Creativity is the Word at Sew Butterfly!

One of my favourite things is to scour the internet for lovely things that don’t cost the earth. I’m always amazed at the amount of creativity and talent out there.  In this current economic climate, most of us are looking for gifts for loved ones (and ourselves!) that are practical, cost effective and unique. It’s my goal to bring some of these sellers to your attention and one such business is Sew Butterfly, run by the creative and talented Stacy.  She’s been making and creating from recycled fabrics from a very early age; certainly long before it became ‘trendy‘ to do so. Her creativity knows no bounds! One of her most recent projects was to make six outfits for a dance team. Stacy not only made the outfits from scratch but made the patterns too. It’s enough to bring me out in a cold sweat!  In addition, Stacy also donates her time in the most charitable way by making quilts for African orphanages.  I love this girl!  Something tells me she’s got what it takes!  Hope you enjoy reading about the lovely Stacy and her business Sew Butterfly!

If you’d like to contribute or make a donation towards Stacy’s sewing projects for African orphanages, please refer to the ‘Donations’ tab at http://www.sewbutterfly.com

JUST FOR FUN:

What is your earliest fashion memory?

At the age of 4.  My grandmother crocheted dresses for my dolls (I was totally amazed by this) and I believe I was totally fashion conscious, then.  Shortly thereafter, both, my grandmother and mom taught me to crochet and knit; soon after I was hand-sewing clothes for my dolls.

What is your most treasured possession?

1950's Montgomery Ward Sewing Machine

My 1950s Montgomery Ward’s Commercial sewing machine. Does straight stitching only, but is the best sewing machine I’ve ever had…and, it looks cool!

Your favourite vintage era and why?

Can I have 2 favourites? (laughing)  1940s.  The clothing was impeccable!  Detailed and well-crafted.  People dressed properly for EVERY occasion from the kitchen to a night out on the town.  Such an elegant era to me.  Also, the 1960s and 70s.  I loved the ‘hippie’ era.  It was really colourful and showed creativity.  Louise replies: Stacy, that’ll be three favourite vintage eras then!  You just love your vintage! lol

Your perfect day would be . . . . . . . ?

Creating from sun-up to sundown with no interruptions!

How would your friends describe you?

(I actually asked them and this was their reply)  Strong-willed; determined; good sense of humour; driven; outgoing; sometimes enthusiastic (lol); compassionate; loving.  I didn’t hear ‘smart’. (lol)

ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS:

You’ve been crafting and making things from a very early age. Where did your interest come from and who taught you?

Berry Cute Bag

My inspiration came from my grandmother and mom.  Mom made all of her own clothes through her high school years – she kept my sister and I busy with all sorts of crafts.  My grandmother was always creating.  Crocheting, painting, and re-purposing items found in second-hand stores, around the house and neighbourhoods.

At what point did you decide to make your ‘hobby’ into a business? Was there a defining moment?

In 2007, I had been ‘preparing’ for a business, but June 2008 was my defining moment.  I had been laid-off and I still have small children at home.  My husband supported and pushed me to ‘go for it’!  And, I did.  I opened an online shop.  Then, purchased a domain name for a website.

How long have you been running your business?  Is this your full-time occupation?

Donut Bag

For about a year, now.  Yes, this is my full-time occupation.

Who takes all your photographs?  What camera do you use?

I take my own photos.  I use a Nikon Coolpix or I use my husband or daughter’s Nikon D40X.

What makes your business unique or sets it apart from the rest?

I recycle and re-purpose which makes my items unique.

How do you go about promoting your business?

Blogging, craft shows, passing out business cards in local shops, and networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Threadbanger, BurdaStyle, CraftStylish, Dare to be Glamorous, and Ultimate Connection for Small Business Owners, just to name a few .

Who designed your logo images?

My husband, Charles.  Graphic designer.  We met while working in a worldwide ad agency in Chicago. IM31 Studios; email: Charles@im31studios.com; website: http://www.im31studios.com; blog: http://im31studios.blogspot.com

You sell vintage clothing along with your recycled goodies. Without giving too much away! – how do you go about sourcing your vintage clothing?

Cobbler Apron

Resale shops and definitely, garage sales.  Family and friends also donate items to me.

