DIY Shopping Bag

By Robyna on July 29, 2017

From next year Coles and Woolworths will be phasing out plastic bags in Queensland. It’s been a long time coming but I’m glad it’s finally here.

Now, I just need to remember to pack the fabric bags in the car before each shop.

And to stock up on said fabric bags. I have them. A lot of them. But they seem to tear and break frequently. Perhaps it’s because I over-stuff them with toys, swimming gear, soccer balls and library books.

So I thought I’d whip a few bags to replace the torn ones. They also look just a wee bit nicer.

Here’s how to make your own DIY shopping bag.

How to make a turban headband

By Robyna on July 15, 2017

You know those fabulous women who can wrap a scarf around their head and look all kinds of chic? I am not one of them. But I can cheat. This fabulous turban headband gives the same kind of look. It’s a quick sew project that gets a bit addictive.

When to sew / when to buy

By Robyna on June 10, 2017

I have a pair of culottes currently under the sewing machine. Delustered Satin in a vintage floral print. You wouldn’t look at the fabric and think “culottes”. Maybe shift dress or box pleat skirt. But that’s why I went in an unexpected direction. Because I could.

It’s one of the things I love about sewing my own clothes. But obviously I don’t sew everything I own (although I’d love to). So how do I decide what to buy or what to make? Read more…

Where to find sewing patterns

By Robyna on February 11, 2017

One of the things I love to do with my spare time (the little I have) is to sew. It’s such a lovely thing to take fabric and a pattern and create something beautiful. For those who’d like to try sewing, or are looking to get back into it, finding the right patterns is key.

So where do you find the best patterns?

The traditional place to buy patterns is a fabric store. They have pattern books on display where you choose your ideal look. Then you locate your code and size in cute, old-fashioned filing cabinets. I have fond memories of selecting my grade seven graduation dress just before we bought ALL the taffeta. But that filing cabinet is not the only place to look.

Here are few that you may not have tried …

How to make cheap clothes look expensive

By Robyna on October 1, 2016

We live in age of fast fashion. I can buy my clothes alongside my milk at Coles. An outfit worn by a celebrity will be re-interpreted in the chain stores within weeks. There are new jeans that cost less than a sandwich.

I feel uncomfortable about fast fashion for a number of reasons. Primarily the means by which stores can sell things so cheaply. It promotes a generic look along with a throw-away mentality. And, of course, it’s very difficult for independent designers, brands and shops to compete.

On the flip-side, I know that for a lot of people cheaper fashion means they have access to clothes they didn’t before.

Whether you are buying your clothes from Mix or from an Op Shop, here are seven ways to make a cheaper garment look more expensive and less generic: Read more…