Anna, Anna, Vogue, remake retro

After launching myself into Me Made May 2014 (#MMM14) without much thought or review of my hand made wardrobe, I fared much better than expected with a rather successful 30/31 days. One day off for feeling icky, and that was before I’d made the pj pants. Well done, I say!

Self drafted and screen printed skirt, vogue, remake skirt, skirt I made 14 years ago

One of the things I really enjoyed was trying out some new patterns, plus Sew Indie Month has just started for June so I may have unintentionally progressed towards this months challenge, but suspect I won’t really make the dead lines. My favourites were the Coco dress by Tilly and the Buttons (I now have 3) and the Belcarra Blouse from Sewaholic. I’ve just deconstructed my favourite a-line skirt made from 1920’s silk that I made 15 years a go but no longer fits. I’ve done some quick calculations and with a contrast sleeve, it shall refashioned into a blouse. I love the word blouse. “I wore a blouse today.” So much fancier than wearing a shirt or a top. Blouse. Going to add that to my list of favourite words, including allure and homoglebin (the last is a word I made up accidentally when talking to a paediatrician in hospital and I said it with such confidence that it was a few minutes before we figured out I had in fact meant haemoglobin. I’m sure it could be added to the medical dictionary).  ButI digress….

Cambie, Lady Skater, Skirt made 14 years ago, self drafted skirt from vintage dress

Also the sewing community on instagram which I mentioned in last weeks post. Getting acknowledgement/recognition/affirmation of ones sewing skills on IG is very interactive, doesn’t take a huge amount of effort like signing in or adding your details for commenting, and is so much better than just seeing the stats behind the scenes on your blog that are just numbers without faces. Not that I don’t want people reading my blog, of course I do! It’s just there is a certain level of anonymity there. Although I know when my bestie in Berlin reads my blog, because the stats say “1 view Germany”. Love it.

Lady Skater, Anna, Anna, Lady Skater

What I really didn’t enjoy was the self portraits required each morning (selfies sounds too Paris Hilton for my liking…..). Every morning between organising breakfast, seeing to lunches, doing an underpants audit (seriously, B2 is notorious for trying to go to school sans underpants. Don’t ask…) and trying to put on lipstick so I don’t look like a corpse and then trying to avoid the double chin. So difficult. But, needs must as Sylvie would say. I do admit to having Bruce take some photo’s on the last day because it was Saturday. However due to a number of unfortunate external factors, including respective moods, I rejected them and took one last snap in the mirror. Nostalgia and all. Plus my creepy doll got in on the action. She was part of the experience. There was also a bear bum photobombing below if you look carefully. Not it’s best angle…..

Anna, Belcarra, Parjie crotchet, Belcarra

So, it was a happy #MMM14. I’ve had some lovely comments on my outfits and the only real gap I’ve identified in my wardrobe is a need for more black opaque tights. Lots of them. Saving up to go to Wolford.

Coco, self drafted skirt and screen print t, french lace Anna, Lady Skater

Next week I’m going to share some of my sewing tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the past 15 years of sewing. Some you might know, some I’ve only recently discovered in the last couple of months and then wondered how ever did I survive without knowing them before.

Coco, Vogue, self drafted skirt, self knitted top

Here’s to happy sewing days.

Self drafted pi’s, vogue with spesh dying, indigo dyed scarf, vintage Anna.

Curtsey.

Pips.

PS if you have any of your own super sewing tips, leave a comment and I’ll be sure to include them in next weeks post and link them back to you.

Things.

I love things.

Not in a “must have everything new, on trend, everyone has it so I must”, capitalist/materialistic kind of way.

In a collective, considered and all things beautiful way. And by beautiful, I don’t mean perfect. I don’t much like perfect. I like quirks and oddness and individuality, even if it is a design feature covering up a small mishap. The sewists will know what I mean by that one…. Thank you to the lovely Pip Lincoln from Meet Me at Mikes for giving me the opportunity to share with you some of the things that I love and adore, and more often than not collect! On a serious note, I’m not afraid of a little hip and shoulder action to get to that vintage fabric first. But that was just once. And she was younger than me. So all forgiven. And I nabbed it. Score!

