Sunday 12 February 2012

Hey Ho, Let's Sew

What's this random assortment all about then?
Well, rather than waste an afternoon in front of the TV I sorted out my ever-growing fabric stash instead, rediscovering a charity shop skirt salvaged from the £1 rail, a crimplene off-cut and a reel of 1970s Holly Hobbie braid (courtesy of the fabulous Sarah).


I chopped everything up and re-made it into this top.


Considering that I made it up as I went along without using a pattern, I'm really quite amazed at how well it turned out (unless I'm still drunk from last night and just delusional).


Check out the trumpet sleeves.

Hand of Fatima pendant (given to me by a stranger in Tangier in 1993)
I've been wearing it all day and it hasn't disintegrated yet, usually a sign of a successful make.

Brushed denim maxi (previously seen HERE), Earrings from the divine Helga
Hope your weekend's been fabulous.

Ours has been typically drunken, loud and lairy. I'm looking forward to a quiet evening with home made pizza in front of the fire later.

See you soon.

73 comments:

  1. Bloody brill, Vix. It looks fab and I especially love the blouse...and your hair!xxxx

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  2. Great! I love the blouse. What a fab idea. I love the Ramones reference in the title too. Joe is always going off at work and he is supposed to oversee everone's work. One of his colleagues always sings his own version of Blitzkrieg Bop to him: 'Hey ho, where's Joe?' and in the place of 'Blitzkrieg Bop' he sings 'Joe's f***ed off!'. It always makes me smile when I hear the Ramones' version. xxx

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  3. Love the sleeves especially - genius! And your hair is fab x

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  4. Pretty sure you said you weren't any good at this sewing business, turns out you were lying! Looks amazing x

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  5. Fab! I'm so jealous that you can just rustle up a top like that on the spur of the moment. I just love that Holly Hobby braid

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  6. The sleeves are fab :D
    I love how you have your hair in this post to :D

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  7. Hi sweetie! Up early having coffee and now I'm simple all smiles, this blouse is so creative and the sleeves why yes they are magical! BUT HOT DAM VIX the hair is the sweetest ever!!!! How did you do your hair I love it you look so absolutely sweet. Glad to hear the weekend has been filled with food, friends and drink! I'm off to Dad's this morning to spend the day with him.
    LOVE YOU!!!!!!!
    Krista

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  8. whouu, well done!, love that velvet fabric and the pretty sleeves you made!, and love your hairstyle and accessories!
    I'm also going to enjoy a peaceful evening and make crochet!
    besos

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  9. It looks perfect! Very unique outfit!

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  10. I love the top, what a creative joy. I love the blue velvet and that holly hobby ribbon is just gorgeous! I am taken back to my childhood.

    Sounds like you had a fab weekend. Hope you get your quiet evening in.

    MBB x

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  11. that denim skirt is divine and I love your talent of sewing xx

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  12. An afternoon? Heck, I'd still be faffing about a week later, and here's you with it all sorted and finished! It looks divine - almost medieval because of the sleeves and the velvet, yet with the cute kiddie twist from the trim.

    Now, where were those dresses I chopped up for re-hemming months and months ago...?;)

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  13. I may be drunk too - I mean it, I'm not sure I've slept off last night's indulgence of mint choc chip ice cream - but I think it's super. Very creative and those sleeves are groovy.

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  14. Aaah I love the Holly braid! Great idea turning a skirt into a top, must give that a go... :)

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  15. Can't believe you "made that up as you went along"! It's frigging adorable, as is your hair!!!! The only reason I would ever let my hair grow is to be able to do stuff like that.

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  16. I'll never look at a velvet skirt the same again...Love your hair and wondering if I can make mine do that.

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  17. I dig what you've done with your hair! Looks lush.

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  18. I am loving those sleeves!
    I replied to your email btw.

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  19. So cute!!
    No pattern???? so hard to do sleeves without pattern.....
    You are brilliant!!

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  20. You are a whizz with the Singer Vix, amazed that you ran up such style so quickly, the sleeves are a triumph.
    Great skirt too btw and your hair looks fantabulous in that 'do'.
    Re your comment, I snapped the end that I'd hastily tidied, the rest's a mess.

