My New Clothing Range

 Fringed Lace Kaftan Top

 Linen Dress with Lace Inserts

 Boho Long Maxi Dress

 Linen Short Jumpsuit with Lace Bodice

 Silk Kaftan

Cotton Sun Top with Lace Bodice

Well it's been a couple of weeks since I visited to let you know what I have been up to.  As you can see I have been very busy.  All my stock has been sent down to Sydney for Mia as she does some amazing markets down there.  Here is my clever and very busy  daughter modelling some of the outfits on Freshwater beach.  It was all a little rushed for a photo shoot. with Mia changing on the beach, her husband Tim taking the photos and their daughter Bambi running around and getting into all sorts of mischief. However, it was achieved in a couple of hours before the rain started to fall and the results are fantastic.  If you are interested in any of the items pop over to our etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/AveryandOlive or see us on face book Avery & Olive.  We also have a blog see my side panel.

Thank you for stopping by and remember breath deeply when you are feeling a little overwhelmed.  This is a crazy time of year and so look around at the amazing creative people, hug the ones you love as much as possible and hug a few more just to share the love. xx

Old Tool Box

What a Find

My husband was about to through this out and was horrified I wanted to keep it as he made it when he was an apprentice carpenter back in the UK.  It has traveled with him ever since and he just wanted to get rid of it as it served no purpose.  However, with a bit of a clean up and a few changes here and there it is the perfect transport case for the jewelry my daughter makes and would look great doubling as a display case for it at the markets.  He is not impressed and I am very pleased thank you very much.

The Newest Addition

Vincent Johnii

This is the newest addition to my ever expanding family, sixth grandchild forth grandson.  He is such a dear sweet tiny little thing I could just eat him up I did not want to put him down and come home.  But came home I did to finish preparing to go down to Sydney to help my daughter with the markets as she has three on and to see the feed back on the clothing I am making. So madly making until the last minute into bed in the wee hours of Thursday morning to be waken by the loudest thunderstorm I have ever heard then the alarm went of at 4am. Hang on did I sleep at all?  Off down to Sydney again another late night early morning busy market didn't sell a thing though the jewelry of my daughter's did very well indeed so not a complete loss though a little disheartening.

On the positive side I did get to spend some wonderful time with my two daughters and their beautiful children so lots of cuddles and giggles shared.

One of my granddaughter's taking the dog for a walk.

Newest Maxi Dress

Maxi Dress

Finally made up some fabric I have had hanging around for the last couple of years into this maxi dress.  I do love it, the pattern of the fabric is very boho and very feminine.  One of my girls already has her eye on it I don't think it will make it to the market at Avalon in Sydney this weekend.

Newest Addition to the Family

Vincent

The newest addition to my ever expanding family another grandson and just such a scrumptious little bundle of gorgeousness. Now what can I make this handsome young man......

Fringe Top

New Fringe Top

I have had an amazing creative weekend and here is another top that has appeared out of that creative time and space in my studio.  I am a very lucky woman to have the time and space to explore all aspects of my creativity now if I just didn't have the sleep.........

Lace Top

New Lace Top Sample

I have just finished this lace top sample and I am very pleased with the results. Great over swimmers or with a little top, dark denim jeans and platform shoes.  I will be taking this down to the Avalon Markets in Sydney where my daughter Mia makes jewellery and I make the clothing.  There is only enough fabric and lace to make a couple so they will be very unique pieces

Shift Dress

Shift Dress

Have just finished the shift dress made from cotton and linen with doilies and bits of lace I have saved up over the years.  Not bad think I may need to make a couple more of these.

Fringe Top

Fringe Top

Linen fringed top thinking this would be great over dark denim jeans with big wedge shoes in tan or just over a pretty bikini on a hot summers day. Made from a linen cotton mix will be great to wear natural fibres here in QLD on our hot sticky days.

Sun Frock

Sun Frock

Finally finished the sun frock which has been hanging around the studio for ages.  Pleased that it is done fabric is from my stash left over from the 70's there was only just enough to make this. However, I have some nice natural coloured cheese cloth that I could make a couple more...... and plenty of doilies and lace.

Who Would Think Washing Could Look So Pretty

Some of my Daily Washing

This is what my clothes line is looking like most days at the moment.  Washing soaking and ironing doilies for my next batch of creative clothing ideas.  Some of which turn out beautifully others are a little more questionable, however, all good fun.  I do need to put my nose to the grindstone to make enough stock to take to the markets.  There are only a couple more months till Xmas. I can't believe this year has flown by so quickly time seems to go faster and faster with each year. Well must away to create in my now clean and tidy studio, though I am not sure how long that will last......

Sample Kaftan

Sample Kaftan

Here is a sample kaftan I made last week and have finally taken photos.  It has turned out quite well I think and I will go ahead and make more from some beautiful silk I purchased in Sydney.  I think I will end up sending this to Mumsie for her birthday she does love a good kaftan to swan around in.

My Next Alabama Chanin Project

The Beginnings of a Dress and a Skirt

I have started my next Alabama Chanin project some time ago I just haven't posted it until now.  It has progressed somewhat since these photos were taken.  I have almost finished the dress though the skirt still has some way to go and I am thinking I may just do the applique along the bottom of the skirt not all over. Will wait and see how it goes.

It's Been a While

My very first sewing machine.

I must have been given when I was 7 or 8 for Xmas and I loved it and sewed many a dolls outfit on it.  Now I am on to grown up outfits I now work out of my studio from home full time making and creating. Exciting though scary.  I have been sampling fabric and designs for the last two weeks so keep your eyes on this space for my creations. This weekend I am doing a major clean up as it is driving me crazy as I can't find a thing.  On this major clean up below are just a few of the things I have come across in my sorting and discarding.

A Pair of Very Old Chinese Slippers

I remember these from when I was a little girl sitting on the bookcase.  Unfortunately they are very fragile now and starting to perish.  It's amazing the things that have been done to the female body over the centuries by all cultures in the name of beauty? Or is it to keep us powerless?