Dreaming in black & white

This is strictly black and cream but would work just as well in white.

It was commissioned to match a specific dress and I think the cream looks softer than white. The silk underneath the lace really lifts the pattern. I use masses of fabric for the gathers which makes the bags spacious and sumptuous.

I ruffled the handles a little and added a silk bow.

For the hair here is a vintage, bohemian floral look. This is great for jazzing up a simple dress. I used cream dupion silk for the roses and natural freshwater pearls to pick up the light.

Apologies for not updating the shop. All available items will be up shortly. All of my products are limited edition or one offs so you need to be quick! I make many things to order too so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Raspberry Rose childs dress

This week I made a baby dress inspired by the colours in my garden at the moment. I so named it Raspberry Rose.

 It’s made with Liberty lawn cotton and has two tiers of what are becoming my signature flounces.

I must admit that I had to put down this project a couple of times and walk away as the fabric was difficult to gather and stay put! I nearly called this post blood, sweat and tears.

I love the end result though and will be making more in a range of fabrics.

During one of my intervals I popped into the garden to feed the chickens and noticed that despite the rain, my garden has begun to yield some delicious looking fruits.

The blueberries, apples, strawberries and raspberries are ripening right up. I’ve been making plenty of smoothies lately.

We’ve also got a beautiful white rose-bush that was so sad-looking last year it didn’t flower. We moved it to a sunnier position and we have some gorgeous blooms this ‘summer’. 

I cut just one to look at in a glass while I made the dress.

Although the weather is driving me crazy it has been fun watching wall to wall Wimbledon with a whole pile of strawberries! I’m liking the patriotic box too. Come on Andy Murray…

 

A hat for all occasions

Well here is the hat I came up with for Royal Ascot. Simple yes?

I got pretty overwhelmed with choice so opted for the ‘less is more’ attitude.

After much deliberation I opted for a simple Christian Dior inspired headpiece.

One big bow and baby pink dupion silk on a curved base.

The simplicity of it stood out within the abundance of feathers and sinamay that was Royal Ascot. The handbag is vintage and a perfect colour match.

I recon the lovely lady looks like a cross between Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (once she’s been to Rodeo Drive!) and a 50’s Parisian debutante.

Peacock feather digital printed silk handbag

Peacock feathers hold a magic for me. They conjure up images of exotic gardens and maharajas. They are timeless and never go out of fashion. Thankfully they will also go with a huge array of colours.

I’ve had this beautiful silk for a while now and wanted to save it up for something special. I could only afford a couple of yards which make it all the more precious to me. I came up with a gathered bag with navy leather handles.

I have teamed it with this amazing white lace dress from Coast.

At £145 it is lucky that I found it in the sale!

I know white is the most impractical colour but I think when I wear this it will be for a very special occasion!

With Royal Ascot on the brain and all the fabulous Jubilee celebrations I have been observing many hats, bags and shoes of late. There is no doubt that feathers look fantastic on the head although I am in favour of the ‘less is more’ mentality here. Birds nest fascinators are really not great are they? Sorry Kate!

I once attended a mid-winter wedding where the lucky couple got snowflakes as we came out of the church. One of the guests was an immaculate lady in her 50’s wearing a peacock feather spray that covered her crown but didn’t look ostentatious. She had a blue and gold brocade cape and I have never forgotten how glamorous understated and graceful she looked.

This hat was designed by Jane Taylor for Ascot last year.

Looking around at other dresses I also found inspiration from this Matthew Williamson silk creation.

Or perhaps this gorgeous 1980’s vintage Liberty print dress for just £45 from circavintage.co.uk

And for your walls, this bold print from Danish company Ferm Living certainly makes a feathery impression.

And the Jubilee winner is…

Thankyou for all those who entered the Jubilee giveaway.

I picked a winner out of a hat and the lucky recipient is…

Mrs Ruth Webb

Congratulations! Your hair accessories are on the way.

I will be doing another giveaway next month so please follow the blog for more special offers.

Kate Middleton Ascot hat inspiration & Diamond Jubilee FREE giveaway!!

I’ve been asked to make a hat for Royal Ascot this year which is exciting but I have only got a few weeks to come up with something fabulous! It will be worn inside the royal enclosure so has to adhere to the stricter dress code. No longer are ladies allowed to wear fascinators, dresses to low cut on the shoulder or above the knee. The hats must be a minimum of 4″ in diameter. This actually isn’t too big and a small headpiece can be as sophisticated as a crown full of feathers!

Searching for inspiration I couldn’t help but look at what Kate Middleton wore in the past. She was named ‘hat person of the year’ in 2011. Certainly she has brought headwear back into the spotlight and hats are now more in vogue than they have been for years.

Since the royal wedding last April, the Duchess of Cambridge has worn an incredible array of sophisticated but simple pieces. She plays it safe with colours and easy to wear styles that don’t make too much of a statement.

I will be sticking to a smallish base and embellishment with feathers and flowers. I will post some pictures of the finished product nearer the time!

In celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next weekend I am having a smashing FREE giveaway for you lovely readers!

 I have these Gold Silk Roses on a Liberty lawn fabric band.

The band is also long enough to be worn as a belt or choker necklace too.

