woven fibres of a different kind

Woven fibres of a different kind, instead of cotton and a sewing machine, the fibres used here are from different plants...the Australian picabeen palm and the ordinary garden variety of banana and the machine swapped for hands...

Wonderful organic use of fibres, the weaving is a great way to coordinate hands, mind, imagination, sprit...

Now just to put on the finishing touches...

Teacher? the Empress of Weavery ;)- http://www.facebook.com/weaverywork?sk=info#!/rene.bahloo

Thanks Rene, a joy.

Keryn xx

Handmade 4 Kids new shopping guide

New handmade 4 Kids 'Shopping Guide' is out now - if you are looking for unique, handmade children's items, by Aussie creators, pop over to

http://www.handmadecooperative.blogspot.com/ .  Lillipilli Lane has teamed up with Loopty Loop, see who else has teamed up for this special 'This Goes with That' edition.

Keryn xx

Grateful for...

Woven sculpture from reclaimed fishing nets washed ashore. Floating lands exhibition, 2011.

What am I grateful for this week?

Warm, toasty log fires, sunny pre-spring days...birds and flowers in my garden...and starting my weaving course this week :)

Pop over to Maxabella's blog to read more....

http://maxabellaloves.blogspot.com/2011/06/this-week-im-grateful-for-deadlines.html

Thanks to Mandy at Bob&Mabel where I found this post:) I had been thinking of starting something very similiar, perfect harmony.

Have a great day

Keryn xx

A bit of up-cycled fun

I just *love* the way this little dress came up.  Fabulous colours and pattern.

On one of my browsing sessions for fabrics, I saw this pillowcase in a seconds shop and it grabbed my eye and imaginiation.  So, I took it home popped it in the wash, dried it off.  Then whipped up this little cute girl's dress.  Upcycled fun.

What upcycled/re-purposed goodies have you been working on?

Keryn xx

Pet Free Environment?

Well no, can't say that it is!

But I do *love* having my little, furry friend, obvioulsy so happy in his basket, keep me company whilst I create a little 'sewn-up' piece of self-expression, a little outfit for a client or create something with special meaning for someone.


I appreciate the love and joy this little 'person' brings to the home...(I know some of you just aren't cat people ;/)

Do you have a little mascot that joins you?

Hope you are having a good day
Keryn xx

Fabulous New Stockist

Soho dress, Lillipilli Lane.  Luke Going Photography

I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Rosie of Bellies & Stripes over the last couple of months to provide some of my wares for her new market stall!  Bellies and Stripes has a really lovely and funky range of mamma's and childrens wares.  If you tire of the 'frumpy' maternity wear thats around, and would like some gorgeous wares that really show of the female figure through all it stages, then you will probably *love* Rosie's exclusive collection. Rosie is committed to supporting sustainable fashion and buys from local designers. 

You can pop by and visit Bellies & Stripes every 1st and 3rd Sunday at the Peregian Beach Markets, Qld or visit her on Facebook Bellies and Stripes

Do yourself a favour and drop by Rosie's FB page just to admire the beautiful photographs taken by Luke Going Photography, like a wander through an art gallery.  His talent as a photographer speaks for itself  and Lillipilli Lane has been the happy recipient of some of Luke's fashion work already, with more planned.


Keryn xx

These are a few of my favourite things...

Sweet William,  Peacock Print one of my fave'son Madeit

I have had a lot of fun just recently being selected with several other online handmade boutique owners, to bring this weeks "Seller's Picks" to the Madeit site .  These are seller's current favourite items found on the Australian online handmade market open 24/7, http://www.madeit.com.au/ 

You can view them here http://www.madeit.com.au/picks.asp


There are so many great items on Madeit, and whilst we have 'picked' our current fave's we have by no means discovered all the wonderful items hiding on Madeit...pop by and see what fave's you can find!


Keryn xx

A BIG thanks

Thank you so very much to those people who have been promoting (unsolicited) handmade clothing at Lillipilli Lane on their FaceBook pages.  Its so very nice of you, and the flow on of business is very much appreciated.