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  21. your out fit is cute.great job on the top.Love the sleeves.That necklace is a beauty.I love your hair.xx

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  22. So clever that you made the top from scratch! I have a maxi dress in that fabric, my mum remembered seeing the fabric some time in the 70s, she said she thought it was sold by one of the department stores.

    Have a nice evening, I'll be having an early night after the hen weekend!

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  23. You should be pleased with yourself, it's a very sweet top. I love making up things as you go along. I can't really stand paper patter

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  24. Whoops a rouge finger pushed publish comment......how dare it I hadn't finished talking.

    Anyways as I was saying I hate paper patterns. I much prefer taking an old garment apart and learn how to make something that way. X

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  25. Very cute top, (I love it) And you look great too!
    *Pizza and fire* sounds like a real good time.

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  26. Love the whole outfit! Very clever recycling you did there :-)

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  27. It looks amazing Vix! You have far too many talents, its not fair! Share a few...

    X x

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  28. Yay, good for you! You should make more things. I love the sleeves,and the fabric you've used for them.

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  29. Great top there Vix! I especially love the sleeves, their so cute.

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  30. You've done amazingly, Vix! The blouse looks very pretty and I very much like the Hand of Fatima, too. xo

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  31. i'm fairly certain that you and your sewing machine could solve the problems in the middle east if given a chance. you are so resourceful and talented and beautiful to boot!

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  32. That's excellent... and tons of fun. Well done you. I need to get my sewing mojo on, there's a dress knocking about for the past few weeks waiting for a new zip. I love your hair like that, it's great.

    Was gutted to hear about the Cheongsam pattern. lol.

    xx

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  33. Sounds like you're getting better at this sewing lark!! Not that you've ever been bad at it, I'm sure :) Love your hair that way.xx.

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  34. it's beautiful..i'd pay money for that! i really want to sew/make/complete anything in 2012 - a resolution I'm still resolving to keep! I love the braid so much. Just wanted to say that I adored your Kerala photos, thank you so much for sharing - I was so excited to see them and they look magical and you look so peaceful and relaxed! Glad you had a wonderful time xox

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  35. Wow Vix that top looks great. The best way to sew is to wing it and see where it goes. Lovin' your hair up, bloody gorgeous!!

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  36. I am obsessed with your 'do in these. It's fabulous!

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  37. Fascinating hair! I am always impressed with your skillful improvisational sewing.

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  38. This is a Fabulous Dress! I used to have a Holly Hobbie doll when I was little and it was my FAVORITE doll!

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  39. Great top. I love the sleeves. The way you've done your hair is fabulous too.

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  40. Fabulous make especially with no pattern! Looking fab, and I do like your hair like that

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  41. Love those sleeves especially with that cute as a button trim. I really have to give this sewing thing a go one of these days. xx

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  42. Oooh I love those sleeves, I'm a sucker for trumpet sleeves like those.

    The hair is fabulous Vix, it totally suits you...more please! I reckon you should do a series of hairstyles posts.
    xxx

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  43. Hello my dear! Sorry it's been so long! Fabulous top, I love the mix of fabrics and textures.... And the inspired cut! I'm pretty impressed about the freehand, pattern-free genesis of this piece! xxxxxxxx

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  44. You never cease to amaze me! LOVE those sleeves, they are inspired, and you can never go wrong with a velvet/crimplene combintion, can you?
    I'm most impressed with your ability to wing it! And I'm even more impressed by your completely adorable hair! xxxxxxx

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  45. Such a cute top. I love how it almost looks layered with the different textured sleeves.

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  46. I'm loving all the intricate details in the above ensemble.
    The skirt is especially appealing.
    And I just adore the jewellery too.
    Can I invite myself round for sewing class?;-)

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  47. What a great make for having no pattern! Love the trumpet sleeves!

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  48. Blumen Heck!!!! You're talented - NO PATTERN?!

    I am actually on my knees in front of the computer and bowing towards you. Look - there's even incense either side of the monitor.

    You're pretty damned talented!

