paradise

paradise

I'm Ann. I've been sewing since I was 9. My first project was a denim wrap skirt. Thrifting is a way of life for me - both eco-chic and financially savvy.

why I thrift, sew & shop consignment

This morning’s news was all about the (crappy) economy. Michigan’s been the single-state recession now for years, so nothing really new. And my personal economy is pretty good. But I also know there’s no way we’d be able to save…

Consignment goodies

I stopped in at my fave consignment boutique the other day and picked up a superb burgundy long leather coat (my winter coat for work), and two really outstanding pairs of heels – a pieced suede number in fuscia, plum…

two sides to the same coin

On my Firefox tabs is a link to the Elizabeth Lee nursing and babywearing coat. And another tab is the Hot Patterns Metropolitan Criterion blouse. I’m going to lengthen the babywearing coat to a more modern, less parka-like length so…

Ooh oooh oooh, the patterns came!

Oh they’re wonderful. I think the nursing top idea will work great for the pattern I was thinking of. I needed something to do with all these knits right? (left side, double wrapover on view B on left of pattern).…

more patterns

Yes, I know, I know, I said I wouldn’t but i couldn’t resist Vogue Patterns freebie offer. So i got these: http://www.voguepatterns.com/item/V8122.htm?search=8122&page=1 A great poncho pattern. Love the poncho. http://www.voguepatterns.com/item/V8462.htm?search=8462&page=1 I like the wrapover of view B, good for hiding…

French fashion report

Wide leg pants in menswear fabrics Scarves, scarves, scarves Wraps, capes and ponchos flat tall boots wide soft belts over fitted jackets with wide trousers Sweatercoats, especially with ruffles and details big soft satchel handbags Ballerina flats cropped swing jackets…

more breastfeeding stuff

I have another of the Jalie 2787 tops to sew (pale dusty blue). And I bought some incredible double sided coat fabric the other day. The outside is a red tweedy knit, and inside is a faux sherpa/fleece in black.…

i love blogs

I found the fabric district in Paris listed on an expat’s blog. Montmartre in the 18e. Haven’t yet found anything similar in Avingnon but I’m sure I’ll find something. There’s a piece of Provençale fabric with my name on it…