Thursday 8 June 2017

Gold Digger


I think we did the right thing coming back from our festival early, it's hardly stopped raining since. So what to do when the weather refuses to play nicely and you can't be arsed leaving the house? Get creating. 


Just like last year, I'm obsessed with off-the-shoulder tops. I can knock one up in around an hour and they're ideal for using up scraps of fabric (or vintage scarves) and leftover trims. I made the two I wore at last weekend's Acoustic Festival using a different tutorial to the one I'd used before (find it HERE) which I altered slightly by making a couple of inches longer so it sat on my waist rather than under the boobs. The 1970s striped knit fabric on the left was part of the bumper pile Jayne sent me earlier in the year trimmed with some multicoloured pom pom braid from the local market stall. The top on the right was a vintage silk scarf Lynn gave me when we traded at Stockport last month. The turquoise pom poms were already in my stash.


You might remember this bolt of vintage gold lamé I bought from a charity shop back in March. I'd started to make a jumpsuit but the fabric was a bit too stiff and it didn't look right so I remade it into yet another top (this time trimmed with some Indian metallic fringed trim bought from a car boot sale last Summer).


When the rain showed no signs of letting up I ran up a maxi skirt to match (and there's still loads left, you'll be sick of the sight of lamé by the end of summer). Fortunately it was dry for a few hours yesterday so I could pose in my finery. A normal person might say they never go anywhere to dress in head to toe gold lamé but I say, own it and the right occasion will arise (although I've never claimed to be normal or to ever have dressed appropriately).

Those of a Tory disposition look away now.... 

The two smaller bangles on my left wrist are the handmade pewter ones I bought from Alan last weekend.

I'm wearing my Jeremy Corbyn badge 'cos I'm a Labour supporter (I won't be visiting the polling station today, I sent my postal vote off a fortnight ago). Vote for whoever you want to but please, please, please exercise your democratic right and go out and do it.


We managed a chazzing trip out yesterday. Amongst the heap of stuff we found was this tassel trimmed vintage scarf crying out to be refashioned into another top so, using some of the elastic I got in the car boot stash last month and some bargain thread (50p for 500 metres) from the market, I did just that. It's perfect with the 1990s linen gypsy skirt I found in the Everything £1 chazza and the stack of plastic bangles from the same shop. Maybe I'll be wearing red tomorrow to celebrate.


The van's in for an MOT today and guess what? It's raining! Looks like another day of sewing.

See you soon.

89 comments:

  1. Totally love your gold outfit - its wasted here in rainy old England though, instead it looks like it should be gracing the promenade on a Mediterranean isle. I can picture it now...

    I'm definitely enthused for sewing now after looking at your shoulder baring tops. I have a real backlog to get through, but am tempted to start a new project!

    P.S. Good luck with the Motty - I'm always nervous when Archie has his! xxx

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    1. Thank you! I'm sewing like I'm living in on some exotic sunny island. I really ought to learn to sew with thermal knits and make something I can wear for more than one day a year! xxx

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  2. Off the shoulder tops are divine,you are very talented and creative.Since I started or learning to cook (when I turned 50) I find that I do delicious food if I dress well.I own evenings lace dresses and I wear them when I cook.Enjoy Greece and summer.

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    1. Thanks, Hope! I love imagining you dressing for an exquisitely cooked dinner. xxx

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  3. I see these flying off your rails unless you decide to keep for yourself.

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    1. They're for me! Sewing loses it's joy when it's for profit. xxx

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  4. Oh my god, you are a golden vision....love the badge by the way!! I've got my sewing mojo back...actually, I don't think it went I just had to ignore it for month son end! Can't get me off the Bernina.
    I'm glad you're not normal.
    Loves ya!
    xxxxxx

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    1. Thanks, love!
      Get that sewing machine cranked up, even Jon's got the bug!
      Love ya! xxx

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  5. You're a vision in the garden, Vix. Everything is better in gold lame. Raining and sewing just go together. Can't wait to see more.