Do you think buying ‘vintage’ and ‘recycled’ has become more popular over the past 10 years? If so, why do you think that is?

It seems that everything always comes full circle.  And, because of the economic difficulties people are recycling more than their garbage.  This generation is more conscious of having their own style and not controlled by the latest trends and has made them a creative generation.  See, full circle.  Isn’t that what was happening in the 60s and 70s? (laughing)

How would you define the term ‘vintage’?

To me, ‘vintage’ is classic.

What item do you enjoy making the most?

I enjoy making all of my items.  Well, I love making accessories (i.e. bags, purses, aprons, etc.)

Your work is really beautiful and exceptional quality. Do you design the merchandise yourself or do you take inspiration from old sewing patterns and the like? Where does your design inspiration come from?

English Garden Floral Tote Bag

I have millions (lol) of vintage patterns and they all have to be altered and redesigned.  However, a lot of my designs come from variations of patterns.  I also get inspiration from classic movies (old black and white).  I will sketch an outfit or item I’ve seen, make the pattern pieces and find the ‘right’ fabric to sew.  So, I’m always playing around with fabrics and ideas.

If you’re making an item from scratch, say a vintage-style apron or evening bag, how do you go about pricing it?  What do you need to consider?

I have to take into account, material costs (i.e. fabrics, zippers, snaps, etc.) and my time.  You have to ask yourself, ‘how much is my time worth?’  Starting out, I visited or contacted local seamstress and tailoring shops to have an idea on how to price.  Also, check out some online shops and other people with same interest to see how they price items.  Research, research and more research.

Has the current economic climate affected business?  If so, what steps are you taking to counteract that?

Sure, it has affected business.  Sometimes, I run sales on items; or have ‘buy one and get one half off’; and offer other specials.

Where do you see your business in the next five years?

I plan to open a physical shop like the size of a strip mall.  I have plans for local artists, as well.  More will be revealed. ;D

Do you have a blog that people can subscribe to and receive regular updates?

Yes, I do  http://sewbutterfly.blogspot.com and http://sewbutterfly.wordpress.com

Where can your merchandise be purchased from and how can customers contact you?

Around Town Purse

My items can be purchased from http://sewbutterfly64.etsy.com and http://sewbutterfly.shophandmade.com.  I will soon open another shop on ArtFire.  I also have a website http://www.sewbutterfly.com that will give you information on where to purchase; my blog; and info on my donation work.

Vintage Jewellery & Accessories by Pipnstuff

As editor of Catwalk Threads, one of my aims is to bring you some of the best online retailers of vintage and recycled merchandise.  I’m particularly keen to promote UK sellers and lucky for me I recently came across the wonderful Pipnstuff, owned and created by a delightful girl named Pip (what else)!

We actually met on Twitter and I felt an instant rapport with Pip. I love her recycling philosophy and was instantly drawn to her marvellous photography. Her merchandise (available from http://www.allthingsoriginal.com/sellers/pipnstuff/shop/) looks good enough to eat!  It’s all made by her own fair hands using recycled buttons, beads and an array of pretty things collected over the years.

Vintage Peacock Earrings

Pip’s kindly agreed to an interview with Catwalk Threads so I’m not going to go into too much detail about her business right now.  I just felt compelled to show-off my purchases which arrived this morning. These beautiful vintage earrings and hair clips (check-out the detailing), have been ‘ear-marked’ as a birthday gift for a dear friend of mine and the vintage cuff links have been purchased for my dad for Father’s Day.

Vintage Coral Hair Clips

Pip gift boxed every item using recycled materials. They were packaged so beautifully that I spent a few minutes just looking at the boxes!  I can’t tell you how delighted I am. They’re all so pretty and I can see that Pip pays great attention to detail. She really does care about her customers and that is something to shout about as far as I’m concerned!

The perfect gift for Father's Day

All Pip’s merchandise can be purchased from a lovely website called All Things Original. It’s definitely worth a look and I guarantee you will not leave without buying something!

Keep an eye-out for my interview with Pip, coming very soon!

Putting Recycled Fabric to Good Use

Yesterday was a little bit different. I decided to take a break from my usual routine of working on my eBay store and website and decided to get the sewing machine out.  I’d forgotten how much fabric I’d accumulated over the years and it doesn’t half build up!

