New blog

Hi everyone, I'll be blogging from my new website from now on.  best wishes, Lissa 

bonny babies & chubby children

The first ever nationwide sizing survey is out today and it shows children are significantly taller and fatter than their parents were at the same age.  Both typical waist-lines and height have increased over the last 30 years.  Girls are typically 2cm taller, with waist measurements up by 8cm, and boys are 4cm taller, with waists up by 7cm.

I was asked what I thought by reporter Tamsin Smith for BBC Breakfast TV.  It's a sensitive issue and I'm sympathetic to parents with children who are larger than average as I was definitely a 'bonny' baby.  

a bonny me - apparently aged only 18 months!

In fact I recently found an old pattern for a dress that Mum used to make for me with sizing for girls and "chubbies"!  I think it's affected my designs. 

I try and make clothes that will flatter the skinniest minnies as well as covering little tummies.  But undoubtedly I have a huge advantage over the mass manufacturers because I'm able to cut a bodice a little larger and mix and match it with a skirt that's a little longer to fit your child.  But the high street retailers will have to adapt their sizing to reflect the changing shape of today's generation of children.    

I'd love to know what you think.

cut your own Cloth

If you've ever fancied having a go at making your own clothes or simpler projects like scarves or bags then Cloth Magazine (www.clothmagazine.co.uk) is for you.  This new, handy A5 size mag is packed with lovely ideas to inspire you to design, make and wear your own creations.

I was flattered to be asked to come up with a new design that readers could try for themselves.  The result is my new 'Baby Annie' sundress*.  (Issue 7, spring).  Mum and I put our heads together and I hope we've come up with a design that will encourage you to have a go.  You can download the pattern here. 

If you don't feel up to it, I'm more than happy to make one for you - they are now available online in the Liberty print of your choice for £32.99.  (The 3 original samples are also on sale from £9.99)

* Peak Princess fans will know that all my dresses are named after my friends' children.  This latest one is named in honour of my friend Janneke's little girl.  I thought it was apt as Janneke's a designer too.

how to tie a bow

 

 My handmade Liberty print bridesmaid dress collection was inspired by a visit to the V&A Grace Kelly exhibition with my Mum in the summer.  Nearly every dress had a beautiful big bow on it. 

But when it came to actually tying the bows I had a nightmare.  My Mum (a couture dress-maker) reassured me that she used to have exactly the same problem - which used to exasperate her boss who had to tell her over and over again.  She patiently taught me and left me with example bows but every time - ribbon in each hand I'd nearly be in tears.  She lives in London and it's not easy to explain over the phone. 

(I do wonder if it's a dyslexia type thing.  Mum has dyslexia and though I have no problem with my reading I'm terribly in the car with left-right directions, as my husband will testify.)

But by the power of You Tube I've discovered this fabulous video by this American gentleman's outfitters 'How to Tie a Bow Tie'.  It's brilliant and I could listen to his gentle accent forever.

So for any customers - this is how you do it!  Simple.

twit-twoo

Been meaning to post these for a while - one of my lovely new prints (already nearly out of stock as some's reserved for a wedding but more in the pink version).  It's called Eliza's Owls.

These are my Harvey Moonbeam dungarees - now available in smaller 3-6m and also a little ruffle pinafore (hopefully arrived in the USA already).  Oh and not forgetting Emily Pickle's darling hair bobbles. 

farewell Mark, welcome back Millie

I have finally used my last metre of Liberty's pink paisley Mark.  I had to cut it extremely carefully but have managed to get a baby romper as well as a baby hat and a baby headband out of it.   (Hat pics coming soon - reversible with Milo - adorable).

 The very last offcuts have gone to a lovely customer, Becky Warwick, who turns them into wonderful Isla Baby products like products like these Valentine cards using Liberty Millie.  (I've just reordered a roll of Millie from Liberty which is one of my original and favourite prints).

Click here to see my full range of Liberty prints.

new year, new liberty prints!

Eliza's Owls - blue

Happy New Year!  It may be grey and dull outside but my sewing room's a cheerful riot of new spring prints.  Liberty's new limited edition Arts Fabric range is inspired by children's literature so there are owls, puppy dogs and enchanted woods - perfect for little boys and girls alike.  There's also a colourful patchwork print in pink or orange as well as good old fashioned sweet peas.

Eliza's Owls - pink

As with all my handmade childrens clothes for girls and boys, it couldn't be simpler.  Browse my online shop, pick the style you like from my range of babywear, dresses, skirts, shirts trousers and tops, and then choose from my range of more than 50 Liberty prints.

Milo - pink

Milo - orange

Mirako - Toyko street scene

Moritz Pea

Plum Dog - green

Plum Dog - pink

Tuesday Trees - blue

Tuesday Trees - pink

Millie

Mirabelle

Tom's Jets - blue