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    1. Thanks, Pao! It's pretty much always raining here lately, I won't be able to close the wardrobe doors soon! xxx

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  6. I absolutely love your outfit! It's so razzle dazzle! And love the badge too, fingers crossed for red tomorrow! It got me thinking of the Tory campaigner who knocked on our door last election, suggesting I vote Labour. This still bewilders me! xxx

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    1. Razzle dazzle, love it! How weird about the Tory telling you to vote Labour. xxx

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  7. Ha! When I first looked at the photo I thought you had a lizard on your shoulder! Just a leaf. Love the lame fabric. Thanks as always for the work you put into your posts. I enjoy them so much.

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    1. Hi Liz, I scrolled back and looked at the photo and you're right, it does look like a reptile!
      Thanks for the kind comment. xxx

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  8. I imagine silk is an absolute bastard to work with??? You've done miracles with that scarf and I adore that hat, so impossibly glamorous!
    Ha, you made me laugh with your comment regarding Tory dispositions, I wasn't offended and of course I will be voting. The lamé is amazing and so is that necklace. Weather shite here too.
    Xxx

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    1. Bloody slippy and lots of swearing!!
      I've got my Lotta's on and my feet are freezing! xxx

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  9. I imagine silk is an absolute bastard to work with??? You've done miracles with that scarf and I adore that hat, so impossibly glamorous!
    Ha, you made me laugh with your comment regarding Tory dispositions, I wasn't offended and of course I will be voting. The lamé is amazing and so is that necklace. Weather shite here too.
    Xxx

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  10. The weather is so crappy again it makes me want to put my blingy frocks on and dance round the house. I might just do that after I've done my duty and errands.
    It would be a good day to sort out what I'm wearing while I'm at little sister's next week.
    Your blingy outfit is so fabulous I may have to print a pic off and add it to my fridge friends. It's the side of our fridge, it's covered in favourite photos and makes me smile.
    Lynn x x x

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    1. The fridge gallery, now there's a huge honour!
      I find it so hard to pack when the weather's horrible, I can't ever imagine it being nice ever again. At least you'll have the perfect excuse to go charity shopping in Witney (not that you need an excuse!) xxx

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  11. We did need some rain for the crops but, jeez, enough already. Time for some more sunshine please!
    I thought your off the shoulder tops looked fab in your last post, and you can't have too much of a good thing. Unless it's lettuce (I planted way too much).
    Rain makes me bake or read. I do have a lot of mending to do though...

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    1. I think we can safely say that the drought warning's obsolete!! xxx

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  12. You look super sophisticated in your gold lamé outfit, it looks like you may have just put your glass of champagne on a nearby table rather than a dash into the garden between showers, ah the joys of a British summer.
    I cast my vote first thing this morning,I so agree that it's important to use it. For me, this time, it's all about limiting the damage of last summer's EU vote....not Tory for sure, I don't want to crash out, I don't want to leave at all.
    I hope Gilbert passes his MOT.
    I'll think of you at your sewing machine as I'm sitting at mine! xxx

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    1. I remember drunkenly crying over Brexit at Glastonbury last year. xxx

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  13. WOW....that gold outfit is just awesome.
    I need to get my sewing mojo going again now-x-

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    1. Thanks, Sheila! My mojo comes and goes but when I've got it I'm like a machine! xxx

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  14. Wow love the gypsy tops , I might take a look at how to make them , My problem is at the moment all the patterns i have are too small for me and i dont have the confidence to extend the patterns , xxx

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    1. Have a go with a few cheap scarves, if it doesn't work at least it hasn't cost much. xxx

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  15. Goldfingahhhhh! (sorry couldn't resist)
    You look like a metallic Senorita Margarita in that divine frock.
    OO! I love gold lame. I'd take that leftover lame fabric & sew accent pillows for the sofa, chairs & every bed in the house!
    xox

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  16. Who wants to be normal?!?!?! You look a million dollars! xx

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  17. LOVE.THAT.DRESS!!! When I first saw your picture I suspected it was from that amazing bolt of fabric.

    Ooh, I love how you knocked up those frugal off-shoulder tops. Perhaps you could make many and sell them??

    As they say on MuchMusic....RockTheVOTE!