    AX

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  49. Bless,darl;I've got loads of small bits lying around, and just needed a bit of inspiration on how to fearlessly put things together!
    EEEEEEEK!
    I've been living vicariously through reading over Srah's shoulder, and am finally getting down to saying how frigging fabulous your India travel posts are!!! It really does seem to have a similar feel to Thailand!We'll be right at home there with you one of these days!
    I'm really loving that wench Friday frock,but then I love you and everything you do and wear, even your bendy arms!
    Will try and be around tonight, if you are;yesterday I had a migraine, so 'twas an early night for me!
    Love Helga! xxxXXXxxx

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  50. what a gorgous blouse darling, velvet and florals are a great match and i love those sleeves, really adorable!
    sewing and being creative is always better than waste time in front of tv. and i love your princess leia hair;)
    kiss,mary

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  51. Ah Vix you are a clever lady!
    Love the velvet mix. And trumpet sleeves, good work. :)
    LOVE the hair.
    xx

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  52. ding dang doodle Vix you look amazers, I love the top it's blimming ace and you did very well to make it from scratch and as you went along....my 'makes' of that ilk usually end up in the bin!!

    Much love xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  53. Wow it turned out great...and no pattern impressive!! I can't wait till I am one day reunited with my sewing machine again. It seems lately it is packed more then it is unpacked!! great way to repurpose :) Love Heather

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  54. What a pretty creation! And without a pattern; you are so talented!

    I love that a stranger just handed you a necklace. You're my hero!

    xo, Anita

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  55. This is a gorgeous look on you. I love everything from your hair to your sleeves and the necklace especially. Great post

    xoDale
    http://www.savvyspice.net/

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  56. I'd wear it anyday! tops like this are what I go for! really nice fabric choices.

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  57. Brilliant Vix! Love that you made it up as you went along, so proud! Good thinking to nix the TV, because what a wonderful outcome this is. -xx

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  58. I'm struggling USING a pattern, so very well done on your thrifty make without one! Fab hair BTW! :) x

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  59. Those double buns are adorable, and yet so elegant! =)

    http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

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  60. Oh you gorgeous woman, I love Holly Hobbie and would give my left tit for a length of that gorgeous braid:)). The trumpet sleeves are a triumph with that gorgeous velvet - careful, you'll have everyone wanting to cop a feel of the plush fabric you fabulous bint! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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  61. Hi Vix!

    Wow you did good with the top!
    I adore it!
    I wanted to do the same thing, but can not sew s....
    So i would have to ask Izzy or go to my devoted seamstress across the road
    Love your hair up you look like Princess L....can not remember the name...in Star Wars

    Looking gorgeous Vix!

    Ariane

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  62. Your weekend sounds amazing! I'm so jealous. Mine involved... nothing. Which was rather nice in a way! xxx

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  63. Ooooooh that top's gorgeous, really, really fab. I love anything dinky, do you know what I mean and you look the bees knees with your hair up and that gorgeous top. Vix, I have a vintage/antique throw that I saw and thought you might love. It's beautifully woven, with hand sewn rolled edges, and hand tied tassles. I think it's about 1930's but I'm not sure. Would you like it? If you would, I'm happy to send it to you as a Valentine's gift. Could you let me have your address and I'll package it up. Big hugs, Em xxxxxx

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  64. I absolutely adore your hair and your outfit - gorgeous colours and adorable sleeves!

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  65. Holy bejeeezus that top is amazing! You are so clever... honestly, it would just not occur to me to put those bits n pieces together and yet you did and it looks frickin brilliant! I also ADOOOORE your hair and that beautiful pendant... I want one!! Love! Sarah xxx

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  66. Vixcita,
    no pattern? you are a truly gifted amor.
    the sleeves are so groovy and with velver even better for this weather.
    loving your Princess Lea hairstyle. I usually wear my hair like that a few days after my curlers. fatima hand pendant is it blessed it is considered lucky to own one.
    besotes

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  67. That top is such a cute creation! It looks even more adorable with the way you've styled your hair. Go Vix!

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  68. You're so creative and talented! Very nice work.

    I really like the Hand of Fatima pendant.

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix