tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20833519456887450952024-03-14T04:52:10.943+13:00redflax recreates where handmade happens...
a sprinkle of recycled, a touch of vintage a dash of inspiration all
mixed together with
lots of creative juices..Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-29223941844855514572018-01-18T11:34:00.003+13:002018-01-18T11:37:12.717+13:00Insprired by Nature Nga mihi o te tau hau! Happy new year! So I have been on a tiki tour around Northland with my lovely whanau, catching up with aunties and cousins and soaking up our great outdoors. I have been collecting inspiration from Papatuanuku (Mother Earth) for my Oversew Fashion Awards project. <br />
Unfortunately I have managed to put my back out again so I am hoping I can still get an outfit done. Ongoing issues with it which is very frustrating! <br />
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So here is some of my inspiration. Green features very strongly so once I am back, I think I will do some opshopping and see what greenery I can come up with 🌿<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqywjdEsZOo/Wl_M4Jz591I/AAAAAAABEfw/GnrVJzdnDb86f6ruINTK6frGOYSQ_zQ2ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180110_151201.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqywjdEsZOo/Wl_M4Jz591I/AAAAAAABEfw/GnrVJzdnDb86f6ruINTK6frGOYSQ_zQ2ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180110_151201.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuCqEz0JV64/Wl_M4DYU_FI/AAAAAAABEfw/tu4zTHkLFu47Uc-x5K1NPGIX3tCiF927QCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180107_111557.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuCqEz0JV64/Wl_M4DYU_FI/AAAAAAABEfw/tu4zTHkLFu47Uc-x5K1NPGIX3tCiF927QCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180107_111557.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-498nLJR5mYo/Wl_M4KM_zGI/AAAAAAABEfw/EUUq3gZ_dmkKbOr5UTzDdkRnyJAS1_j_ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180108_145217.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-498nLJR5mYo/Wl_M4KM_zGI/AAAAAAABEfw/EUUq3gZ_dmkKbOr5UTzDdkRnyJAS1_j_ACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180108_145217.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EQqVPYiI9kY/Wl_M4AplhxI/AAAAAAABEfw/kOS3Cm52of4DbXYQIqz-DhARv5NLIkAyACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180111_195350.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EQqVPYiI9kY/Wl_M4AplhxI/AAAAAAABEfw/kOS3Cm52of4DbXYQIqz-DhARv5NLIkAyACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180111_195350.jpg" width="320" height="240" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZLwSKVC79c/Wl_M4IyQAjI/AAAAAAABEfw/0ma1ZFmKa-gBB7UU7ACVfPAcGwqFxA4hwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180112_153636.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZLwSKVC79c/Wl_M4IyQAjI/AAAAAAABEfw/0ma1ZFmKa-gBB7UU7ACVfPAcGwqFxA4hwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_20180112_153636.jpg" width="240" height="320" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a><br />
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Have some sketches done too which I will share soon. Isn't Aotearoa Tino ataahua!Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-2692864626459451292017-12-22T21:24:00.000+13:002017-12-22T21:25:59.324+13:002018 Oversew Fashion AwardsI think it is about time I had another go at the Oversew Fashion Awards. So I have decided to track my progress here. With a June 2018 deadline, I am hoping that I can pace myself and not be too rushed :) I have started a Pinterest Board and done some rough sketches, so hopefully inspiration will flow...<br />
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Next year is shaping up to be a bit less hectic than this one - I am no longer running a Diploma course for youth workers, which entailed travelling to Wellington a few times a term. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but am keen to focus more on upcycling, sustainability and my local community (moved from New Brighton nearly 2 years ago). I am involved with our local Opportunity Shop - Revival Clothing. We have run upcycling workshops in the local school and the commumnity, had 2 recycled fashion shows, hosted a local wedding gown display complete with high tea, had stalls at the local Pumpkin Fest, and supported the school production with upcycled costumes - as well as lots of other stuff. Money raised goes back to the community. We are also running a food/care parcel system for locals in need, and have started up a sewing circle in Birdlings Flat, just down the road.<br />
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So all of that is keeping me pretty busy. I have decided to give Youth Work a little bit of a break next year - which will feel a little odd. But I think it is for the best. So it should be an interesting year. Will keep updating my (hopeful) progress on an upcycled outfit for Oversew...<br />
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Oh and we inherited a border collie cross from friends. Pip is lovely, and she has settled into life in the country well. She was rehomed off a farm after an accident with a bull. Love having her by my side :)<br />
Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-16927623354785998492015-11-02T14:02:00.000+13:002015-11-02T14:03:56.423+13:00Did I mention the carving studio?Actually no, I haven't. Surprising as it took up a year of my working life. I was lucky enough to be given the task to help get a carving studio up and running at my youthwork job in Aranui. The local carver Raph, had been volunteering there since 2006, and was happy enough with the van shed out the back. However an opportunity arose post earthquakes to get a shed repaired through insurance. An investigation of funding sources showed it was viable so we set about making the shed into a purpose built community carving studio. And thanks to Creative New Zealand, Red Cross and Canterbury Community Trust (now called the Rata Foundation) the studio opened its doors in April this year. And its had a bit of attention too - appearing on TV and newspapers. <br />
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Raph designed the logo which refers to his Samoan cultural heritage, and is about the steam from the cooked food that permeates its environment. My friend Alanna popped it into illustrator for us and got it looking all flash.<br />
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Its great to see that from a disaster opportunities can arise like this one, that help foster community well-being through creativity.Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-51942194018670439032015-07-30T14:34:00.000+12:002015-11-02T14:37:59.958+13:00Meet Lady Luella LovelaceInherit has struck again! This time with a vintage velvet NZ made jacket, a nz designer skirt and some lovely doilies to add a bit of lacyness.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIE-WVAScw8/Vja8JuwmHlI/AAAAAAAAmZA/TeLqeqlgNiY/s1600/20150515_101317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIE-WVAScw8/Vja8JuwmHlI/AAAAAAAAmZA/TeLqeqlgNiY/s320/20150515_101317.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9IkM9G0eo7I/Vja8avF0yZI/AAAAAAAAmZM/-FF8_eN_68M/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9IkM9G0eo7I/Vja8avF0yZI/AAAAAAAAmZM/-FF8_eN_68M/s320/IMG_1106.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXYVObTj9qE/Vja8agF16xI/AAAAAAAAmZI/3drOt9j-oKw/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXYVObTj9qE/Vja8agF16xI/AAAAAAAAmZI/3drOt9j-oKw/s320/IMG_1107.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-At6hqU-8Ihw/Vja8ak3THpI/AAAAAAAAmZQ/slOmQLqxVSE/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-At6hqU-8Ihw/Vja8ak3THpI/AAAAAAAAmZQ/slOmQLqxVSE/s320/IMG_1108.