Great tutorial from Made for upcycling hubbys business shirts

I love upcycling. This was my first attempt using the tutorial (see link below) from Dana-Made-It. I used a Ralph Lauren shirt so the fabric quality was first class.

Contrasting sleeve detail

attempt number 2 - a boring plain grey shirt, transformed with a bit of imagination. I just happened to have an old blouse that was torn and the colours blended beautifully. So I upcycled my shirt into new sleeves

and a decoration for the hemline

Follow this link , it is a lot of fun.

I have stooped so low as to ask my friends to donate their hubbys shirts to me instead of the op shop (they do say that charity begins at home). This is my favourite shirt dress using one of my husbands old gingham style YSL business shirts.

I used the label from inside the shirt as a decoration on the back of the dress. I also added some shirring at the sides and back of the waist area to give definition. The finished dress was simple but classic. You could replace the plain white buttons with coloured ones to jazz it up. You could add an applique or just a simple yo-yo to the front if your princess wants it to be more girly. It is amazing how some of the really masculine fabrics can look very groovy with just a bit of imagination.

If you have done one of these shirt dress or something similar before, please email me a picture or a link of where you got the idea from and I will post it on my blog.

Another Giveaway from The Clip Cafe

Here is an opportunity to be a winner. Pop over here and enter yourself in the Clip Cafes latest Giveaway, win yourself a lovely piece of fabric from the Robert Kaufman collection.

HURRY !!! TOMORROW THE GIVEAWAY CLOSES

JUST A REMINDER TO ALL YOU READERS (INTERNATIONALS INCLUDED) THAT TOMORROW IS THE CLOSING FOR MY CURRENT GIVEAWAY.

THERE ARE A LOT OF READERS WHO HAVE NOT BECOME FOLLOWERS OR LEFT COMMENTS YET SO THERE IS NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW - YOU MAY JUST WIN A PRIZE.........

(Click on the Giveaway Icon on my sidebar to direct you to the giveaway post)

Beautiful T-shirt Dresses

I had a look at a few of the blogs today that you all kindly suggested in your comments for my current Giveaway. Lil Blue Boo was suggested by A Christy Production. You have to take the time and go check this one out. She makes gorgeous t-shirt dresses, beautifully photographed and they are so unique. Definitely worth it. Follow the link here to see what I'm talkin bout !

Old Photo brings much joy

1965 Ballarat

I had a couple of emails yesterday from a very old family friend which kinda got me feeling homesick for my family, as they all live far away. I decided to have a look at some old family photos and I came across this beautiful photo of my parents. It was taken in 1965 in Ballarat Victoria. Dad had driven mum from Kerang across to Ballarat to buy her wedding dress for their wedding in August 1965. They were running across a street in the rain and a local newspaper journalist snapped this happy picture. My Dad was very trendy dressed in his stovepipe pants and Beatle boots - with his Beatles hairstyle that he cut for himself. He was not a hairdresser but all his mates in town used to line up and he would cut their hair for them in the style made popular by none other than THE BEATLES. Mums looks so beautiful with her hair immaculate and that beautiful smile and look of youth (she was just 18). Her shoes are to die for and I would love to have that basket she was carrying and the coat she is wearing. Mum always dressed beautifully and as a little girl I remember her and Dad would often go out to a dinner dance. She would look beautiful wearing one of her beautiful long halter neck dresses and big wedge platform shoes with green velvet butterflies on them. I so wanted to grow up and dress just like her. Mum and Dad have just recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Last year my dad was diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma (brain tumour). He is doing well having endured surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. He is in remission and for this we are very greatful. I too am in remission from ovarian cancer, it will be five years soon which is a big milestone. Ovarian cancer is silent, it invades your body quietly without obvious symptoms, and before you realise it, it is too late. I am one of the lucky ones who, with an early diagnosis, undoubtedly has been saved from an early demise. It is very hard to watch a loved one go through the trauma of cancer and in particular the treatments that are so harrowing. But my Dad and I are survivors of cancer at this moment in time and this is an unspoken bond that we now share. Only we know how we feel and how cancer has affected our lives forever. But there is still joy in each and every day and so many more things I want to do before it is my time to leave this life.

