LYNDI'S BLOG

COLLEGE: COMBINED MATERIALS, FELT NECKLACE

2012-01-19T20:47:00.002Z

I have a module at college called 'Combined Materials' and it's a weird one. It's like a cross between the 80's kids programme 'Make & Do with Mary Fitzgerald' and a load of pretentious twaddle, accessorised with a diamante here and a strategically placed scorch mark there.... and hey presto...it's unique & interesting!!! A few weeks ago we spent a whole day making felt balls, which were then to be used to make a piece of jewellery of our choice. Below are my beautiful felt balls ;)

And here is my jewellery. I made a necklace and earring set. I'm pretty happy with the result..... but I just want to say that if I wanted to make jewellery... I'd be a jewellery designer, not a clothing designer!!!!

Coming up we have a 't-shirt project' and NO, we are not 'making' the tshirt, we are upcycling one! Which is all well and good but I can do that myself on a rainy saturday! I mean if we were drafting the pattern for a tshirt, making it and incorporating designs into it that weould be different!
Wow am I grumpy today! The fact that I have to finish off my skirt project tomorrow by 4pm and then move house after college doesn't help :( Moan Moan Moan!!! :P
Lyndi
xx

COLLEGE: STILL LIFE

2012-01-16T19:33:00.001Z

Not bad for a Monday afternoon art class.... perhaps a little blue!

I am proud of myself :)

COLLEGE: SKIRT PROJECT UPDATE

2012-01-13T17:23:00.000Z

With only 9 hours left to finish and submit my skirt I better show you how I'm getting on!

Mock-up of skirt in toile fabric

After I drafted my pattern I had to make a mock-up of the skirt in toile fabric. It's a good way to make sure that you are happy with the pattern and see if you need to make any adjustments. The hips were a little bit pointy so I took 0.5cm from each one and rounded them off. I also reduced the size of the peplum as I thought the back of it was too long.

I think I mentoined before that I was going to do some embroidery on the peplum (based on my artwork inspiration). I settled on a basic vine-like design showcasing some hand embroidery, machine embroidery and some beading......

Green chain stitch on outside. Silver ribbon with machine embroidery and silver beads. Black beads on edge.


There are 12 pods on each peplum half, so a total of 24 pods!!!

I only settled on my embroidery pattern last Thursday and since then I've hardly put it down. I'm delighted with how it has turned out :) I'm excited to get the skirt and corresponding design booklet finished. I've put ALOT of effort into this and am looking forward to seeing in on the dressmakers stand fully finished on Friday (and on the catwalk at the end of the year!!).

Lyndi

2012 STYLE CHALLENGE - THE WARDROBE REMASTER

2012-01-02T20:05:00.000Z

I had alot of time to think over the holidays; about how 2011 panned out and about things I would like to achieve in 2012. I'm not really one for 'resolutions' so I decided to set myself a challenge :) After realising that I hadn't bought any brand new clothes for about 6 months in 2011, I thought it would be interesting to see if I could do it for longer in 2012.... hence 'THE 2012 STYLE CHALLENGE - THE WARDROBE REMASTER'!!!

The challenge is as follows:

- to not buy any brand new clothes, shoes or accessories in 2012 (except for underwear, socks and tights)

- to upcycle the clothes in my upcycle stash and to document this on my blog

- to use fabric in my stash to make clothes as needed (can buy lining and notions to compliment fabric)

- to make at least one pair of trousers/shorts in 2012

- allowed to spend 60 euro in vintage/charity shops during the year (document purchases on blog)

- allowed aquire clothes via clothes swaps, hand-me-downs and gifts ie: birthday

So there it is in all its glory! I'm looking forward to a challenging, interesting year of learning and blogging!
Hope you enjoy it too:)
Lyndi
xxx

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2012-01-02T19:44:00.001Z

A little note to say 'Thank you' to everyone who supported Lyndi during 2011... here's to a happy, crafty 2012!

I'm working away on some new ideas, challenges & blog posts so I hope you'll stay tuned to share them with me :D

xxx

MOUSE PIN CUSHIONS

2011-12-06T21:36:00.001Z

cute xmas stocking fillers :)

SEWING MACHINE COVERS

2011-11-30T18:01:00.001Z

All wrapped up in a bow!

Vintage style with lace detail

COLLEGE: SKIRT PROJECT INTRO

2011-11-25T21:36:00.001Z

Eeeek, I'm very excited to introduce my unique, original, all-mine skirt design... ta da!!!

It's a slim fitted pencil skirt with a removable (hand-embroidered) peplum!

Let me just say it took AGES to draw these... but how cool are they :D

Front view

Back view showing peplum tie & neat kick pleat to help my model to walk

Making a mock-up on some toille to make sure everything is right before cutting my beautiful wool fabric

Glad I like making geometric patterns, being a neat nerd has defo come in handy for this peplum pattern

Sewing a kick pleat is alot easier than it looks...

& it's so neat when pressed :D

Stay tuned for updates :)

Love Lyndi xoxo

KNIT & STITCH SHOW

2011-11-13T21:22:00.001Z

I went to the Knit & Stitch Show in the RDS on Saturday morning. I have never been before & was looking forward to it. As far as I know it is the biggest retail & exhibition of knitting & sewing supplies (it also includes paper, notions, jewellery making bits & bobs, paper goods and sweets?!) in Ireland. I spent about 3 hours there, by lunchtime I had to wrestle my way to the door to get out before I got trampled on my middle aged women with wheelie-trollies :O
I managed to pick up some beautiful material (total bargains) and got to see 2 amazing exhibitions. 'Seascapes' was an exhibition of work by various artists inspired by the sea, and another was an exhibition of embroidery and applique... amazing!!!! Pics below:

felt making workshop... can't wait to get into felt making at college :)

machine & hand stitched

fabric stained glass image

giant knitting needles :O

PRODUCTIVITY 0%, PROCRASTINATION 100%

2011-11-05T15:56:00.000Z

YES mid term break is nearly over and NO I didn't do anything I had planned to do. I rounded off a very unproductive week with a trip home to Cavan. After a few hours I realised that I have a stash of fashion mags & stationary upstairs.... who needs Eason when you have the attic?! So last night I settled in with a few cans of cider & a stack of old Glamour, Elle, Cosmo's & Tatlers... ahhh bliss :) I spent a few hours ripping out pages & pictures of stuff that I like... & bingo... a collection of research.

Inspiration:
1. The sharp shoulders & cinched waists of the 1940's.
2. Modern androgyny.

Recent & relevant catwalk collections:
1. 1940's - Gucci, Prada, Miu Miu & Donna Karan
2. Androgyny - Stella McCartney, Nicole Farhi, Alexander Wang & Michael Kors

Colour palette: forest green, black, silver/grey!

My 20 skirt designs are due on Monday (eek!) and I have to have settled on a final design by Wednesday. I have Tuesday off so I plan to spend it engrossed in some fabric shopping in the city! I need swatches, notions & to persuade my tutor that I can make what I design.... hmmm, better get designing!!

I'm not a fan of photoless posts so here is some applique/embroidery I did before the hols:

spelling mistake in chalk so will rub off!

free machine embriodery on black

tiny pink french knots

MID TERM BREAK, COLLEGE UPDATE & INSPIRATION

2011-10-30T17:58:00.001Z

How exciting, mid term break already! That means 9 days off college.... time to make a 'To Do List'.

But first a college update. Things are progressing nicely. I have made the block and pattern for my skirt which will be coming to life after mid term. Taking inspiration from my artwork I have to settle on a final design, choose my fabric and notions and get sewing :D At the same time I have to be thinking about the fabric for my blouse and possibly a jacket & trousers (if I can sew fast enough, and prove to my teacher that I can do it all in the allotted time).

We finished up our accessory project before the break. I was taken by the hand embroidery we practiced in class and decided to use it in my accessory. I designed a headband to be worn with a evening gown.

Yes, that is all hand embroidery and yes it did take AGES!!! It is designed to be worn to the side over one ear. I'm delighted with the result. I also designed a presentation box including photos I took of Killiney beach.