    Happy thrifting ;)

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    1. Thank you! I could make them but when I make stuff to sell I get nervous and they take three times as long! xxx

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  18. Thanks for the link to the new tutorial, I'll try it. I remember I had a go at the tutorial you linked to last time but I messed it up royally!! I do still want an off the shoulder pom pom top. Your latest creations are really good, especially the one from the scarf.

    All that gold lame is too fabulous to keep for best, I agree! Xx

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    1. I think this tutorial is a bit easier to follow. Have a bash. It's great if you can find a scarf with fringing, less sewing time! xxx

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  19. we seem to be sharing weather.....rain, rain, rain.....and I'm sewing, but for work.

    Yes, go vote! (for whoever you support)

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    1. Bloody rain! When will it ever stop? xx

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  20. The world is a better place having you in it, Vix. No exaggeration. This outfit is genius on multiple levels, and I'm at a loss for words other than, "Wow" and "Incredible."

    I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your election.

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  21. Well, if the sun doesn't shine, you have to provide some "shine" yourself, don't you? You're looking fabulous in your gold lamé top and skirt. Meanwhile, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you will be able to wear red tomorrow. Can't wait to see that vintage scarf top on you, it's going to look amazing with the skirt! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Ann! I was able to wear red as my part of Walsall (the sensible side) voted Labour! Hooray! xxx

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  22. superb sewing this week, you can't top a gold dress - it's fab.

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  23. DAMN those crop tops r hottt!! Loving the lame!!!

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    1. Thanks, Becky! Try making one, you'd look fab in one! x

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  24. Another beautiful creation! :)

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  25. You look gorgeous as always, love, and all your tops are fab. But I can't really think of anything other than the election today. I'm with you all the way! Lots of love, Tania xxx

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    1. I know, that's why I had to sew, take my mind off things! We'll put the world to rights very soon! xxx

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  26. You are a golden goddess! Your tasseled and pompom'ed crop tops are adorable. I hope you get to wear red to celebrate tomorrow.

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    1. Thank you! We didn't win but we did locally - cause for celebration! xxx

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  27. I had a few tops like that. Actual I believe it was my JR Prom I had a dress my mom made for me using that top. It was a rose color.
    Coffee is on

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  28. I guess if the advice is to make hay while the sun shines, it should also be to make crop tops while the rain falls. The pompoms really do add a touch of fun!

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    1. Far more do-able in the urban sprawl that is Walsall. We're miles away from hay! xxx

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  29. Hi Vix, I love the off the shoulder tops you have made using scarves. I'd love to make one myself with some scarves I already own. Do you think I could make it longer so it covers my stomach? I'm thinking there might not be enough fabric in a scarf. Xxx

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    1. Hi Jess! If you add another 3 inches to the length that should do the trick and be a bit more covering. You could try a trial run with some cheap scarves first. xxx

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  30. I love all your creations!

    The skirt and top look stunning on you.

    The sun's decided to come out and say hello for a little while, today.

    Enjoy your weekend xx

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    1. Thank, Yvonne! Good to see a bit of sun, it's very gloomy today (again!) xxx

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  31. I am soooo excited about the result. It's only just beginning!
    xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. I know! I'm feeling optimistic and hopeful! Jezza rocks. xxx

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  32. As usual you look stunning in your handmade ensemble. I'm glad the sun was out long enough for you to grab some photos.

    Your creativity knows no bounds.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Thanks, Suzanne! Thank goodness for a dry half hour! xxx

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  33. Didn't he do well though? Well done Jezza and well done Britain for voting Labour in such quantities, sadly not enough though...the Jezza badge is the perfect accompaniment to a gold lame, off the shoulder top and matching maxi skirt - dontcha know?

    You look lovely, Vix in your gold lame outfit. It would look fab with elbow length gloves too...

    Wonderful silver bangles and bracelets and rings.

    The pom pom tops are so cute!

