Guilty little pleasure

I just treated myself to a trip to the op- shop. Its been a while and as I started browsing over the glorious mounds of unloved things I remembered why I try not to just 'pop in'. .. I'm pretty sure I have the tendency to become a hoarder! I get so excited over these beautiful little treasures and explode with need to rescue them . I knew something was wrong when my guilty conscience had me wondering if I should hide my new Queen's tea cups from my boy friend.

I decided to behave myself and confess today's treasures:

Must-have number 1: The afore mentioned adorable tea cups.
Love them , I think I would have regretted it if i didn't buy them :)

Confession no#2
A super snuggly, emerald green, Nana knit. The picture doesn't do it justice, it is beautiful! It has two big buttons at the neck that loop together and its so over sized it sits like a big cape.
Its always good to have colourful pieces for winter to shift the gloom!

 No #3 . Dainty Ladies Handkerchiefs

I really have been intending to buy handkerchiefs, this wasn't an impulse buy!
As the temperature drops in Canberra, my nose has been running constantly and having grandma tendencies, these little hand embroidered pocket pretties seem all too special to be blowing my snot on :/

Refashioned Jacket

The 'Not- A-School Blazer'

The original jacket as found

Here the before and after shots for one of the jackets in the winter collection. Their are so many cool old suits out their! They just need a bit of love :)

'Brilliant Idea' 1 year on

On the 13th of April the Light house Innovation Center celebrated their one year anniversary for the Brilliant Idea Program. The women at Lighthouse have shown me so much amazing support over the past year. They facilitate monthly workshops where entrepreneurial women come together to share and learn. It is a fantastic way to meet other women in similar situations.

As part of the celebrations I showcased my winter collection, accessorised beautifully by 'Out of Ark' Antiques.

The show featured budding ACT businesses they have helped such as Dahlia Style (young girls's fashion), Asiuvou Health Foods (vegetarian, vegan , organic food) and Canberra Academy of Dramatic Art.

Thank you so much to my beautiful models who were so gracious in volunteering their time!

Tahls x

After shots...FINALLY!

Here are the after shots promised weeks ago!

I've shortened the sleeve, creating a little gathered cap sleeve. I saved the cuff and self-covered button.  These are used at the waist to pull in the sides to create a sexier silhouette!

Small changes can make a big difference!

A couple of weeks ago I  started working with the wonderful material pleasures team. For those that havn't heard of Material Pleasures, they are a fantastic recycled, designer clothing boutique based in Canberra.

I have to say, I was totally overwhelmed when I wandered into their work studio... I was surrounded , from wall to wall with clothing... rails, bags, piles of it! Boxes filled with shoes , handbags and hats. I was in heaven! My first instinct was to plunge in, head first , digging for some kind of fabric treasure. With total restraint, I managed to contain myself and act at least kind of normal.

I thought I would blog about one of my re-fashion projects for Material Pleasures. I was given a bag full of dresses designed by Peuan Thai Studio. I'm told they were well known Canberra Designers in the 1960s who used the most beautiful silks sourced from Thailand.

The fabrics really are amazing, but the styles aren't favorable, even in the vintage market. So I will give them all a little love and attention to revamp them into something someone will treasure .

1960s Silk dress (pre- make over)

1960s silk dress (pre- make over)

Stay tuned , I'll post the 'after' pics of a few of the frocks soon.

xx Tahls

Handmade Markets

Thanks to all the lovely ladies that came and checked out my little stall at handmade! It turned out to be a wonderful day, the new venue (The National Convention Ctr ) was fantastic.
Of course the day wasn't with out a few dramas... the old projector screen I use for my sign packed-it-in! I had to use my float tin to prop up one of the legs AND  the eftpos machine didn't want to work for me- stupid technology!!

Me ... hiding the wobbly projector stand!

My little 'Rosie the Riveter' 1940s style hair ties.

Re Fashion Iphone cover

How cool is this?!

I've just been searching for an iphone cover when i found this awesome little creation:

Its made from a men's tie! Their are so many fantastic crazy ties in op-shops and personally I think they would look much nicer as a quirky little clutch than hanging off your neck! 

This item is from Tearfultouch on Etsy.

Uncanny Timing ?

Time and time again I am taken back by the opportunities that arise to me and their uncanny timing. I don't consider myself particularly spiritual or religious, but I am not against the notion that their is some kind of greater power that is impossible to fully understand.

  I get the overwhelming feeling that when I tune into what I need and want , these 'things' have a habit of occurring. Now, I know this is all sounding a little 'The Secret'  ( which I have never actually read but I imagine its something like this!) like ' the universe is providing for me'.  But over the past week its seems I just cant ignore it! Out of a time when I was feeling lost and needing guidance, new networking opportunities and mentors have just appeared out of nowhere.

What ever this thing is, be it lucky timing or whatever, I am so grateful!

Why use vintage fabrics?

I use vintage fabric because finding them is half the fun. Its not like going into Lincraft or some wholesaler where they have rolls and rolls of each type, the exclusivity makes each piece precious.

Sometimes I buy off cuts and  fabrics from ladies who have been saving it for years and years but they have just never known what to do with it or had the motivation to make something.

Its hard to put my finger on why I'm so attracted to fabric that is pre-loved. I want to share with people that curiosity that the garment has a story and a history.