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sST3Yyo-y3g/Vja8cdapLAI/AAAAAAAAmZg/y8qxzHgFsJ0/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sST3Yyo-y3g/Vja8cdapLAI/AAAAAAAAmZg/y8qxzHgFsJ0/s320/IMG_0968.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h2wD4tejPxw/Vja8fhj9iQI/AAAAAAAAmZo/u1izgKgAW2M/s1600/IMG_1094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h2wD4tejPxw/Vja8fhj9iQI/AAAAAAAAmZo/u1izgKgAW2M/s320/IMG_1094.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dF6ZyXnRdG4/Vja8j9U_RTI/AAAAAAAAmZw/cnssfdydk9w/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dF6ZyXnRdG4/Vja8j9U_RTI/AAAAAAAAmZw/cnssfdydk9w/s320/IMG_1125.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyf06tEwSqM/Vja86XOKugI/AAAAAAAAmZ4/BP71hQONgV8/s1600/IMG_1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyf06tEwSqM/Vja86XOKugI/AAAAAAAAmZ4/BP71hQONgV8/s320/IMG_1120.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-im-mp-qhRw0/Vja9DpFJnDI/AAAAAAAAmaA/G1xIv8kMpJ8/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-im-mp-qhRw0/Vja9DpFJnDI/AAAAAAAAmaA/G1xIv8kMpJ8/s320/IMG_1111.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I had initially paired up the velvet with the tartan school kilt, however it didn't quite look right. Then I discovered a gorgeous nz made skirt an the $3 op shop and added with a bit of lace, it looked perfect! The lacing came from another nz made $3 opshop shirt, with laced sleeve detailing. I have to say it was hard to let this one go - especially as it fitted me perfectly!<br />
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Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-21917367752073622012015-07-16T14:30:00.000+12:002015-11-02T14:26:16.031+13:00In bed with a Hottie - Upcycled Tutorial featured in Hazed MagazineSkill Level: Beginner/Intermediate (Just a bit more advanced than beginner level)<br />
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Just what you need to keep you snuggly on a cold winters night. And to keep you extra toasty why not try your hand at a hot water bottle cover? I have used a thrifted woolen blanket and sheet - however you can come up with your own eco-conscious cover using all sorts of upcycled garments - a woolen jersey, dressing gown or coat. Fabric to applique a design onto your cover can be nearly any type as you will fuse it with iron on fusing, giving it stability and strength. I have used a sheet for this one and neck ties for the hottie cover on the grey cover. Be creative, and feel free to send me pics of your creation, as I love to see what people come up with. <br />
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So what you will need to complete this project is:<br />
Your chosen garments/linen/blanket<br />
A hot water bottle for template <br />
A sewing machine<br />
Sewing thread<br />
Sewing pins<br />
Sewing scissors<br />
Taylors Chalk or a light pencil<br />
Ruler or tape measure<br />
An iron and ironing board (or towel to iron on)<br />
Paper or light card for a template and applique design<br />
Sticky tape<br />
Fusable interfacing/violene (make sure it has one side that has glue dots on it)<br />
A button and loop of ribbon or cord for back closure<br />
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1. Firstly place your hottie onto paper/card and trace around. Now add 2cm around the entire template except the neck of the hottie. This part needs 3cm on each side to allow for the hottie to fit through the neck hole. This is your front template.<br />
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2. Now make a copy of your front template for the back. Measure â…” down this template and cut a straight line across. These 2 parts are the back template. You will now need to take the top part of your back template and cellotape 3cm on the bottom edge, so that your top back template ends up overlapping your bottom back template. This will provide the opening to slip the hottie into.<br />
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3. Label everything, pin the templates to your blanket and carefully cut around. You will now have 1 front piece and 2 back pieces. <br />
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4. Zig-zag stitch around all 3 templates to prevent fraying. You may find the material becomes wavy and slightly stretched. Just press it with your iron and it will return to its original shape.<br />
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5. Time to applique. Decide on a shape/symbol etc you like and draw or print this onto paper. Carefully cut around it (good idea to simplify it a bit if there are complicated areas, which is what I did with my NZ map). <br />
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6. Now take your applique fabric and cut out enough to fit your shape on. Do the same with your fusable interfacing. Press the facing onto the wrong side of the applique fabric. (Make sure you press it with the glue dots side down onto the applique fabric - it makes a bit of a mess of your iron if you get it the wrong way around!) Press firmly down with the iron until the interfacing glue has melted and adhered to the fabric.
7. Trace your chosen design onto the interfacing side of the applique fabric, and carefully cut around it (unless your pen is too dark then trace it onto your applique fabric!)
8. Pin your design to your front piece. Using matching thread, sew on your applique with a small zig-zag stitch to the front of your hottie cover.
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9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 to make a small shape to applique onto the bottom back piece to hold the loop on. <br />
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10. Now pin the loop at the halfway point on the bottom piece near the top where the opening is. <br />
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11. Place your appliqued shape over the loop ends and zig-zag around it, securing the loop ends in place <br />
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12. Now place the top back piece over the bottom back piece and line it up until the back pieces are the same size as the front piece. Zig-zag these together along the sides to create the back opening. <br />
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13. Now you are ready to join it all together. Place the front piece on top of the back piece with the right sides facing each other.<br />
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14. Sew a straight stitch around the pieces 5mm in from the edges right around the pieces, starting at the top neck, and ending up back at the top neck. <br />
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15. Press the cover carefully before turning it in the right way. You may need to then press it again once it’s out the right way, to get the curves sitting nicely. <br />
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16. Lastly stitch a button near the bottom of the top back piece for the loop to go around to keep the hottie cover closed. <br />
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17. Now jump under the covers and snuggle your lovely eco-friendly hottie!<br />
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I made the grey one from an upcycled army blanket, to commemorate 100yrs since Gallipoli, and to pay tribute to those in NZ who lost their lives in the war. Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-76697919536651061882015-06-04T19:06:00.001+12:002015-06-04T19:11:33.926+12:00Oversew Fashion Awards Show 2015The long and the short of it is that i had my entry accepted - only 50 were accepted out of 120 submitted...so even though my design didn't quite meet the brief (in that it looked more like leather and tartan as opposed to leather and lace!) it made it down the runway. I was lucky enough thanks to the lovely Denise from NZ Eco fashion week to be given a ride to Carterton to watch the event. So much fun!!!! Met some awesome people too. One day i would love to put a mini collection into the NZ Eco Fashion Week. Also had a chance to mull over my dream to run a community wardrobe - like a creative space for people to learn and sell stuff and rent clothes for good occasions etc...<br />
