The Week in Pictures

1. Floral satin for Spring/Summer collection dresses & fresh flowers in the shop

2. Model fittings for this weeks fashion show

3. Filing all my vintage patterns

4. Modelling for my friends latest design

5. Antique beaded purse gifted to me by a friend

6. Fabric swatches for Septembers show

Something old, something new: Turning vintage materials into new creations

  Vintage objects and inspiration seems more popular than ever, and there are so many choices!

We can buy actual vintage garments, or new possessions inspired by past eras OR we can have items that are both new and incorporate old materials!

I've done this with jewelry, clothing, art..it means that at the end of the day you have an amazing and unique piece that can't really be replicated.

I am in love with these rings by Leanne who sells her range at our shop By Design, she's actually made them out of vintage spoons! This means that every ring is unique.

We also were offered some vintage fabrics to purchase recently as well, it was such a treat to view and pick fabrics that you know you will never come across again.

Both me and my friend Julz who is a fellow designer both use vintage fabrics in some of our designs, and our clients get so excited knowing that they're getting a unique garment.

Julz turned this amazing floral fabric into these awesome skirts, available to purchase here

And here are a few of my designs using vintage fabrics..

Organised Chaos

Thought I would take a few photographic updates of the shop!

We're all busy trying to get things ready for a fashion show we're a part of next week which raises money for the local womans refuge.

Let them eat cake

Our High Tea evening was so lovely, but silly me I forgot to take photos while the event was actually happening, so here are some of before the event!

 

 

 

In Charge

Today I'm in charge of the boutique, it's always fun to play while others are away!

 Later on I'll be taking outfit photographs of myself, meanwhile my face is puffy from a steroid I've been put on this week!

 Spot the birdies in our chandelier!

Laying out jewelry on the counters

Making lists while staying refreshed!

Rings are scattered among strawberry props and vintage china

Petticoats for sale

In the changing room

Our stiletto sellotape holder!

Note to self: keep away from fluffy carpeting when barefoot in stockings

Sorting a dress for a client

Thrift Thursday

Yesterday I visited my local second-hand shops, they always feel like a treasure hunt-you never know what you'll find! Here are some of my purchases.

 Crystal glasses & 1954 New York auction catalogue of Louis XV & Louis XVI furniture

 Plastic bracelet & Silver tray

 Vintage serviette/napkin holder & Classic old films on dvd

Treasure

1. Peacock brooch made by me

2. Handmade clay charms

3. Earrings by local jeweller Amanda Keir

4. Pearls in a display tea cup

5. Brooches by local designer Julie Pyle

Items of interest

One thing I love about our shop is the antique sewing mementos hiding in cubby holes and perching on shelves waiting to be discovered.

It's wonderful to create a visual fusion of both modern and vintage fashion, layering these beautiful old objects against white washed surfaces.

 

1. Antique tea cup

2.1950s sewing shears

3.Antique travel press/iron

4.1950s thread spool

5.Vintage sewing & pattern making books

6.Antique brooch and tea cup

7.1950s trouser presser

8.Our door bell at By Design

9.Antique suitcase with owners initials