Friday 20 September 2013

My Latest Fabric Stash From Calico and Ivy

Liberty London fabric stash from Calico and Ivy (Mosman Park)
Liberty London fabric stash from Calico and Ivy (Mosman Park)

I lurve visiting Calico and Ivy in Mosman Park! They have a beautiful range of Liberty London fabrics and of course I got a bit carried away. I went there looking for the Liberty Hunter Truck print for Logan - I'm making him some bibs and a bow-tie for Nanna's big 100th birthday party in a few weeks. I love the colours.

Hunter Truck print by Liberty of London
Hunter Truck print by Liberty of London

And I couldn't walk out without this pretty Phoebe print. I bought it with Isla in mind. I just haven't thought of what to make with it yet ;o).

Phoebe print by Liberty of London
Phoebe print by Liberty of London

I love the vintage look of this Phoebe print:

Lesley's print by Liberty of London
Lesley's print by Liberty of London

I don't know the name of this print, but I knew mum would love the design - maybe for her sewing scroll?

And these were my favourites! I had to get all four for my new nappy bag that mum's making for me ;o)

Betsy Ann print by Liberty of London
Betsy Ann print by Liberty of London
Kaylie Sunshine print by Liberty of London
Kaylie Sunshine print by Liberty of London
Lesley's print by Liberty of London
Lesley's print by Liberty of London
Margaret Annie print by Liberty of London
Margaret Annie print by Liberty of London

Calico and Ivy is a beautiful shop if you're looking for anything special. I had to restrain myself from buying miles of pom-pom fringe and piles of Heather Bailey designer felt!! Well, there's always next time!

T xx

 

Thursday 19 September 2013

What is Liberty of London?

Image courtesy of Liberty.co.uk
Regent Street, London


======The Iconic Brand======

Arthur Lansenby Liberty (1843 - 1917) was the founder of Liberty of London. He was an entrepreneur with vision, and from humble beginnings he built a world-renowned brand that is synonymous with luxury, sophistication, and quality.

He wanted to provide a unique shopping experience and he accomplished this with the opening of the Regent Street store in West End London in 1875. Then as the years went by and Libertys' success grew, he acquired neighbouring buildings to house bigger collections and new departments.

 

======The Iconic Store======

"The Tudor revival building was built so that trading could continue while renovations were being completed on the other premises and in 1924 this store was constructed from the timbers of two ships: HMS Impregnable and HMS Hindustan. The frontage on Great Marlborough Street is the same length as the Hindustan. It is a Grade II* listed building.

The emporium was designed by Edwin Thomas Hall and his son Edwin Stanley Hall. They designed the building at the height of the 1920s fashion for Tudor revival. The shop was engineered around three light wells that formed the main focus of the building. Each of these wells was surrounded by smaller rooms to create a homely feel. Many of the rooms had fireplaces and some still exist."

Taken from Wikipedia (Liberty Department Store)

Unfortunately, Arthur Liberty died seven years before his store was finally finished. But thankfully his hard work and vision was continued to this day. And I would think that he would be very proud of what his successors have accomplished over the years.

I hope to visit one day and see for myself, but for now I live vicariously through gorgeous photos like these by Alicia in London-Land:

Liberty of London via Alicia in London-Land
Liberty of London via Alicia in London-Land
Liberty of London via Alicia in London-Land
Liberty of London via Alicia in London-Land
Liberty of London via Alicia in London-Land
Liberty of London via Alicia in London-Land

 

As you can see from the photos, the Liberty of London store is a shoppers dream - and my husbands worst nightmare! I know mum and I would be in heaven! For days!!

There are six levels (see the Liberty Store Guide here) displaying the latest fashions for women, men, and children, as well as gifts and homewares, beauty products, accessories, and fabric.

There's also Cafe Liberty, Wild At Heart Florist, Murdock Grooming (for men), and Margaret Dabbs Sole Spa.

Unfortunately not all of us can pop in for a cup of tea and bucket load of fabric. So the website (www.liberty.co.uk) is our window to the world of Liberty. It is jam-packed with products and information. Check out any of the links above to see what's available online. And I can't forget to mention the Liberty Magazine and the Liberty Blog.

My favourite read is the Liberty Craft Blog - a lesser (but equally fabulous) part of the Liberty Blog. It features crafters around the globe that are making beautiful things using Liberty London fabrics. We get to 'meet' them and be inspired by their creative handiwork.

======The Iconic Fabric======

Crafters worldwide literally gush over Liberty London fabric. I know because I'm one of them. My favourite is the Cotton Tana Lawn, named after Lake Tana in Sudan where some of the earliest yarn originated. It has a very fine weave, which allows for the intricate detailing that Liberty Art Fabric prints are famous for.

Take these for example:

It's an incredible process involved in printing Liberty Art Fabrics. If you're interested in learning more, there are two great videos that I highly recommend you check out. The first is the Behind The Scenes in the Liberty Art Fabrics Design Studio video, which includes meeting the design team and learning what inspired them in creating the Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection. And the second is the Behind The Scenes: Printing on Cotton Tana Lawn video. This is a fascinating look at the process involved in preparing and printing the Tana Lawn at Libertys' Lancaster Factory. Both videos are definitely worth a look!

