CHA CHA CHA - the art of retro and vintage

I have told you once before about my very talented friend Megan (remember the great photography site!). Well, there is no end to Megan's creativity. When I visited her in London two years ago, I discovered that the living room of their very gorgeous Victorian semi was full of...yes you guessed it...STASH!! Fabric, lampshades, vintage retro finds. I think Megan's husband Hugh is a saint to be not even bothered by the loss of a room in the house to eye candy.

The purpose behind the stash (there always is one of course!) is Megan's online shop which sells the most unique and original retro and vintage finds, including lighting, furniture and clothing. Let me give you a little taste...

An original 1950's Lloyd Loom chair re-upholstered in original Alexander Girard fabric.  Is it not a thing of true beauty?

Megan sources original vintage fabric, and can upholster furniture and lampshades as request. Doesn't this just take you right back to the seventies?

The great thing about Megan's store is that she has taken the hard work out of sourcing vintage. She has a fantastic eye, and you can be guaranteed that anything she has chosen will have that stylish "kick".

I am the proud owner of a vintage wallpaper-covered scrapbook, and address book. Isn't this a great idea! Especially if you are not courageous enough to cover a whole wall in it!


Take a look at her shop and be inspired!

Pretty summer bags make things all better

Well, I did it! Yesterday I had hoped to improve my bad day with a project in the evening, but I ended up going to bed. This morning I woke up, the sun was shining and my Vanessa Christenson pattern was waiting for me in my inbox. What a great way to start the day! As soon as the kids were off to school, I cleared a space at the kitchen table and began.

I dug around in my scrap basket and found this gorgeous coarse weave fabric. Just enough!

Because it is an upholstery fabric, it has its own stiffness and didn't need interfacing.

Vanessa's pattern was incredibly easy to follow. I bought it in her shop, and I feel it was well worth $7. This bag was so easy to make, I am going to run up a few to keep for gifts (and hey, I may even sell some on Etsy!)

By 11am I had made the lining, the outer and the handle. Then I made a mistake, and sewed the lining together with the outer, with the handle on the wrong side. So I had to unpick it and fix!! Despite this little problem, I had finished the main bag by 12pm and just had the flower to do.

The bag is lovely without a flower, but it needs it to add that extra style...

I am thrilled with the result! The next one will be in creams. I reckon I will be able to make one in an hour now that I have the hang of it.

It certainly made me feel better about today - I have accomplished something...now for that sunshine.

TOAST

They're crazy expensive, but I think their clothes are simple enough to be a great inspiration for those brave enough to design, cut and sew their own dresses at home. Take a look at the new colours of the season at Toast.

A little taste of fashion while you have your morning coffee

DreaMiy the Picnic Girl: The Picnic Girl’s List: 2009 Fashion Favorite