Vintage patterns

I have just been over at fashion incubator where the talk is about vintage patterns. I don't mind saying that I often use commercial patterns. It's not so much a short cut as it can take as long, if not longer to modify the pattern to fit and look they way you want. Here is a picture of the one I was using today. This one did not require much change to the fit as such, ie. it was not too tight around the armholes, which is usually the case. The front (or back) wrap panel was too loose though and required some tightening, it still has quite a loose kind of shape (I made it out of interlock) but I am quite happy with the way it turned out. I had quite a time figuring out the best way to do the tie though, as I decided to lengthen the garment keeping the tie in the same place. It did require some hand stitching in the end, something I generally try to stay clear of! Keep an eye on the 5trillion site for the finished product.

Chapel Street

Further to yesterday... I also took a stroll down Chapel Street, it is still one of my favorite places to go. The reason was to visit the Chapel St. Bazaar and the Remnant Warehouse. I haven't been to the Bazaar for a very long time, but I am totally addicted to going to the Remnant Warehouse, which, incidently, is closing down. It will not be closing for about a year I believe, but where will I find something to replace it?! They stock designer remnants, so roles of fabric that Melbourne designers have used. I really don't go there for that reason though... I'd rather not use something that has some other designers print all over it. I just go there for... you guessed it, the bargains. I bought a beautiful piece of lace which I will make a top from, but only some idea now of how it will look at this stage. Keep an eye on 5trillion to see the outcome.
At the Bazaar I saw some fantastic vintage pieces of clothing, I do love vintage clothes, I have a little collection going which I will post pics of in the future. Also they had a few good vintage patterns, I also have a collection of these. I have managed to pick mine up for about 20c each, these were 5-6 dollars. Some I had picked up at the op-shop next door many years ago, others I have bought from country op-shops more recently. I will post some pics of these in the future also.
I have added a pic of Melbourne from the Westgate bridge, I just love that view and want to photograph it every time I go over. I used to live east of Melbourne and you don't get a view of the city as you drive in from there, it just kind of creeps up on you.

Starting over

After much deliberation I have decided to start the blog again with a whole different view in mind. This time it will be more about my life as a fashion designer, pattern-maker and seamstress. It will be in addition to the musings blog on 5trillion.com. The reason being this one is a little bit 'more information' and just for people who may be interested and not neccesarily customers. 'Musings' blog on 5trillion is a little bit of info about the clothes for those who are thinking of buying something. Does this all make sense... it will all become clear as both evolve, I hope! So here I go, I went to Camberwell market today to have a bit of a sqiz as I was told it was quite good. It was, though not as good as I thought, I may have had my expectations set a bit high after being told 'you should go, it's really good'. Nevermind. I still prefer the country markets... yes, OK I am a country girl so I may be a little biased, but they seem to have more homemade items. I went to one in Gisbourne (west of Melbourne) a few months ago and they have quite a good array of handmade clothes, jewellery, food etc. The country markets, of course, are not so big and do not have the volume of people who go to the city markets.