Some of my fabric swatches

I’ve got vintage curtain fabric, gingham in all colours, and lots of other bits ‘n’ pieces that I just couldn’t decide what I was going to do with – until now!  In addition, I’d taken a course in interior design a few years back, and had stored up lots of fabric swatches. They’re from all the top fabric manufacturers and there’s an absolutely yummy selection of textures, patterns and colours. You can get free fabric swatches from most textile companies. Find details of them in the index pages of your interior design magazines.  Then all you need to do is go online and ask politely if they’d send you some samples.  Easy!

Now where to start?

Pattern taken from this 1950's Apron

My first little project was inspired by some lovely vintage 1950’s aprons I’ve recently acquired. They’re definitely back in vogue and fairly easy to make (for a part-time/occasional sewer like me anyway)!  I made a pattern from a full-length and a half-length apron and will now be able to put all my fabric to good use.   I’d forgotten how satisfying it is to create something so practical and pretty.  I hope you’ll agree!

Paisley-Rose Print Apron

I’ve made a full-length apron from a lovely paisley-rose print fabric. It has a co-ordinating gingham fabric pocket. The other pinny is half-length and because the floral fabric was lightweight, I decided to line it. It’s really improved the durability and looks super-cute!  Both aprons can now be purchased from my eBay store.

Retro print fabric for cushion?

My next project is going to be a large and fabulous cushion cover, made from a lovely retro print fabric with large purple flowers.  I’ve got two large pieces so I think a floor cushion will be just the thing. What do you think?

Wall Deco from Founder of Biba, Barbara Hulanicki

Art Nouveau inspired wallpaper from Barbara Hulanicki

If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your home this spring, why not take your inspiration from the founder of Biba, Barbara Hulanicki? Graham & Brown currently have a fabulous range of wallpapers from design legend Barbara.  These wallpapers are £30 a roll which is incredible value. The lavish Art Nouveau and Art Deco inspired wallpapers will give your home a stylish, decadent atmosphere, so evocative of the Biba look. Other designers in the Graham & Brown range include Marcel Wanders, Linda Barker and Erika Wakerly.

Barbara Hulanicki started her career in fashion as a fashion illustrator. She covered all of the important fashion collections in Europe for the major publications of the day, including Women’s Wear Daily, British Vogue, the Times, the Observer and the Sunday Times.

Hula Wallpaper from Graham & Brown

Exasperated by the disastrous street fashion in England, her husband Fitz encouraged her to design her own clothing. Biba was born and eventually, expanded into a five story art deco building, flanked by rock stars and celebrities of the day. After Biba closed its doors in 1976, she continued to work in fashion, designing for Fiorucci and Cacharel as well as her own brand in Brazil.

In the nineties she arrived in Miami Beach where she designed interiors for Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones and Chris Blackwell’s Boutique Hotel Group. She is credited with the resurrection of Miami Beachs crumbling Art Deco district.

A Unique Mother’s Day Gift from Retropolitan

Ok, so it’s Mother’s Day this weekend (in the UK anyway), and I was pondering what on earth to buy my lovely mum this year. Not content with the usual perfume, body lotion or makeup, I really wanted to buy something more unique; something that would remind my mum of her childhood; something that was beautiful, something that would acquire value and something she could use.  Mmmmm – now let me think!

Well, I didn’t need to think too hard about it, because literally ‘out of the blue’ I stumbled upon the most lovely website, aptly named Retropolitan. I actually came across Retropolitan on Twitter (anyone thinking about joining Twitter – do it right now)! and was delighted to find that they’re based in the UK. I instantly knew that this was the start of something special!  I’ve fallen head-over-heels in love – with all the yummy vintage homeware!

1950's Teacup and Saucer-Plate

Retropolitan is run by the industrious and charming Lesley and I contacted her immediately to compliment her on the website.  I’m not going to talk too much about Lesley right now as I’m planning an interview which will be published in the next few weeks.  I’m just really thrilled and excited that Lesley has agreed to do an interview for Catwalk Threads as I know she’s a very busy girl!  Keep your ‘eyes peeled’ for more!

