Clutches

I made a couple of fold over clutches. For the purple one, I used some handloom organic/fairtrade cotton fabric I already had and interlined with canvas to add structure. The blue clutch is made from bamboo fabric I dyed with indigo at the beginning of the year. The zips are nice and chunky, adding weight to keep the fronts down when folded over. I've never had a clutch before and now I have two! I think my favourite bits are the contrasting linings. I know what I'll be giving as presents this year :)

Scarves

A glimpse of what I've been working on lately using natural dyes. I wish I could look at everything with fresh eyes.. I've spent too long scrutinising these scarves and now I don't know if I love them or hate them :)

Lunches lately

Roasted butternut squash, watercress & sunflower seeds.


Couscous, radish, apple, cashews, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, watercress & vinaigrette.


Crispy crackers, homous, avocado, mango chutney & pinenuts.


Crispy crackers, homous, tomatoes, pinenuts & wasabi peas.

Dream Spring Wardrobe

1. Komodo Lola Dress (Hemp & Organic Cotton, Fair Trade)
2. Komodo Bali Hai Canvas Pumps (Fair Trade)
3. Seasalt Cornwall Sketch Tee (Organic Cotton)
4. Bibico Roses & Dots Wrap Dress (Fair Trade)

Some of my favourite "ethical" pieces this Spring. Over the last year or so, I've tried to stay away from the main High Street chains and buy from more ethically conscious places. This means I can't buy as much since prices are higher, but this forces me to consider each item of clothing I buy. There are such pretty things available this Spring, that I'm not even tempted by any of those other places anymore.

Mother's Day Scarf

I made a scarf for my mum for Mother's Day. I'm still experimenting with natural dyes but I'm becoming happier with the results. I'm planning to make a small collection of scarves to sell. It's exciting!

Margate

Our quick trip to Margate included a stay at the best B&B ever, a trip to Turner Contemporary and a wander around Ramsgate harbour.

Natural dyes... the latest

These are the results from some recent dyeing experiments. I'm testing out different dye concentrations and processes. There are infinite possibilities with natural dyes... it's exciting!

A stainless steel spoon would have been more sensible as I could clean it each time to use with different colours, but I quite like my collection of pretty wooden spatulas.

Bamboo dress

I drafted the pattern for this dress to my measurements and sewed it up in some soft bamboo fabric. I dyed the fabric using logwood extract in a low concentration to get this light colour. Natural dyeing produces such pretty results with real depth, since there are slight variations in how the dye has taken across the fabric with some slightly lighter and darker areas. I think I'll wear this dress lots in the Spring!

Recently

...a bit of card making...



...spending time with my favourite girl...





Simple & tasty meals... quinoa, chestnuts, red onion, runner beans, soy sauce.

Indigo Dyeing

For a long time I've been curious to try natural dyeing and I finally did this week. The process was so enjoyable and the results unexpected and exciting. I used organic cotton voile for the first two scarves, bamboo silk for the third and woven bamboo for the last (which drapes so well and perfect for summer dresses, I think). The bamboo silk fabric (which is 100% bamboo and suitable for vegans) took the dye the best and produced such a beautiful deep colour. The fabric has a lustre and feels so lovely against the skin.

I'm now busy dreaming up plans to do more...

Lately

Christmas Cards

Had fun making this year's Christmas cards and gift tags. Hope I haven't left it too late to post them!

Another

This time I made beads that graduate in size.