So here are some things in no particular order.

Sewing with indie sewing patterns. There is a list put together for Sew Indie Month which is happening for the month of June that details a number of indie sewing patterns. The internets has provided great opportunity for smaller businesses to make their patterns available. Perhaps one day I might have the chance too.  The ones I’m currently working on at the moment are:

• Sewaholic
• By Hand London
• Kitschycoo
• Tilly and the Buttons
• A Piece of Cloth (for vintage fabric purchase, not related to actual patterns but I sew with many of their fabrics.)

Indie pattern love!

The sewing community on Instagram. Since participating in Me Made May where I have worn something each day made by my own hands, I have been introduced to such a lovely group of women (plus an odd male body builder follower, but he hasn’t bothered me so I’ll just leave him there).  Seeing what everyone is wearing, the lovely comments, the inspiration. It’s so gorgeous and interactive. And doesn’t at all feel facebooky, or odd, or negative in any sense. Or narcissistic. Yet.  So fingers crossed! You can follow me @magdalenesmuse. I also take photos of my kitten and tea cups. Just in case frocks aren’t your thing.

an illustration of my instagram feed

Flowers. See this blog post for the low down, in particular the spectacular bathroom. Not a nana flower in sight.

Sad and disturbing movies (Margot, We Need to Talk About Kevin, Iris, Blue Velvet, Les Miserables,  just to name a few that have left me sobbing). I also like a happy-make-feel-good film, but when I come out feeling as though nothing in the world is right and there is barely any point to going on, it just makes it that little extra special. I’m banned from making movie choices for my birthday though. My friends had questions as to why I would choose We Need to Talk About Kevin as a birthday film. My birthday, my choice. And I loved it.

TV series that most people wouldn’t pick me as watching.

• Breaking bad
• Hannibal
• Dexter
• Game of Thrones
• Battlestar Galactica
• Walking Dead
• Deadwood
• The Blacklist (James Spader, sigh…..)
• American Horror Story
• The Fall

Then there are some of the more predictable:

• Lost Girl
• Anything Joss Wheadon
• Xena
• Fraggle Rock (cue crazy waving arms)
• Miranda (best british comedy ever)
• The Green Wing (If only Mac was available)
• Black Books
• Haven. This show is so bad, it’s good. In a I don’t normally admit to watching it kind of way.
• Futurama (not really a big fan, however my boss at the time got us the box set for our wedding, more for Bruce than me I suspect. I’ve seen each episode at least twice, and do a good impression of Zoidburg: as  “a feast is a feast!”).

Autumn. Why bother with Winter, Spring, Summer when you can have Autumn. As evidenced by Autumnal Wedding at the National Rhododendron Gardens in Sassafras on mine and Bruce’s wedding day 10 years ago. Perfection.

Boo and Boo (chick of honour and bridal chick)

Bruce can not show his face on internets, dentist style and shy.

Books and reading. Can’t go wrong there. Unless your reading Mills and Boon just so you can discuss characters and plot development with your Nana so you have something in common. That was, I have to admit, not my favourite genre and I did it for love, not literary pursuit.

the night stand art deco desk

Vintage teacups and dinner sets. I’m now always scouring the local op shops for pretty china that is not only suitable for cake, but for messy spaghetti and nachos as well. As long as it is pretty and not beige beige beige, I’m happy.

my collection

Thanks for reading, and if you have any suggestions, do let me know in the comments. I’m always curious about discovering new things.

Curtsey

Pips xxx

PS I  do also adore Bruce, B1 and  B2 plus Panda Wine. And maybe I was being a little materialistic in my musings.

Oh, and I love fishing, but without bait so I can ensure I won’t catch anything but seaweed. I don’t want to see a poor fishy hanging off the end of my line. I do love the sea, and the sitting, and the purpose of holding a rod with people assuming you are there for the fish, but you know you are there for the peace.

 I, Pips of A Girl in a Teacup, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May ’14. I endeavour to wear one item of handmade clothing 5 days a week for the duration of May 2014.

On a whim yesterday, I decided to joint Me Made May 2014. Surprise for me!

You can follow outfit posts on instagram, @magdalenesmuse or just click on the little camera to your left.