I'm taking a breather over the bank holiday weekend and then plan to get things rolling on Tuesday, stay tuned for updates :)
xo

INSPIRATION: A TRIP TO THE BEACH

2011-10-19T19:19:00.002+01:00

Braving the cold I took another trip to Killiney beach yesterday. I've been back there a few times since I decided to use seaweed that I collected there as the inspiration for my college artwork. It really is beautiful & yesterday I took advantage of the clear skies & sun, & I got some really great photos. I hope to use these as supporting material for my look-books or mood boards in future projects....

I love the panoramic setting on my camera :)

LYNDI GOES TO COLLEGE

2011-09-25T19:10:00.002+01:00

I am 2 weeks into my course already (OMG, where has that time gone?!), so I thought I'd let you know how things are going! For those of you who don't know (not many I suppose, as it's all I've been talking about for the past few months!), I have begun a 2 year Fashion Design course at Sallynoggin College of Further Education. It is a FETAC level 5 (year 1) and level 6 (year 2) course which this year is recognised as a stepping stone for people looking to continue on to NCAD or Limerick Design College or the like.
My subjects include art (!!!), art appreciation (great), work experience (scary), communications (pointless), pattern making (brilliant) and dressmaking (after we make the patterns!). I have 2.5 days of patternmaking & dressmaking which is brilliant, with 1 full day of art & portfolio support material.
So far it is interesting & already the assignments have started to pile up! Last Monday we had a whole day of art... which is totally new to me. We had to choose a natural item to inspire us, this item is then used throughout the year... we sketch it, paint it, use its texture, colour, etc to create a portfolio to support our patternmaking class & ultimately our dressmaking projects. If we progress sufficiently, at the end of 1st year we get to put 3 items (max) into the end of year fashion show (which the 2nd years produce & show their collections in)... eek!!!
The item I chose is seaweed... yes seaweed!!! (Rachel I can hear you laughing :P). After a challenging hour or so trying to excavate some of the bloody stuff from Killiney beach I was delighted with my finds. It has an amazing texture - which is ultimately what I am interested in (more on that later!) and when I hold it up to the light it has this rich orange/red/copper colour mixed with olive greens & tones of purple... so much to work with - I love it!
I have to admit, my most challenging subject is art, I may be precise & annoyingly accurate in pattern making class but art seems to evade me. I'll be relieved to turn out a portfolio that has anything to do with my end of year pieces, but who knows - I might surprise myself!!
I have decided to document my progress a little on my blog (hope nobody minds?!) so you can all have a chuckle at my abstract art & be constructively critical of my sewing :D
First up... my 6 page book inspired by some art we did last Monday in class. No guidance whatsoever from the teacher on what she wanted to be presented with tomorrow... so this is mine in all its glory... no supporting text, see what you think!!!!!

FASHION FRINGE

2011-09-25T18:25:00.001+01:00

'The Lost History of South William Street was today addressed in a tableau vivant on the steps of Powerscourt Shopping Centre and at a talk in Project 51. I was there with bells on to hear about this historic area of Dublin & it history steeped in fashion.

Tulip skirts

2011-09-02T20:55:00.000+01:00

It's been a while... but I've been busy I promise!

I've been focusing on skirts lately. I really like the tulip skirt pattern called 'Marie' that's available for download on Burdastyle.com.

Here are a few of the skirts I've made over the past few weeks...

Hi to my new model Maria (appropriate no?!) who looks beautiful :)

DRESS FOR EVA... ON THE MANNEQUIN... EVENTUALLY!!!

2011-08-08T16:56:00.000+01:00

Here it is, eventually!!! After 3 testers, a sneaky copy for myself & various tweaks I have eventually got Eva's dress on my mannequin! I have to say it is definately the best one yet :D

Great ruffle detail

In seam pockets

A little bit lopsided in this pic but you get the drift!!

Have to install the zip & hem it then it's all ready for it's trip to Canada & USA!!

SHAKE IT SISTA' (FUNKY UPCYCLING!)

2011-08-08T10:17:00.000+01:00

This majorly funky skirt used to be a young girls dress!

I found it while doing some of my best pilfering in Lucy's Lounge**.

Not my most elaborate upcycling effort (added an elastic waistband)... but I think the skirt is loud enough without adding anything else to the mix.

It sold hot off the rack yesterday morning to a beautiful american girl... she tried it on & gave us a twirl. She left the shop and me delighted & buzzing for the rest of the day :D

Upcycled funky skirt from girls dress

Close up of amazing detail & lace hem

** if you don't know by now (shame on you!!!) Lucy's Lounge is located in the basement of the big pink building on Fownes Street Temple Bar. It is one of the oldest and definately one of the best second hand & vintage shops in Dublin. Go for a pilfer yourself & I dare you to come out emptyhanded!!!!! :D

& SOME MORE UPCYCLING... MENS SHIRTS TO SUMMER DRESSES

2011-08-07T16:44:00.000+01:00

Wow, I can't believe its been so long since my last post!!! Ooops!

I have been a busy sewing bee (& we had a nice mini roadtrip over the bank holiday weekend) so lots going on here.

Firstly some more upcycling... remember the tie-dye fabric I posted about a while ago? Well here it is in all its glory...

Pink tie dye dress with lace detail

Adjustable cross straps at the back

Close-up of lace detail

Tie dye mens shirt to summer dress

Cross straps at the back

I am very pleased with the result. It was fun turning something masculine into something totally feminine :D

I have one more shirt to turn into a dress and then I think I'll turn my attention to something totally different.

I have alot of fabric leftovers from the projects I've been working on recently & want to turn them into something wearable. Check back for more info on my 'Scrapheap challenge revisited'! ... coming soon :D

MORE UPCYCLING... MENS SHIRT TO SUMMER DRESS

2011-07-17T12:15:00.000+01:00

There is a surplus of oversized mens shirts in charity shops at the mo... I got 5 for 10 Euro in Dun Laoghaire last week!! This was my fave by far... a lovely soft denim shirt.

Armed with these and this online tutorial I set about using them to make something cute & summery... and this is the result...

A pinafore style dress with elasticated waist, v-neck & cross straps at the back.

I think it would look best with a nice white vest top underneath.

I kept the button detail on the skirt front. Personally I think its good to prove that an upcycled product used to be something else. I'm happy with the result... minimum effort, maximum results.

I have a few more shirts to work through... remember my tie dying from last week... hint hint, watch this space!!

UPCYCLING: FUN, EASY & THE RESULT IS GREAT :D

2011-07-14T17:01:00.000+01:00

'Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value'

For me, upcycling is finding a white French Connection dress in a chairty shop, dying it red and embellishing it with metal stars.

The dress cost 7 euro, the dye cost 4 euro (& was also used for my tie dying antics!!), the metal stars were salvaged from a belt that broke years ago.

The result is pretty and rock'n'roll at the same time.

**************

Upcycling is also using the remaining stars to embellish a skirt that I made for myself from a pair of jeans my sister was getting rid of... bonus :D

See, upcycling = great :D

COFFEE DATE DRESS 3, CROP TOP FROM SELF DRAFTED PATTERN & SOME TYE DYING... PHEW!!!

2011-07-12T17:50:00.001+01:00

Coffee Date Dress #3 still needs a little bit of tweeking to one of the shoulders... essentially here is the finished product...

I am delighted with the result... it even has in-seam pockets :) Eva is delighted with it too, so I have to get started on her actual dress.

************************

I decided to draft my own pattern... I mean how hard can it be?!!

Inspired by a cute lace crop top I picked up in a second hand shop in town for a few euro, I made a very basic 2 piece pattern. It has a round neck, no sleeves, and darts at the bust line. It turned out ok... aside for the fact that it would only fit someone with the body of a 12 year old boy!!! Oh well, learning is doing!!! :)

Here is the first top I made from the pattern, I think it's quite cute!

***************

I was dying a dress this morning & thought I'd have some fun with some old shirts and some twine... yes, I did some tye dying... groovy baby :D I have an idea up my sleeve for these little beauties...

Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful weather!!

