Sunday 14 November 2010

Look, No Hands!

Vintage Dollrockers maxi dress (£4.99 eBay), Fake fur hat (20p Jumble sale), Sash from a vintage evening dress worn as a pussybow
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm incapable of sitting still. Even after a last night's boozy trip out (four pints of India Pale Ale at the pub, watching a local rock band followed by a midnight Mushroom Dansak and bottle of wine) I have to do something creative when I'm watching trashy Sunday morning TV in the throes of a hangover. 


 Today, I made this:

I used a horrid fleece from Friday's night's jumble sale, two fake fur hats, a reel of vintage Turkey Red cotton from a charity shop....
  
...and Great-Grandmama's gold muff chain.

Making it up as I went along, I unpicked the hats into pieces, hand-sewed the fur strips together, joined them at the top to form a cylinder and lined them with fleece to make the muff extra toasty.

Now I know what to do with my hands next time I'm wearing one of my capes.


My hangover's gone now, time to crack open another bottle of vino later. Hope you've had a wonderful weekend, too.

PS Thanks for all your lovely comments, both here and over at Reva's blog. I do read everything you're kind enough to say and will be responding to any questions or requests you've made over the next week or so.

59 comments:

  1. Very Russian Tsarina!
    My weekend hasn't been so creative, although I managed to start making some bunting for Baby Bird's bedroom. Trying to tidy up my bedroom today, boring x

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  2. nice job! your so creative! you could sell these :)

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  3. you are so clever! I intend to start back with creative stuff as soon as the madness of the next 2 weeks is done :o) You have inspired me to get back to it.

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  4. That is very inventive of you! I would never of thought to make one out of hats! x

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  5. It seems we are both in a Russian mood lol! Fantastic outfit, the colours are beautifully vivid. Great sewing project! ... :0)

    Shirl xxx

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  6. I agree with Rose & Bird - quite the Russian Tsarina! I always wondered how ladies would keep their muffs from getting lost - a muff chain! How wonderful that you have your great grandmothers! Your DIY and creativity never cease to amaze me. xx

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  7. i love the combo of bargains + DIY style! i love the print on your dress too :) i thought of you when i was taking some of my blog pics this week, i think youll see why! x

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  8. Muff! It's a cracker as well - you are so fabulously creative! I've been making yet more pom pom necklaces to add to the Christmas pile - I wish I had the ability to make something else but I'm just not good enough, so these will have to do :(

    Also that dress is AMAZING! Have you blogged it before? The pattern is so vivid and fun.

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  9. What a clever girl you are ,Iwill have to look for some suiable fur ,to do likewise ...love Jan xx

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  10. Beautiful - I'm feeling creative today too, just about to change the buttons on a jacket!

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  11. Oooh my goodness! I've always wanted one of these (with a little pocket inside for keys and a minty sweetie) - you are clever!

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  12. Very clever and productive for a hangover day! x

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  13. I particularly like the chain.

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  14. Eeeek,you clever,clever Vixen!!! What a fab idea,and how delightfully snuggly!Classier even than gloves!
    The whole ensemble is indeed very Russian,and is utterly gorgeous!
    Love you! Helga xxxXXXxxx
    (talk later?! x)

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  15. How darling! I love that matching hat too. Fur mufflers always remind me of The Little Match Girl - one of my favourite childhood stories. x

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  16. Love the look!!

    http://annamargrete.wordpress.com

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  17. The whole ensemble is very creative, I love how you've used the evening dress sash.
    And you do look very Russian.

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  18. I love this its wonderful! Have a great evening xxx

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  19. That is gorgeous, clever you! You look beautiful in these pics.
    I love the maxi dress.

    xx

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  20. I do not know you in person, but I told you long ago that I imagen you always on the go. Good for you my girl, you are so much fun.
    Un abrazo siempre my friend.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  21. Hi there-the muffler looks so cosy and stylish and is perfect with the rest of your outfit, well done indeed! xx

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  22. Such a wonderful muff with a hang-over... Impressive! Off to more fun, Vix, with WARM hands. xxx

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  23. Stunning print on that Dollyrocker dress.
    I admire your creativity whilst under the influence of a hangover, I can hardly create a cup of tea! I get so sick, I've had to give it up, woe is me!
    xxx

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  24. This look is so Gypsy/Russian. I love it. . and your creativity is unparalleled!

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  25. I been look for one of those..I love anything with pockets..i love hide my nervous hands,lol
    you ever so creative mi amor..oh before I forget read your oh so interesting article..i love finding out secrets about others life its so fascinating..bonito pussy bow and as always I love the Russa look with Indian vestido.

