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
Bead me up
Remember the urge to bead I was wittering on about recently? Still unwell and in hibernation mode, I haven’t quite got to starting anything yet, but have been focusing instead on the numerous repair jobs I’ve been putting off for some months now.
It’s intensely satisfying, returning these once-loved pieces to their former glory. And I’ve been able to sew while watching favourite old DVDs on the sofa and soothing a sore throat with endless cups of tea, in the downtime while Olive sleeps off her own cold.
I’ve simply no patience for my old Janome today, which is becoming more and more erratic (the old girl might be on her last legs, I fear). Some days, there is comfort in taking the slowest route possible.
Fun new top experiment
Bead detail
I had lots of fabric left over from the silk scarf cushion I made for the book, so set about to playing with it over the holidays. This is what I came up with – a funny little top with cropped front and longer back, to be layered over a simple black velvet dress I own, or grey silk harem pants.
I’ve no patience for patterns, so simply cut around a favourite loose-fitting vest, leaving a few centimetres all around for the seam allowance and flaring out a bit at the sides to add (what I hope is) hippie charm. The panel of beading at the front I bought complete and ironed on – hey, presto!
From the front
At the back