Be good,

Love Lyndi xx

ANOTHER COFFEE DATE DRESS

2011-07-03T13:28:00.000+01:00

Another dress from the 'Coffee Date Dress' pattern. This time I used a black polycotton for the torso & a zebra patterned cotton for the skirt. I added a white ribbon to add definition to the waistline. I'm pretty happy with the result :) This dress is fully lined with an invisible zipper.

(Sorry for the bad pics tho!!)

Hope everyone has a good weekend,

Off to see the new Transformers movie this afternoon.. yipee :D

TACKLING THE PETER PAN COLLAR

2011-06-21T22:08:00.001+01:00

Coffee Date Dress 2 is on the way.

This time with a peter pan collar that I drafted the pattern for... oooh look at me being all creative :D

DRESS FOR EVA... TESTER FINISHED

2011-06-20T10:50:00.000+01:00

Had a busy day on Friday trying to get this little beauty finished. It's only the tester but I'm delighted with the way it turned out... I'll definately be whipping up a few more of these :D
I omitted the ruffle on the front bodice as I figured the material was busy enough. I remembered that I had some matching buttons (from the dress I deconstructed years ago) so I added them to the front. I think it looks sailor-ish... or a 'candystriper' (we don't have them here, but I was watching the SATC episode where Carrie goes to look after Big post heart op... so that reminded me of it!!)

Red & white stripe Coffee Date Dress

Close-up of bodice front with button detail

Close-up of bodice detail

Now, for some coffee induced motivation... !!!
Love Lyndi xx

DRESS FOR EVA... PROGRESS OF SORTS

2011-06-16T20:37:00.000+01:00

My tester-dress is slowly coming together. Already I know that it is a size too small and the bodice is too short. I'll keep going with this tester to make sure I iron out all the flaws. Got some nice light-weight black cotton for Eva's actual dress in town yesterday (was the end of the roll so got a discount :D ). Still need to pick up an exposed zip, Hickey's Henry St better deliver there! As of now, this is what I have...

Bodice of coffee date dress tester

DRESS FOR EVA #1

2011-06-13T17:16:00.000+01:00

A few posts ago I mentioned that my sister (Eva) had commissoned some dresses from me. After a quick brainstorming session yesterday, she decided to go with the 'Coffee Date Dress' pattern available for free download from Burdastyle for dress # 1.

Coffee date dress line drawing, image from Burdastyle.com

I'm making a sample dress at the moment, just to make sure the pattern works properly before I cut Eva's fabric. It's going to have a black cotton upper & a red floral skirt. I'm going to put a black ruffle on it & possibly a waistband as I've read from some of the reviews that the bodice is a little on the short side.... but we'll see.
Will hopefully have the sample one run up by tomorrow evening so will post on that... I'm using a red & white stripe fabric so if it turns out nice I might have it for sale :D

Love Lyndi xx

LYNDI ON FACEBOOK

2011-06-10T13:16:00.000+01:00

Lyndi is now on Facebook... about time huh?!

Click here or 'Like' me on the embedded link to the right.

Thanks xxx

WEDNESDAYS AT MAY FLY CAMDEN ST

2011-06-08T22:08:00.000+01:00

I started at May Fly Camden St today. Had a fun day working with Courtney (the delightful owner) for part of the day & on my own for the afternoon. I took some liberties with my music selection, great soy coffee's from The Cake Cafe next door... & styling the mannequins with my clothes :D Thanks to Courtney for the opportunity, I can't wait to set up my Wednesday Workspace & get cracking on my designing :D

Black & blue maxi dress upcycled by Lyndi & styled with items from May Fly

2 of my skirts on the rail ready to go to a good home

My upcycled shirt on sale

2ND HAND SHOP ALTERATIONS # 2. BLUE STRIPE SHIRT

2011-06-07T21:39:00.000+01:00

Technically this is not a 2nd hand shop alteration as my sister gave me the shirt... but I saved it from becoming a 2nd hand shop item so I'm counting it as one:) The shirt is pretty basic; blue with a white stripe & long cuffed sleeves.

I liked the idea of adding lace to it as I thought it would compliment the stripe in the material.

Firstly I removed the collar flap. I wanted the collar to stand out more and it now does... literally!
Then I removed both sleeves and added lace to the arm holes. I used the sleeve material to make a wide obi-style belt & used one of the cuffs as a centre piece detail on the belt. Overall I am very pleased with the result. I think it's pretty & wearable. Hopefully a customer will think so too :D (As a bonus I wasted very little of the material and most of my waste was unpicked thread!!)

'DESIGNER DUBLIN'... WEBSITE FOR 'YEAR OF CRAFT 2011'

2011-06-05T13:28:00.000+01:00

2011 is 'Irish Year of Craft'.

'Is it really?' I hear you say!

I'm asking the same question! 6 months in & in all honesty, aside from the Re-Dress Fashion Week I've haven't seen much sign of it! This is hopefully about to change with the announcement that the month of June will bring a series of talks, demonstrations & trials by 40 Irish designers & crafters. Details can be found at the Designer Dublin website here. The promotional brochure can be downloaded here. The Craft Studio Trial looks interesting, with designers opening up their craft spaces to the public for a browse... bet they don't have to clear up their stuff from the dining room table when their housemates get home from work!!! :P

2ND HAND SHOP ALTERATIONS # 1. PINK FLORAL MAXI DRESS

2011-06-03T23:29:00.000+01:00

I picked this dress up years ago & it's been hanging around my stash waiting to be worked on. I believe it was a lady's sundress, however the body is very small & the fabric is a bit childish (though pretty & summery!).

It has lovely piping detail around the neckline & around each of the ruffles. I was a bit reluctant to take it all apart & tried to think of ways to maximise what I could make with it with minimal deconstruction.

I removed the skirt ruffles & left the top piece intact. It can be worn as a ladies top but I think it looks best as a cute toddlers dress....

I then made 2 skirts from the remainder. They both have elasticated waitbands & matching headbands!
One is suitable for a young girl & one for a toddler.

I'm really happy with them :D I used all my fabric & the project was quick & easy.
They will be availabe to buy in May Fly Camden St from next Wednesday!
Hope everyone has a fab sunny happy bank holiday weekend! I'm off to Forbidden Fruit festival tomorrow & Sunday... stay out sunshine :D
Love Lyndi
xx

PROJECT SKIRT (1 & 2)

2011-06-02T12:31:00.000+01:00

'Project Skirt' got underway last week. So far I have made 2 skirts from slightly unorthadox materials (a tablecloth & a curtain!). I decided to go all out & make worksheets for the skirts to help me brainstorm & decide on a final design. I like these worksheets & hope to use them on future projects.

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Skirt 1 was made using Simplicity 8955. In the photo it's the check mini skirt on the left.

This pattern claims to be a size 12, unfortunately this is not the case & the skirt ended up being a size 8ish. Not to worry, I'm sure someone slim enough will like it (fingers crossed!!). It was a bit plain when it was made so I decided to add some lace detail at the hem & make a matching brooch which can also be used as a hair piece.

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I didn't use a pattern for Skirt 2. I really like the flowers on the material & I had a matching blue plastic zip in my stash. I thought it would be a shame to hide the zip so put it straight down the front as a functional opening & closing for the skirt. The waistband is elasticated & was made using on old elastic belt with a broken buckle.

The belt was very wide & looking at the skirt now, the waistband is probably too wide. To be honest I really like the lampshade shape of the skirt & think it would be pretty teamed with a beige or blue tank top or tshirt, long necklace & flip flops for summer :D

**********

Project skirt will be ticking along nicely in the background over the next few weeks. I am also working on my 2nd hand shop alterations (as mentioned in yesterdays post) so hope to have some posts up soon on those.
Stay tuned, leave a comment, thanks for reading!
Love Lyndi xx

BITS & PIECES

2011-06-01T16:52:00.014+01:00

An unforseen circumstance (one of my housemates working from home in my usual work space) has meant no sewing for me today :( On a happy note I have had time to make a plan of action for the next few weeks :) (& catch up on Fringe Season 3... OMG how amazing is that programme?!?!)