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So anyway here is my favourite photo from the show - my model linda, a local accounts manager is very funky and rocked my outfit - she was the perfect choice! <br />
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A great experience! Next years theme is Fire and Ice...Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-59371804173147373132015-06-01T18:52:00.000+12:002015-06-04T19:07:14.735+12:00With This Ring - Upcycled Tutorial Featured in Hazed Magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFxsy-vTOY0/VW_n8RCH47I/AAAAAAAAfZs/esR_8OnyLDw/s1600/hazed%2Bspring%2Bed%2Btutorial%2B2014%2B015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFxsy-vTOY0/VW_n8RCH47I/AAAAAAAAfZs/esR_8OnyLDw/s320/hazed%2Bspring%2Bed%2Btutorial%2B2014%2B015.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This sweet little ring bearer’s cushion can be made as a keepsake, by using treasured items from the bride and groom. Perhaps a favourite tie the groom was given by his grandfather, or a vintage button from the bride’s button stash handed down from her granny. Or even clothes from the couple’s wardrobe that are no longer worn. All can be repurposed and easily made into a cushion for wedding rings. You can also look for inspiration in local op shops – for colours or patterns that compliment the wedding. If the wedding party is getting outfits made you could ask for any leftover fabric/embellishments and construct a cushion that will coordinate perfectly. You are only limited by the theme of the wedding and your imagination. <br />
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If you are a beginner to the world of sewing, then stick to a simple square or circle cushion, with a button stitched on in the centre, and ribbon to attach the rings. You can use the instructions below, without adding the bunting. <br />
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Bunting Cushion <br />
Skill level: heading towards intermediate level <br />
Materials: <br />
Sewing machine and matching threads <br />
Sewing scissors <br />
Fabric <br />
Felt scraps <br />
Ric-rac or narrow bias binding <br />
Sewing needle <br />
Sewing pins <br />
Tailors chalk or a light pencil <br />
Iron and ironing board <br />
Circle template (eg a dinner plate or bowl) <br />
Piece of card (eg cereal box or shoe box weight) <br />
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What to do: <br />
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Place your template on your fabric and draw 2 circles. Cut them out. <br />
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Now draw a triangle template on your card the size you want the bunting flags. <br />
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Place the template on the felt scraps, draw around and cut out, until you have enough flags. <br />
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Arrange the flags on the top circle into a curve. Make sure the bunting starts and finishes at least 1.5cm away from the edge of the circle, so you do not catch it when you sew the circles together. <br />
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Carefully pin the flags down and slowly sew along the top edge, stopping after each one to make sure the next one is in place. <br />
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Now sew your bias binding or ric rac over the top of the stitching line (don’t use ribbon as it doesn’t curve well). <br />
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Before attaching the top and bottom circles together, you can pin the buntings up and away from the stitching line if you are worried about catching them when you sew the seam. <br />
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Place the top and bottom circles together with the right sides facing each other. Sew with a straight stitch around the circle, 1cm from the edge. Remember to leave a 5 – 7cm opening to allow for stuffing. <br />
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Carefully clip around the circle every 1cm or so, to ensure you get a nicely curved circle.<br />
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Now stitch around the circle again, just inside the first straight stitch you did. This is to reinforce the seam so it doesn’t pull away at the clipped points. You can now trim the seam allowance from 1cm down to 5mm. If you want you can neaten the circle edges together with a zig zag stitch. <br />
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Time to turn the cushion by pulling it through the stuffing hole. Once it’s out the right way give it a gentle press with the iron. If the circle is slightly straight in places you can turn it inside out and re-clip it, till the seam has an even curve. <br />
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Now stuff the cushion. I used wool filling from an old cot mattress (I washed it first), but you can also use Dacron (the filling used in pillows). Once you have the fullness you want, close up the opening. Fold the seam allowance under, and use a small hand stitch with needle and thread. Now work the stuffing around to fill out the cushion evenly. <br />
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Lastly you can stitch on a ribbon, twine or embroidery thread to attach the rings. Make sure this is securely fastened to the cushion with needle and thread, as you do not want the rings to come off. <br />
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Now the page boy is all set with a beautifully upcycled cushion, that compliments the wedding and can become a treasured keepsake of a special day. Here are some more examples that have been made from a mix of vintage linen and fabrics, doilies, upcycled clothing, and new fabric <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpbzynxsqE0/VW_z1q5lWgI/AAAAAAAAfcM/sjvH5VRaT6E/s1600/hazed%2Bspring%2Bed%2Btutorial%2B2014%2B131.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpbzynxsqE0/VW_z1q5lWgI/AAAAAAAAfcM/sjvH5VRaT6E/s200/hazed%2Bspring%2Bed%2Btutorial%2B2014%2B131.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E53uZPuUbUM/VW_0NQkyi2I/AAAAAAAAfcU/f0W9RrZMaws/s1600/hazed%2Bspring%2Bed%2Btutorial%2B2014%2B129.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E53uZPuUbUM/VW_0NQkyi2I/AAAAAAAAfcU/f0W9RrZMaws/s200/hazed%2Bspring%2Bed%2Btutorial%2B2014%2B129.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFMyWUZWG3c/VW_0mYcRvLI/AAAAAAAAfcc/vOHktUixS8w/s1600/hazed%2Bspring%2Bed%2Btutorial%2B2014%2B138.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFMyWUZWG3c/VW_0mYcRvLI/AAAAAAAAfcc/vOHktUixS8w/s200/hazed%2Bspring%2Bed%2Btutorial%2B2014%2B138.jpg" /></a>Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-27892438132234175732015-05-17T10:14:00.000+12:002015-05-17T10:16:29.634+12:00Inherit is underwaySo my latest jacket is based on a fiesty female Pirate Captain who loves a bit of swashbuckling shennanagins! Introducing Captain Betsy Bonnie:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6D2nHWiT-Y/VVe7iSp4DnI/AAAAAAAAdPQ/fp24wJN3PyU/s1600/captain%2Bbonnie%2Bcollage%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p6D2nHWiT-Y/VVe7iSp4DnI/AAAAAAAAdPQ/fp24wJN3PyU/s320/captain%2Bbonnie%2Bcollage%2B2015.jpg" /></a> <br />
