Mrs Brady

While looking for the news last night I caught the end of The Brady Bunch and found myself longing for Mrs Brady's life. A life  of swanning around doing nothing while her house keeper and husband did all the work.

I'm sure I'd go mad from boredom, but a housekeeper could be useful.

But my modern Mr Brady certainly, and rightfully expects a little bit more from me
(we do only have one child not six) and is sending me articles on how to get your business mojo back while making sideways glances at the lack of progress being made in my work room.

So I have dug out my well worn copy of Michael E. Gerber's The E Myth and I'm putting my systems in place.

First off, I will blog my progress every Friday, and set tasks for the following week.

Task number 1. Make appointments with fabric wholesalers
                      2. Logo for Sunshine and daydreams
                      3. Business cards ordered
                      4.Work room organised
                      5. One big girl & one little girl dress sample completed.
                      6. Get better at taking photos.

A dress fit for Mrs Brady? It looks great on -really it dose.

When Jennie gets time, I'll put up a better photo and you will see....

fashion as art

I have latched on to an interview I found on Style.com with the popular philosopher Alain De Botton.

Click on the link below to hear him talk about how fashion is much more than mere frivolity. It is art, and an important part of 'the good life'.

.http://www.style.com/video/guest-directors/guest-directors/1896809785/the-deep-end/29831951001

I just wanted to share this with everyone as it makes me feel better about being something as frivolous as a 'fashion designer'.
It has always sat a little uncomfortably with me when people ask what do you do.
"I'm a fashion designer" seems silly and lightweight. Especially when talking to someone who actually does something important or worthwhile.

But we can't all walk around nude, and we need to protect ourselves from the wind\rain\sun, so we may as well put a bit of effort into our appearance.

And psychologically, taking care of yourself, having self respect and an interest in how you present yourself to the world is very important.

What I don't agree with is his theory that fashion is closer to cooking than architecture as a dress only lasts a shot time. 

Well made clothing can last for centuries.

I took the above shot at the 'Australian Made' exhibition at Federation Square. Isn't it beautiful? It is over 100 years old, and I have never heard of anything edible lasting that long.

And so that brings me back to Cicciolina and Sunshine and Daydreams. Beautiful well made investment pieces, to wear and wear again and then pass on to be loved and worn by someone else.

Photos of new pieces coming soon.

A skirt for all occasions, and a dress that fits no one.

How was you Christmas and new years?

Just the right combination of glamorous and green I hope.

Here's me propping up the bar in my 'Ava' dress that Jennie kindly dubbed 'one size fits no-one'. I might need to spend a bit more time on the pattern, and less time at the bar. But after a few drinks, the fact that it keeps falling off doesn't really seem to matter.

Jennies skirt on the other hand is perfect. She wears it to work, drinks, weddings, everything.
A very handy skirt.
And it hasn't fallen off yet.

Now if that's not a selling point, I'm not sure what is!

Pretty

A present for me?
No.
Just your online purchase from eBay.

This is how your Cicciolina or Sunshine&Daydreams will arrive at your door.
All wrapped up in pink tissue paper, tied up with ribbon, and a little thank you note. Pretty, isn't it?

Help! I'm caught in a Time Vortex!

Where does my time go?

It has been two weeks since my last blog.

What do I do with the whole 9 hours a week I get to myself to work?

And I have just counted up the amount of hours I have until the start of the school holidays.

24 hours. Yikes.

Everything takes so much longer than I had imagined.
I have a lot less time than I need.
The setbacks have been numerous.
And my backer has run out of money.

Oh well, live and learn.

So I have set myself a little task, until child wrangling and the Christmas holidays take over.

I picked up these great 70's patterns from a vintage fair last week. I love their fluid elegance. Not sure that Ava does.

Two party dresses for me to cheer me up and get me through the holidays.

And after a relaxing break in Byron Bay,
The new school year will give me much more time.

I have found a fantastic manufacturer, but we now need a backer.

Any ideas?..................

Daddy, I want a pony!

PRECIOUS JOY


Just in case we were looking like self indulgent narcissists, we would like to draw your attention to the good people at Quest Equine Welfare.

I have never been a 'horsey' type girl, and am in fact a little scared of them, but I have fallen in love with Mickey and Joy.

Check out their stories www.questequinewelfare.org

Joy was found as an orphaned foal, and is now thriving in her new home. She is pictured here drinking out of the Melbourne Cup, photographed by the Herald Sun.You can read the whole article at www.heraldsun.com.au

So spare a thought for what happens to horses after their racing careers have ended.

Maybe there is something you can do to help?

Giddy-Up

Never again will I attempt to make two head pieces, a bustier and a dress in three nights.
I did really enjoy hand sewing the head pieces late into the night, but I miss having my old assistant (Mum) to help.
I'm quite pleased with the way they turned out. The head pieces were made using vintage organza and silk satin, finished with costume pearls at the centre of each flower.
Next year we will start taking orders 6 months in advance. Hopefully we have our boutique by then??!!!
Live and learn....