29 September, 2014

Beautiful Finds - Etsy Eyecandy

It has been a little while since my last Etsy feature post! Oh well. I'd prefer to keep these posts minimal and inspired rather than frequent and forced. There's hardly a shortage of articles bombarding us with mediocre things we ought to buy!

Boho earrings, big metal circles with stained glass, statement jewelry, geometry earrings
 Seriously amazing stained glass earrings by ArtKvarta, Ukraine.

DEATH BEFORE DECAF Shirt American Apparel Womens Black Tank Tee
Need this shirt in my life lately! Handblocked racer-back tee from Exsect - Texas, USA.

Foldover leather bottom every day bag Colorblock Purse leather and linen
I have been thinking a lot about finding a more professional handbag. Love the simplicity of leather and linen! Handmade by Hello Violetta, Bulgaria.

turquoise and brass beads - flat back double drilled - 1930s bracelet connectors - rare - set of 6
Gorgeous vintage brass and turquoise beads from the 1930s. Fagins Daughter - Melbourne, Vic.

See more items like these!

Hope everyone has had a great September :) This month has been crazy in so many wonderful ways, but I am completely ready for it to wind to an end!


27 September, 2014

The Senna LBD!

Hi everyone! Just wanted to thank you all so much for the lovely comments on my last post. Knowing that people have so much faith in my little business is totally inspiring :)

Today's project is exciting for a couple of reasons: it's a completely new style for me, and it's also my first foray into pattern testing!


When I first saw Lindsay's newest pattern, the Senna dress, I knew that I was destined to make a little black version. It looks like I wasn't the only one; check out these gorgeous LBD Senna dresses by Mady and Beth!

Although pencil skirts and tight-fitted clothing aren't my usual cup of tea, I was drawn to the lovely combination of ruched skirt with loose, blouson style top. The versatility of this pattern makes it ideal for trying out a new style or silhouette - if all else fails, it makes some great separates. The sleeve length is perfection, and I do love a kimono top!

Being somewhat lacking in the tall and slender department, I had some doubts about ever looking as demure as Lindsay does in her floral number. For this reason, my version is a secret two-piece!



Using a super drapey knit fabric from the Remnant Warehouse, I cut a size 10 for both skirt and top variations. I left the top longer in length, so that it just tucks beneath the skirt waistband.

Despite being amazingly soft, my fabric was a little more lightweight than it should have been (the toils of internet shopping...), so tights are pretty much a necessity. The plus side of this accident is that it ruches extremely well. Rather than shirring, I stitched over a thin strip of elastic at each side seam. This is the recommended method in the released pattern, and it's so simple and effective!


My skirt looks a lot shorter than the pattern intends, but it wasn't cut that way. Another positive of the thin fabric is that I can pull the gathers up and down and adjust the length however I like! Wearing it as an extra-ruched mini feels a bit more secure, and I think it's more flattering on my short legs :D

In all, I'm really happy with this outfit. Like most knits, it comes together ridiculously fast - I finished it in an afternoon! And making separates has already proven to be a great idea. The close fit of the skirt will take a bit of getting used to, but I'm imagining so many awesome batwing blouse/baggy sweater combinations!



Despite my lack of tight-skirt confidence, I'll admit that these photos turned out pretty great. It's all in the posture! These dorky little legs have minds of their own (and plaid tights make it so much worse!) Maybe one day I'll show you some outtakes... 
In time, when I have perfected the art of walking and standing sensibly, this skirt will be a serious staple!

What do you think? Are you planning your own Senna dress?



Obligatory Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The Senna pattern was provided for free, as compensation for honest feedback during the testing process. All opinions are my own.

26 September, 2014

Etsy Design Awards: I'm a Finalist!?

Dear readers, before I bombard you with a heap of awesome new sewing projects, I have a little announcement to make...
Fozzel & Bean has been selected as one of 58 finalists in Australia's inaugural Etsy Design Awards! Um what!?

There are two parts to the awards. A panel of awesome judges will select a winning store from each category (I am in New Talent), and public votes will decide on one store for the overall Community's Choice. The winner of Community's Choice will be featured in a magazine, and sent to the Etsy headquarters in NYC!
It has taken me a couple of days to publish this post because I'm sort of in shock :P. But there I am, displayed amongst 12 other amazing new Australian stores:

https://blog.etsy.com/en/2014/cast-your-vote-in-the-etsy-design-awards/ 
In a stroke of truly bizarre timing, the design I entered was sold the day before the announcements. After an emotional send-off, the one-of-a-kind pride and joy of my store is now on it's way across the sea to Texas. I'll miss you, scarfy shawl thing that never had a proper name!




If you would like to help me win an amazing trip to New York, pretty please follow this link and vote for Fozzel & Bean! As an added bonus, voting will put you in the draw to win $250 to spend on Etsy! :D

http://www.etsydesignawards.com/nominees/new-talent/fozzel-and-bean

Thanks so much, and have a great weekend, everyone!


14 September, 2014

Spring Happenings


It feels as though almost every post in this blog contains some kind of reference to the weather, but I couldn't resist making the most of the beautiful stone-fruit blossoms just outside my kitchen.

I promise that from now onward all weather references will be this colourful and positive!

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/203451901/ready-to-ship-cream-lace-collar-necklace?ref=shop_home_feat_4

For a little while now I have been experimenting with Spring appropriate accessories like lace collars.

I'm starting simple, using reclaimed yarn in various fibers and weights, and trying to develop a style that is both earthy and delicate. Feminine without being too lacy or frilly. I guess that's Fozzel & Bean style in a nutshell! It's amazing how much writing helps to put abstract feelings into words.

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/203451901/ready-to-ship-cream-lace-collar-necklace?ref=shop_home_feat_4

https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/203451901/ready-to-ship-cream-lace-collar-necklace?ref=shop_home_feat_4

This particular collar is made from a beautifully delicate reclaimed cashmere yarn. It looks like a warm cream, but up close you can see that it's flecked with tiny strands of red. The closure is a metal vintage button from my stash, with what looks like a red gemstone in the face.


In other news, September is shaping up to be a hectic month. I have so many great things to share over the next few weeks, so stay tuned!