Day 2 and I’m very excited. Although I may have to whip up a frock or two to see me though the end of the month. Expect to see a few repeats of the same dress. When I find a good pattern, I’m loyal to it. Apparently  I’m also committed to serious face…. And why is Joanne my doll lying discarded in the background? I think B1 had been waltzing with her yesterday.Curtsey, and happy weekend.

Pips xxx

Tash, Pips and Parjie

Many years ago (that would be roughly 8) I had this gorgeous idea that I’d have two little munchkins, a gloriously tidy house that smelt forever of baked goods, a well-behaved kitten (who didn’t wee when she got excited…) and time. Yes time. (Bruce was already in the pic and continues to be. Huzzah!)

As it turns out, I have two little munchkins. It’s a start.

In this little fantasy of mine, I also had lunch dates with my lady friends. Weekly. We would hang out, laugh, have glass of wine, solve the world’s problems with kindness and partake in food that didn’t involve hidden vegetables (which the dear readers who are also mums would be familiar with). And of course, be frocked up, with limited risk (note the limited) of someone throwing food at you.

Four months in the planning and we made it! It turns out that ideas that emerge from a drunken think-tank on Christmas day whilst sprawled on the floor can come to fruition!

Clyde Park (as demonstrated on the sign…)

I’ve been wanting to visit Clyde Park at Bannockburn for some time, and it made for a perfect luncheon. Rolling hills, stunning food and delish wine, it was indeed splendid. Finally I was lunching with my lady friends, taking in the lady views, drinking lady wine and frolicking in a lady vegetable garden. Ladies, I am indeed committed to lunching. Invites welcome!

The dress itself was a pleasure to sew. Designed for the lady who is smaller up the top and hippy down the bottom, it fits perfectly *. And check out the inside finish. I could get away with wearing this dress inside out. Thank you Tasia from Sewaholic for making such a lunch appropriate dress pattern**.

Curtsey to all the ladies

Pips xxx

the grey whizzer

PS. Oh my goodness, Panda Wine seriously… just… whizzed somewhere she was not meant to whizz. While I was writing this. Un.Freaking.Believable.

* I was once told by a modelling agency that I had a size 10 waist but UNMISTAKABLY size 12 hips, and I was all like, “Hey, thank you so much for letting me know! If it wasn’t for you and a GP who told me when I was 12 that I have child bearing hips (I kid you not! He also advised me when I was 14 that if I wanted to solve my lady issues I should have a baby. Just for the record when I did have babies at age 32 IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM!) I would be walking around thinking I just might be a perfect standardised dress size based on a minute selection of the female population that conform to the glossy mags idea of beauty and who looks really hungry. Lucky you let me know. I would have been delusional for the rest of my life. (end rant)

** I also ended up doing some runway shows for Melbourne Fashion week, some indie magazine spreads and was a poster girl for a couture bridal designer in Melbourne. Take that modelling agency!

Dress Pattern: Cambie by Sewaholic

Fabric: Liberty from fabric.com

Tights: Wolford

Shoes: Camper

Wine: Clyde Park Locale chardonay

matchy matchy!

I’m a little bit at a loss for words this week. Busy with life, the universe and everything… it’s been one challenge after another, but in the end I remain committed to the following, ever relevant  and always sage advice: “don’t panic”!

I haven’t made a shirt since year 10 at high school when I was the proud maker of a floral chambray number that became a short lived staple in my double denim wardrobe of the the early 90s. On reflection, there may have been a triple denim ensemble (comprising skirt, shirt, jacket and poodle hair) that took my school by surprise on casual dress day and leaves me scarred for life just knowing I did it.

love my bricks

Atoning for the triple denim is my floral liberty shirt using the Papercut Pattern, Meissa shirt.The pattern was a gift from Mama and Papa for christmas, and after purchasing several lengths of vintage fabric that were an itsy bitsy too small, I gave up and just cut into my Liberty. My love of Liberty is just as strong as my love of linen.