1. My skirt projects have been coming along nicely. I've been very dedicated with these projects & have even done out worksheets for each skirt with ideas, sketches, fabric swatches and patterns used. I will post about them probably tomorrow as it is a bit dark now to be taking photos.

2. My sister has commissioned some summer dresses. We still have to iron out the specifics but I have been sketching some ideas & variations down on paper & going through my photo folders for inspiration. Amateur sketches below, don't freak out Eva :P

3. I follow a variety of sewing, fashion & general crafting blogs on a daily basis. Today I was inspired by Grosgrain blog about a new series of posts she is planning. Entitled 'from semi-scratch sewing', she will be taking small details of patterns (sleeves, neckline, pleats, tucks etc) & applying it to her thrift shop (2nd hand shop for us Irish peeps) finds. I LOVE 2nd hand shopping & have picked up a variety of goodies, including some great pieces from my recent trip to Oz. They have been sitting around waiting to be altered, loved & added to my wardrobe. Grosgrain has inspired me to follow suit & make them into the wearable items I want them to be. It will also be a good opportunity to practice some things I haven't done before... like inseam pockets, peter pan collars & sleeves in general. Below are some of the items I will be working on:

4. An exciting opportunity has arisen for me regarding a shop in Dublin, my creations, a sewing space & me... but more about that later.... ;)

Happy hump-day... & don't forget about the clothes swap in May Fly tomorrow evening & 6pm,
Love Lyndi
xx

MAY FLY CLOTHES SWAP THURSDAY 2ND JUNE

2011-05-30T17:18:00.003+01:00

May Fly is a cute little shop located off Camden St on Pleasant's Place.
This Thursday they are hosting a clothes swap. Details HERE.
The last one of these I went to was BRILLIANT... I could hardly carry home all the clothes I picked up :D
Don't miss it... see you there !!!

UPDATE...

2011-05-27T21:16:00.002+01:00

So skirt #1 is getting its finishing touches, pics to follow early next week.

Will be in Lucy's Lounge again tomorrow - I wonder how many pairs of my shoes sold!?!?

SKIRT INSPIRATION

2011-05-26T11:10:00.002+01:00

Spent yesterday drafting a skirt pattern. My measurements are a bit on the meaner side so it turned out about a size 8! Have a great red patterned tablecloth (I think) that is becoming my first victim. Shame about the crazy weather, thank you Penny's for great tights for all Irish weather situations!

Some inspiration below... :)

CROCHET TO THE EXTREME...

2011-05-23T14:21:00.002+01:00

Have a look at these pics...
AMAZING!!!

ON SALE!!

2011-05-20T11:06:00.004+01:00

ON SALE AT LUCY'S LOUNGE (GROUND FLOOR), TEMPLE BAR DUBLIN
FROM SATURDAY 21ST MAY 2011

I'LL BE IN THE SHOP FOR A FEW HOURS TOMORROW EARNING MY KEEP SO IF YOU ARE IN TOWN HAVING A BROWSE, CALL IN TO SAY HI!
ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND,
LOVE LYNDI
XX

OH BABY!!!!

2011-05-18T14:20:00.006+01:00

Know anyone with a bun in the oven?!
These could be the perfect gift.
Handmade Disney baby shoes.
On sale in the near future... will update with time & place :D
Only 20 little pairs, so be quick to snap them up!!

BACK.... !!!

2011-05-09T10:37:00.007+01:00

Hello:) As some of you know already I'm back on Irish soil & have been for a month or so. Have been in limbo trying to sort out a place to live, a job and lots of other things. The first is sorted and I'll be getting settled in the next 2 weeks. Hopefully by the end of today I'll have the second one sorted - if only for the short term... but hey it's better than nothing!
As for my sewing/blogging status... I guess that will be irregular for the next few weeks till things calm down. I am hoping to get a few projects underway this summer & have a few plans up my sleeve so I'll let you know how things unfold :D
Till then, I'll leave you with some of my fave (non-scenery) pics from my travels :)
Love Lyndi xxx

Floating flowers, Perth Australia

Relaxing in Kings Park, Perth Australia

Graffitti, Brunswick, Melbourne, Australia

Knitted cactus & toadstools, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

Woven paper flower exhibition, Botanical Gardens, Sydney, Australia

THE BIG ADVENTURE STARTS HERE...

2010-09-05T20:08:00.003+01:00

Follow me on my new travel blog here...

http://anirishbloggerdownunder.blogspot.com/

The excitement is kicking in:)

THE BIG KNIT

2010-08-17T17:38:00.003+01:00

Innocent Smoothies in association with Age Action Ireland have launched the 'Innocent Big Knit'. Irelands knitters have been asked to knit little hats for Innocent Smoothie bottles, and for every smoothie that is sold with a little hat, Innocent donate 25cent to Age Action Ireland, to help keep older people warm this winter.

I couldn't resist getting involved. I was walking down Camden St last week and saw a mini clothes line in one of the charity shops with the little hats hanging on it... SO cute!!!!

I'm off into town tomorrow to join one of the knitting groups for a few hours to knock out some more cute little hats, like these ones I have knitted already....

So if you have some spare wool & some spare time get involved. The link above has all the details you need & the Big Knit is open until 8th September. They need 80,000 hats and are at 10,000 already, but every little hat helps:)

Happy knitting,
Love Lyndi xx

BIG NEWS!!

2010-08-09T20:07:00.006+01:00

Hello:) Its been a long time since I've posted something, I know!! I've been pretty busy here. Unfortunately, it hasn't been busy of the 'interesting' kind:( I've been working seriously long hours (sometimes up to 13 hours a day!). Ugh!!!! Thankfully that's over & I'm back to normal!

I have some BIG news.... I am leaving Ireland on 6th September to go travelling with my best friend :D I've thought about this for a long time and I decided that it's gonna happen! We are flying from Dublin to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Singapore (& spening 4 days there) and then on to Perth in Australia. We both got 1-year working visa's. There are the obvious reasons that I'm doing this; I'm 29 & I can only do this work/visa package until I'm 31, I've never been travelling outside of Europe & have passed up a few opportunities to travel in the past which I regret, I'm 'over' my job & have decided that if I don't seize this opportunity with both hands I'll just regret it forever :O

So with that in mind I've decided that my sewing/crafting blog will be taking a break! I will be checking in with a new 'travel blog' to keep everyone up to date on my big adventure. When I return Lyndi's blog will resume normal activities.
I'd like to say a huge 'thank you' to all of my followers & friends on my blog list - I really enjoyed getting your feedback & comments & hope you will continue sharing my big adventure :D

I don't leave 'till 6th September so I hope to have a few crafting posts between this & that.
I haven't decided what to call my new travel blog yet, so suggestions welcome!!
Take care & chat soon,
Love Lyndi xx

LYNDI - FOR SALE!

2010-06-21T20:44:00.002+01:00

Exciting news peeps...
Some of my clothes are now FOR SALE in Lucy's Lounge in Dublin (thanks Dee!!)
Check out Lucy's Lounge here, it's brilliant:)

HEN PARTY SHENANIGANS

2010-06-12T14:35:00.002+01:00

So the hen party went really well!

Had lots of fun & got up to lots of mischief!!!
Just wanted to show you guys my 'cool' hairpiece...
I picked it up in 'SheShi' above Lucy's Lounge for only 8 suro!!!
The running joke of the night was that I was mourning the loss of Aine's single life!!!
Sorry for the quality of the picture - I copied it from Facebook which does not work very well!
Happy weekend:)

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

2010-05-30T20:25:00.004+01:00

Congratulations to the winners of my competition.
I hope you all enjoy the fabric bundles... let me know what you make with them & where to send them to of course!!!

Winners:
1 - Bina of http://www.today-bina-is.blogspot.com/ has won 'sheer fab-ric'
2 - Randomness is good of http://teeelliott.blogspot.com/ has won 'girlie goodness'
3 - An anonymous winner won 'tom boy' ;)

Drop me an email with your address girls & i'll get them in the post asap.
Well done:)

HEN PARTY PREP!