You will ALSO receive this gorgeous Jubilee bow hair band.

The little crowns will be suitably festive for those street parties and picnics!

To win this lovely little giveaway simply post a comment below.

I will pick a winner at random on Monday 28th May and post in time for the holidays.

Good Luck!

Heartland Devon Handmade fair

We got back from holiday at the weekend having had an amazing time in Dartmouth, Devon. Over the bank holiday weekend I was lucky enough to display my products at the Heartland handmade craft fair at Knightshayes Court. It was a busy weekend! Although I couldn’t be there at my stall I understand that everyone did well.

Here are a few images of my stock which I am in the process of listing on Folksy right now.

Jubilee hair band bows for a bit of fun in June! The blue ones have cute crowns for your little ones to play Queen. 

I have just been asked to make a hat for the Royal enclosure at Ascot this year. These feather bands may not be up to size as hats must be a minimum of 10cm (4″) diameter, but they will make great accessories for weddings, christenings, proms etc.

These are just beautiful freshwater pearl necklaces. Inspired by The Great Gatsby. 

The necklace is 60″ so can be wrapped around the neck a few times. The rosey brooches can attach to make a unique look. They come in a number of colours and sizes.

I made a limited number of these rose necklaces in green, yellow & red. They are a modern take on a classic style and make quite a statement. I can make them to order if you require a specific colour or fabric.

The posey brooches double up as hair clips and come in small, medium & large.

I have just a few flouncy bags available at the moment. I used fabric 3 times the width of the bag for the gathers so they are very roomy. They come with a small rose brooch too!

Keep an eye out for a post later this week for my Spring giveaway!

 

Sewing in the flood

Living below sea level is always a bit of a worry but this week we had to move everything upstairs as the rain didn’t stop. We listened to the thundering rain through the night and the river burst its banks into the surrounding fields. We are now lake-side!

My other half took this lovely picture at sunset the other day.

I’m all prepared for the Heartland Craft fair at Knightshayes Court, Devon this weekend & bank holiday.

If you live near Devon why not pop in and see the exciting handmade goodies on offer. We have photography, jewellery, glass and more!

I will be taking a much needed holiday next week so will be back in mid May for stock updates and a very special giveaway…

Hannah x

Rose broochs & hair clips

It’s time for some colour…

I have some sumptuous rosey brooch pins which double up as hair clips.

Made from wool felt they are really soft and have great depth of colour.

They come with a brooch pin and hair alligator clip for added versatility. Add to your shirt, hair or even a purse! If you want a bold look the large size is approx. 4″ in diameter. The medium is approx. 3.5″ and the small is approx. 2.5″.

Limited stock. I am offering free postage to all UK addresses!

I’ve got ten fab colours to choose from:

Denim

Navy

Teal

Red

Blush

White

Clotted cream

Sand

Mustard

Plum

Remember it’s FREE SHIPPING on all UK deliveries so order before they sell out!

I’ve only got the large size in the shop at the moment but leave me a comment if you would prefer a small or medium.

Hannah x

G-Plan meets Cath Kidston

Looking for nursery furniture I was pleased when my neighbours had a garage sale and I picked up this retro G-Plan dressing table for £15!

It was tough carrying down the road! We had to keep stopping every four steps and waving to the traffic. It’s solid teak and a good quality piece. Interesting that you can still bag a bargain if you want modern retro. 1950’s domestic furniture may still conjure up bleak images for the generation that witnessed it first hand. I know for a fact that my mum can’t stand utilitarian furniture. It apparently represents mass production and the bland suburban pre-feminist ideals of the mid 20th century. I think the baby boomer generation do prefer either historic styles (pre 1930) or ultra modern furniture. Us 21st century girls perhaps look at this style afresh and see that it’s actually really useful.

 I love the geometric simplicity of it and decided that it will be great for a child bedroom as it’s low and good on storage space. I really don’t normally go in for the whole princess pink idea for girls and I definitely will be avoiding the whole fairytale “everything will be perfect” stories as she grows up. However…

I did have some girly Laura Ashley fabric that I made cot bumpers with and so I thought I’d follow suit with the furniture.

After removing the handles I sanded the whole thing down and wiped off the dust. Then I applied two coats of Wilkes primer undercoat in Brilliant White. It took a couple of hours to dry. I followed this with a coat of Wilkes satin wood and metal paint in Brilliant White. Then I put a top coat of Dulux gloss wood and metal paint in Fantasia which took off the harsh white glare and gives it a little  blush.

For the top drawers I applied a layer of PVA glue and attached some Cath Kidston fabric in the pink & green old english rose. It is a heavy twill and so once the PVA had dried underneath I gave it another coat to seal the fabric.

I found these lovely pink and cream ceramic rose handles in Homebase and I really love them on the bottom drawers.

I still haven’t decided on handles for the top four small drawer. I have the original wood handles which I will paint to match but I really want some new ones. Laura Ashley have a nice range of acrylic clear handles.

 

 

 

 

Now I just need to decorate the nursery! The brown carpet has to go and the beige walls need an injection of colour. It definitely won’t be pink so I think neutrals will work for the walls and flooring. Any ideas gratefully received!