I love the finish of the collar and the button placement. Two by two buttons is a new favourite . It’s so cute. Next time I will cut the sleeves a little longer (those orangunana arms just keep going) and give a little more shape through the sides. I like my clothes a little more fitted, as waist definition is a better silhouette for me than the free flowing, instantly makes me look pregnant (not that there’s anything wrong with that)  style. And matchy match head band. Awesome!

the deets

I also loved the way the outfit came together, thank you restless night for keeping me awake at 2am and the need to catalogue potential outfits as a way to distract myself from the fact that I’m still awake. Cardi was made by Mama using the pattern Audrey In Unst, skirt is thrifted and the shirt is made by me, fitting in perfectly with my year of ethical fashion.

Next on the list is another dress. Old habits die hard…

Curtsy and good day.

Pips x

Adelaide was quite the unexpected surprise. After purchasing ticks to NIN/QOTSA in November, last minute accommodation was booked and T and I developed a tight schedule that went something like this:

• arrive
• hunt and gather schnacks
• have a glass of vino
• nana nap
• dinner
• bed

And then repeat with the concert thrown in. I’d give us 9.36 out of 10 for adhering to said schedule. It worked rather well.

I did manage to get a few shots of Adelaide during the hunter/gatherer stage. Adelaide was mid Mad March festival so there was a nice vibe and some rather lovely buskers. The mall was crazy busy with construction work, festivities and the general riff-raff, but we managed to find a couple of gems in the arcades. Button world, you made my day!

random bronze pig

There was also books. Wait for it. On a stick. Now, Bruce is a big fan of meat on a stick. He is also a lover of literature. Combine two of his favourite things, and you get books on a stick. Luckily, no good books were harmed during the construction of this installation. I’m sure readers digest and Jackie Collins wouldn’t mind being sacrificed for art and taking one for the literary team.

Books. On a stick.

After bumping into an American who was completing the full NIN/QOTSA Aust/NZ tour (that’s what the military do when on leave, rock on bro!), I was so inspired that I managed to pick up tickets to the corresponding Saturday evening event in Melbourne. Cue squeal!

A quick call to sort out B1 and B2 supervision, then I proceeded to follow in the footsteps of the great American by attending 2 concerts in 3 nights. For those who know me this was not done lightly (fatigue issues anyone?), and for Bruce it meant trying to block the sound of my piercing screams from his left ear while NIN were on, and then protecting his immediate person from the ‘wide clap’ and druncken enthusiasm of the gentleman (?!) to his right. “YEAH! QUEENS OF THE F#&%ING STONE AGE!!!!!!!!!!!” with the stately response from several rows back “Ah yes….. Correct”.

NIN second time around.

So. After my escapades of goth/ rock chic adventure time, it’s time to settle back into routine and think about this season at the opera and the ballet. Hoping there will also be a good musical this year that I can venture to.

But Trent. You will always have a special place in my heart…. And the version of Reptile? I still have tingles. And Bruce is still waiting for his hearing to come back. So well done.

Mr Reznor

Curtsey.

Pips xxx

PS. Oh my gods. I’ve fallen for QOTSA!!!! I only knew 1 song (tks Triple JJJ hottest 100), and after listening to their album Like Clockwork post concert, loving it! Josh, you rock.

It really is no secret that I like like to frock up, for any given occasion. Work? Ah ha. Movies? Why yes please. Wedding? Oh my gods, so excited, what can I wear!!!!!

So when an event, such as attending a Nine Inch Nails concert that I have been wanting forever to see comes along, I’m can legitimately go all out, fly to Adelaide and get my quirky goth girl on. Even though I expected the uniform for the evening would be jeans and black t-shirt and surly faces (Oh the conformity!), I was determined to shine in Adelaide!

The dress. Oh, the dress… Another Pipsie creation from the Anna dress, By Hand London pattern. Hello thigh-high split!

And the boots. My, …the lace boots. I found these in England from House of Elliot, thank you inter webs. They are hand-made lace wedding boots that are lush, stylish, sexy and wait for it, … comfortable! *sigh; followed by love hearts*.

The veil was from Flortini Designs, which Tina hand made. It was perfect for the evening and added a touch of black widow glamour.

Tights from Wolford. Expensive, yes. However. For a tall lady such as myself, four-way stretch means that they stay were they are meant to and don’t end up down around the ankles, unless of course you want them to…. I’m sure some of you out there know what I mean!