2010-05-26T21:41:00.005+01:00

Calm down... not mine... obviously!!!
A good friend of mine is getting married in Croatia in September. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it to the wedding, but I am going to the hen party on the June Bank Hol weekend :)
I've decided to put together a small surprise goodie bag for the bride which will include this...

A hand-sewn garter! Oh the pain of making that thing :O
I hope she actually wears it!! Look at the lengths I had to go to to stretch the elastic & sew it to the lace...

Yes it's pinned to the leg of my jeans & caught under the grip of my sewing lamp!!!
Hmmm, what to make next??? A pink feather boa???

WOOF WOOF!

2010-05-22T13:44:00.005+01:00

Happy birthday to Bernadine:)
She loves her new doggy... Scotty McPatches:)

I've been distracted from my sewing lately because of boring stuff like long working days & dentist appointments but I'm hoping to get stuck back into it today!
Have a brill sunny weekend... 23 degrees here!!!
Amazing:)

FLORAL BLOUSE

2010-05-03T17:05:00.008+01:00

I had a few different titles for this post like 'Say Hi to my new friend' or 'A great bank holiday weekend'... but I decided to go with 'Floral Blouse' as I think the focus should be on the newest addition to my wardrobe. Isn't she a beauty?!

I used this material to make my mam a shirt for Christmas a while back & thought i'd use the remainder of it to make myself a blouse too. I love the small floral design. It's polycotton so it's really soft & easy to work with.

I used the JJ pattern from Burdastyle.com. As with most of their patterns I downloaded it ages ago with great intentions of making it asap.... me & my good intentions eh?!

Hurray for the long weekend as I actually had enough time to start & finish a project - it was spread out over 3 days but when i was hammering the stud closings onto it at 5pm this evening I was smiling to myself at a job well done :) (thank you Eva for the studs - great present - remember?)

So here she is in all her glory... my new blouse... & my new model!!
Let me introduce you to Cindy. I spied her at a pop-up flea market in Andrews Lane Car Park on Sunday & I fell in love. She was modelling a beautiful 60's yellow dress, but I decided that if I gave her a good home she'd help me make some beautiful clothes & I wasn't wrong! I don't know why I left it so long to invest in a dress-form... she's the bee's knees!!! I called her Cindy because she will be modelling all my new clothes but she will never get to go to the ball (like Cinderella)... a bit sad really:(

I made a few changes to the pattern. The blouse I made my mam had a smaller collar that made it look more oriental, so I halved the size of this collar too. It made the collar the same size as the front strip that the studs are on so I think it made it tidier looking.

I decided to leave it without sleeves, for a few reasons. Firstly, I don't like making them; second, I was in a lazy mood & third, I didn't have enough fabric. Personally I think the style of the blouse looks better without them (!!). I did however make my own bias binding for the sleeve edges so I'm pretty proud of that (another thing I'm not to fond of making!).

Here are the snap/stud closings (I never know what to call them). My sister bought me these as part of a present ages ago & they were perfect for the blouse... mainly because I do not like making button holes & I only had one white fabric covered button in my stash:P
Everything worked out well & I can't wait to wear my new blouse:)

Hope you had a great weekend too:)

100TH POST - GIVEAWAY!!

2010-04-30T16:07:00.010+01:00

Hello everyone:)
Happy Bank Holiday weekend!!!
I took today off work so my weekend is extra looong!
I spent this morning getting lots done around the house, like a mountain of washing & ironing & organising boring things like my car tax & standing orders from the bank... zzzzzzz!!!!

But this afternoon I'm in 'Stash Bustin' mode:)
To celebrate my 100th post I've decided to have not 1 giveaway, but 3!!!
I've gone through my fabric stash & compiled 3 mini fabric stashes. Each mini stash contains a pile of fabric with pieces of various sizes. I have given a brief description of each & taken photos which you can see below.

I've called them:

1 - 'Girlie Goodness': this stash is mostly pink, hence the girlie element. It has stripes, swirles, flowers & butterflies!!! The colours also include baby blue, lilac & yellow.

2 - 'Tom Boy' : this stash includes blue & white striped fabric only... but lots of it.

3 - Sheer Fab-ric': this stash includes 2 fabric types, both are quite light & see-through, hence the name. The first is white with a red check pattern & the second is black with a white floral pattern.

All fabrics are clean & ironed. They have no marking/burns etc, but some of the pieces are cut at odd angles so you have been warned. However as this is a giveaway & they are up for grabs for free I'm sure you won't mind;)

To win, simply leave a comment on this post. Please leave your name & an email address that I can contact you on. If you have a blog please leave a link to is so that I can reference you if you win. State which fabric stash you would like to win (I would obviously love to give each stash to a different person - however I'm never sure how many people actually read my blog so if I don't get 3 winners than there may be one very happy winner!!!). I will choose winners randomly - most likely by pulling your names from a hat.
I'm putting a closing date of May 31st on this so get commenting.

A NEW SKIRT FOR EVA & A GREAT BAG TUTORIAL

2010-04-28T21:28:00.006+01:00

Hi sis...

Remember that black wrap skirt with mountains of fabric you left with me when you went away??
well.......... here's what I made for you....
Hope you like?!?!

This is the view from the front... I decided to put the buttons on the side!
I think it makes it look a bit 'military' looking?!

Here's the view from the side.
Yes they are ALL real buttonholes.... painful:(
But you are worth it:)

************************************************************************

I LOVE making bags... they are a great 'lazy project' when you want make something easy & fast!
So here's is my latest bag...
It's reversible with Disney design on one side with black & white polkadot on the other.
The DIsney print is actually from a set of childrens curtains that I picked up in a 2nd hand shop in Dublin for a few euro, I think it's really cute & have used it all week:)

I got the tutorial here: very purple person
I love this girls blog, she's a great seamstress & has the best tutorials.

STASH BUSTIN'

2010-04-24T13:11:00.003+01:00

I've jumped on the 'stash busting' bandwagon & this weekend I hope to start the tedious task of digging into my fabric stash & coming up with something great! I saw my new icon on this blog sewing and so on & thought it was a great idea to get myself motivated.... so here goes!!
Happy weekend :)

And here's my happy song for tihs weekend...

SUNNY WEEKEND ADVENTURES

2010-04-12T20:30:00.006+01:00

Making the most of the current glorious weather in Ireland, myself & Darragh took a little roadtrip yesterday. We drove south to Powerscourt Waterfall in the Wicklow mountains where we had a lovely walk & a picnic. On the way home we called into the Avoca Handweavers... How much would I LOVE to work there?!?!
On the way we passed the funkiest car ever on the motorway... & yes, it was covered in grass with a smiley face on the front of it:)

Check out the waterfall, it was so beautiful in the sun.

Avoca Handweavers... why have I never been here before?! We got a tour of the weavers workshed... check out the size of those spools!!!

My fave type of recycling bin...

The largest threaded machine I've ever seen, it was like heaven:)

And the cool dude who gets to make all the amazing clothes... how lucky is he!!

BARGAIN TOWN

2010-04-08T21:55:00.007+01:00

I've come across a few great bargains lately so I thought I'd share...

When I was in Glasgow in February I picked up this oversized skirt for 10 pounds. I fell in love with the floral print & I really hope there is enough material there for a summer dress!

I was in town a few weekends ago & happened to be lucky enough to be passing Oxfam on Georges St when everything in the shop was being sold off for 1 euro... yes 1 euro per item... even the vintage section!!! :) I sharpened by elbows & dove in.... only to pull out this huge skirt with the most brilliant pink tartan print! Destined to become a dress of some sorts I think:)

And on another 'bargain hunt' I pulled this great piece of fabric from the bargain bin in Lucy's Lounge (thanks Dee!!). It's purple with a silver sheen on one side & pink on the other... hmmm, so many patterns, so little time!!!

Yipee it's Friday tomorrow... definately gonna fit in some sewing at some stage over the weekend!
Hope you have a great one!

Also, hello to my cousin Barbara who has come on board as a new Irish fashion designer.... always room for more of those:) She has already sewn a skirt & is moving onto a tunic... when I get the pattern to her! Well done Barbara, & keep up the sewing!!

