I finally completed some new spats for my shop!
And I have a whole sketch book of more to come!!
Multi-Colour Spats
This fabric is a wool blend, when I first laid my eyes on this fabric I thought to myself, what in the world would I make with this. I then begain sketching out some ideas. In the end I was happy with them, they are kind of inspired by Coco Chanel's signature Chanel coat.
I now love the textured multi-colour fabric and the clean black satin!
Brown Wool Spats
I just loved the feel and the look of this wool!
Many more new styles and patterns to come, stop by my Etsy shop for a look!
EVERYTHING IN MY SHOP
IS ON SALE FOR 20% OFF!!!*
*I have a made a note on a few of my Custom Made To Order items not included in the sale.
Stop by and visit! We can all do a little bit of shopping!!!
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!
Projects, projects, projects!
Recently I have been very blessed that I have had work coming my way! So little time, so many ideas!
I had to stop from my goal of two new items a week for my Etsy shop. But I am fighting against time to begin a couple of new ideas I have had!
Wristlets
The cold weather is here, I hate it when I am working and my hands are cold! Therefore I drafted a glove pattern. Varying that pattern I have started making Wristlets, gauntlet length.
All the current Italian Fashion Magazines contain variations of gloves, fingerless, gauntlet and opera length. I have been inspired! I am beginning to fill up my sketchbook with ideas!
I just wish I could sew faster!!
Inspiration for my Wristlet Collection.
Spats
I began making men's spats! Soon I will be able to post them in my shop!
Oh, I am also making this pair for a friend and client who is a performing artist.
Spats! 
Using an orange and pink cotton fabric which I have cut 1 1/2 wide stripes, then stitched together, will be the top layer be very appealing and fit perfect with the rest of her costume and show! (I am also constructing a similar men's pair.)
The photo on the below that one, is the base made of canvas which the top layer is attached. They will contain a hidden lacing closure at the center-back. This closure will allow comfort for all types of movement which she requires as a performer. The closure will also allow her the ability for the spats to be worn with a variety of shoes.
Other
I am also working on a few custom orders including two dresses, one blouse, and a hat!
Dress Decor. 
This photo is the decoration of the first dress which will be sent out on Monday!
Back to my workroom I go! I sure do love to create, I just wish I had more time!!!
After a year of being active in the Etsy community, it is alway nice to encounter shops run by talented people. Recently while in the forum, I a wonderful shop located in Leeds. It was a lovely pleasure to meet and chat with Alison, who is the creator of all here beautiful pieces.
Alison Barrett Original Handmade Creations
Dusky Pink Imitation Suede Flower Corsage
When did you begin creating?
"I have always been very creative and trained at art school before specialising in theatre wardrobe which i studied for three years ." She was exposed to mask making, millinery, and construction of period underwear, theatrical costumes, and military uniforms.
"I then went on to get a job in a wardrobe department as a wardrobe assistant, then was promoted to a costume prop maker. My work involves many areas such as millinery, special effects on costumes,dyeing fabrics,making jewellry, mask making, pattern cutting and constructing costumes."
What or who inspires you?
"I'm inspired by so much but in particular I love costume and textiles, books, colour and nature. I also love the work of Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano.
I love looking through books and magazines and keep a box full of inspirational pictures. I have sketchbooks where i note down ideas. " Many of these elements are present in projects she is working on, such as fabric or colour.
Greeting Card- Bright Blue and Raspberry Large Bird
I noticed you have a theater background, do you miss working specifically in that field?
"I still work full time in theatre and i do get to make some interesting things! I am currently working on a stage version of 'The Secret Garden' so have quite a bit of millinery to do. I also teach millinery part time to degree students."
Gold Silk Wristlet Purse
When did you decide to open your Etsy shop? And why?
"I have been designing, making and selling handbags, purses, bag charms, jewellery and cards for the past three years. I have two display cabinets which Isell my work from and these are situated in the theatre foyer and have been very successful. I wanted to expand the business this year and so decided to join etsy. I love the idea of selling my work to someone across the world!"
It was a wonderful pleasure to me and chat with Alison! I really enjoyed exploring her shop! I love her attention to detail!
Her Flower Corsage, contains stitching along the edges of the petals in matching thread, numerous punched out holes on each petal, and stitched darts on each petal to give a 3D effect.
Her Gold Silk Wristlet Purse, contains hand embroidered gold sequins, and metallic gold machine stitching on the flower.
Wow, beautiful! Oh! Make sure you stop by Alison's shop to take a look at her, Sage Green Cotton Purse with Bright Blue Applique Leather Flower!
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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!!
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." Coco Chanel
The fashion industry is an important aspect in our everyday lives. Take a look at The History Of Costume it is easy to identify elements which repeat themselves through time.
This is the first of many postings entitled, "The Cycles of Fashion, " my Thursday posts will showcase and present fashion creators from the Etsy community. The wonderful community of Esty contains so many talented drapers, tailors, patternmakers, stitchers, and milliners. My goal is to expose and showcase them!
Utilizing the history of costume, I will identify how they transend through time to modern fashion.
1945
This period extends beyond the war's end when austere garments were worn.
Helen & Rene Turban- c. 1945 
Junya Watanabe- Spring/Summer 2009
1920
A flapper was initially a derogatory term, but soon was used to describe any young woman in the 1920's who wore cloche hats, bobbed her hair, and danced the Chareston.
Lucien Lelong Evening Dress- mid 1920's
Alberta Ferretti- Spring/Summer 2009
1913
Fashion was inspired by artist Leon Bakst the costumer and set designer of Sergei Diaghilev's Ballet Russes in 1909. Dress designer Paul Poiret was very influenced by the ballet and separately created garments .
Left- Paul Poiret Women's Party Costume- 1913
Right- Fendi- Spring/Summer 2009
Note: Archival photos attained from Koyoto Museum archives. The photos are no being used for commerical use, only for commenting. 2009 photos scanned from various Italian magazines, also for commenting only.
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Lately I have not been able to update (sorry I usually do twice a week). I have been working on several projects, two of which I am excited to almost have finished!
Just wanted to let everyone know that I am adding a new post (beginning next week) every Thursday entitled "The Cycles of Fashion" !
I will be showcasing artisans from the Etsy community. The wonderful community of Esty contains so many talented drapers, tailors, pattern makers, stitchers, and milliners. My goal is to expose and showcase those fashion creators!
My main focus will be how the history of costume transcends though time and is presented in modern fashion. Whether we acknowledge it or not, the fashion industry is an important aspect in our everyday lives.
More to come very soon!
Thanks!
This ruffle sensation is the first of my Summer-Spring Spat collection. The collection will include an entirely new series of patterns and construction.
This first piece is made of a white cotton containing woven squares. For the ruffle I used a cotton plaid of blue, beige, and white. The other side of the spat, or the inner-step is made of matching plaid fabric.
A spat will be an accessory that will take your outfit to a whole other level. The collection will be in soft spring colors with varying detailing. I am very excited about the collection!
The entire collection will all be sold in my Etsy shop. Enjoy!
This post was first published on 2/26/09
