Eco-frock

Vintage Fab

2007-10-01T10:05:00.000+10:00

Piece by piece my handmade wardrobe is coming together. Now I've got a sewing machine and my first dress pattern. Look at this lovely! I can't wait to get some linen and whip it up!

Meet my new machine!

2007-09-23T11:46:00.000+10:00

Won on ebay, coming to my home soon!

Seaside skirt

2007-09-17T12:10:00.000+10:00

Now, I'm one of those girls who celebrates the coming of spring by whipping out my collection of skirts to wear day in and day out - no matter how white the legs. (Good luck distinguishing my pale limbs from the sand on this one!) This weekend we headed down the coast and I got to debut a skirt I worked on for -gasp- 4 years. It is a simple a-line pattern, but for some reason I just could not get it finished. Then, around Christmas I finally buckled down and stitched the sucker together. I love the results. Fun and quirky.

Still on the hunt for a sewing machine, but I know it will appear when the time is right.

Ebattle

2007-09-13T21:47:00.000+10:00

Despite my best efforts, no sewing machine yet. I was outbid in the last seconds. I take it as a sign that machine wasn't the right fit for me and something even better is on it's way. I'm thinking of increasing my budget.

While perusing ye ol' ebay I discovered the GORGEOUS Japanese sewing book titled Retrospective is Style. I want to live in these dresses!

I have my eye on eBay

2007-09-11T09:17:00.000+10:00

That's right, folks.

I've got my finger poised and ready to click and outbid until I win myself a sweet little sewing machine. There are a couple which end today, so we'll see what happens. Wish me luck!

Dress Inspirations

2007-09-03T16:18:00.000+10:00

Perfection - One picture says it all.

http://www.malphi.typepad.com/

Neckline:

Scoopneck, please.

http://www.freepeople.com/

Shape:

This Anthropologie dress

Texture:

Organic linen or hemp. Love her work.

http://www.shannamurray.com/

In search of simplified style

2007-09-03T14:37:00.000+10:00

There is something about the simplicity of wearing the same dresses day in and day out that really resonates with me. That piece of fabric, those stitches, those notions become precious and sacred. As a girl from the open plains raised on pioneer tales, I imagine ladies of the frontier heading to the general store to purchase those simple goods...gigham cottons, wooden buttons... Frankly, I want to be one of them.

Rewind even further in history to the days of Jane Austen. In the recent 'Pride and Prejudice' film, a a gentleman caller arrives and Jane 'dresses up' by switching the color of her ribbon belt. How fabulous is that?

In the daydreams of my mind, I seek to be as resourceful and purely styled. Alas, I have drifted into the oh-so repetitive daily grind of jeans and tees. Somehow, I am convinced that slipping a handmade dress of recycled or eco-friendly fabric would feel different and make my heart sing.

In the spirit of simplicity and innovation I would like to rework my wardrobe. How?

1. Pack up my current apparel
2. Sew 4 identical dresses out of eco-friendly fabric
3. Accessorize with handmade and recycled goods
4. Wear and repeat

Now, I need your help. First thing, I don't currently own a sewing machine. Is there anyone in the Sydney area who has one I could barrow or buy for a low price? Secondly, I have a clear idea of what I want my dress to look like, but I have not found a pattern which incorporates all the elements in my mind. I know there has to be at least one sewing goddess out there in cyber space with the talents to help bring my dream dress to life. Any input would be appreciated, and if you are in Sydney, I would love to catch up for a spot of tea.