Spring dress photos

2010-04-04T18:36:00.012+01:00

So here it is.... my Spring dress....

I used this great online tutorial from Sew, Mama Sew blog, and a floral tablecloth I picked up in a 2nd hand shop in Dublin for 3 euro!

I know I look like I stepped out of 'The Little House on the Prairie' but I have to say I'm delighted with the result:)
The design on the tablecloth was perfect for the dress as it meant I could have the purple design at the top and the bottom and then the beige part on the main body of the dress and the ruffle sleeves. The dress used up about 1/4 of the fabric so I still have lots left over for other projects!!

The pattern is very easy to follow, you just measure yourself & put the measurements into the calculations... & voila... you have a dress tailored to you! It also has some lovely pleated detailing on the front & back. The pattern is for a top but I lengthened it into a dress for Spring (ironically when I had it made it started to snow again!!!).
I like the pattern alot so I think I'll try out making a top with it, but maybe make the ruffle straps a bit smaller so they fit underneath a cardigan without giving me huge shoulders:)

FINALLY HERE... SPRING WEATHER & MY NEW SEWING BOOK!

2010-03-27T13:12:00.010Z

Ok, so the sun is shining outside... yes it is!!! I'm not making it up!!! It's actually starting to feel like Spring here... about time huh?!?!?!

So in honour of Spring I am putting the finishing touches to my first Spring dress of 2010:) Here's a sneak peak...

and some ruffles...

I'm hoping to get some nice photos taken tomorrow.

Also in production is a patchwork surprise for someone special!! Wink Wink Dino:P

And finally for now, I picked up the remainder of my Christmas present (yes, I said CHRISTMAS!!!!) last Saturday. This book has been on order since November 2009 with one of the biggest book shops in Dublin (who i think should be ashamed of themselves!!!). There is alot to be said for shopping online!! Anyway, now that i have it I'm itching to get stuck into it. 542 pages of crafty goodness... mmmmm!! :)

I picked up some textile paints in town yesterday! The second-hand shops on Camden St really are goldmines (3 euro for 6 pots... bargain!!)... now for some potato printing!

DREAM JOB...

2010-03-20T21:26:00.003Z

Wouldn't it be so cool to be the window dresser in Hickeys?!

ABSTRACT STYLE - UPDATED

2010-03-10T21:51:00.004Z

I went to a Fashion Illustration course tonight & I'm really excited with the results...

I started off like this... !!!

And finished off like this... :)

I think I've fallen in love with pastels!!

(sorry about the last post - i didn't mean to post it without pics!)

VINTAGE GLASGOW & SOMETHING HOMEMADE

2010-02-21T13:01:00.006Z

As promised, some pics of what I picked up in Glasgow over the weekend

Below: Topshop shoes, Oasis bag

Below: shoes & bag as before, Topshop knitted cardigan (2nd hand shop), polkadot skirt (made)

Below: faux fur cropped jacket (vintage)

Below: close up of knitted cardigan from topshop

Below: handmade polkadot skirt (that fits this time!!)

Now all i need is an excuse to wear them all at the same time!!!
xx

UPDATE...

2010-02-16T20:24:00.007Z

Grace's skirt is finished (photos to follow)
My skirt is finished (photos to follow)
It was my birthday (29th!) on Sunday
We spent the weekend in Glasgow
Myself & my sis went vintage shopping in the West End (photos to follow)

REVELATION

2010-01-29T20:39:00.004Z

Remember this skirt from last year?

I was disappointed when I had it made as it didn't fit me:(
I was so proud of it because I was so careful with it & it turned out so nice!
So it went into the 'I made it but I can't wear it' pile... until now.

While making a skirt for my sister in the same pattern I realised that i hadn't put the pleats in the lining of the one above so that's why it didn't fit!

Last night I took a deep breath & ripped out the lining...eek!
The way I see it... there's no point in having it hanging in the wardrobe gathering dust!!!

So after this weekend I'm hoping to have 2 skirts made... one for me and one for my sister....
We'll see!!!!
Happy Friday everyone
xxx

PRAISE FOR MY MASTERPIECE!

2010-01-28T20:27:00.006Z

I'm soooooo happy!!!

I posted Grace's debs dress on my profile on the Burdastyle website & I have 14 comments already!!!
Eeeeeekkkkk:)
Check it out here

...and here she is again in all her glory...

IN PROGRESS

2010-01-26T21:05:00.007Z

A week since I've blogged already! Where does the time go to?

Work in progress at the moment is my sister's Xmas present... yes I said Xmas present!!!!
I'm a bit behind with my sewing, but luckily she's too busy being all dramatic in her college play to notice:)

The fabric...

The pattern...

The progress...Hmmm, better get stuck in!!!

MY FIRST SEWING MACHINE & A PAPER BOW

2010-01-19T20:58:00.005Z

Look at what I found when I was at home for Christmas..... my first sewing machine!!!

I can remember sewing stitches in coloured thread on white cloth because I loved the way it looked! The circular handle on the right pushed the needle up & down! The photo doesn't give much of a scale but it was pretty small, about 20cm long!
Ah, memories.... I have scaled up to something a little more practical these days:)

I also made this paper bow from the back cover of a magazine (using a simple tutorial found here http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2009/10/make-gift-bow-from-magazine-page.html - isn't it cool?!)

BLUE MONDAY? I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!

2010-01-18T19:17:00.010Z

Statistically today is meant to be the most depressing, gloomy day of the year (Blue Monday), what with the holidays over and being back at work, being broke, the dark evenings etc etc.....

Well, I dispell the myth because I had a great day:)

I also got back into crafting after taking some time off (due to various reasons - our heating was broken, then our kitchen flooded - but we won't talk about that!!).
To ease myself in, I started with some easy projects.
My friend Laura brought me some really cute ribbon (among other things like Southern Comfort flavoured coffee... YUM!!) when she visited over Christmas so I used it, an old moisturiser tub, some scrap material & some stuffing to make a little pin cushion with storage inside.

Here's the ribbon:

And here's the little pin cushion thing:

I also used a really cool tutorial (http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2009/06/recycled-magazine-coasters.html) about how to make magazine cover coasters so now I'm hooked...

Even my tea cup is happy with it's cool new coaster:)

Hope you had a great day too
XX

WELCOME 2010 - HERES TO A CRAFTY YEAR:)

2010-01-04T10:51:00.004Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR
wishing you all a very happy and peaceful new year
we had a snowy Christmas at home... doesn't our house look so pretty in the snow?

My friend visited from USA for a week. We took a trip to Bratislava and Vienna, it was brilliant:)
We rang in the New Year while sipping champagne and watching a panoramic firework display from a rooftop in Vienna!

New Year resolutions are not really my thing but i do plan to make this year a crafty one:)
I'm looking forward to lots of new posts about sewing, knitting, crochet... stay tuned!!!

SCRAPHEAP CHALLENGE - COFFEE COZY

2009-12-02T22:28:00.003Z

The Scrapheap Challenge continues with a project that literally took 5 mins!

I've seen a few of these around on various crafting websites & have been trying out a few of my own in different styles... but these 2 were whipped up in no time!

A few months back my very good friend 'B' was doing a tidy out of her wardrobe and made a little package of goodies for the 'Sarah might use these for something' fund.

And right she was:)
These 2 pieces of fabric used to be part of a coat... and now they are 2 cool, eco-friendly coffee cozy's!
Lets get past the fact that you may be getting your morning life support in a paper cup to begin with & move on to the part where you use your reusable coffee cozy to stop your hand burning on the way to the office... genius?!

All you need is a piece of fabric, a button and some thread and hey presto...

The huge buttons really work well don't you think?

If you want one you know where to find me:)

A WEEKEND IN THE HAMPTONS... I MEAN MEATH!!!!!

2009-11-29T20:47:00.005Z

Back to my roots in the country this weekend, spending time in my aunt & uncles house in the Meath countryside....

picking potatoes in my cool wellies !!!!

posing with aunt Frances:) why didn't i get the Gaynor curls :( !!

with Miss Piggy the kitten!

& Ginger the dog !