    Have a fab weekend..

    xxxxx

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    1. He did do well, he conducted himself brilliantly and was an absolute inspiration to the kids. The times are changing!
      Hmmm, elbow length gloves. The way the weather's feeling, that would be a bad idea! xx

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  34. i´m with you for the "red front" in lamé gypsy dresses!! we have our big election in september......
    but first i´ll run into the sewing room!!!!
    you look beyond fabulous in this dress with that gorgeous hat and you wonderfull jewels <3 <3 <3
    have a creative weekend!!! xxxxx

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    1. p.s.: almost missed alan´s bangles in this abundance of bling! :-) xxx

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    2. I'm already thinking about your election! xxxx

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  35. Dear Vix,

    you look like royal in your beautiful gold lame dress. Have a fabulous weekend with Jon!

    A-M xxxx

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    1. Thanks, A-M! Lovely to hear from you! xxx

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  36. Wow, what a stunner in your golden gown. That fabric is absolutely bonkers, in the best way of course, and you styling is really great. You should wear that gorgeous hat more often. It is stunning. I love your new bangles. They look fab. Those tops that you have run up really are great. I love the ensemble with the one made from the tassled scarf. Sorry that you never had a chance to wear red on Friday. Keep up the good work. The future needs all the fabulousness it can get. Xx

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    1. Thanks, Kelly! I can't resist mad fabric, as my next blog post will reveal! I'm thrilled with the hat, it fits my ginormous head with room for my hair if I wear it up. xxx

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  37. I just love that look. What a talent on the sewing machine. It takes me back to when my girls were little and dishes done, Beatles on the radio, and I was in bliss. Four uninterrupted hours of making clothes. Only less than 2 weeks and you will be in Geece. And I think having dinner out in a wonderful cafe wearing your stunning outfit. I know you both will have a fantastic time . Heaps of love.xxx

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    1. Oh, Sally, I love that picture you've just conjured up!
      We've spoken to the lady who owns the apartment today to arrange for her Dad to pick us up at the airport. Excited! xxx

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  38. Having over-indulged in gold lame, tonight I shall dream of troikas, vodka -- and Vix wearing a gold lame hooded cape, trimmed in fur. No, make that lined in dark mouton because sheepskin doesn't count as fur, right? What was the name of the fellow who designed those costumes for the Russian Ballet? Bakst?

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    1. Now there's an idea, Beth...a gold cape! Why didn't I think of that? xxx

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  39. I can't beeelieve you made that gold ensemble, it's so fabulous! Clever lady!

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  40. Now THAT is an outfit. I do hope you trotted along to Lidl/Aldi in it and swanned in the Booze aisle!!! You are very clever and creative!!
    I think that Off the Shoulder Tops look amazing on but I just wear them myself-I spend the whole time trying to pull it onto my shoulder. I haven't been able to bring myself to wear that Amazing Frank Usher vintage dress of mine because I don't like its Bardot shoulders!
    I'm so glad for Jezza that he's had some victory. He's the first politician that I have truly ever liked (apart from my old local MP Mike Gapes who is always on the streets handing old leaflets and getting his hands dirty. I even wrote Jezza an email a year ago when he was getting grief from his party telling him I thought he was great! My husband teased me about my Jezza thing like when I was shouting at the radio when that idiot News Presenter on BBC radio was laying into him on the last Tuesday in May. Sadly, we live in Tory UKip land and there was little chance of him getting in there despite our votes, but I'm glad he's staying!!!x

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    1. I've had a vintage one in the past that kept slipping up, much better when you make them to fit, you can use wider elastic than the shop bought ones and make them just the right size in the shoulders.
      What a lovely, kind thing you did by writing to Jezza. He certainly dealt with some shoddy behaviour from a lot of his colleagues last year. I'm loving how they'll all eating their words now they've kept their jobs. xxx

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  41. CAN'T Wear the off shoulder tops. Sorry, typos galore!

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  42. Oh, that material is just dreamy!!

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  43. Bellissima!!! I support this golden outfit, the extra-large hat included - you look so marvelous in it, darling! Your off-the-shoulder tops are adorable, so good for Summer!

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  44. You do look rather fab! I have that same necklace - got it in a charity shop for $2 so a right bargain!
    Melissa in Oz

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Lots of love, Vix