I feel really inspired now!

 

Wednesday 18 September 2013

Flower Pincushion by Rhapsody and Thread

Liberty Flower Pincushion by Rhapsody and Thread
Liberty Flower Pincushion by Rhapsody and Thread
This little flower is my current pride and joy!
I was in the middle of making some gifts for a baby shower on the weekend but I couldn't help myself... I realised I didn't have a pincushion of my own (I've been "borrowing" mums gorgeous Liberty Log Cabin Pincushion).
So I grabbed my favourite Liberty of London print, Margaret Annie, and made the little 'pumpkin' with teal embroidery thread. I couldn't resist adding a sweet little felt flower to the centre, and that inspired me to turn my 'pumpkin' into a flower! I made the hot pink outer petals using 100% quilters cotton from Carols of Midland. And I made leaves from felt to hold my embroidery needles. You can't tell from the photos but I added green florist wire from Spotlight to get the leaves to curl up a bit too :o) It makes it easier for me to pick it up without stabbing myself with the needles!
Liberty Flower Pincushion (in progress)  by Rhapsody and Thread
Supplies
Liberty Flower Pincushion by Rhapsody and Thread
Finished!
 Liberty Flower Pincushion by Rhapsody and Thread
With Pins and Needles :o)
Liberty Flower Pincushion by Rhapsody and Thread
Liberty Pincushions Destined To Be Best Friends Forever
Ok, now I can get back to procrastinating about what to make for the baby shower :o)
T xx

Sunday 8 September 2013

Perth Upmarket Was Heaven As Usual!

I love going to Perth UpMarket! I must, because I took 2 bubs and my diminished sanity after only 3 hours sleep. And it was worth it.

Perth UpMarket day with Rhapsody and Thread
The stunning Winthrop Hall on Perth UpMarket day

As soon as I got there, I made a bee-line for the sweets 'aisle' outdoor under the verandah and found Cookie Dough Biscuits. They have a great range of cookie flavours (and names) like Passionberry, Vanilla Spice, Walnut Espresso, Coco Cherry, and Lemon Date. I'm keen to visit their East Freo Bakery actually. I wonder if the coffee's good... Anyway, I picked the Sweetie Pie cookie because it looked like a buttery vanilla cookie with sprinkles ;) I have a weakness for anything rainbow! It was delish - the bite that Isla let me have was :)

From sweetie heaven, we then squeezed our way into the buzzing Winthrop Hall and I was in another kind of heaven. Felt heaven. Happy As Larry Designs is a Perth-based company created by mumpreneur Amy Eaton. The stall was so bright and colourful, dangling with felt balls and animals.

Happy as Larry Designs stall at Perth UpMarket
Happy As Larry Designs stall

There was a great range of the very-popular felt ball rugs, as well as beautiful cot mobiles. I bought myself a Flower Coin Purse and I couldn't go past the Bird Pods. Isla is so curious and loves birds. She will often hear birds before we do and stop to see where they are. So I thought the little felt pods were adorable. There's a bird inside with 3 little eggs. It's hangable but I think I'll let her play with it first. I can't wait to see her face when she discovers what's inside.

We kept walking and I was so impressed with the creativity and craftsmanship of the beautiful work for sale there. There was a lot to see and I was definitely inspired to visit the next UpMarket for my Christmas shopping.

Our last stop was Hackett Hall for the Junior UpMarket. It was filled to the brim with gorgeous clothes and shoes and pretty accessories for stylish little people. I was a bit disappointed to see that there wasn't a lot for boys, from what I could see, but the girly stuff kept me occupied enough.

I was particularly impressed with Crochet Bambini, Madison Grace Designs, Julies Little People, and Puretots. And I can't forget to mention the Little Alannah May stall. Why? Because hanging on the little wardrobe rack was a gorgeous little shorts made from Liberty fabric! And in one of my fave prints - Pelagia!!!! I had to have them, they are SO cute!

We had such a blast, and even had time for a run around on the beautiful grounds before heading home for some much needed rest.

My beauty burning off some energy

I can't wait for the next Perth UpMarket - Sunday 24th November 2013. It's the pre-Christmas market and will be a cracker!! It was packed last year so get there early, be patient and try not to elbow back ;o)

Here's a little snapshot of my pressies!

My stash after a great day
Liberty 'Pelagia' shorts by Little Alannah May
Liberty 'Pelagia' print shorts by Little Alannah May
Happy As Larry Designs Bird Pod and Flower Coin Purse
Happy As Larry Designs Bird Pod and Flower Coin Purse
Happy As Larry Designs Flower Coin Purse
Happy As Larry Designs Flower Coin Purse
Happy As Larry Designs Bird Pod
Happy As Larry Designs Bird Pod - see her little eggs inside? Precious!