grand designs

...well perhaps not grand designs but I'm feeling pretty chuffed after finishing the sample of the last design in my spring/summer collection. It's a floaty, ruffle-top, ribbon-strap pinafore called 'Edie Grace'.

I generally spend a long time mulling ideas over in my mind. 'Edie Grace' was inspired by a pretty dress I saw in a boutique in Paris on a trip just after Christmas with my Mum and sister-in-law.

Then I make a pattern (today I chose bright green card) using my existing designs as basic blocks to get the size right. Ideally every size and style should be in a different colour but the reality is a rainbow mish-mash hanging on a rail in my sewing room). I try and make samples as far as possible in cheaper cottons to avoid using up my precious stock of Liberty prints.

This is Mark One - too blocky with very little movement.


You then have to take the plunge and use the Liberty Tana Lawn because the flow and feel of the fabric transforms a design.

So here's Mark Two in Liberty Nina - but still not enough character.

When the mojo deserts you close the door on the sewing room - a lunch with friends proved the break I needed.

And here's Mark Three - I'm really pleased with this - it floats deliciously.

Look out for my next email newsletter for preview sample offers.

congratulations...

...to Lucy Pugh from Bristol who entered Daisy Green magazine's competition to win one of my handmade Liberty print 'Freya Bean' girls' blouses. Lucy chose this gorgeous Amber's Rose print for her little girl who's name is Amber!

Thanks to everyone who entered. And check out Daisy Green's excellent online mag for ethical & sustainable fashion & lifestyle features & reviews.

piggy wig wig

I just adore this little knitted pig that Just Herding Cats blogger Amanda Banham sent me that she's made from my offcuts. Piggy's sporting Liberty Tatam print ears. It just goes to show that you can put even the tiniest snippets of Liberty prints to good use.

You can buy Liberty print offcuts from my website in two, four or eight ounce bags.

tilly toadstool in bella luella

Our lovely friends have just sent photos of my little god-daughter Tilly (aka Tilly Toadstool or Tilly Teaspoon) wearing the 'Bella Luella' puff sleeve baby dress that I made for her last year. Isn't she just scrumptious??

Followers of Peak Princess may know that it was a picnic with Tilly in the park two summers back which inspired the whole idea of handmade clothes for little people. That, I suppose, makes her my muse.

as featured in Country Living

I'm over the moon that my handmade Liberty print 'Mia Rose' dress (£34.99 to £39.99 sizes 3-6m up to 5-6y) and head scarf (one size) are featured in this month's Country Living magazine fashion spread "The Darling Buds of May", styled by Corinna Kitchen.

spot the difference?

Oops-a-daisy - I was cutting this pair of 12-18m shorts with 2 other pairs on a print which didn't have an up/down direction so without thinking I flipped the pattern. My husband loves them but isn't surprised at the cock-up - he's seen me trying to park our car so no surprise these are upside down!

They are on sale on my website reduced for just £12.99 (normally £19.99-£24.99).

Still it proves they really are handmade!