Black & Red Retro Pattern with Gilt Edging

Ok, so here’s my choice for Mother’s Day – a divine 1950’s ‘afternoon’ teacup and saucer-plate by T.F & S. with gilt edging and black and red pattern.  I know my mum is going to LOVE this!  And I know where I’ll be shopping for unique gifts for friends, family and me, in future.  Lesley made sure my lovely homeware was wrapped beautifully and packaged it all up very carefully indeed.  It’s even more beautiful than I imagined!  I’m so delighted with it!  Here’s to a long-lasting relationship!  Now go put the kettle on! . . . . . .

Find Catwalk Creative on Twitter!

Chic Ways to Brighten up your Wardrobe: The Vintage Scarf!

In my ongoing quest to find some of the best online sellers of vintage, I came across this fabulous site, The Vintage Scarf.  You guessed it, selling a wide range of genuine vintage scarves!  It’s run by the lovely Paula and I was instantly drawn to her enthusiasm and passion for her business. In this current economic climate, you might not want to ‘splash-out’ the best part of a months salary on a new outfit.  However, what you can do to great effect, is use your money wisely and invest in a selection of vintage scarves.  It’s got to be the easiest and most cost effective way of brightening up your existing wardrobe!  Scarves are lightweight so no matter where you live on the planet, shipping costs are never going to be an issue.  They also make the most darling gifts for friends and family (Paula can even wrap your scarf in a scarf)!  In addition, after becoming a regular reader of Paula’s blog, I now realise there are so many different ways to wear a scarf!  Why not make like a movie star and buy yourself a vintage scarf or three?  Paula has kindly given up her valuable time to answer a few questions.  Hope you enjoy the read as much as I have.

JUST FOR FUN:

What is your earliest fashion memory?

When I was little I used to love to dress up in my Grandma’s clothes.  She always had a closet full of dress up clothes.  I was the youngest girl of the grandchildren.  She died in 1978 when I was a senior in High School.  I was the only one that could call her grams.

What is your most treasured possession?

I have a baby quilt that my Grandma made me before she died.  She wanted me to have one just like all the other grandkids.  I still have it, I never did have children.

The Trammps - Disco Inferno album cover

What kind of music do you listen to?

I still love the 1970’s.  1976 – 1979 is my favorite.  There is a program on the radio on Saturdays Nights called Boogie Oogie Oogie that’s all disco.

Favourite vintage era and why?

Actually there are two.  1920’s and the 1950’s.  The roaring 20’s with the flapper dresses, the bobbed hair and the hats. And the 1950’s because if I had a choice to grow up in an era that is what I would choose.  I just love the poodle skirts and the Oxfords.

Top three fashion icons:

As you can see by my website.  Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.

Divine scarf-wearer, Audrey Hepburn

Your perfect day would be . . . . . . ?

To own my own boutique in a little Victorian village.

How would your friends describe you?

Funny, Perfectionist, Determined, A Rebel.

ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS:

When did you start your business and what prompted you to do that?

I actually started my business on the side when I was working full-time.  I received a vintage scarf in the mail from my mom and just looked at it and the history of it was playing in my mind.  I came up with the name The Vintage Scarf right then and there.

Tell us about your business and what type of merchandise you sell?

Pretty Floral Scarf

The Vintage Scarf is an exclusively online vintage clothing store which specializes in women’s vintage scarves and accessories.

What makes your business unique or sets it apart from the rest?

I only sell vintage scarves, these are not handmade they are the real deal.

How did you find setting up your website?

I have done it all myself!  I made it and I designed it.  I had no experience in websites at all.  I did research on the best places and this is what I have come up with.

Brown Square Print Scarf

What sort of support/encouragement have you had from others?

My true friends support me and help me promote my business.  Others say how pretty my scarves are but they wouldn’t wear them.  And I have also had people roll their eyes.  This is what makes me all the more determined to make this business a success.

Do you take your own photographs?  What camera do you use?

I do everything!  I came up with the name of the business, I made the website, I buy the scarves, I iron the scarves and I take the pictures. I use an old digital camera that has been with me for probably 8 years.  It is a FUJIFILM.

How do you go about promoting your business?

