as, " little mini corset's for ones ankles. " I love to incorporate various classic tailoring and corseting techniques !

A pair of nicely tailored spats can add so much more to one's shoe collection! You can completely change the look and feel of your overall outfit! And when the cold weather comes around you can continue to use your summer shoes year round! I continue to get inspired by glancing though Italian fashion magazines!

MY 15TH PAIR!

This morning I completed and posted my fifteenth pair in my Etsy shop! Eighty percent of their construction is using hand-stitching. The lining and outer wool's, center back and front seams are machine stitched.

Navy Blue & Black Spats- Monjio

I have used a beautiful black Italian wool. Individually I have hand-stitched fourteen silver metal loops for the lacing closure. I love incorporating the lacing closure into various pairs because it allows them to be more versatile. They can be used over a variety of shoes and boots!

Inner side of foot view.

I have a great passion for traditional military uniforms with elaborate amazing decoration!

Of course I will continue to make more! I have an ongoing research and sketchbook with many other designs and styles ready to go!

Each pair is amazingly unique, and I never make the same pair twice! The assortment of styles allow for wear of shoes with heels, or without. To see the other fourteen pair, please stop by and take a look at my shop!

P.S. I always enjoy working one on one with a client for the creation of a one of a kind personalized pair of spats!

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Back on Track!

First, of all I would like to say sorry to all for my absence. Summer is here, my husband is on summer vacation from work. I have been slacking on my blog. Sorry to all my readers.

Secondly, I have been missing, my Cycles of Fashion, Thursday posts. I will try it again beginning next week. This coming Thursday I will start my Cycles of Fashion again. I realized I really enjoyed meeting and learning about fellow Etsy artisans. I also missed the researching part!

So now, I have been working on some veil for my Etsy shop. They have been fun! Each different, each very unique!

First try at a veil!

Feathered Piece with Tulle veiling

This one contains an off-white tulle veil. This was actually the first one! I was inspired by 1800 women's ridding attire!

I made a pattern for this marvelous base made of three buckram pieces and some wire. I really love how I was able to attain the lovely curved shape to go with the contour of the head.

Midnight Blue Bandeau Veil

I always enjoy working with various fabrics. I really enjoy making fabric flowers! This is on a contoured raindrop shape. I love how the black veiling goes over the face at an angle!

Delicate.

Champagne Band- Veil

I love the delicacy of this piece. I started of with the buckram band, covered it in a pale pink silk, but I felt like it needed something more. I then added the lace layer. It is a from a small piece of beautiful lace I was keeping aside for the perfect project. I think it fits well here!

I then added a little bit of sparkle with some green beads, pearls, and a decorative rhinestone drop.

Headband with Veil

This has to be one of my favorites! Almost five years ago there was a cute, expensive, decorative fabric shop in Austin, Texas. When I first saw this ribbon I fell in love. I felt I had to have it, until I found out it was $36 a yard. I was heart broken.

Months later though when I heard the store was going out of business and having a huge sale, I strolled back in, with my fingers crossed hoping it was still there. I was just in time to buy the remaining yard for half price!

I think originally I had in mind to use it on a bonnet. I never got around to making that bonnet and for about five years I just held on to it, making sure it travelled to Italy with me!

Now I made this lovely head band with it. It is beautiful, something about the colors and the detail. Beauty!

So here are a few of the veils I have completed. Today I finally listed all eight of them in my shop. I have sketchbook pages full of other ideas for veil. There will be many more to come.

Again excuse me, I am now back on track! I hope all of you are having a wonderful summer!!

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August is here!

We are now in the month of August! Whew, where are the days going!

Swimsuit Cover-up Contest Results

The winners of the Craftzine / Singer Contest winners have been announced. Unfortunately, there will not be a new sewing machine for me anywhere in the near future. It was fun, I always enjoy challenging myself!

New Research

Now to move along. I have been researching something new which I have begun to make to sell in my Etsy shop.

The beauty of the veil! Working with veiling is wonderful. The end result is always that of beauty and delicacy!

I begin by conducting some research or background on a subject before I begin producing it for my shop. I find it so inspiring!

Birdcage Veiling

Why is it called the "birdcage"? It is called this because it is slightly bouffant and "enclosing" the face like a cage. It floats over the face with out rubbing against the ends of the eyelashes.

Hat- Germaine Vittu- 1942

Hat- Bergdorf-Goodman- 1960

Hat Bergdorf-Goodman- 1949

Pillbox- Paulette - 1964

Hat- John-Frederics- 1935-1945

The Beauty

I fell in love with the combination of the millinery elements to produce a lovely piece, each with their own characteristics.

So off to the workroom I go!

Check back soon to see what I have come up with!! All my pieces will be available for purchase in my Etsy Shop!

*Photos courtesy of Metropolitan Museum.*

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