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I had lots of fun creating this one - the skirt offered lots of fabric so i went for full sleeves and a pleat round the hem. Still lots left for another upcycle<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RX_F6uKKtac/VVe_wRinPaI/AAAAAAAAdPk/mxVOmcgLX4A/s1600/inherit%2Bcaptn%2Bbonnie%2Bjkt%2Bmay15%2B(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RX_F6uKKtac/VVe_wRinPaI/AAAAAAAAdPk/mxVOmcgLX4A/s320/inherit%2Bcaptn%2Bbonnie%2Bjkt%2Bmay15%2B(7).JPG" /></a><br />
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I used the cotton tape around the hem to create the stripes on the lapel to give it a hint of militaryness. Now all she needs is a tricorn hat, plume and sword and she is ready to sail the seven seas.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tkz1BGKOCjY/VVe8A9_k9aI/AAAAAAAAdPY/RUlsLPWqUuo/s1600/inherit%2Bcaptn%2Bbonnie%2Bjkt%2Bmay15%2B(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tkz1BGKOCjY/VVe8A9_k9aI/AAAAAAAAdPY/RUlsLPWqUuo/s320/inherit%2Bcaptn%2Bbonnie%2Bjkt%2Bmay15%2B(9).JPG" /></a><br />
This jacket is available to purchase at Clockwork Emporium, New Regent St, Christchurch. http://www.clockworkcafe.co.nz/Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-90433036872878169302015-05-06T17:04:00.000+12:002015-06-04T17:48:53.957+12:00Cushy Little Number - Upcycled Tutorial featured in Hazed MagazineSkill level: Beginner <br />
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The warmer months are upon us, and what better time than to freshen up your décor? Instead of opting for mass produced goods, why not try something a little different – and kinder to the planet? Start by clearing out your wardrobe, or take a trip to your local op-shop, and find some inspiration in the many interesting garments that are waiting to be transformed. <br />
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For this DIY cushion I have used a retro 60’s dress and a large shirt. As long as one garment has buttons (to make your cushion cover removable), and the fabric is suitable for cushions (ie not fine silk), you are only limited by your imagination. I usually take the cushion inner with me when I shop, to make sure the shirt and the other garment have enough fabric to cover the cushion. <br />
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So what you will need to complete this project is: <br />
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Your chosen garments (one being a large shirt with buttons)* <br />
A sewing machine (or needle and thread if you are very patient!) <br />
Sewing pins <br />
Sewing scissors <br />
Taylors Chalk or a light pencil <br />
An iron and ironing board (or towel to iron on) <br />
A tape measure Paper or light card for a template <br />
*The best material is generally cotton or poly/cotton and medium to heavy weight. Hold the garment up to the light - if you can see your hand through the fabric it won’t be durable enough for cushions. Remember to make sure your shirt is a large size or bigger, as the smaller sizes don’t have enough fabric for a cushion. <br />
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Instructions: <br />
1 Measure your cushion inner from seam to seam. Add 1cm onto each seam for seam allowance.<br />
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2 Draw a template of your cushion, remembering to add 1 cm all the way around the template for seam allowances. <br />
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3 Now place your template onto your shirt and trace around it. Make sure you have the garment straight and the template on straight. When placing the template onto the shirt, make sure the button and button stand are straight and running down the middle of the template. It can help to mark the half-way point on your template, and line it up with the buttons. Also make sure you do not have your template edges going over the top of a button. The cushion seams need to be in between the buttons. This will be your back piece. <br />
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4 Take your cut out back piece, and place it down with right sides together, on top of your other garment. Pin it to the other garment, making sure the fabric is straight. Now cut around the back piece.<br />
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5 Keeping the pins in place, sew the back piece and the front piece together, remembering your seam allowance is 1 cm. When you get to the corners, try to sew a curve, so you do not have very pointy corners sticking out when the cushion is stuffed. You can now either overlock or zig-zag the raw edges of the cushion to stop the fabric fraying. <br />
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6 Now carefully undo the buttons on your back piece and turn the fabric in the right way. Press all your seams with the iron. <br />
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7 Carefully insert your cushion inner into your cushion cover. Spend some time moving the inner around so it has filled the corners and isn’t lumpy. <br />
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8 After admiring your creation, find a sunny spot with a comfy chair, insert your gorgeous upcycled pillow and yourself with something chilled to drink...sit back and soak up summer<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dulM52ATGI/VW_bPMjbxhI/AAAAAAAAfWI/fA8c8P21txk/s1600/cushy%2Bnumber%2Bsewing%2Bfinished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dulM52ATGI/VW_bPMjbxhI/AAAAAAAAfWI/fA8c8P21txk/s320/cushy%2Bnumber%2Bsewing%2Bfinished.jpg" /></a></div>Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-50169185620684698712015-05-04T23:20:00.000+12:002015-05-04T23:21:58.666+12:00Inherit - Freedom FashionWhat started as a project at Fashion School 3 or so years ago, has quietly reimerged as a creative outlet. Inherit was the label i created for a branding and marketing project.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srd05L8f6_8/VUdSsvrj0NI/AAAAAAAAbtg/LAqtywPyehQ/s1600/inherit%2Blogo%2Bsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srd05L8f6_8/VUdSsvrj0NI/AAAAAAAAbtg/LAqtywPyehQ/s320/inherit%2Blogo%2Bsmall.jpg" /></a>
After finally taking some of my work into Clockwork Emporium, I realised this label could lend itself to the steampunk genre. Bit more suited than redflax methinks! The tag line 'Freedom fashion' goes with the upcycling theme rather nicely too
So here is the very first creation for Inherit.
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jF_Id8n5OI/VUdTY_M8ZmI/AAAAAAAAbto/VwKL1cRMFGs/s1600/before%2Bafter%2Bremake%2Bportmans%2Bjkt%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jF_Id8n5OI/VUdTY_M8ZmI/AAAAAAAAbto/VwKL1cRMFGs/s320/before%2Bafter%2Bremake%2Bportmans%2Bjkt%2B2015.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4AZJTN1E7M/VUdThMR9dII/AAAAAAAAbtw/JJHbP9oyyj0/s1600/inherit%2Bremake%2B(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J4AZJTN1E7M/VUdThMR9dII/AAAAAAAAbtw/JJHbP9oyyj0/s320/inherit%2Bremake%2B(1).JPG" /></a>
One thrifted Portman's jacket and a petticoat. (Got a bit excited and took off the grey buttons before i had taken the initial pic). Anyway, I added some lace and brass buttons, waved the magic upcycling wand and out came Mistress Morganna's steampunk travelling jacket (or something like that). Pretty happy with it. However I have to fight my overactive imagination in this design process.
The difficulty for me is to keep it simple. If I am going to sell my creations they need to not take me many long labourious hours, or its just not worth it. So I have the sage advice from a former tutor floating in the recesses of my mind "You need to edit, edit, edit!" Too many ideas and tangents is my design nemisis. Perhaps 'Inherit' will help me 'tame the beast.' We shall see.
Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-86017100848409499002015-04-30T23:34:00.000+12:002015-05-04T23:36:49.445+12:00BTW...My outfit for oversew got accepted! Yay!!! So it will be in the show on 23rd May. Here is a wee preview:
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EgVRX3PCPbo/VUdY5V8DAcI/AAAAAAAAbuA/hihdGk2rTJY/s1600/oversew%2Bfashion%2Bawards%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EgVRX3PCPbo/VUdY5V8DAcI/AAAAAAAAbuA/hihdGk2rTJY/s320/oversew%2Bfashion%2Bawards%2B2015.jpg" /></a>
Happy with my work - I think next time i will try and work within the design brief, instead of designing something for me and making it fit into the brief. Feel confident enough to do this next year! Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-61613363524123836872015-04-28T17:00:00.000+12:002015-06-04T18:53:03.641+12:00Pillowslip Frock Upcycled Tutorial - as featured in Hazed MagazineThought it was about time I posted the upcycled tutorials i have been writing for my column in the fantastic indie craft mag Hazed. So here is the first one (from the Spring 2013 edition).<br />
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Skill Level: Intermediate<br />
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Fancy making a frock?? Well then this tutorial is for you! First find two pillowslips that complement each other (look for good quality ones – retro/vintage are great!). <br />
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Choose one for the dress and one for the straps. I found mine at the local op-shop for 50 cents each.<br />
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Measure your pillowslip to get the required length, and add 3cm for hems. If your dress is long, you may need to unpick the folded envelope fabric on the inside of the pillowslip, to get it out of the way when you cut.<br />
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Now you can cut your pillowslip to the length required, allowing for a 1.5cm hem at both the top and bottom of the pillowslip. Carefully cut the folded end of the pillowslip open so you are left with a open ended ‘tube’ of fabric. Neaten the top and bottom edges with a zig-zag stitch. Fold each end over 1.5cm, press with an iron then stitch. Press each hem flat.<br />
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Now comes the fun part – shirring the bodice. Firstly you will need to hand wind an empty sewing bobbin with shirring elastic (available at sewing shops in haberdashery). Make sure you do not stretch the shirring elastic onto the bobbin, as this will produce uneven tension when sewing.<br />
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Place the bobbin in the machine and proceed to sew normally. I like to have the tension on about 4, but this will depend on your machine, so make sure you do some practice runs. When you start sewing the fabric will gather up, so just hold the fabric taught when you are sewing to make it easier.<br />
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Start sewing at a side seam and sew right around the fabric. When you get back to the start make sure you back tack a few times before stopping. Before you snip the thread and shirring elastic, pull about 2cms of shirring elastic out from the bobbin to stop it springing back inside the bobbin. Knot the ends of shirring elastic together and snip excess threads.<br />
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Repeat this process about 10 times, with each line about 1cm apart. If you have an older girl, do about 12 lines – younger can have about 8 lines to form the bodice.<br />
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Tip: - If you are unsure about shirring, practice on an old pillowslip first. Make lines of shirring, about 1cm apart, until you feel comfortable with how it works.<br />
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It’s now time for the straps – so take the other pillowslip and measure down from the folded edge about 8cm, and cut across the pillowslip. This will be the 2 front straps. Now repeat this step to make the back 2 straps.<br />
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Now fold your strap in half lengthwise so the right sides (with the pattern on them) are together, and neaten with both edges together, going from the top to the bottom. When you reach the bottom, head around the corner and across to the folded edge, so you have one closed end. Now follow the same path with a straight stitch, about ½ cm in from the edge of the fabric. <br />
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To turn the straps out, I use a turning tool (available at most sewing shops), but you can just carefully do it by hand if you have the patience!. Once your strap is turned out, you can iron it flat. Now you can neaten the open end together with a zig zag stitch.<br />
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Attaching the straps is simple. I like to place the straps about 8cm in from the side seams. You can pop the dress on your girl to find the best strap placement, as it does vary a bit depending on her age.Once you have attached the first front strap, use it as a guide to get the back strap in the same place, so it is even. Then do the same with the other 2 straps.<br />
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To attach, place the strap on with the open end just above the first shirring line. Then stitch a square around the edge of the strap.<br />
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This is the basic pillowslip dress finished. There are many embellishments you can add to this dress, such as doilies (I like to dye them for effect), buttons where the straps attach, or fabric yo-yo’s. You can even find a complimenting pillowslip with a frill around it. If you carefully unpick the frill, it can be used around the hem of the dress for added ‘girlie’ appeal. Taking your special girl with you to find pillowslips is great too, and if you go op-shopping it teaches her about reusing materials in a fun way.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lwcx2rnDuck/VW_kOgUjMvI/AAAAAAAAfYk/ngDm5R53FSA/s1600/frock%2Bfinished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lwcx2rnDuck/VW_kOgUjMvI/AAAAAAAAfYk/ngDm5R53FSA/s320/frock%2Bfinished.jpg" /></a></div>Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-73696489488733073822015-03-23T13:45:00.000+13:002015-03-23T13:55:19.429+13:00Oversew updateIts almost finished! Can't quite believe i actually got to this point - only about 5hrs ish of construction to go, then off in the post and fingers crossed... Here is a peak at the jacket thus far
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I have added the final details to the trousers (buckle closure above the zip and leather detail on the pocket to tie it into the vest) - as well as taking the leg in, as i figure the grungey look needs to be reasonably slim fitting. Happy with them, however i think the knee pads are slightly too high? Not sure where exactly they are supposed to be, but when i wear them, they are slightly above my knee.
Hoping the outfit reflects leather and lace - the tartan is pretty bold, so not sure if i have reflected the theme as well as i could have. Great learning process though! And actually really enjoyed working with leather, so i am keen to have another go at this sometime this year. :)
Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-52623927732661018522015-02-20T12:25:00.002+13:002015-03-10T23:17:53.332+13:00oversew update - tartan trewsAfter 3 late nights the tartan trews (trousers) have taken shape. All that's needed now is hemming - however i am laid up after a wee bit of surgery to remove a dodgy mole on my arm. As i one handed type this, i am hoping that said arm is all better shortly, as i have also got the fifties frock for the Timaru fashion show to finish and post by next tues. Fingers crossed! :) Anyhow - the trousers had to take a creative turn when i realised i didnt have enough length in the skirt to cut the pattern. So they have morphed - padded knees and a join in the back, to make it look like they are meant to be like that - I reckon it adds to the grunge/biker look i am going for though. Nothing like a little upcycling to practice a bit of design innovation. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cmx2pF9BcSM/VOZwbQGKJ6I/AAAAAAAAVvI/i07l2CwCKzI/s1600/b4after%2Bupcycled%2Btrew%2Boversew.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cmx2pF9BcSM/VOZwbQGKJ6I/AAAAAAAAVvI/i07l2CwCKzI/s320/b4after%2Bupcycled%2Btrew%2Boversew.jpg" /></a> I have used the original skirt yoke for the trouser yoke, and added an inseam pocket for cards and cellphones to fit into. There is an chunky exposed side zipper to add to the grunge look. Really happy with how they turned out!
As to the leather vest, the lace has finally arrived, so i have managed to get a bit further along with it. Still a way to go, and certainly pretty tricky! Will update once i am back sewing.Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-23668568089270834852015-01-23T15:32:00.000+13:002015-02-20T12:28:45.963+13:00Oversew Fashion Awards entry - progressI have come to a halt with the leather vest, as i am waiting for some black venise lace to arrive from ebay. This is what it looks like at present: <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gnFNUYxAwA/VMGxJQo90FI/AAAAAAAAU9w/QbmHkWgDQ8Y/s1600/IMG_0731.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gnFNUYxAwA/VMGxJQo90FI/AAAAAAAAU9w/QbmHkWgDQ8Y/s320/IMG_0731.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4oliazUpTH8/VMGxK7_P3NI/AAAAAAAAU90/-6GKzRkTUZQ/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4oliazUpTH8/VMGxK7_P3NI/AAAAAAAAU90/-6GKzRkTUZQ/s320/IMG_0732.JPG" /></a> I have placed darts in the bust area to get rid of the gape, and resewn the front to get rid of the stud closures. I am playing around with the old collar, and still trying to work out how to incorporate lace into the design, other than as the sleeves. It looks a bit baggy as i can't pin it properly being leather!
So anyway today i tackled the spats - or gators or whatever they are called. After going over my pinterest boards, i finally came up with a method - very simply - wrap fabric around my leg and draw a line down the centre back and centre front, then cut and sew and adjust until a nice shape eventually appears. It seems to be working so far. So tonight i cut out the sample spats pattern in some tartan i have had forever. I am sewing a centre front leg seam and they will lace up with eyelets along the centre back leg seam. I am thinking i will make them from the leather jacket sleeves, and add lace here and there to go with the theme for the show. So here are some pictures of the pattern i came up with, and the cut pieces ready to stitch.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AWoEfPrRNE/VMGxpD5FEJI/AAAAAAAAU-A/eROEcWN98rA/s1600/IMG_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AWoEfPrRNE/VMGxpD5FEJI/AAAAAAAAU-A/eROEcWN98rA/s320/IMG_0724.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecqrymsYq5o/VMGxrCUrntI/AAAAAAAAU-I/b1SaVijd3jA/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecqrymsYq5o/VMGxrCUrntI/AAAAAAAAU-I/b1SaVijd3jA/s320/IMG_0725.JPG" /></a> And here is one sample spat all done with a touch of lace. Fits quite well, Yay! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tso7SJKkSQ8/VMGyRtR86NI/AAAAAAAAU-Q/x50Cz1PXl8I/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tso7SJKkSQ8/VMGyRtR86NI/AAAAAAAAU-Q/x50Cz1PXl8I/s320/IMG_0727.JPG" /></a>
Oh, and i have finished the celtic cross patch for the back of the vest. My next big challenge will be to come up with a pants design which works for the tartan fabric from the skirt...So thats all for now - and with 11 weeks to finish it i think i am on target!
Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-5652239665078750832015-01-16T16:25:00.000+13:002015-02-20T12:29:41.261+13:002015 fashion show fun!It's 2015. And already I have managed to enter 2 fashion shows. The inagural Timaru Sewing Centre Fashion Show is on the 25th of March, and i have entered the eveningwear section, with a race day type outfit. This is actually a dress i adapted from the craftsy couture dressmaking tutorial i did last year. Only have the hem and exposed zip to go then finished the dress. (Sorry about the lack of photo progress for this project). I am thinking of making a fascinator to match.
Next comes the Oversew Fashion Awards, in May 2015, in Carterton. I think this is their third or fourth show, and i am entering the Luxurious Leather and Lace section. Following are some of my original garments i will be upcycling for this challenge. Loving the hideous padded shouldered leather jacket - $3 at the opshop. (Actually i worked out the shoulder pads are brilliant to pad out my mannequin, so susie has gone up a few cup sizes and become more hourglass at the hips!) Thetartan skirt is one i made with my mum when i was about 15. The theme is old to new so i am looking at current trends, and have gone with the gothic/punk trend emerging. Perfect for tartan and leather.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ7UqxrAIVI/VLh-k9Vh3nI/AAAAAAAAUKY/LNvUluADT3I/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ7UqxrAIVI/VLh-k9Vh3nI/AAAAAAAAUKY/LNvUluADT3I/s320/IMG_0337.JPG" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c5hGBUzCfOM/VLh-prpi81I/AAAAAAAAUKk/OhCvwO4zMCw/s1600/IMG_0341.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c5hGBUzCfOM/VLh-prpi81I/AAAAAAAAUKk/OhCvwO4zMCw/s320/IMG_0341.JPG" /></a> At the moment i am working on a vest with an asymmetrical zip with the leather jacket, and some fitted tartan trousers with the tartan skirt...Here is my rather bizzare looking toile (sample) as i was finding it really hard to pin the leather to fit it properly<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjfVJUrarNw/VLh_vholunI/AAAAAAAAUNo/NEi1AxQ66As/s1600/IMG_0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjfVJUrarNw/VLh_vholunI/AAAAAAAAUNo/NEi1AxQ66As/s320/IMG_0720.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmd7-fIpmWw/VLh_yzzwL-I/AAAAAAAAUNw/xRyd7wzmrQc/s1600/IMG_0721.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmd7-fIpmWw/VLh_yzzwL-I/AAAAAAAAUNw/xRyd7wzmrQc/s320/IMG_0721.JPG" /></a>
The armhole is proving to be tricky, as it is so big! Maybe inserts will be needed. Incorporating the lace is challenging me too. I have found my old button cross i made for a jacket when i was at Fashion School, and decided to trim that with lace and add it to the back of the vest. Looks pretty good. How to attach it will be the next challenge, as it is quite heavy!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lu2O3sk4IFI/VLiBWhp9pZI/AAAAAAAAUSE/o18Y5VoKKH0/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lu2O3sk4IFI/VLiBWhp9pZI/AAAAAAAAUSE/o18Y5VoKKH0/s320/IMG_0723.JPG" /></a>
I am looking at making short petal style sleeves for the vest out of lace too. So thats the progress so far - will have a pic of the race day dress in my next ramble...Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-87493645310174872212014-12-28T18:47:00.005+13:002014-12-28T19:17:14.862+13:00Mindful Craft
A light bulb moment recently got me mulling over the concept of mindful crafting. So as I reviewed my list of 14 Craft Projects for 2014, it struck me that perhaps this was not quite the best way to go about it. Because I have discovered the art of mindfulness. Being present. Not past wallowing or future worrying, but present existing. Sounded easy enough, but putting it into practice has been akin to breaking a lifelong habit. However, very slowly it is permeating my world. Enjoy the moment. It sounds so glib. Like one of those shallow quotes floating around the twittisphere, or taking up space on Facebook. So much of my creative time has been about the finish line - out of necessity when I ran my own business and studied fashion design. So how to get back to enjoying creativity for what it is.
Way back when I was a child, something attracted me to creating and craft. Was it the steady, soothing sound of mum’s Elna sewing our clothes, or the Agee jar filled with 3 generations of buttons to sort and play with on rainy days? Maybe it was the smell of the local fabric shop, and the tactile pleasures of its velvet, silks and satins? Or the visual symphony of prints, patterns and colours splashed over fabrics? It’s about getting back to the simple pleasures of creating. And reconnecting with living in the present moment of creativity.
So maybe quantity is not so important as quality. My creative time has gone from a run to more of an amble. The finish line can wait. I am going to enjoy the scenery along the way. And stop to smell the roses – or in my case sort the buttons in the Agee jar!*
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*this column is featured in the latest issue of Hazed Magazine - here is the facebook page to find out where Hazed is stocked... https://www.facebook.com/thehazedcollective?fref=ts
The above pics are part of my "Cushy Little Number" tutorial which i had so much fun putting together (with my very talented Stylist and friend Dawn Gatenby)
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7kTFYE5IGw/VJ-gSUNypbI/AAAAAAAATsQ/tcM8DRpe-b4/s1600/IMG_9617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7kTFYE5IGw/VJ-gSUNypbI/AAAAAAAATsQ/tcM8DRpe-b4/s320/IMG_9617.JPG" /></a></div>Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-4312427380713702602014-11-17T13:18:00.000+13:002014-11-17T13:18:06.483+13:00O for awesome in OamaruHaving started feeling reasonably ambivilant to going down to Oamaru Heritage Week for the long weekend, I finished our getaway with fresh inspiration and a head somewhat distracted by design possibilities. Work/home/life in general has had more than its fair share of stress lately, so going away seemed like just another thing to get through. However leaving Christchurch gave me the opportunity to leave my worries behind as well. And just enjoy myself - have some much needed family time and fun. Andy was in the demonstration team for Bike Polo (which came about in the late Victorian era by the way) - who would have thought?!?!? Except back then they played on rather unforgiving bikes on grass. Its a bit more technical these days. Anyhow, I have taken some pics of my experience of some of the Victorian themed Heritage week. Interspursed are some rather exciting Steampunk costumes - Oamaru being the Steampunk Capital of NZ - that celebration happens in June each year, so that will definetly be on the cards for a visit!