I also missed out on the 'tall' genes! My cousin Garbhan is 6 ft 2"!!!

and finally, bringing in sticks for Granny's fire... a fun Sunday outdoors in the fresh air:)

SCRAPHEAP CHALLENGE

2009-11-27T21:14:00.005Z

Before i make anything else that generates more scrap material, I have to address my scrap material pile!

Project 1: a shopping bag with applique tree...

CUSTOMISED BABY STUFF

2009-11-10T21:15:00.003Z

People who know me, know that I'm not the gushing type ... but this stuff is cute!!!

Quack, Quack :P

HEADCASE

2009-11-04T20:54:00.005Z

Above: Embellished headband by Accessorize

Below: Bow detail headband by Lyndi ;)

MONDAYS ARE FOR BAKING...

2009-11-02T21:27:00.004Z

I forgot to mention that 'the irish girls' got pretty bunches of flowers at the wedding in Germany.... and they look perfect in my pink vase!

This evening was baking evening. My little (in age but not in height) sister is coming around for dinner tomorrow evening so i decided to make rhubarb tart... looks good right :)

Unfortunately my little jam tarts didn't turn out the best! I salvaged some but most of them were stuck to the tin :(

GERMANY, NEW SHOES & OLD CURTAINS!

2009-11-01T17:08:00.011Z

Was in the beautiful Black Forest region of Germany last week for a wedding with B.

Didn't have time to make a dress:( But did whip up this cute little hairband to go with the dress I wore...

Found these little gems in Dunnes Stores!! Peep toe shoe boots... lets hope they are kinder to the feet than they look :)

My brilliant Mam surprised me with some cool curtain material. One of the shops in our local town was having a sale & she picked up some really cool pieces...

like this one,it looks like an old treasure map of the world (which I'm a bit reluctant to cut up!!)...

and this one, I love the rope detail...

and this one, beautiful blue flowers on beige...

I'll leave you today with some quirky coffee-shop delph from Freiburg...

WINTER WOOLIES ALREADY?!

2009-10-09T15:55:00.004+01:00

Say hi to my new hat model.... Mr. Balloon Head.

Mr. Balloon Head had to be hired to model for me cuz I made my hat too small... I mean so small it might fit a kid... & as I don't have of those (whew!), I had to improvise!

I think it needs a pom pom for the top?!

Take 2 this weekend:)

HELLO AGAIN... :)

2009-10-05T20:04:00.004+01:00

No excuses for not blogging, I've just been lazy!

But here I am in my work outfit for today... yes it's my 'cheetah print' dress that I made from a sarong bought €5 in Lucy's Lounge thrift shop!

Sorry for the bad photo quality, the light in my room sucks!

But you get the gist right?

I wore my long grey Zara cardigan and my big double buckle H&M belt arond the middle... I like it:)

(I also wore thick black tights - but no shock there as I am the coldest person in Dublin all year round!!!)

WHAT WEEKENDS ARE ALL ABOUT...

2009-09-06T14:01:00.003+01:00

Staying up till 4am watcing the 'Sex & the City' movie for the 4th time!
Eating potato waffles for breakfast 2 days in a row.
Trying out my sisters epilator on my legs and then realising that life is to short for that much pain... shaving instead.
Experimenting with some home made soya milk latte's.
Making a shopping list then procratinating about going shopping for a few hours... then sewing instead!

Hope you're having a great one:)

SUNNY SIDE UP

2009-09-05T21:43:00.003+01:00

Yipee we have a sunflower!!!

and more buds to come out...

and a beautiful red dahlia (i think!)...

and some tasty chives...

and some flowers on the chilli plants...

at least this raing weather is good for someting!!!
happy gardening
xx

ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER?!

2009-09-01T21:50:00.004+01:00

Wow is it really that long since i've posted anything?! It's amazing how quickly time goes past! I guess I have a good reason for being absent recently... we moved house! Yes we said 'goodbye' to our brilliant penthouse apartment and moved to a cosy house not to far down the road. Our lease was up in August so we decided to move on. We had some good times in Apt. 69 (he he he!). In the space of 4 (very tiring) days we packed up our stuff, and boy did we have alot of stuff (well, i did have the most... by far!!!). We have a spare room in the new house which is fast becoming my sewing room. We have visitors at the moment so by this weekend I'm hoping to get it all sorted out and get some ideas for some new projects. I've been invited to a wedding in Germany (sweet!) in October so I'm planning to make a cute little dress (maybe in green!). I've also enrolled for a sewing day in September so I will definately be reporting on that and will hopefully be able to tell people about my blog, and get some new blogging friends:)

My sewing machine is calling so hopefully I'll get back in the sewing seat this weekend... yipee!!!

Chat soon,

Love Lyndi **

THE BELLE OF THE BALL II

2009-08-17T21:13:00.005+01:00

Grace and her beau ready to hit the dancefloor (in a Lyndi creation!)

When Grace asked me to make her debs dress I was pretty excited and nervous at the same time!

She didn't have many specifications - just a floor length navy blue dress with one shoulder. Luckily for me that left the floor wide open for me have some fun - and that i did:)
We decided to go with satin - for a classy look.

As she wanted a simple design we decided that the ruffle had to be fabulous!
It has 3 circular ruffles on each side, 6 fabric roses and and one really long ruffle entwined around the roses! The roses have tiny blue beads in the centres to add a little bit of sparkle! It was alot of effort but definetely worth it:)

I had so much fun making it and it was a brilliant experience - it's my pride and joy of my sewing collection so far:)

THE BELLE OF THE BALL!

2009-08-04T22:06:00.007+01:00

EVENTUALLY, HERE IT IS....

THE ONE & ONLY, THE AMAZING, GRACE'S DEBS DRESS!!!

this is just a taster, more pics & details to follow,

isn't it sweet?!

p.s. YES I MADE IT:)

GOSSIP GIRL SEASON 3 - FASHION FANTASTIC

2009-07-30T21:21:00.007+01:00

Twelfth Street playsuit, Dries van Noten floral blazer, Marc Jacobs peep toe boots

Emilio de la Moreno directional body con dress

Rag 'n Bone Maxi dress, Sigerson Morisson t-bar sandals.

Burbury Prorsum brocade shift dress, Michael Perry heels, L.A.M.B. clutch

Henri Bendel striped knit dress, Elisabeth & James pink heels, Nancy Gondalez crocodile satchel.

Alexander Wang vest top, Chelsea Flower tie-die waistcoat

'Carmontelle' dress by Victoria Beckham

Herve Leger cut out body con dress, Prada clutch.

Elie Tahari metallic floral dress

beaded Matthew Williamson dress, Zara heels, studded green Treesje bag.

embellished Matthew Williamson waistcoat.

Alice & Olivia floral halter dress.

ROMA

2009-07-29T22:28:00.004+01:00

Rome was brill, over 40 degrees every day, amazing sights, fantastic food, great beer....

the colosseum

St Peters square from the roof

Trevi fountain

the panthean

smiles all round:)

I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!

2009-07-28T22:00:00.003+01:00

Yes, it's been AGES but i have a good reason for it (or 2!!)

i've been on my hols (Rome!! - it was brill!!)
i was making my sisters debs dress - can't wait to share the photos!!!

usually i try to sneak in a blog update at work, but now i have a brand shiny new computer i have no excuse;)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY & SOME SEWING

2009-06-20T19:56:00.003+01:00

It's Fathers Day tomorrow so I decided to add the personal touch with a home-sewn card for Dad, hope he likes it! Here it is on top of my sewing machine, it has a denim heart stitched on with red zig-zag stitches.

I also picked up this great fabric (a completely oversized dress) in Oxfam for €8 so stay tuned to see what I turn it into...

CREATIVE BAKING:)

2009-06-14T22:52:00.001+01:00

Eva was baking earlier so she made me 2 special buns... 1 with a sewing machine and one with a handbag:) she knows me so well!!!