Finally more pictures from Singapore /Malaysia Holiday

The pool at the Hard Rock Cafe where we stayed was amazing - they had a lovely beach pool with amazine white silicone sand and little canals leading in all directions. There was also an amazing lap pool which was so long I couldn't complete a lap in one go, there was a slide and it was the highlight of the hotel. The Hard Rock Cafe also serves the best Nachos I have ever eaten. Give it a go ! Universal Studios - the big spinning globe

Inside Universal Studios

The Far Away Castle (Shrek)

We swam in this pool lots (cousins house)

Soft steamed bun with salted duck egg inside - it is beautiful

Have you ever had an icecream sandwich before, I hadn't until now and I have to say it was fantastic - this was for sale on Orchard Road, Singapore

The best ever egg tarts - you must try these !

Putra Jaya - Malaysia. They build it big here.

The famous Durian fruit - this was my fourth trip to Malaysia and I finally was able to stand in the same room as one of these fruits. The smell is very overpowering and the taste horrendous to most westerners palates. I am starting to conform and actually ate about 3 or 4 mouthfuls this time. It's a definite improvement.

We stayed here for three glorious days - It was a missionary bungalow up high in the Cameron Highlands - it was lovely and cool, beautiful scenery and the old bungalow was built in 1937 - it was really lovely.

Malaysia and Singapore really is all about the food. We did things other than eat, but the whole day is planned around food. The sad thing was my camera started playing up and not focusing properly so I have very few good photos to share from this trip. Sorry it is mostly about food, but, that really is the highlight over there, plus of course the shopping.

Another happy customer

Miss D in her "eva mei & me" dress

Miss D looks like an entrant in the Miss Universe Competition, she has the pose just right, and how beautiful she is in her eva mei & me creation. I remember, earlier this year, when I was showing her Mummy a few of the the latest creations I had made (this was before I had my Madeit shop), Miss D tried this dress on just so I could see how it looked. She would NOT take it off so her poor Mum ended up buying it for her. (that's a good way to get a sale hey !) The skirt is a vintage floral cotton from my collection and the shirred bodice is broderie anglaise. I have added a couple of my trademark doilies to finish it off.

Thanks so much to Mrs L & Miss D for sharing your photo with everyone.

Cute photo from another eva mei & me customer

This picture has been sent in by J's mum. It is such a lovely photo of her gorgeous daughter on a beautiful beach with a stunning blue sky and wearing one of my dresses and head scarf (J is also one of my junior models in case you recognise her). Thanks for sharing, keep the pics coming PLEASE !!!!! I'm loving it

GIVEAWAY EXTENDED TO 10TH OCTOBER

For those of you who have not gotten around to leaving a comment to enter my giveaway, now is the time to do it. I have however extended the closing date to the 10th of October due to my broken foot, as it will be at least another week or so before I can start to try and sew.

THE PRIZE :

A skirt made from my new fabrics from Asia - in the size of your choice, size 1 - 8 only available.

Here is how you can enter

For existing followers:

Leave a comment about your favourite blog of the moment

Refer a friend to become a follower (make sure to let me know you sent them) Post about my blog in your blog (let me know so I can have a look)

For new readers:

Leave a comment about your favourite blog of the moment

Join as a follower

Post about my blog in your blog (let me know so I can have a look)

Refer a friend to become a follower (make sure to let me know you sent them)

Good luck

Break a Leg !!!

Well almost, I have actually only broken a bone in my foot, and possibly torn the ligament. The sad news for me is I cannot sew, I cannot drive and I cannot do any exercise. How long for - who knows, maybe 6 weeks maybe more. This will undoubtedly slow down my sewing, however I am hoping to be able to at least start cutting out lots of things to get ready for sewing. So my little shop will not be filling up as soon as I had anticipated, having already lost a lot of time with the school holidays and now this injury. I guess though it means I do have an excuse to sit at my computer and read everyones blogs - so it's not ALL bad.

More pictures from my lovely customers

V. from Perth has kindly sent me some gorgeous pictures of her girls in my gear. It's so nice to see my clothing being worn by someone other than my models in the shop.

How cute is this one !

A bit of vintage fabric here

And a headband to match !

Thanks so much for sharing.

