Patchwork Dresses

Only someone who knits or crochets will appreciate how long it takes to make a garment. So when I find discarded knitting projects I can’t bare to see them go to waste.

This piece started as a beginners knitting project accidentally boiled in the washing machine. By simply cutting out a hole for the neck, adding some jersey and sewing up the side seams it turned into an oversize dress/top. The added crochet patches finishes it nicely.

Next up is a neatly crocheted baby blanket in yummy colours turned into this stylish little number. Instead of sewing, this one was crocheted together at then side seam, hem and neckline for a neater finish.

Last but not least is this pastel number salvaged from a crochet patchwork blanket. I actually managed to get two dresses out of this one. Worn here with our pompom wooly robe.

If you have a similar project tucked away somewhere, why not turned into something wearable? Or maybe just a cushion cover if you inner hippy is a little shy.

Festival Season 2018

When preparing for the season ahead its always difficult to predict what the weather is going to be like. But as we are in the UK, rain and cold evenings are always on the cards. So we make summer kimonos, bra tops as well as jumpers and jackets to cover all angles. Who would have thought 2018 was going to be the hottest summer in over 40 years?

First stop this year was the local Alfresco Festival  A small intimate little number focusing on groove based dance music. And as there was no Glastonbury this year we had June off festivals (but still super busy making stock) to enjoy the sunshine in Brighton.

In July we continued with Farr Festival. A young crowd where its all about dance music. And I mean from 12 midday until the early hours. Not a single band in sight. There weren’t much dressing up going on and I think the youth had prioritised buying other things to keep the weekend interesting. So it was pretty slow. Plus the only act I wanted to see, Moodymann had cancelled. Meh! But hey, it was a scorcher of a weekend so we topped up our tans and got to know our fellow traders.

Next up was Latitude Festival. Another sweltering weekend where everyone was too hot to try anything on, or wanted to buy your display parasols. At least our usual spot in front of the main stage gave us good views and entertainment.

We hadn’t been to Bimble Bandada for a few years. Small but perfectly formed. Definitely remains as one of our favourites. Even the bad weather on the Sunday didn’t put us off! Sadly they are having a break next year. Roll on 2020!

After Bimble we had one night in our own bed then headed straight to Bestival. Thankfully they moved the festival to the mainland last year, so we didn’t have to get on a ferry to the Isle or Wright or anything. We were part of the Dressing Up Tent, a shared space with lots of other creatives. Always nice not having to set up a marquee.

We had a weekend off back in Brighton before we headed to everyones favourite; Shambala! Sharing yet again with Crystal Vintage. Unfortunately I wasn’t very well so I mainly sat around on a beanbag watching the festival go by. Could have been worse!

This year also said goodbye to Festival Number 6. As it was their last one it would have been rude not to go. Being north Wales, the September rain was unavoidable but hey, we made a bit of a Welsh road trip out of it. Such a beautiful part of the world.

Yet again we take away from another festival season, happy customer and many moments of dance and laughter. Hoping 2019 will be as warm and sunny, but please mother nature give me notice so I can make more bikini tops!

2012 Festival Season

Wow what a summer!! Old friends, new friends, dancing, some more dancing, crazy antics, rain, mud, sun and lots of dressing up. What was the highlight you ask? Too many to mention.

I had been wanting to check out Secret Garden Party for a long time as I had heard so many good things about it over the last few years. I had a stall within The Secret Emporium which is an independent designers festival outlet at SGP. The weather however wasn’t on our side. We had constant rain and consequentially mud for pretty much everyday until Sunday. But hey! We had fun anyway. Lots of people still wanted to dress up despite the weather. What a cool festival. Definitely going again next year. Fingers crossed for a dry one.

Wilderness Festival in Cornbury Park- Oxfordshire. What a stunning location. Being able to go swimming in a clean lake at a festival is definitely a winner.

I had never been to the Isle of Wright so that was an adventure in itself even before getting to Bestival. Huge site with hills!  The sun was out all weekend too. Great line -up always helps.

Playgroup Festival got postponed to mid September this year. It’s small festival based in East Sussex beaming with creativity. No need to say a lot of fun was had by all…

I didn’t take a lot of photos (none from Wilderness!) which is a sign I was obviously having too much of a good time. Anyway, here is a few…

 

 

Customised Denim Shorts

The classic festi staple is a pair of denim shorts. Actually, not just for festivals, they are a great all rounder for anyone’s wardrobe. To make them that little bit more exiting you can customise them by adding detailing like these. Straight forward to do on the sewing machine or even by hand if you don’t have one. All you need is some small fabric scraps, needle and thread. Stick the kettle on and get involved!

Customised T-shirt Dresses

Did I mention the things you can make from old t-shirts are endless! There are whole books and websites dedicated to the topic.

I wanted to create some dresses that were stylish, comfortable and easy to make.

The “skirt” part I cut from slightly thicker jersey that I had. On some of the t-shirt dresses I  adjusted the sleeve hole a little to make it less gapy  by putting in darts.( I kind of like the slouchy armholes though.) Wear it with a contrasting sports bra. Plus in the summer its nice and airy.