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However back to the matter at hand - creativity. I have been journalling about family/work/life balance lately...and mulling over my time management. Where do I invest my energy? Most of it goes to my family - which is pretty reasonable at this stage of life. The rest of my emotional output mostly gets sucked up by my youth work job. Which is ok most of the time, and really hard some of the time. When the ‘some of the time’ hits I have to manage myself more carefully - get more sleep, say no to extra stuff, and somehow find time to recharge. A delicate balance - one that i am still working out how to achieve. And somewhere in all of this lies my creativity.
It also became apparent in journalling that creativity is woven into my day to day life - baking, cooking dinner, family walks on the beach, doing crafts with my daughter, playing lego with my son, choosing colour schemes for the house, photography, and coming up with creative ways to teach young people about emotional coping skills, and negotiating the sometimes rocky journey of adolescence. It was also apparent that most of this creativity involves giving to others. Which is a pleasure most of the time - and really hard some of the time.
And that is another reason I came up with my list. Having some more tangible goals to work towards that are mainly focussed on doing something creative just for me feels slightly selfish. Which probably comes from being a mum for the past 9 years and getting so used to giving out more than I get back. But I need to keep reminding myself that it’s actually self-care. A phrase that can be quite foreign in the world of parenting young children, and in our somewhat hectic schedules of life and work in general. Furthermore, if creating just for pleasure, and just for me, helps boost my emotional reserves - it will actually result in more capacity to creatively give to those around me.
So will 2014 be the year of 14 creative endeavours? That remains to be seen. One thing 2014 is already becoming is a year of being more mindful of where my creative energy is being focussed, and what i am doing (or not doing) to boost my emotional reserves.Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-51682380819304681702014-06-01T16:25:00.001+12:002014-06-01T16:27:35.845+12:00Hazed Magazine have you checked out the treasure hunt that has just started over at Hazel loves design? Its pretty awesome - up to $1500 worth of handmade loveliness, including one of my custom designed ring bearer cushions, for your big day (or someone you know who is getting married)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My up cycled ring bearers cushion featuring beautiful rings <br />by Julia @ Relique</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a photoshoot at my mum's gorgeous villa<br /></td></tr>
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So, if you want to take part, follow this link to Hazel Loves Design, and get hunting!<div>
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:) J</div>
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ps - my tutorial will be featured on the blog too, if you are interested in making one of these lovely cushions!</div>
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Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-40092096855436721282014-03-10T12:15:00.002+13:002014-03-10T12:15:32.267+13:00thinking outside the wardrobe doorRenovating is underway alongside our earthquake repairs, and finally after 10 yrs our bedroom is being redecorated. My ugly old wardrobe is now lying on our back lawn. Hubby asked about a headboard, which got me thinking along the upcycling lines. And that's where the wardrobe doors came into it. Perfect size for a headboard - old rimu with lots of character. Now to find some fabric - not just ordinary fabric - it had to deal with oily hubby hair and be washable. Which led to oil cloth, and Femme de Broncante - OH what a LOVELY place. Full of french provincial mixed with splashs of shabby chic...so inspiring!!!!<br />
So i ended up with the seafoam polkadot oilcloth, and a pot of Annie Sloan old white chalk paint. ( which i will use to paint the dressers i got from trademe too)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ugly old headboard lying next to my rimu wardrobe door</td></tr>
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Firstly to sand down the wardrobe door, pull the nails out and take the backing off. Next I cut up an old foam bed topper to fit in the frame so the oilcloth is nicely padded. This gets glued to the backing board.While that is drying, time to paint the frame. I started with Dulux D'Urville Island (my fav aqua paint) as the base, then applied old white chalk paint over the top and rubbed it back slightly for effect. I then applied the Annie Sloan clear wax over the top to finish.<br />
Now for the tricky bit - attaching the oil cloth to the frame with enough give in it to sit nicely over the padding, between the frame and the backing board. I used a staple gun for this step. <br />
Now to put it all together - I popped the painted 'frame' over the covered foam and squashed it down onto the backing board. I used small nails and hammered them through from the back to secure the backing board to the frame. All done!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dViAQrm2FQ/UxzzTTpSeQI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/hpTBg2ia-t8/s1600/renovating+2014+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dViAQrm2FQ/UxzzTTpSeQI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/hpTBg2ia-t8/s1600/renovating+2014+002.jpg" height="231" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My upcycled wardrobe door headboard. Walls are in Resene Moonbeam</td></tr>
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All that is left is to find some other bit of wardrobe framing to make legs to attach the headboard to the bed. (I also made some yummy linen curtains with fabric from Femme De Brocante - you can find their delicious shop here: http://www.fdb.co.nz/) Will post a pic once the room is all finished...EXCITING!!!!<br />
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<br />Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-84296271645092506472013-12-02T13:20:00.000+13:002015-02-20T12:29:41.265+13:00Kia Ora, Bula Vanaka, Talofa! Cafe 53 is opening this weekI am rather excited. I work 20 hrs a wk for a youth trust in Aranui. After 6yrs, they have finally got their community cafe off the ground. This week it is open. I thought it might be nice to add a splash of colour to the brand new leather couches..Cushions. From a mix of new fabric and some upcycled mens shirts...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju_LrDiw6kY/UpvP46uGi7I/AAAAAAAACyU/l5XGIFKjqeQ/s1600/current+creations+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju_LrDiw6kY/UpvP46uGi7I/AAAAAAAACyU/l5XGIFKjqeQ/s320/current+creations+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of colour with an aotearoa/pasifika feel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RVHmCLUcCkM/UpvQGhuyqSI/AAAAAAAACyk/LtbIZ2mrfik/s1600/current+creations+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RVHmCLUcCkM/UpvQGhuyqSI/AAAAAAAACyk/LtbIZ2mrfik/s320/current+creations+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">man's shirt to cushion - and no need for a zip! yipeee!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-991w7hUwdqU/UpvQ63JxlSI/AAAAAAAACys/2dUKdRH-xKw/s1600/current+creations+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-991w7hUwdqU/UpvQ63JxlSI/AAAAAAAACys/2dUKdRH-xKw/s320/current+creations+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The green cushion has a white shirt backing complete with pocket!</td></tr>