Like Mother Like Daughter

Lucy Me From the moment Lucy was born I thought she looked like me. Some people see the resemblance, some people don't. I always told my Mum that I thought I looked Chinese in some of my photos, little did I know then that I was going to marry a Chinese man and have half Chinese babies. My children are now almost six yeas old, and that is the age from where I start to have quite a lot of memories from my own childhood, It is so incredible that lots of memories of mine that were all but lost are now coming back just because I am a parent. It's like de jevu (is that how you spell it) or watching little videos of myself being replayed back to me all these years later. I am thankful to say that my daughters tantrums have ended - I think probably a lot earlier in age than what mine did (sorry Mum) I think I was actually quite scared as I remember what I did to my Mum. Lucy thank goodness has left the tantrums behind however it is now the teenage years that are freaking me out - yes I have memories of those too and I shall not go there !!!!!!!

Another Giveaway - Fat Quarters from Me? A Mom ?

Cara from Me? A Mom? is giving away these gorgeous fat quarters. It's so simple to enter, just follow the link. This is a fantastic giveaway happening until October 5th. Go take a look and leave a comment. You could win, oh - no you can't, cos I am. Just Joking (no I'm not!)

Tea Time !!

My little collection is slowly growing, I have been gradually purchasing a piece here and there and this week my trip to Brisbane resulted in a little sugar bowl to go with my tea cup trios and pretty plates. Now all I need to do is have a tea party. Any takers ????

VINTAGE FABRIC FINDS !!!!!!!!

I can't help myself, when I see vintage fabrics like these I just have to buy !!!! I got quite a lot of new pieces for my collection, plus a vintage wooden ribbon reel from France - it's just so cute.

I can't wait to get sewing with these.

Megan in her Eva Mei & Me Skirt

Thanks to Megan for allowing me to share this photo with you all of her wearing her very own Eva Mei & Me Skirt. It is a first, as I have never made a skirt before for an adult. I was so worried about how it would look. I have to say though that I think I worried for nothing as Megan looks absolutely gorgeous, and it makes me want to make more for the shop now. I just hope that the tops and other skirt she has ordered turns out nicely also. I have been away since last Friday and I experienced some awful wihdrawls from my sewing room. So because of that I just had to go out and purchase some fantastic vintage fabrics from a very groovy shop in Paddington, Brisbane called Retro Metro. I have taken some photos of them and will post hopefully later tonight, along with my recent op shop purchases of some antique teacups and plates etc (my new addiction). Stay tuned, there will be more posts coming.

Leave a comment and Win a Prize !

OK - to be eligible to win a girls skirt in your choice of fabric and size in my latest giveaway this is what you need to do : FOR EXISTING FOLLOWERS: Simply leave me a comment, telling me what is your favourite crafty blog at the moment. Also Refer a friend to my shop/blog and get them to sign on as a follower, you will get two entries to my giveaway. (you will need to let me know who you have referred) Also If you have your own blog, make a mention of my giveaway or link to my site and you will receive three entries to my giveaway. (you will need to email me the link so I can check out your blog) karynkong01@optusnet.com.au FOR NEWCOMERS If you are not a follower of my blog already, signing in to become a follower of my blog will automatically give you one entry. If you want to earn another entry, leave a comment telling me about your favourite crafty blog. This will give you two entries. You need to register your comments by Sunday 3rd October to be eligible. I will post the winners name on Monday 4th October. International people are free to enter as I will post overseas also Goodluck.

EVA MEI & ME GIVEAWAY - GOES INTERNATIONAL

I AM HAVING ANOTHER GIVEAWAY WHICH STARTS TODAY AND WILL BE DRAWN ON THE FIRST MONDAY THAT THE KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOL AFTER THE HOLIDAYS (no idea what the date will be - sorry) THE PRIZE WILL BE A SKIRT USING MY NEW JAPANESE COTTON FABRICS WHICH ARE BEAUTIFUL FOR SPRING AND SUMMER THIS YEAR. THE LUCKY WINNER WILL BE ABLE TO CHOOSE WHAT SIZE THEY WOULD LIKE (I.E. 12 mths - 8 yrs) AND WHICH FABRIC - I will post some pictures next week of the fabric choice available. SO, IF YOU HAVE ANY FRIENDS THAT YOU THINK WOULD LIKE WHAT I DO - THEN TELL THEM ALL ABOUT EVA MEI & ME AND TELL THEM TO GET READY TO JOIN AS A FOLLOWER AND LEAVE ME A COMMENT. THIS WILL PUT THEM IN THE RUNNING TO WIN BUT WILL ALSO GIVE YOU MORE CHANCES TO WIN ALSO. I WILL POST MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN EARN ENTRIES IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO. SO COME ON ANYONE WHO IS READING MY BLOG BUT HAS NOT JOINED AS A FOLLOWER YET, NOW IS THE TIME !!!!!!!!!!!! THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL PEOPLE ALSO, I HAVE PEOPLE FROM THE USA AND EUROPE READING MY BLOG AND I WILL POST INTERNATIONALLY FOR THIS.