I keep learning on what works and what doesn’t.  I have tried having scarf parties, I have tried the online party scene so far nothing.  But I have found some wonderful people that help me by putting my products on their websites.  I also have a blog. If you’re interested in networking please email Paula at thevintagescarf@cox.net.

Red and White Long Stripe Scarf

What are your three favourite scarves currently available in your store?

All of them?  LOL I don’t have a favorite they are all my favorite!  You should see me oohing and awwing over them!

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I see my business being the successful business that I am working so hard on!  I also see my business in fashion magazines and having the people who turned me down when I asked them if I could put them in their shops, coming back to me asking if I would now put them in my shop – I would say ‘who are you’?

Ways to Wear a Head Wrap

Where can your merchandise be purchased from and how can customers contact you?

My scarves can be purchased online at The Vintage Scarf www.thevintagescarf.com or call me at 888-364-9749.  If in the area (Ozarks of Arkansas), you can come by in person.  I don’t have a shop so hours are by appointment.  You can also visit and subscribe to my blog. www.thevintagescarfblog.com

One for the Vintage Collection: 30’s Shantung Silk Robe

Vintage 30's Shantung Silk Robe from Catwalk Creative

One of the latest additions to the Catwalk Creative vintage collection is this beautiful Shantung silk robe. It dates back to the 1930’s when girls really knew how to dress in style. The term SHANTUNG is used for a heavy, wild-silk fabric with a rough surface and comes from the region of Shantung in China. This robe in particular is in a beautiful, un-faded condition. It still has the original tie belt and the interior fabric hook is also in place. There are two front patch pockets. It’s completely hand-embroidered with exquisite organic shapes and butterflies. Find all the details from Catwalk Creative’s eBay store.

The History of Silk:

Exquisite hand-embroidery

Chinese history credits the invention of silk fabric to Yuen Fei, the concubine of an Emperor who ruled in 2,600 B.C. Legend has it she dropped a cocoon into hot tea and it un-ravelled. As a result of this discovery, she has been deified and worshipped as the goddess of silk worms.

Silk has been unearthed in the Qianshanyang Village of Huzhou in Zhejiang (China) and has been estimated to have been produced over 4,700 years ago.

Silk is the softest, lightest and most breathable fabric on the market. Its status is well deserved, and originates from thousands of years, representing wealth and power. Silk lends it’s name to the most important overland trading route in human history, the Silk Road that linked the Far East with Europe for hundreds of years.

How Silk Fabric is Made:

Silk is an all natural fabric originating from the cocoon’s of the silk moth. The process is deceptively simple, yet was held as a closely guarded secret in China for thousands of years. The art of raising the silk worm and harvesting its cocoon is known as sericulture. Silk is produced by various insects, but by far the largest quantity comes from the silkworm “Bomby Mori”. This is the silk worm that feeds on Mulberry leaves and forms a cocoon of silk before pupating. The threads from several cocoons are subsequently unwound together to form a single strand of raw silk. This fine thread is the basic component of all silk yarns and fabric. Weaving is the operation that creates the fabric by interlacing the warp yarns (lengthwise) and the weft yarns.

The average cocoon contains 300-400 meters of silk.

It takes about 5500 silkworms to produce 1 kg (2.2lb) of raw silk.

One ounce of eggs produces about 20,000 worms, which consume a ton of mulberry leaves during their lifetime.

Caring for Silk Fabrics:

Silk fabrics must be protected from the sun. Draperies should be lined and even interlining may be desirable. Window glass magnifies the destructive elements in the rays of the sun. The winter sun and reflection from the snow are even more harmful than the summer sun. Colours can fade by oxidation, “gas fading”, if un-aired in storage for a period of time. Impurities in the air may cause as much fading as the direct rays of the sun. Avoid storing silk fabric in a basement, attic or too near to a heat source.

A Retro Wedding? Ideas from Catwalk Creative

If you’re planning on a wedding with a difference this spring or summer, take a look at this fabulous retro wedding gown from Catwalk Creative’s Etsy boutique. I think a cascading bouquet of tulips would look amazing with this dress and would compliment the wonderful bell-shaped (angel) sleeves.