PRODUCT OF A RAINY SATURDAY

2009-06-07T20:33:00.006+01:00

it poured rain all day yesterday - i mean poured... all day!!!

there was a lake on our balcony cuz our gutter was bust...

i thought the rain was gonna smash in the window at one stage!!

so, being housebound, i felt my sewing machine calling.

i've been itching to try out the Burdastyle 'Anda' pattern for a while now and i knew i had found the perfect material when i picked up this fabulous leopard sarong for €5 in Lucy's Lounge in Temple Bar.

so here's the dress (modelled by me:) ...

i'm SO happy with it:) i can't wait to wear it on our summer hols... now all we have to do is decide where to go!!!!

GREEN IS GOOD!

2009-06-05T20:17:00.002+01:00

the veggie garden is coming along nicely:)

there are also some sunflowers and some lavender in there somewhere!!

we had some lettuce with our salad on tuesday evening - it was yum:)

IS THAT SUMMER I SEE ON THE HORIZON?

2009-05-21T17:09:00.007+01:00

i hope so!! a week of sunny spells and showers can have a girl confused!! the june/july forecast is for scorching temperatures - so maybe we should have our buckets out to catch all this rain if it's gonna stop on may 31st!! i've been as inconsistent as the weather - dipping in and out of projects! here's what i've been up to...

learning how to crochet - thanks Mam:)

decorating old glassware for a table centrepiece (to have some paper flowers in it soon)

i finished the front of my knitted vest - now for that back!

got the veggie garden started! we also have some sunflowers in there but i can't remember which ones they are!!!!

practicing with a few quick patterns - don't get any funny ideas - there's no chance of that!!!

a wool bowl - didn't work out exactly as planned so i'm doing some papier mache on the inside to make it a bt sturdier...

THIS ONE'S FOR YOU LAURA:)

2009-05-16T19:57:00.004+01:00

Just look at all the goodies my friend Laura sent me from Boston.....

It's choc-chip pancakes with maple syrup for breakfast tomorrow:) YUM!!!!

Thank you girl, you're the best,

xxx

XPOSE LIVE ROUND-UP

2009-05-16T19:29:00.006+01:00

The Xpose Live! show definately lived up to my expectations:)

We had a great girlie day - here are some of the highlights:

Freebies: body lotions, herbal teas, magazines, Bacardi shots (at lunchtime!!), make-up tips & makeovers, hairstyling, all day fashion shows, ice-cream!!!
Stalls full of discounted clothes, everyting from D&G to Armani to Gucci!
Glistening jewellery, like that of Isabella Grace
A new craze in handbags by Mybagalicious 'The Miche Bag' with interchangeable covers!
Discounted makeup by the crate-load!!
But the best bit of my day by far was my encounter with the delightful Chupi, who was amazingly kind & let me have one of her fabulous dresses for half-price (after a mix up about a ticket competition). She is definately the sweetest girl in Irish Fashion:) Here's the dress - I'll defo be posting a pic of me wearing it soon:)

A Chupi original

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAM:)

2009-05-10T16:29:00.006+01:00

Happy Birthday Mam,

Present: a day at Xpose Live! with your girls:)

L to R: Grace (18), Mam (eternally 35!), Eva (23), me (28)

Above: The real Xpose girls take to the stage

Above: Grace dives in to the selection of beauty products on special offer

Above: a day well spent... now its time for a cup of tea & a relax!

XPOSE LIVE @ THE RDS

2009-05-08T20:50:00.002+01:00

guess what...

i'm off to Xpose Live tomorrow:)

yipee!!!

a girlie day with my mam & sisters...

can't wait:)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

2009-04-26T14:30:00.003+01:00

The Topshop sale is calling but I've decided not to give in!!! I have a few unfinished items teasing me from my sewing/knitting box which need to be dealt with; a shirt with no sleeves that also needs to be shortened, a pair of jeans that are half way to becoming a skirt & a vest that needs a kneckline so that i can start on the back!!! I've been lazy lately, watching too much tv & dossing around the house.
The weather has reverted to it's gloomy self with grey clouds hanging over the city. But it's not all bad... myself & my sister 'E' started our own little veggie/herb/flower garden in little pots in the kitchen window (onions, chives, lavender & rocket). We have tiny green shoots peeking up out of the soil now - our mum's green fingers passed on perhaps?
I'm away with work from tomorrow until Thursday evening so I think I'll be taking some time to reassess things, write a few lists & come up with some projects & deadlines..... I think some motivation is in order to get things kickstarted again:)

LONG WEEKEND

2009-04-11T09:41:00.002+01:00

happy LONG WEEKEND everyone:)
4 days off in a row,
yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
lets see what sort of mischief we can get up to!!!!

have a good one,
love Lyndi**

THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN - ON THE CHEAP!

2009-04-03T10:51:00.010+01:00

recession my bum!!!
have fun withouit breaking out the credit card:)

1. The Odessa restaurant on Dame Court in the city centre has announced a new 'Fivers' menu. It is offering a range of tempting dishes for no more than €5 each!! Bring your friends, mix & match & enjoy!!

2. Is the upkeep of your hairstyle setting you back a packet? Fear not for the students of Robert Chambers School of Hairdressing are here to rescue you. Open Monday to Friday & taking 2 sittings a day (one at 10am & one at 2pm) they reside on the top floor of the hairdressers building on Grafton Street and are waiting to tend to your tresses. With prices ranging from €20 for a wash, cut & dry to >€70 for a full color & restyle it's the bargain your hair has been waiting for. The students are close to graduation & continuously supervised, they take their time & believe me - it's worth it:) So call them on 01-6719755 today & make an appointment!!

3. French Connection stores announced their exclusive summer shopping event in association with Grazia.... log on to their website here (http://www.frenchconnection.com /) and register before all the places have been snapped up! The event in Dublin is taking place in the FCUK store in Powerscourt Shopping Centre on thursday 9th April at 5pm (ish). You can bring a friend on your ticket & there's wine & finger food on the night so come along & have a look:)

KNITTING FOR OXFAM

2009-04-03T10:34:00.003+01:00

While browsing though the new issue of Tatler I came across this in the 'notes to self' on page 14.
Oxfam stores are holding a 'Stitch 'n' Give' on April 13th. Download the knitting patterns from their website here (http://www.oxfamireland.org/shops/knitting.shtml), make the item, then donate to stores across Ireland to raise money for the charity. You can buy wool at a reduces price in stores for making the items with. Isn't this a cool idea?

CLUTCHING AT... A NEW CLUTCH!

2009-03-30T09:52:00.007+01:00

bags, bags, bags... one can never have enough:)

my sister G was visiting a while back & took a shine to this fabric, unfortunately i only had a scrap of it left so i could make her anything to wear... but yesterday i decided that i had just about enough for a little clutch bag...

it's fully lined with decorative stitching around the edges & 2 snap closures on the front (nearly lost a finger hamering those little suckers in!!) ...

it has an internal pocket & holds just about enough 'stuff' for a night out... hope she likes it... its a pressie for when she finished her 'leaving cert language oral exams' this week.... a little motivation to keep studying for the 'big written exams' in June:)

WHAT A TULIP!!

2009-03-30T09:50:00.009+01:00

i spent ages sewing this pretty basic skirt... only to find it doesn't fit me:(
it's fully lined with a side zip (which i've already changed once), front & back pleats & a black ribbon on the waistband.
it's the long weekend & i have an itching to sew... so maybe it will fit by monday!!!
know anyone who wants a new tulip skirt... possibly size 8???

Marie tulip skirt pattern from Burdstyle

black ribbon on the waistband

pleats on the front

EARTH HOUR

2009-03-28T13:28:00.004Z

Tonight from 8.30 to 9.30 (local time) is EARTH HOUR 2009. Everyone who can has been asked to turn off their lights, electrical items etc & to participate in this hour of darkness to highlight the devastating effects of climate change on our planet. This year EARTH HOUR has been transformed into a the worlds 1st global election between the earth & global warming..... if you do not participate you are voting for global warming.... i know what side i'm on... how about you???

TEE-RIFIC!!

2009-03-14T23:55:00.010Z

what is it about slogan tee's that just rock?? i am a huge fan!!
i was looking around for a few to blog about & these are some of my faves... enjoy:)