Kelly Doust introduces readers to her wonderful world of reviving and customising vintage pieces, while bringing a modern and unique twist to wearing vintage clothes – Dita Von Teese
Candy Stripe Cloud
Tiny things Apple Shelf from Candy Stripe Cloud - perfect for an arigurami (crocheted creatures) display
And more super-cute things to buy. It’s Olive’s 3rd birthday in a few weeks so I’m on the lookout for sweet, original things she’ll keep for decades. On the wishlist? Anything from Candy Stripe Cloud.
Animal-hatted Kewpie Dolls
Village in a Bag play set
Storybook Rabbit
Hand-painted bunny plate from Storybook Rabbit
My new favourite Etsy shop – how fab are the chain-link scarves and reinvented vintage saucers at Storybook Rabbit? And I especially like these unique laser-cut brooches.
Chainlink scarf in Autumn colours
Polka dot bunny brooch
Hipster bunnies
Pinspiration & yet more crochet love
Crocheted mushrooms from I Knit
Hours whizz by perusing Pinterest, the virtual mood board for all things inspiring. Type in crochet, and there you have some of the cutest, weirdest things anyone could think to make. Love it.
Don’t ask me why, but I’m obsessed with crocheting fruit at the moment. The plan is to fill little bowls around the house with fancies (just because I can). Here’s the first attempt below – two pears and a strawberry, made from one of my Japanese pattern books (which is entirely in Japanese – a bit of a punt following its instructions, but we get there in the end). The pears measure about 5cm from top to bottom, using a 1.75mm crochet needle. I’m going solo next, and trying to attempt making my own cherries and apples.
Fruitbowl
Below is our pinboard, depository of all beloved imagery in the kitchen, and the crocheted brooch I made Olive recently but am saving for a day when she won’t cause some horrific accident or maim herself with it (bull in a china shop doesn’t come close to covering it, god love her).
Kitchen pinboard = happiness
Klimt would love this Koigu yarn
And check out my new crochet bag, found at the Rozelle markets a few weeks ago. It’s currently storing the shapes below for a new, Swedish-style blanket I’m whipping up in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino – heaven to touch.
Will this crochet obsession ever end?
A cheery little crochet bag
Another blanket on the way
Super Mario
Oh to have Mario Testino as your wedding photographer. Have you seen these shots of Kate Moss’s wedding to musician Jamie Hince? Fairytale indeed, I’m loving the seventies vibe. Do you think they make the page boy’s military jacket in my size?
Crown and Brim
A dreamy Nicole Plester creation
Today I’m heading up to Newcastle with a bootload of books for the Newcastle Vintage Fair, which starts tomorrow. I’ll be talking about A Life in Frocks and signing copies of all the books, while my lovely friend Jess brings her delectable vintage wares to town with the Coco Repose stall. Pop in and say hello if you’re in the area.
What will I be looking for? Spring Carnival-appropriate headwear. Currently lusting after these divine pieces from clever Perth-based milliner, Nicole Plester. With a background in theatrical costume, Nicole works with the West Australian ballet and custom-makes pieces for individual clients. Divine, non?
(I wish I had a) Dowry
Pouf jumble from Dowry
Homewares & accessories fetishism has taken a backseat lately, what with all the fantastic clothing sales on recently and my fondness for the new season’s offerings. But when I saw some of these pieces in Calico & Ivy, I knew I had to secure at least one item from recycled crafts label, Dowry. Heirloom might be more appropriate.
Dowry is a mother-daughter team, Fleur Gunn & Christine Land, from Moruya on the NSW South Coast. They collaborate with local cobblers, seamstresses, embroiderers and upholsterers to produce these one-off gems.
Keep an eye on them – Vogue Living’s already featured the pouf cushions above, and their online store opens soon. I’m coveting a tote bag, still in production, and pear pincushion (below). These are utilitarian works of art.
Swan tapestry bolero
Nice pears, love
Tapestry tote
Today’s inspiration
Klimt's portrait of Friedericke Maria Beer-Monti
is this 1916 painting by Gustav Klimt. I’m pondering a textile wall hanging for the bedroom, which I’ll get started on soon. I can’t pretend it will resemble this magnificent piece in the slightest, but it’s become my first point of reference.
From big things, little things grow.
Craft is art
Basic Instinct by painter Del Kathryn Barton
This distinction between art and craft is not so distinct. While some daub oil paint to create light on canvas, we use sequins in the same interests. A sculptor molds clay to form figures, while stitchy ones put needle and thread to fabric, creating drape and folds that are sculptural as well. Become a master of any skill and you have the ability to transcend its basic purpose, don’t you think?
A latterday Gustav Klimt, Del Kathryn Barton’s work always inspires and amazes – what I’d give for an original. At the Archibald Prize recently, there we stood in front of Cate Blanchett’s portrait for a full twenty minutes. Time permitting, I could have watched for hours without growing bored – there was much to take in.
I would love to see her design a frock or patchwork quilt, Tracey Emin-style. Now that would make me blink.
Cate Blanchett portrait by Del Kathryn Barton
Congratulations, Cloth winners
Zigzag quilt by Siobhan Rogers for Cloth Fabric
Oh you’ve made me smile. Reading through all your entries for the Cloth competition has been the best start to the day. It was selfish really, asking you to share what winter meant to you – in the middle of nursing a sickly two year old and my customary impatience for spring, I needed a reminder of why winter’s to be savoured. I will stop longing for longer days, and appreciate the fleeting pleasures of hibernation. I will.
Believe me when I say I’ve been agonising – I so wanted to award a pack to each of you. But in the end, I had to limit it to my favourite responses from readers who sent me their address.
The lucky winners are: Prue, Manon, Sarah Cortis, Alison Wright and Stitchy Britt. I’ll be popping your packs in the post first thing Monday, and so hope you’ll send through pics of what you made with them for a chance to win the $100 Cloth voucher. I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.
Happy winter crafting, lovelies. I’ll be thinking of you.
xx
Rose quilt by Siobhan Rogers for Cloth Fabric