Thanks again

Keryn xx

Having fun making scarves...

These are some of my little winter 'treats'...scarves....scarves....scarves....

What winter goodies have you been making lately ?

Keryn xx

Customised clothing for an individual fit

This is a one of our certified organic fabric girl's dresses, in our Eco Organic range, don't you just *love* the fabric!  No chemicals have been used in the production or manufacture of the fabric, so a good choice for your health and the environment!

We have adjusted this stock dress for one of our valued clients, for a child that is taller then 'average' height.

The picture shows us adding a red complimentary border to increase the length of the dress! 

Do you  find it hard to get clothes to 'fit' your little ones, who may be smaller, taller etc than the 'average'.  Email us to chat about what we can do to help get the right fit for your needs : )

have a great day,
regards
Keryn xx

Inspiration...interpretation...creation...

(photo credit to come, Dance magazine)

Do you ever get an overwhelming desire to create...something you just need to express...welling up from within?

The trigger can come from the most unexpected places, like the beautiful dancer above....

I was so moved by the image I just had to create and express my own interpretation, through clothing of course!

What fun, and a sense of satisfaction, fulfillment...  A gorgeously long skirt...in a colour and soft fabric that I am *loving*...

What has inspired you lately?  Would love to hear...

Keryn xx

Wearable 80's art, Ken Done vintage

Do you remember Ken Done, the Aussie art icon? Well, I have had this wonderful piece of upcycled Ken Done fabric for some time, and I have recently finished piecing together this fabulous, fun, skirt.

Overlock the waistband on, switch to3 threads, 1 needle and make a creative hem...

Voila one cute skirt! Doesn't this Ken Done fabric come up a treat.

What a unique collector's item and an interesting way to collect art.  I would think it rare to come across a piece of this fabric again.  It, to me, seems to have stood the test of time (my guess is 80's vintage - which just happens to be back in vogue) and has a fun quirky-ily groovy style.  Isn' that part of the fun of upcycling!

Oooh, do I sell it or keep it?
It is said "if you were around to wear the fashion the first time, you probably shouldn't wear it the second time"...however I think there may be an exception, if it has been re-fashioned to a suitable style, one may be able to get away with it. What do you think?

Keryn xx

*Specials In- Store Now*

*Sale Now On, some great bargains to be had*
for a limited time...

 

This girl's pretty cotton vintage inspired skirt, now $14.95 plus postage

Lillipilli Lane handmade clothing

Enjoy!

My Creative Space today, fabric necklace

I really enjoyed making this little beauty.  I was itching to try my hand at making one of these and don't you just love the net (ok its a kinda love hate thing really) after searching I found a great little tute over at Froo*Gal and Twirling Betty.  Both just great.

I made a few adjustments that I will share, and put in my own tute sometime soon(ish)

I can feel more are on the way!

What is in your creative space today?  Would love to see! To join in 'My Creative Space', and view others Creativity, pop over to  Kootoyoo's blog on Thursdays.

Keryn xx

Time for a cool change, How to wear a summer skirt in Autumn and Winter

It's now Autumn, and cooler weather is on it's way (southern hemisphere!). 

Those familiar with the Lillipilli Lane handmade women's skirts will know I recommend they may also be teamed with leggings and boots in winter, as do others.

After doing some research for this article, I came across a great article of a lady who has done just that, but with a summer dress.  Called "My Paper Doll: Winterizing The Summer Dress" the article by 'My Style Pill' (a NY stylist)  explains so well  how to 'winter-ise' a summer dress. (If this link doesn't take you to that article do a search in her blog for paper doll - it's an enjoyable read and her look is so much more chic !)

So here's my tips on how to adapt that summer skirt for winter-

1.  Start with a Summer Skirt 
Use any summer skirt already in your wardrobe. 
I have used this fave of mine just for example ( its a handmade clothing at Lillipilli Lane skirt) Got to love your own creations : )

2. Add a long-sleeved T or skivvy
Choose black for winter. I love this tight fitting, flattering skivvy OR choose a long sleeve T if your climate doesn't get too cold.  You may also coordinate with same colours in your skirt, such as the green or red.
. 

