// Recycled lace

Posted on | July 20, 2010 | 4 Comments

I made this quick fix for my vintage lace addiction from quite mundane garments: a second hand crocheted cardigan and a piece of bobbin lace which originally adorned a piece of bedlinen. The cardigan I got for 2 euros from the local charity shop — it was broken, slightly stained and the shape of it was not particularly fetching. But I liked the lightweight crochet with subtly 3d flower motif — and the fact that the years of use had given the fabric certain softness, often lacking from crocheted items. I’m happy how the two shades of white combined look like and how the front turned out — but the back is not perfect, I run about 15 cm short of the bobbin lace to finish it as I had planned. The construction idea is stolen directly from this Magda Berliner top I saw in wonderful Res Pulchrae blog — but the body is slightly longer.

It is not at its best over just a lightweight bikini top (that gives almost zero support and no flattening for my chest), but I’ll bet that it will be an useful layering piece. And I promise that I will not play with the Poladroid all the time — but the pictures were utter crap so I did what I could… (yeah, excuses… =))

Posted on | July 20, 2010 | 4 Comments

// DIY: before and after

Posted on | March 23, 2010 | 5 Comments

Today the sun kept shining — and I had excellent thrifting karma! At Fida Hämeentie I scored this white blouse for couple of euros. It’s organic cotton, super soft and looks almost unworn. The design was… …eh… …blah… …but when I saw it I instantly thought adding bit weight to that ruffle part…

The simple DIY involved two times three meters of cotton lace, in slightly different shades to give the lace cascade more depth. I sew them together first, then ruched the combination and attached it to the edge of front ruffle. Working time: just under 30 min. I think I’m actually going to use this… …the leather pants want to make friends with it… …and the golden leather shorts are second in line…

Posted on | March 23, 2010 | 5 Comments

// The DIY reminder

Posted on | February 21, 2010 | 3 Comments

These trinket belts are from Dolce & Cabbana spring 2009 collection — and I decided to make one as soon as I saw them. I would love to combine it to some distressed looks — perhaps mixed with some military elements — rather than bold colored silk dresses, like Anna Dello Russo here. Not sure about the origins of this image, has been in my inspiration folder for a while.

Now I need some decent ribbon and maybe some loose rhinestones. I have several brooches I could use on it — and better yet they can be detached and reattached as many times I please.

Posted on | February 21, 2010 | 3 Comments

// Vintage lace vibe emerging

Posted on | December 18, 2009 | 4 Comments

Lately I have been thinking about incorporating some vintage lace to some of my DIY projects. Considering the handwork involved the prices for antique lace pieces can be shamefully bargainous. My favorites from antique laces are different variations of needlepoint lace — that technique allows amazing freeform designs — and different variations of tape lace where simple (machine made or in the early versions handwoven) tape forms patterns that are connected with needlepoint techniques. The tape brings some dimensionality and structure for the lace, I really like the look. Both techniques allow very ornate designs, but the result is not necessarily particularly dainty. These lace types are also relatively durable. Antique lace can be easily dyed (they are usually made from cotton or silk, sometimes linen), but I would advise avoiding cutting it if you are not familiar with the lace type (and even then…). Purchase a piece that fits, or can be folded/ruffled to fit.

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Two needlepoint examples, first from mmmoonchild, second from Deepwater.

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Beautiful tape lace collar in excellent condition from mmmoonchild.

One thing I just can’t forgive myself is that I let this awesome tape lace bolero slip away from me. Although it is quite simple in lacework terms (not too much those time consuming connection stitches in between the tapes) the fact that the whole lace design is constructed to the actual patterns makes it truly stunning. If I don’t remember wrong the seller asked some ridiculous 70 dollars for it… …and look at its gorgeousness! How magnificent black layer would that be? What can we learn here: if you see a gorgeous vintage piece online in right size, buy it and cry for the credit later. It will pass and your credit will heal. This sorrow won’t.
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And because there is no denying of my handcraft geekery, I’m embedding here an awesome little video from Kenmare Lace & Design Centre, charmingly enthusiastic Nora Finnegan tells something about the history of Kenmare lace and shows the basic needlepoint technique. There is a whole series of these, about needlepoint on netting, bobbin lace, tape lace… …if you are interested just follow the link to YouTube and watch them all.

Edit.
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Edit. speaking of bargains, if you are vintage size four, meaning in this case that 32 inches is enough to go around your bust, go on and grab this amazing Dior jacket from Stock in Trade. The seller asks *sic* 22 dollars. I’m considering a new career as an eBay blood sucker.