LOOKOUT SUPERMODELS

Lucy was looking gorgeous today for our photoshoot.

She might just be the next supermodel - but then I am biased :>

She was joined by our new little junior model Rose who did a fabulous job

And thanks to J for her continuing love of the fashion world and all things pink. You rock !!!!!!

Checkout my store for the new stock uploaded today and there will be photos of all the new headbands uploaded in the next day or so.

Next Photo Shoot scheduled for Saturday

Well it's high time I got together with my friend and her camera and her daughter for another eva mei & me fashion shoot. It is scheduled for Saturday morning, and yes it will be rushed as my friend has to get home in time to entertain some guests coming for lunch.

I borrow my friend every so often to get some lovely shots for the shop, she loans me her daughter as a model AND she takes the shots with her trusty SLR. This time she is bringing a friends daughter as well who is only 18 months or so old and can model some of the smaller sizes for me. I have been lacking a live model for the younger age group so hopefully this will work well. I repay my friend by giving her clothing. This seems to work well.

I haven't had as much sewing time for the shop lately as I would have liked but have managed to get a couple of skirts together yesterday and hope to do some more tonight and tomorrow. So after the photo shoot on Saturday there should be some new listings in the shop. I have been busy working on a custom order for a ladies skirt (eek, I don't do ladies stuff !) and I have 3 owls to do for my said photographer friend.

Speaking of photos, where are all the photos of the clothes I have sold to you all over the last few months. I am checking my emails regularly but alas none have arrived yet (COME ON !!).

Anyway, I need to cook dinner, so I am signing off for now.

Happy sewing :)

Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival 6 - 11 September 2010

I couldn't believe my eyes a few weeks ago when reading the Weekender Magazine. There was a feature on the Sunshine Coast Fashion Festival and in particular there was a dress designed by Richard De Chazal. I kept looking at the fabric thinking I had seen it somewhere before. Then the penny dropped. I had some of that fabric in my stash. Oh my god - I ran to my sewing room and pulled out a piece of the very same material that this dress pictured is made from. The price of the dress in the article was listed as POA - obviously expensive. I got my piece of this fabric from an opshop in country Victoria. Now I am dying to know if it is indeed Richard De Chazals offcuts (LOL). Don't suppose I'll ever find out. You just never know what you are going to come across, and sometimes you don't know you have actually come across something, until something like this happens - wow ! The fabric actually looked to me like it was a leftover scrap from a sarong or something similar, now I guess I will just have to make myself something special from it.

Olga & Olivia

The first person to show me where some of my creations are now living is Megan. This is a picture of Olga & Olivia on her bed. Megan bought an owl from my shop for a friends new baby a while back, but she decided she liked the owl so much she asked me if I could make her two more. This is where they ended up. Thanks Megan, I really get a kick out seeing where my stuff ends up.

Post your eva mei & me pics on my blog

I would love to see some photos of your kids wearing my clothes. It would give me a real buzz. For those of you who have purchased an eva mei & me garment - I would love you to email me a picture of your little princess or prince (yes I have made one or two boys things) wearing it. You do not need to show their face if you prefer not to, it could be covered with a big hat, an umbrella, they can be facing away from the camera, or maybe a silk fan or a mask would do the job. All you have to do is email your picture to karynkong01@optusnet.com.au (after my name it is a ZERO and a ONE, not the letter O) - and I will post them as they come in. If it's one of my owls or a cushion you could take a picture of where it now lives, I would love to see them too. I have just received my first photo today from a follower - and this is what gave me the idea. She had bought two owls as a custom order and they are now living on her bed. It was so thoughtful of her to send this photo and it made my day. I would love to see as many pics as possible so come on, get out the cameras and email me.