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So there you have it - so easy and quick - and no need to insert a fiddley zip - just use the buttons on the front as the opening. So why not freshen up your decor with a burst of summery fun - find some XL sized shirts and get sewing! :) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-47082039958997984972013-11-24T13:29:00.000+13:002014-03-10T12:32:41.280+13:00excuse me mister....i have a bit of a thing for ties...I had over 200 up until 2yrs ago, when i had to make some room for fashion school study to happen in my sewing room...But i did manage to make quite a few bags...Here are some of them<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gm72T129yl8/Un8iSRRpvSI/AAAAAAAACxs/scQ7JtOpKGw/s1600/all+tied+up+bag+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gm72T129yl8/Un8iSRRpvSI/AAAAAAAACxs/scQ7JtOpKGw/s320/all+tied+up+bag+front.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my blue toned 'all tied up' bag</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FsHJksB_uu4/Uxz4nX_NuSI/AAAAAAAAC0g/m62LcAZcYJU/s1600/upcycled+tie+headband2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FsHJksB_uu4/Uxz4nX_NuSI/AAAAAAAAC0g/m62LcAZcYJU/s1600/upcycled+tie+headband2.jpg" height="320" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">upcycled tie headband</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zscKFi4hf9E/Uxz480DSS6I/AAAAAAAAC0o/hwoCyeRrid8/s1600/some+of+my+tie+bags+ready+to+sell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zscKFi4hf9E/Uxz480DSS6I/AAAAAAAAC0o/hwoCyeRrid8/s1600/some+of+my+tie+bags+ready+to+sell.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some of my tie bags ready to sell</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYQDtGVn1j0/Uxz4_KDrofI/AAAAAAAAC0w/plAX05k9XKM/s1600/tie+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYQDtGVn1j0/Uxz4_KDrofI/AAAAAAAAC0w/plAX05k9XKM/s1600/tie+bag.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this one was entered in the Trade Aid upcycled competition</td></tr>
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And now, after a bit of a break, I have started looking at ties again - not that i will ever get back to the 200 mark!!!! Only 5 at present! This gorgeously cheesy one I collected for a christmas decoration, for the frock stars christmas challenge...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v53nmG9Hovg/Un8ksHC3-CI/AAAAAAAACx8/9DIGuVSa14M/s1600/tie+comp+2013+001+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v53nmG9Hovg/Un8ksHC3-CI/AAAAAAAACx8/9DIGuVSa14M/s320/tie+comp+2013+001+(3).jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ooohhh, how christmasy!!!!</td></tr>
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And I ended up making a hanging ornament of a christmas tree - with a paisley purple and green tie...Just made 7 so yo-yo's and stitched them together in order from smallest to largest and there you have it - a cute wee tree! I added some ribbon and beads from my stash, and stitched a vintage clip on earring to the top for the star...So many possibilities with this project...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mglqDqrnGa0/Uxz3wax_yiI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/ATu6iNzXaqo/s1600/current+creations+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mglqDqrnGa0/Uxz3wax_yiI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/ATu6iNzXaqo/s1600/current+creations+012.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my sideways pic of my christmas tree decoration...</td></tr>
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Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-33375098701810223512013-11-10T18:02:00.001+13:002013-11-10T18:03:48.466+13:00canvas creationsthe kids and i dragged out the paints, dusted them off, and created up a storm. Here is what we came up with:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6JBcCkg0NQ/Un8Q99CoFRI/AAAAAAAACxY/LGjK1CP_dq8/s1600/sep+workshops+2013+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S6JBcCkg0NQ/Un8Q99CoFRI/AAAAAAAACxY/LGjK1CP_dq8/s320/sep+workshops+2013+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is my work in progress - mixed media with doilies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D4bFA0pJXnk/Un8Q8KZPo6I/AAAAAAAACxQ/neL9nxguDBQ/s1600/sep+workshops+2013+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D4bFA0pJXnk/Un8Q8KZPo6I/AAAAAAAACxQ/neL9nxguDBQ/s320/sep+workshops+2013+012.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarn did this one, and decided he wanted to add a message</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCP18RccGUo/Un8Q9FoyZJI/AAAAAAAACxM/ze0ELDDgRRU/s1600/sep+workshops+2013+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCP18RccGUo/Un8Q9FoyZJI/AAAAAAAACxM/ze0ELDDgRRU/s320/sep+workshops+2013+011.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gracie's flower with detail from my jewellery stash</td></tr>
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Fun! my challenge was to not try and step in too much and just let the kids be creative how they wanted to...Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083351945688745095.post-54332338776413031662013-11-08T22:43:00.002+13:002013-11-10T18:14:34.754+13:0010 years young!and i'm not sure how we stayed sane packing in all that we have....but I wouldn't swap it for the world! So blessed to have 2 adorable tamariki and a wonderful husband to share life's ups and downs...<br />
So we are off to the movies and out to dinner for Mexican to celebrate, whilst the kiddies are having a sleepover at Grannie and Grandads...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtZeA8K1dck/UnyvDMBcR5I/AAAAAAAACuY/ZjfRgkQN6W8/s1600/wedding3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtZeA8K1dck/UnyvDMBcR5I/AAAAAAAACuY/ZjfRgkQN6W8/s1600/wedding3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never did like wearing white, so i went with bronze...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0RkGlGLaMHk/Unyu-PSfg0I/AAAAAAAACuQ/eiE_d8VGSq0/s1600/weddingcow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0RkGlGLaMHk/Unyu-PSfg0I/AAAAAAAACuQ/eiE_d8VGSq0/s1600/weddingcow.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cows behaving themselves for this shot</td></tr>
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And here are some of the pics from our gloriously happy day at Mt Hutt Retreat, just 10 short years ago...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn2ebjeJTCs/UnyvDByP76I/AAAAAAAACug/NWzPBS4SIYQ/s1600/weddingcow1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn2ebjeJTCs/UnyvDByP76I/AAAAAAAACug/NWzPBS4SIYQ/s1600/weddingcow1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ummm....what can i say?!?!?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-264gNoR51IQ/UnyvDH1gGmI/AAAAAAAACuc/LkGo6oRdvSA/s1600/wedding2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-264gNoR51IQ/UnyvDH1gGmI/AAAAAAAACuc/LkGo6oRdvSA/s1600/wedding2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rakaia river bed with clouds gathering in the distance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXLWG8E5J2c/UnyvE8kyJfI/AAAAAAAACuw/PxnpQmXg46I/s1600/wedding4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXLWG8E5J2c/UnyvE8kyJfI/AAAAAAAACuw/PxnpQmXg46I/s1600/wedding4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some of our friends and whanau sending happy thoughts our way</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWYLwyAv_EY/UnyvI0ZITZI/AAAAAAAACu8/ttRkqKE3mdU/s1600/wedding1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWYLwyAv_EY/UnyvI0ZITZI/AAAAAAAACu8/ttRkqKE3mdU/s1600/wedding1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful spot looking up to mt hutt for our ceremony</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_lOFb9pa6s/UnyvItMmK7I/AAAAAAAACu4/U2O9ODZ3zAc/s1600/Wedding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_lOFb9pa6s/UnyvItMmK7I/AAAAAAAACu4/U2O9ODZ3zAc/s1600/Wedding.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 little forest faeries friends..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbGjWfdnHt0/Uny7slSA6FI/AAAAAAAACwQ/5DtvlwgFHlo/s1600/DSCF1125(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbGjWfdnHt0/Uny7slSA6FI/AAAAAAAACwQ/5DtvlwgFHlo/s320/DSCF1125(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the start of our journey as Mrs and Mr!</td></tr>
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Awesome to look back 10yrs...Had so much fun creating my wedding dress and the forest faerie outfits. A perfect, fun filled day - and now 10 crazy, adventurous, challenging, fufilling years on with 2 beautiful, amazing kids along for the ride....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0pUfx28mTc/UnyzL4g6eAI/AAAAAAAACvU/sPGn7SNHFPE/s1600/2013guyfawkes128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0pUfx28mTc/UnyzL4g6eAI/AAAAAAAACvU/sPGn7SNHFPE/s320/2013guyfawkes128.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a random pic of fireworks at the pier this week...</td></tr>
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<br />Justine @ redflaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08187537444586040153noreply@blogger.com0