Posted on | December 18, 2009 | 4 Comments

// A new take on destroying shirts

Posted on | November 20, 2009 | 2 Comments

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Image from The Trashicist.

This is so clever — and gives a plethora of wearing options. Cut the edges of the shirt, but leave the cut out straps partially attached. Use the straps to gather the garment when wearing. Elizabeth uses a tuxedo shirt for this — but I bet that oversized jersey garments would work beautifully for this, the stretchiness would probably give even more styling options.

And be sure to check out Elizabeths blog, The Trashicist. It’s fab!

Posted on | November 20, 2009 | 2 Comments

// Doloris Petunia

Posted on | November 17, 2009 | 4 Comments

Oh, Doloris Petunia, I have a confession to make. I love all your wild, crazy statement necklaces. Those giant glass stones arranged to netting revealing the skin underneath, random trinket explosions, ribbons to be tied behind the neck, sequin fringes… Would love to feel one floating around my neck while I’m dancing to the dawn. Well, I don’t dance that much but I love the idea…

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And wait, there is another one coming! I secretly dream about your fancy headpieces, too! Maybe I should take some advice from the royal court and start wearing these while cleaning up the bathroom… …changing the bedsheets… …emptying the cat litter box… …sneaking in the woods in hope of mushrooms (bit late for that but you get the idea).

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Posted on | November 17, 2009 | 4 Comments

// Get cowlin’

Posted on | November 6, 2009 | 5 Comments

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Scarves and all garments relative to them are definitely my favorite accessories, so I was quite happy to run into this brilliant cowl by Xant Hippe. The price is definitely ok for this kind of huge pile of merino wool, but if you are adventurous this one definitely has some DIY potential.

The cowl is constructed from braided strands — which are braided together to keep the thing as one piece. The lime cowl reveals the construction quite clearly. Pick a super bulky yarn for this, I recommend super soft Twinkle Soft Chunky, luxurious Gedifra Highland Alpaca, or affordable but good Drops Polaris in beautiful heathered shades. Wool or merino roving works for this, too!

Posted on | November 6, 2009 | 5 Comments

// Ivana Helsinki S/S 10

Posted on | October 15, 2009 | 4 Comments

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Paola Suhonen is one of the few established Finnish young designers. Her own label Ivana Helsinki started on 1998 and it has constantly growing fan base. Personally I was not a huge fan of Paola’s early caravanar aesthetic with strong seventies vibe — but this young woman has a good eye for print and an item or two from her collections has always grabbed my attention. Fortunately she has expanded her source of inspiration and I loved deeply her summer collection Dead Butterflies couple of years ago.

Next summer comes actually quite close. I’m not totally wild about the horse print, but circus theme and polka dots from large ones to gigantic blobs sure would be welcome to my wardrobe. Let’s start from those insanely refreshing leggings and one of the polka dot dresses. And yes, please, you may add that gorgeous perspex jewel top/harness on top of those, thank you!

BTW, that white pom-pom cape has so obvious DIY potential that it literally makes my hands itch.

Images from Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Posted on | October 15, 2009 | 4 Comments

// What a brilliant DIY inspiration

Posted on | October 10, 2009 | No Comments

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Just stared these for several minutes in always inspirational Jak & Jil (image from there). For some reason I have not registered them in Miu Miu catwalk images. They kind of remind me Cocorosa’s fabulous tight projects, but in my wardrobe these (or over the knees) would probably be more useful option.

It is always nice to have some bling on the outfit!

Posted on | October 10, 2009 | No Comments

// Time traveller?

Posted on | August 31, 2009 | 8 Comments

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This blog has already revealed me one thing. Dressing up is costume play for me, at some level.

One day I just thoughtlessly pulled on my harem pants (I love this quite extreme silhouette, got them from Only sale last winter) and started to think what to combine them this time. I threw out the rules to stay with fitted tops with harem pants, picked a flesh toned silk tank, my own super-oversized silk mohair knit (free knitting pattern here), a broken studded belt and distressed leather boots with rubber embellishments. The result looks hard to time exactly, did I come from the past or the future? And weirdly androgynous, which is an achievement with my ultra feminine build and all that fleshtone.

Posted on | August 31, 2009 | 8 Comments

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About

Location: Helsinki, Finland

Contact: kamicha (a) gmail dot com

I'm especially interested in young designers creations, non-established labels and indie fashion. So if you have something interesting to show, feel free to contact!

You can find Finnish design from both specific and some outfit posts - but both are tagged.

You might be also interested in DIY posts, How-to posts, DIY ideas - or my adventures in Etsy =).

More about me and this blog.