The event itself?

It was like.

You know.

Totally.And then some.

SQUEAL! Ace. Awesome. All of those cutting edge words that reinforce the fact I’m just so emo right now. The Adelaide crowd was jeans/black t-shirt as expected, with the odd goth girl thrown in (four at final count) and a couple of punks. And I had a few people approach me to tell me my dress was pretty cool, which is always nice. Even more so amazing that I made it. *proud*.

And in true Pipsie style, with the grace of a baby giraffe on roller-skates, I tripped several times, continually caught my kitten heels in the pavement and managed to rip a hole in the front of my frock. All whilst concentrating on going up stairs, holding two drinks and smiling (as it does take an awful amount of concentration to be happy and smile and be emo all together). Luckily no bones were broken, I suffered a couple of bruises and just accepted the embarrassment which I consider a major win!

So. Fabulous night had. Amazing company (Tash, love you!), the Trent experience was *no words available in my current vocab* and Adelaide shone just as Tash and I did.

A tale of adventure overland will be sure to follow soon with more pics, so keep on high alert.

Graceful curtsey to you.

Pips xxx

PS. Does anyone know of a support day for goths that I could perhaps organise for work to allow me to frock up and not freak out my colleagues? Surely there must be something for raising awareness of how the ’emo’ can affect us all, and this needs to be a real issue that the community supports. Just joking. Or am I………..

Hello! And curtsey to all of the gorgeous people in internets land.

Today’s post is all about me disclosing a little bit about myself, in such a way that makes me seem much more witty and sophisticated than I actually am. Or am I…….

Thank you to the lovely Pip from Meet Me at Mikes.

So dust off that good china, pour a cup of earl grey (or a g’n’t if you are that way inclined, which I have occasionally been known to be, no judgement!) and snuggle up in the warm for a little read.

That who I am: I am a non conformist, sensitive, creative chick/lady/woman/hussy who has been known to fall out of her tea cup on the odd occasion due to various happenings in life and the odd existential crisis. I am a feminist (oh! said that one out loud!) who believes that everything should have been done yesterday (much to the annoyance of Bruce) and I work hard to be kind, and often shake my head and mutter “oh the humanity” to those who pass me by.

That which I adore: I love my family. Really. Like. Love them. I do actually love drinking tea. Melbourne breakfast or Early Grey are my brews of choice, and given the opportunity I would choose tea over most good bevies every day. I collect tea cups, both new and old and for a while used teacups as a currency of payment.  I love clothes. I love to dress up. I love expensive clothes, thrifted clothes, clothes made by moi, and clothes that no one else has. I’ve been know to wear vintage wedding frocks on christmas day, a tiara to work, and a 50’s frock to pick up the kids from school. I don’t hold back. And my kids are still young enough to humour me (Bruce, he puts up with it).

That which I make: Many, many things. So many things. If I had the time and the resources, I would make things all day. Some recent makes are pillow cases (made from scratch and screen printed), dress upon dress, pj’s for B1 and B2, hello kitty pj’s for me, 9 mts of bias binding on a 45 degree day in an un-airconditioned space that resulted in blistered fingers and some colourful language, quilts, cushions and so much more.

Liberty/Nine Inch Nails pillow case

That which I covet: Not much these days. More energy and stamina for life would be rather awesome. A holiday with my family. A celebration of our 10 year wedding anniversary with Bruce (new dress, goes without saying really….. note to self: start saving for lace now) and I would like a kitten who doesn’t want to wee on my doona. Panda Wine, a work in progress!

That which I read: I just finished reading The Tigers Wife by Tea-Obreht. It was beautiful. The Bloggess. She makes me laugh out loud. hyperbole and a half. The God of Cake. Snort worthy. Not that I really snort, because I am a lady after all…..

So that about wraps up a cup of tea with me. I hope you enjoyed a little peek into the vast mindlessness that is mine.

Pips xxx

PS. With the whole non-conformist attribute. I have been known to conform to norms once in a while in order to ensure that I was not conforming to my own non conformity by choosing to not conform for the sake of conformity. If that makes sense…..