I've only ever had this one so I'm not sure if my brain's wired in the same way as everyone else. From the moment I wake up it's relentless.....Have I got enough on the women's rail for the weekend...... Must phone the accountant......Collect those boots from the cobblers.....Haven't replied to that email yet.......When's the deadline for that festival payment....Have I got a spare zip for that dress.......Shoelaces!......Order price tags.......more coat hangers....Should I buy a steamer .....Have I filled in that form properly.......Arghhhhh, I'm behind on my blog reading.....
To switch off I could pour myself a large rum and coke but then I'd be permanently pissed and it wouldn't do the waistline any favours, I want to be back in crop tops when the festival season kicks off, so instead, I sew, I pimp stuff up and I create.
On Thursday, after sorting, pricing and packing the stock for Saturday's vintage fair, I made this groovy cat print maxi dress using the same vintage pattern I made Scooby-Doo and Thomas The Tank Engine from. It was originally an Ikea duvet cover and cost the princely sum of 50p from the Miu-Miu charity shop aka the most exciting chazza on the planet.
After unpacking the van and finally recovering the use of my arms after lugging 24 sacks of vintage clothing across a car park, down the high street and up two flights of stairs, on Sunday I took the scissors to one of my leather coats.
I bought this 1970s aubergine number back in the '90s for a fiver and subsequently wore it to death as it was the perfect length for hiding my hideous corporate suits. These days, without an enforced dress code, I'm pretty much maxi all the way so the poor thing has languished unloved in the cupboard of doom for ages. Sleeves hacked to bracelet length, cropped to within an inch of its life and Banksy-ed up by my steady handed boyfriend (cheers, Jon!) its been reborn.
Yesterday, after getting back from the Bank Holiday Boot Sale, I shortened a few maxi dresses from the stockroom. The off-cuts were too pretty to waste so I turned them into tops drafting my own pattern for the first time in my life.
Then I got a bit carried away...
Then I got a bit carried away...
Well, as Keith Richards once said, If its worth doing then its worth overdoing and what girl doesn't need a My Little Pony crop top in their life?
I've got two vintage fairs to pack for with Leicester on Saturday (that should be fun, the atmosphere is going to be electric) and Stoke-on-Trent on Sunday plus a pile of paperwork almost as tall as me to deal so my brain is going to be in overdrive - luckily I got some cracking fabric from yesterday's car boot.
 |
| Wearing: Pimped-up leather jacket, Jungle print maxi skirt (made from a pair of car booted 1970s curtains 2 years ago), Edwardian Horrockses camisole (Charity shop), Topshop burgundy leather ankle boots (Ebay), Native American wolf choker (Car boot sale) |
Linking to Patti and the gang for Visible Monday.
See you soon!
You must have got the white thread you needed then, seeing as you have been sew busy.
ReplyDeleteI've just read your post on the office pc, much better on the eyes and fabulous for seeing all your gear. I had a good chuckle at all the crop tops lined up and didnt Jon boy do a great job on your revamped coat.
I'm going to have a look at my old cream leather to see if it will stand a bit of cropping.
Like you I have a pile of paperwork and stuff to do but I am the biggest procrastinator on the planet so I'm more likely to go off faffing than get stuck in.
Good luck with yours gorgeous girl x x x
Poundland saved the day!
DeleteYes, get cropping - I love a no-sew project. Anything to put off the inevitable grown-up stuff! xxx
Hee hee yes xx
DeleteI love your blog and your skirt. You are so creative x
ReplyDeleteThanks you so much, Car24lin! Lovely to "meet" you. xxx
DeleteI was nodding my head when I read how your brain is wired, as I'm exactly the same. The problem is, I also have it when I wake up in the night. Love the jungle skirt and of course the Phoebe dress. Like Lynn, the lined up crop tops made me smile, and of course thre's got to be a My Little Pony one! It looks like you're going to be busy this weekend. In the meantime, good luck with the paperwork. xxx
ReplyDeleteFortunately I'm usually a sound sleeper but the cats usually pounce on me at 5am so its brain over-activity from then.
DeleteI'm dreading the paperwork, it's all the legal stuff connected with my Dad's estate and it really is scary! xxx
You have given me my newest refashion idea - to "pimp up" a leather jacket. I just took scissors to a jean vest I mean to post in the near future.
ReplyDeleteI'd wear that MLP crop top - even if it meant my six pack (NOT) would be exposed.
Do share when you pimp it! xxx
DeleteWeird, I dug out my old 90s leather coat at the weekend and tried to see what it would look like if I cropped it... (better, but I've never tried sewing leather before...) Liking the new dress, the fabric looks very Marimekko... (actually IKEA often has great fabric designs) It's weird seeing you with something from IKEA though, especially what with you recently buying trainers as well, what's happened to you?! :D
ReplyDeleteI didn't bother sewing the leather - just the lining. Just use sharp scissors and mark it off with chalk so the lines are dead straight.
DeleteWell I am 50 this year, maybe sparkly trainers and Ikea dresses are the female equivalent of a Harley! xxx
Vix - what you describe is definitely me as well! I have a mental check list in my head and I'm ticking things off or adding to them constantly. When that stops then I can relax, put my feet up and catch up with my reading, blogging etc.
ReplyDeleteWell, you have been bitten by the creativity bug haven't you? The jungle print dress is fab and look so well on you and as for the cat maxi - it's superb. And all those cute little tops....
I'm very intrigued by the chopping up of the leather coat, and excuse my ignorance, but did you sew the sleeves, bottom etc? Or did you just chop? I often see old leather jackets or coats in the charity shops but now I'll be looking at them in a different way - if there's no sewing involved!
You have done a great job and the 'new' jacket looks lovely on you.
xxxx
Veronica
vronni60s.blogspot.com
Phew! Sometimes I think I'm going mad with the constant dialogue going on in my head.
DeleteYes - I just marked off the length I wanted the jacket and the sleeves in chalk and cut it with some super sharp scissors. The only sewing required is hemming the lining although you could use that iron-on hemming tape if you wanted to skip the sewing altogether.
Keep your eyes peeled for tatty leathers at car boots and chazzas and get pimping! xxx
Hi Vix, I am the same way too. My head never stops with all the things that need doing. Far too much for a day *and* I wake up in the night as well, often with a solution to something that has been bothering me or remembering what I have forgotten to do. I love all the sewing that you have been doing. Really creative and you seem to score big-time with all your lovely fabrics. That IKEA one is really stylish and your skirt is very fun. I love the artwork on the back of your leather jacket. Kudos to Jon. He seems very handy. Better not let Sprogzilla see your MLP crop top. She is obsessed with them. Apparently it is a "thing". Xx
ReplyDeleteIsn't it maddening? Like you I'll wake up insanely early with a brilliant idea and end up getting up and starting it just in case I go to sleep and forget what it was I thought of.
DeleteIs MLP a thing now? Good to be down with the kids! xxx
Not sure I've ever known someone who cuts up a leather jacket! Only you could do it and end up with such a great result! And what a great collection of crop tops! Only you Vix! Only you.
ReplyDeleteAnything that needs minimum effort is a win for me! xxx
DeleteFabulous skirt! I love it, but then I am all over novelty prints luke a rash. A teacher at school once eyed me up and down and said, "You really like novelty clothing don't you?" well obviously!
ReplyDeleteLove the wee tops! My sister was a massive My Little Pony fan as a kiddie, she had every pony and every accessory too xxx
Crazy prints are the best, I'm always on the hunt for bedding and kids nursery curtains to cut up and make into something else. How very observant of the teacher - NOT! xxx
DeleteBetter a head like yours than a depressed one full of bubbles and joy.
ReplyDeleteRebecca came back home after 11 years teaching in Berlin (sick of it), so I have a creative soul next to mine.
Besos from Malaga
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
How lovely for you, Rebecca has a wonderful soul. xxx
DeleteLove that skirt and the Ikea duvet is wondrous as a maxi. The jacket is perfection. You are truly the Queen of Reinvention.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. lovely. I'm the same...my head whirls with shit that needs to be done and stuff I want to do...plans and projects and paintings and Christ knows what. I've had a notebook and a torch on the bedside for as long as I can remember. A it of sewing or painting or gardening keeps me sane! A rum is nice too!
Loves ya!
xxxx
A notebook and a torch sounds like something I need to keep close at hand, too - good plan! I'm being virtuous - rum three times a week, until the festival season, then it's madness! xxx
DeleteWow those tops are impressive, 100 % behind you for buying a steamer , You can zoom though the clothes with one xxx
ReplyDeleteI've been deliberating over one for ages but keep getting puzzled by all the reviews! xxx
DeleteThat skirt is crazy gorgeous! And, while you're at it, you want to make me one of those crop tops? Can't wait to see one on you! :)
ReplyDeleteA few more sit-ups and a bit of sunshine and I'll be in one! x
Deletewow, you sure know how to re-make something. And those crop tops are awesome. My favorite is the Ikea maxi dress.
ReplyDeleteHigh praise from a talent like you, cheers! xxx
DeleteSounds like your head is a busy place. Love the cat print maxi. You're so motivated, it's great! Xx
ReplyDeleteI wear myself out sometimes! xxx
DeleteOnly you could get away with the kiddy fabrics. How the hell do you sew so many things, so quickly ? It takes me ages to make one item ! Mind you, I've always got more than one W.I.P.
ReplyDeleteI go into the zone and can't stop until I've finished - I'd got those tops down to half an hour to complete! xxx
DeleteLoving how you got "carried away" with those darling crop tops. And your new cat maxi is a dream! Thanks for linking up and have a splendid week ahead, xox
ReplyDelete-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Thanks, Patti! The sun is shining, we've got temperatures of 70 degrees forecast so a crop top might be making an outing very soon! xxx
Deleteyou are freaking amazing. i wish you lived near me so some of that could rub off. you are so incredibly beautiful too! xo
ReplyDeleteYou are too kind, Juanita - you're always an inspiration. xxx
DeleteI have to say I get so tired most of the time looking at the blogs and seeing women wearing items which I can NEVER afford! I SO look forward to your posts. While I cannot sew to save my life I still find inspiration from your creativity. That jacket is utterly fabulous! It looks like you spent a chunk of change on it and to think that it is something that can be done for a few dollars! Keep on posting girl!
ReplyDeletevintagecraftygirl - what a lovely comment, thanks you so much! xxx
DeleteI have to say I get so tired most of the time looking at the blogs and seeing women wearing items which I can NEVER afford! I SO look forward to your posts. While I cannot sew to save my life I still find inspiration from your creativity. That jacket is utterly fabulous! It looks like you spent a chunk of change on it and to think that it is something that can be done for a few dollars! Keep on posting girl!
ReplyDeleteOK. Now you are creating your own patterns. So I see a Vix sewing pattern coming to Simplicity. I'm serious. You have such a way with fabric. Thomas the Tank Engine! I just Love that.
ReplyDeleteThe crazier the print the less perfect the finished result needs to be! xxx
DeleteI have a leather jacket that could do with a makeover, but I also have a very old trench coat that might look better shortened. Thank you for sharing your project-I can see so many coats and oversized blazers that would benefit from cropping.
ReplyDeleteMy brain tries pulling that s**t, but I just tell it to shut up, and go back to sleep.
Your crop-top design looks professional-I suspect they'll be good sellers. Okay, I'm off to scour the wardrobe for long coats/jackets I can re-style. THANK YOU!
Cropped jackets look so much better with full skirts and high waists and make me look that crucial few inches taller. Have a go! xxx
DeleteWow, the leather jacket remake is brilliant. Great painting job by Jon too. When I do something I make a big song and dance about it, but for you, you just throw it in there, all in a day's work/play. Love the tops you made too, well, and everything. The Ikea maxi, gorgeous. Best title. Heh.
ReplyDeleteThat's me, the shy and retiring type! I'm always amazed when my creations get any compliments! xxx
DeleteHi Vix, you have so much talent! Your blog always puts me in a good mood. You look fab in your maxis. You kill me too with all your crop tops you made, but they are really cute and will go like hotcakes.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cherre! I'll keep making these crop tops until festival season - if the fabric's cheap enough I can sell them cheap! xxx
DeleteHi Vix, you have so much talent! Your blog always puts me in a good mood. You look fab in your maxis. You kill me too with all your crop tops you made, but they are really cute and will go like hotcakes.
ReplyDeleteI love all those little crop tops lined up like that. As soon as I saw your cropped leather I loved it ...now I just need to find an old leather coat at the the car boot and I'm afraid I'm going to be copying you! M x
ReplyDeleteI'd be flattered! Good luck with the hunt. xxx
Delete1.Oh wow, all the crop tops, all in a row.
ReplyDelete2. I love the act-print maxi. it's amazing.
3. yes, my brain is also like that. the only solution (apart from alcohol-induced oblivion, or a reaaaaly good book) is a list. or multiple lists. At work I have to make a list, and then force myself to do things one at a time.
cat-print, cat-print, not act-print! sorry. should proof read. Need more coffee
DeleteThanks, Maria! Jon's the list maker, I've got an annoying habit of writing one and losing it. xxx
DeleteI have brain overload too at the moment. I should probably follow your lead and get creative rather than reach for the wine, but I think my sewing ability wouldn't give me the same level of satisfaction!! Xx
ReplyDeleteI've seen the evidence, you CAN sew! x
DeleteMY LITTLE PONY CROP TOP!!! (sorry I just had to get that out of my system....) Crafting/creating is really the best way to de-stress, I've done crafting for a long as I can remember. I love all your crop tops and well done on drafting your own pattern, its something I really want try. Your crop tops are like a rainbow. I love the maxi and seriously, if you find any more vintage My Little Pony Fabric let me know ;)
ReplyDeleteI found a pack of graph paper at a car boot sale and drew around something with a similar shape, I was surprised it wasn't more complicated. xxx
DeleteBuy the steamer - you'll never regret it!
ReplyDeleteI love the photo of all your beautiful tops against that lovely old wall. :)
I just can't decide on which one to get - too many choices out there! x
DeleteBlimey Vix I did smile when I got the crop making part and saw all your hany work lining up against the wall :-) They look lovely, as does your jacket and skirt I fact the jacket is bloody fabulous, you are so clever don't forgot to sew your own labels in those tops :-) Hope you get everything done, dee xx
ReplyDeleteThe paperwork is doubling up as a carpet at the moment, I've hit a brick wall!
DeleteI've ordered some Kinky name tapes, I took your advice. xxx
I understand you, even my brain was restless, but then I conclude so little ... But you are a storm of creativity, you were very good but above all courageous has cut this leather coat, the result is excellent! I love these outfits with seemingly improbable tissues, in reality the result is always great ... You're a legend!
ReplyDeleteIts so rewarding to empty your mind and just concentrate on making something mediocre into something fabulous! xxx
DeleteMy brain's like that too. I've always assumed it was a habit I'd fallen into because of my job (I need to keep track of all sorts of elements to make sure the magazine comes together), but having seen what you and other respondents have written, maybe I do the job I do because of the way my brain works. Yours must be a real asset as you're self-employed, you need that drive and organisation to be successful.
ReplyDeleteWill you be keeping the tops for yourself or selling them? I bet they'd go like hotcakes at a festival.
That leather jacket is fab! I'd never dare to make-over a leather garment.
I'm definitely a multi-tasker, an expert juggler with six thing going on at once. So looking forward to the festival season when we can set up, pour a cider and just wait for customers. Wonderfully relaxing!
DeleteThose crop tops are part of my festival stock - I wanted something that would appeal to kids not necessarily into full-on vintage. xxx
Those crop tops are sure fun and funky - people will be looking at their curtains and spreads differently now
ReplyDeleteI cant visit anyone without eyeing up the curtains! xxx
DeleteMy mind is constantly whirring too, so I try to offload as much of it as possible onto lists - otherwise there is a chance it might explode and that would be very messy!
ReplyDeleteYour cropped jacket is amazing, as are your little tops. Love them! x
Thank you! Lists are ace and way better than an exploding head! xxx
DeleteYou're a creative hurricane!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the new cropped leather jacket! I am excited now since I see only the lining was actually sewn. My sewing machine could never handle leather.
All those fun crop tops will go fast. Your booth is truly just like you, one-of-a-kind.
bisous
Suzanne
Get cropping - you could totally rock a short leather jacket! xxx
DeleteOH SQUEEEEEE! I love your new cat print maxi - if I had a dress in that pattern I would wear it all summer (with my black or red suede fly sandals). The little crop tops are so cute! I cut a leather dress into a jacket once, and was too lazy to hem the lining. I wondered if you created a hem on the sleeves and bottom. The jacket is waaaay cool, and makes me want to find a leather coat at a thrift store to do this to. XO
ReplyDeleteThat cat print is totally you, Shelley! Do you have an Ikea near you? Not sure if the duvet is still available. xxx
DeleteGood lord that's quite a collection of tops! I'd never have thought of doing that with a leather jacket, I'd probably have just put it in the charity bag.....Hmmm
ReplyDeleteI couldn't bear to part with it but didn't wear it in previous state, I haven't worn anything else since I made it. x
DeleteMy mind is pretty much never silent either and goes a mile a minute, too, constantly juggling a million thoughts, to-do lists, important dates, creative ideas and no doubt oodles more. Though it can be a touch tiring at times, I can't imagine being any other way and wonder if such a trait that is common amongst vintage loving folks?
ReplyDeleteYour jungle print maxi is off-the-charts marvelous! What a smile-inducingly stellar garment!
Oodles of hugs,
♥ Jessica
Hmmmm....maybe it is? If we liked to keep things simple we'd probably be happy in new clothes bought off the rack.
DeleteI didn't think that jungle print was vintage until a lady stopped me and told me she had the same curtains in her daughter's bedroom 35 years ago! x
oh, dear lady, paperwork and all that book-keeping are really unappealing and bland, but I'm glad you've cheered up your day with some fabulous sewing, creating colorful and delightful Little pieces of art!!, mwahaha, those crop tops hanging on the wall look like an art exhibition!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your new dress particularly because of its pretty graphic print, but also because that pattern is fab!!, and you look gorgeous!
And I thought it was a pity to crop a leather jacket, but now I'm glad you did it!!, it looks perfect!!
besos
You're right - mad prints are a distraction from the bland and mundane paperwork! xxx
DeleteYou are such an inspiration, getting it all done as you do! Your sewing is awesome. I'm sure your creative and unique little crop tops will fly off the rails. Sure, you made quite a few but I bet it won't be enough and the festival gals will keep you making them all summer long. I hope you've added "order some customized Vix clothing labels" to your list of must-dos!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lou! I'm stockpiling interesting prints like a demon hoping the festival chicks like them! xxx
Deletelooove the leather coat hack! that new tiny jacket is very cool - i´l look out for a coat myself now - such a waist length leather jacket would be fab over a dirndl-skirt!
ReplyDeletesuper cute line of crop tops and gorgeous cat print dress!!! i wish i had your energy!
much love! xxxxxx
A cropped leather jacket and a pretty dirndl would make a fantastic combination - you looked wonderful in that biker jacket! xxx
DeleteI've always got a list on the go, it feels so good when I cross items off. Today I've had the car MOT'd, painted the shed and side gate amongst other things. Wow, you have been productive! My cousin would love your MLP crop top as she has it tattooed down her leg, however I prefer that fabtacular Ikea duvet cover cat print maxi....it's stunning! The forecast for the weekend is good and Leicester will be kicking... so have fun. xx
ReplyDeleteThat's a good few things ticked off the list, Fi.
DeleteA MLP tattoo?! That top was made for her! xxx
My brain is exactly the same, it never stops. The skirt and maxi are awesome! You packed so much into a weekend - all those crop tops!
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's why we blog - so we can calm down and focus on just one thing? xxx
DeleteThe cat print maxi, worn with the Banksy cropped jacket, would make you the belle of our local Spay-ghetti with No Balls fundraising buffet! So much more photo-worthy than the usual jeans with sweatshirt top!
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of your Spay-ghetti with No Balls extravaganza, Beth! xxx
DeleteYour jungle skirt kinda reminded me a cartoon I watched growing up (it was so long ago I can't remember the name). The My Little Pony was a cartoon I loved watching growing up (in fact, my daughter found the original cartoon series on Netflix a few months back. I can't tell how excited she was when I told her that I watched it in the 1980's). Paperwork is never fun, but it must be done (I will be glad to be your assistant if you need one, but I just need to travel across the pond lol).
ReplyDeleteI wish you could have nipped over and given me a hand, Tracie, it's nearly driven me mad! xxx
DeleteOh my! I loooooove those cropped tops. I would be scared to death to take scissors to a leather jacket! I don't trust myself at all with stuff like that!
ReplyDeleteGo on, it's not that scary! xxx
DeleteDon't worry Vix, my mind is exactly the same - I'm always thinking about something! Love those crop tops, hope you had a great weekend xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah! Hope you did too - you supermodel! xxx
DeleteKeef knows best. Love your little chill out zone with the garden seat and disco ball.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly does! xxx
DeleteYes, that sounds like my brain too, particularly the bit about being behind on my blog reading! Oh my goodness I absolutely love that groovy cat print maxi dress. You look like the Queen of Hearts in it. That's really clever what you've done to that coat, it looks much better now. Ha ha! You've got a Kinky Melons range! Ooh, I wonder how you did in Leicester? Was it is good selling as buying? Xxxx
ReplyDeleteCheers, love! I think Leicester would be good another time, there were certainly some cool types into proper vintage, just not on a football weekend! xxx
DeleteWonderful blog - have only found you again, as after one fleeting visit, I forgot your details. (It's so difficult to keep track of all the blogs I want to read.) Anyway, I love your post. And if it's any consolation, I think maybe every working woman has that inner chatter of the juggling that we need to do every day. I totally love all those cute crop tops, and surely there can't ever be too much of a good thing? Great to find you again x
ReplyDeleteAnna
www.annasislandstyle.com
Hello, Anna! Thanks for coming back! I'm off to yours right now. xxx
DeleteI love that you put an Edwardian camisole with a mad jungle skirt. I wonder what the Edwardian owner would make of that? xxx
ReplyDeleteA lady out in her underwear? The horror! xxx
Delete