3.  Now Accessorise!
Add one of this season's beautiful scarves and there are sooo many gorgeous ones to choose from. Doesn't everyone need at least dozen! I have chosen a bright red to coordinate with the red pattern in the skirt.  
This is one of my favourites, yes it's a handmade clothing at Lillipilli Lane scarf.

You could also choose a green.

4. Add a jacket
I have used an old fave, a well-worn navy cord jacket. 

5. Add long black boots

Personally I love these Dr Martens mid length boots.  For a more feminine, chic look  pop over to My Style Pill .

5. Now to finish
To give your look that something special and add your own individual style add a pair of over-sized black sunnies.  For tips on how to choose the right pair of sunnies pop over here.

6. Voila... What I like about this is you are adpating pieces you already have in your wardrobe.
You may need to buy an accessory or two but you are building on some main pieces you likely already have.

Lets see how you have adapted your summer skirt!  Give it a go and pop back and leave a post, would love to see.  Have fun and let your creativity fly.

The only problem you may occassioanlly have, depending on the fabric, is the skirt may be a bit clingy over tights, stockings.  Has anyone overcome this?

 

Keryn xx

A journey...

Cappuccino's ready...
to help give me motivation to pack, sort and get everything ready - my secret to a good road trip, be organised else the car turns into chaos! Not great for a long road trip:)

Comfy travelling outfit is sorted...

(can you see my first attempt at a fabric neck-lace - I think I am hooked!)

Luggage is packed...

I just *love* a road trip...An early am start and off we go, on a 2200km round trip across two states.  Seeing some wonderful sights, travelling through our magnificant country, chatting with folks we meet along the way and finally reaching our destination, our loved ones to visit.  From our little country abode to thebig smoke! 
See you when we return.  Happiness to you all. 


Yes, the sewing machine is coming!

My Creative Space Today, a new season

My creative space has seen me playing with some gorgeous neutrals and lovely textures to create some new autumn girl's dresses. I have been playing with lots of different 'sleeves'- puffed sleeves, Juliette sleeves, sleeves with cuffs and without, to come up with some complementary sleeves for my winter dresses...
Just love the 'warmth' of this little dress...What do you think?  In store soon...

I have also been happy to be following through on my desire to paint - colours shapes and words I just have to get them down on paper or canvas! A kind of colour / art therapy, self directed :)  Just loving turquoise and pink at present...


What is in your creative space today?
Would love to see!
To join in 'My Creative Space', and view others Creativity, pop over to  Kootoyoo's blog on Thursdays.

Keryn xx

Lovely scarves

I have had the joy of making up these lovely new scarves...Playing with stretch knit techniques....

I wore one of my favourites out yesterday evening, weather was cool but not cool enough for a cardigan, so draped the scarf around my neck and 'voila', just enough to take the chill off :)

What have you been  creating in this last month of summer (southern hemisphere!)

These pretties are available through Lillipilli Lane handmade clothing store.

Keryn xx

So here we are, with a bang in 2011.

Gee what a start to the year!  Being a Qld'er it has been full of some pretty scarey weather activity.  Sooo glad all that water has moved of this island continent of ours...The sun is shining and the days are glorious once again.  My heart goes out to all those affected and indirectly afftected by the flood events. Wishing you all the best.

After a couple of months holidays from Lillipilli Lane it nice to revisit and touch base with you once again.  Where will this year take LL...More womens clothes, more painting and creativity...

My darling girl now at school!  Gee I do miss her and yet also sooo proud of her.  What does a mum/mom do with all this 'time/space' on her hands....any one else sending your littlies to school for the first time and now finding yourself at home with all this 'quietness'... So the world turns and things continue to grow.. to move... and to change...No doubt a year of many changes...

Wishing you a great year,  lots of success and creativity to do what your heart pleases : )

Keryn xx