two crafty dames : deeply fabulous vintage-inspired handmade fashion

Archive for the ‘We ♥ it’ Category

I am so in love with these utterly gorgeous 1950′s inspired swimsuits by Australian label My Sister Pat. The Dames first came across these little beauties whilst adventuring in Melbourne recently.  Adorable, figure flattering and hand made  from limited vintage and vintage inspired fabrics, what more could a gal want in a bathing suit? You are sure to be looking fabulous romping about at the beach or lounging seductively by the pool in one of these little numbers, however I think they are far too cute to be restricted just to water related recreation.

Whilst perusing the Penguin Markets during The Dames’ recent trip to Tasmania I came across a quaint little stall selling vintage clothing, patterns,  material and other vintage goodies. Whilst scrounging through a table of old magazines I stumbled across  a few editions of the Australian Home Journal from the 1950′s and early 1960′s. I was immediately attracted to  the covers of the magazines which are beautifully decorated with illustrations of lovely ladies dressed in the latest fashion outfits of the time. More fashion designs are illustrated inside, which back in the day, readers could get patterns of via mail order. The rest of the magazine features recipes, knitting and crochet patterns,   fashion-related DIY and handy hints, short stories, advice columns, and plenty of ads for powders and potions to keep you regular, make you slim, and get rid of your freckles. With every issue, a paper tissue pattern was included with instructions on how to make them. A couple of the copies I picked up still had some patterns intact which I was happy to discover.

Left: The cover of the April Edition 1958 Australian Home Journal. Right: Designs for mail order patterns.

Left: The cover of the July Edition 1960 Australian Home Journal. Right: Designs for mail order patterns.

Along with the journals, I also picked up some cute spotty Bias Binding and floral fabrics.

Whilst sightseeing in Launceston the Crafty Dames stumbled across  Cocoon, a delightful little shop full of made-by-hand goodies from Tasmania’s emerging artists and up & coming designers. The shop had a lovely warm and cosy feel to it, which was very welcome to us dames after traipsing around in that chilly Tasmanian weather. If you happen to be visiting Launceston, Cocoon is a must stop.

Gorgeous goodies from Cocoon. Right: Lovely handmade magnets by Little Jane St. Left: Cute fabric button creations by Notions.

I bought a couple of items which I took a fancy to, some cute little magnets, buttons and earrings but the item which really took my fancy was a gorgeous little hand-made owl made by Hobart designer Cat-Rabbit. I ummed and aaahed over whether to purchase him and in the end I decided to leave him in the store with all his other owly friends. Not my best decision I admit. A few days later, much to my delight, Paula presented me with a lovely fat red package… who could be hiding amongst that paper and twine I wonder? Why it was that gorgeous little owl of course! A lovely present indeed!

The handmade owl by Cat-Rabbit. I have named him Westbury after the town we stayed in.

I was on the lookout for a pin cushion and came across some gorgeous little handmade mushroom gardens on etsy. They have been crafted from recycled felted sweaters  http://www.etsy.com/shop/WanderingLydia

My little mushie garden arrived in the post today and it is just too cute for words.  Im not sure I want to stick pins in it now!