Louise of Catwalk Creative says:

Vintage 70's Bell-Sleeved Wedding Gown from Catwalk Creative

Vintage 70’s white wedding dress with large bell-shaped (angel), puffed sleeves. Typical 70’s bib at the front. Round neckline with turn-over collar, pointed at the back. Rear enclosed zip with hook fastening at the top. 22″ train. Fully lined. Flattering empire-line shape with full skirt. Made from silky polyester with an acetate lining. The fabric is decorated with pretty florals. There’s no makers label so this was probably made-to-measure. It’s been made to a high standard with braiding around the hemline for a very neat finish.

Chic Daisy Bouquet

If you’re a retro chick at heart and fancy an original piece of 1970’s fashion for your special day, this is the dress for you! Carry a simple bouquet of tulips or daisies with your hair piled-up – a great look to go with this spectacular wedding gown.

As recommended, here’s what the Flower Arrangement Advisor says about tulips and why they’re so perfect for weddings:

Hand-tied Tulip Bouquet

Bring out the happy mood on your wedding day with tulips. Tulips come in multiple bright colours to make your wedding an unforgettable one. Especially because it comes in bright spring colours, it can be easily matched with your wedding gown. And the types vary, too. You can choose from a wide variety of tulips to suit your taste. Tulips will not tear your wedding gown. It has no thorns. Not only is a tulip wedding bouquet attractive, it’s safe to carry too. You don’t have to worry about which wedding bouquets are suitable for you. Tulips can be arranged into cascade bouquets, round bouquets or even hand-tied bouquets. You are sure to find something you like. You also need not worry about your flowers getting dried after some time. Tulips are long-lasting. It can retain moisture over a long period of time compared to other flowers. You can also mix tulips with other flowers of your choice for your wedding bouquet. The choice is endless.

The perfect choice for weddings!

Tulips, in general, is the symbol of The Perfect Lover. That is why it is an ideal type of flower to use in weddings.

If you choose red tulips for your wedding, you are declaring your love to your partner. Yellow tulips mean that you are hopelessly in love with your partner.

And cream-coloured tulips mean that you will love your partner forever.

Ah, there you go – tulips it is then!  Hope you’ve enjoyed my article and if you know a retro chick that’s getting married this year, do let them know where you heard it first!

TTFN! xxxxx

A Must for all Vintage Lovers: The Vintage List

If you’re looking for a great place to find vintage, take a look at The Vintage List. You’ll find scores of great retailers all under one roof, saving you valuable time!  Each website is carefully checked for quality before listing so you can be sure of finding the very best online sellers around.  So, what are you waiting for?  If you love your vintage, or would like to apply to advertise your site, get over to  The Vintage List pronto and check it all out.  Spread the love for vintage!

One for the Vintage Collection: Vintage 30’s Velvet Deco Jacket

Rosewater Red Velvet Deco Jacket

Here’s one of the latest additions to the Catwalk Creative vintage collection. It’s available right now and from the measurements taken, it should be suitable for a UK size 16 (US 12). Here’s the info: Outstanding rosewater red, velvet Deco jacket. This single-breasted jacket fastens at the front with three fancy metal buttons decorated with tiny rhinestones. V-shaped neckline with turned-back revers collar. The collar and cuffs are overlaid with a silver brocade fabric that’s weaved into a pattern of circles, each measuring an inch in diameter (2.5cm). The cuffs have pointed turn-ups. The puffed sleeves are simply amazing! Each sleeve has seven small interior darts which give the sleeves a pleated effect and superb shape. The jacket has been cut to provide a lovely fitted shape and the rear tail is pointed to give a marvellous Deco feel, so evocative of this era. Not lined.

Deco Style Pointed Tail

As with any piece of clothing, great respect should be taken, especially when handling a garment of this age. This jacket is at least seventy five years old and should be handled with care. That said, this divine Deco jacket is completely wearable and is bound to provide its new owner with the glamour and style that was so much in vogue in the 1930’s. This is a very special garment made from a high-quality silk velvet fabric. The original owner must have had great style!

Take a peek at the vintage collection now available from Catwalk Creative.  More stock is being added right now  along with a new range of vintage coming in next week.  It’s all go at Catwalk Creative!

Take a look at the Vintage Archives for video clips of fashion from the decades!