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  26. Dear Vix, your creativity never fails to amaze me. Beautiful, practical and glamorous! xx

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  27. Vix, you are also a faux fur queen.

    x x x

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  28. OOOHHH!!! i just love this! what a gorgeous, dazzling bohemian outfit!

    http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

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  29. You made this whikst hungover???????? You are a freakin' genius!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ....and you looks so Russian royalty... gorgeous!!!

    I love muffs, have a gorgeous faux ocelot one. didn't get around to wearing it last winter! probably because people will think I'm nuts! [not that that has ever stopped me!]... it's just not that cold in Sydney... well, I get cold... muffs are more convenient than gloves for doing things like pressing a keypad, etc!

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  30. Thank you again my Love :)
    I went out with a fellow thrifter for the first time yesterday and found a rabbit fur neck-thingy.
    I am on the prowl for some fur to make DIY 'fur tops' for my booties and you gave me a great idea- to pick apart some old teddy bears ;)
    Loads of Love,
    Reva

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  31. You look gorgeous! Love the Muff chain! Do you ever take rest? Sewing and cleaning and helping people and more!? :)

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  32. The jewel tones(?) of your maxi dress are beautiful! How I envy your "eye" to re-purpose the "horrid fleece" into such a useful & gorgeous item...

    I really like that blue dress in the previous post, too. Too bad for HER! Great for YOU!

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  33. Yes I'm watching I'm a Celeb too! Gillian is already getting on my nerves..I'm such a tolerant person, lol x

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  34. That's a great idea - bet it will keep your hands sooo warm. xxx

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  35. Nice muff (fnar fnar) ... Seriously, that's great, I think they are such glam accessories. Also, your dress is stunning, I love it. Xxx

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  36. Lovely, lovely and lovely! Must be as cold there as it is hot here.xx.

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  37. One wonders why women ever stopped using muffs...

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  38. Hey Vixy,
    I'm back from my week’s holiday at bastion del duvet on sickly zombie island...never go there; t'was bleeding RUBBISH!
    The only good thing about being ill for a week is the inevitable blog read backlog that occurs & I've been catching up this evening :)
    Well done for being creative despite suffering from a hangover, that was never my forte I have to say. One of the main reasons I knocked the boozing on the head was that my hangovers got progressively worse after I turned thirty & I'd be feeling hangdog & dejected for days afterwards.
    It takes a special & strong person to be able to stick two fingers up to the negative effects of alcohol & just soldier on!
    Lot’s of love,
    Jem
    …xXx

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  39. he..he.. love the title of the post:)))

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  40. gorgeous clothes.
    i love the combination of patterns!!

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  41. Wow, you've got serious talent in DIY! Love that fur creation, it's brilliant!

    Xox

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  42. They look so warm and cosy!! perfect for winters

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  43. Wonderful work, the chain is such a fantastic detail. Ads both look and personal value to the muff. I think its great to use things that's been used by other family members. Especially when it comes to things that's so easily could have its original purpose forgotten or just be left gathering dust.

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  44. A beautiful muff! And hungover as well, you talented lass you xx

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  45. Go you! You creative and crafty minx! The hat looks fab. xxx

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  46. They look gorgeous, I love hand muffs they are so cool. I didn't know they actually made chains specifically for muffs thats really interesting xx

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  47. The woman looks scary. Is that black a purse?

    Win our Perricone giveaway worth $150

    Win an Orient Watch USA worth $285

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  48. So very clever, and totally spooky that was exactly what i was htinking i needed to make / find as i was standing around waiting for our remembrance sunday parade to begin!! :)

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  49. I love how you have no set rules when being creative; making it up as you go along must be a good way because it has turned out perfectly. I love the chain detailing, what a wonderful make xx

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  50. Ooh - you are SO clever! LOVE the fabric/colours of your divine outfit today and LOVE your project - it makes me want to go dig out a couple of faux fur hats and get crafty. If we weren't five minutes away from another foul Australian summer, that is! Thank you Ms Vix - you're so fabulous! Sarah xxx

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  51. Oooh look at that lovely muff!! I don't know how you manage all these scrummy Sunday morning projects - I feel like a need of a lie down at the thought of your big night out. What a sight for sore eyes you are in that gorgeous maxi dress and bow. You OWN purple!! xoxo

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  52. Nice post, you have a very good creativity! This look is crazy, but I love it!
    xoxo from Hannie

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  53. Oh gosh, how I wish I could say the same of myself. I love sitting and blobbing doing nothing at all. The dress is amazing, as always.

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  54. I want your social life! Pints and a band at the pub followed by curry and wine just sounds perfect. xx
    http://www.weshopthereforeweare.co.uk/

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  55. What a chic, lush muff, and so creative and well put-together! I can't believe you haven't been sewing all your life. Also wonderful that you used Great Grandma's muff chain. I bet she'd love how you put it to use again.

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Lots of love, Vix