A bit of this and a bit of that...

I've been working on a few random things this last few weeks…

A while back a very inspirational, good friend was telling me about this amazing bag he had found made from rope woven together.
Graham is incredibly fit and active.  He has a roll at Jiu Jitsu at least 3 times a week as well as paddle boarding, kite surfing and a long list of other activities.  He is also the inventor and proud owner of the quickly expanding cereal Kapai Puku

Graham thought this amazing rope bag of his would be ideal for transferring all the necessaries for these activities around with him, but didn't want them to damage the bag so came up with the brilliant idea of lining it with sail cloth.

I've never sewn with sail cloth before and was definitely up for the challenge!

And this is the result….

I also attached a long leather strap with some of the rope detail from the previous handles I removed so it can be carried over the shoulder or across the body

I must admit I've fallen a bit in love with this bag and its massiveness, I could carry sooooo much around in it… really don't want to hand it back!


I've also been doing a little needle work.  Aside from the personalised babies bibs and patchwork dolls I make from time to time (random I know but they make for great baby shower presents) I embroidered a friend's shop name onto one of his woolen knit cycling caps (yep, even more random)

Malachi has a very cute and eclectic shop in Prahran called Northside Wheelers; purveyor of fine cycling wears.  If bikes are your thing, and not just super tight lycra, pop past and have a look, he carries some very fine gear along with an ever changing, always well composed widow display!

So this is how the cap turned out…

Apart from these bits and pieces I have been back to my pattern cutting and sewing.
Aside from things to fill my own wardrobe I just finished this 1/2 circle houndstooth skirt for my very good friend.

There is just enough left over to combine with something else along with some creative pattern cutting and laying to make a little matching cape.  Very exciting!

Houndstooth so classy

Loved making this - don't be surprised if some clothing pieces start appearing for sale on my Etsy site, maybe even some with a tad of embroidery…..

Two Souls, One Heart

There seems to be an abundance of weddings and engagements at the moment!  everyone I speak to seems to have one or the other to go to!

I had my lovely friend Regan Burns' wedding to Cameron Baines this weekend just gone at the beautiful St Johns Church in Toorak

 Regan had a gorgeous Botchini and Hill gown and her 'epic' silk tule wedding veil beaded all the way round… yep, this is the veil from my post back in feb, all finished and sparkly.

The comb at the top was covered in fresh water pearls and Swarovski crystal to match the design on the beaded belt of her dress.  These then dispersed as they progressed around the edge of the veil giving it a shimmer as it moved catching the light.

For when the veil was removed after the ceremony I made Regan a headpiece.  This consisted of lace with a gunmetal thread detail backed with white silk and wired, then embellished with fresh water pearls, Swarovski crystal and glass beads.

I will be making this beaded headpiece to order via my Etsy shop.

It can be made bigger or smaller by request, just send me an email to enquiries@byshelleygreen.com

It was a fantastic night!  Thankyou Regan and Cam, you are a gorgeous couple, I wish you every happiness for your future together, not that you will be needing it.  Looking forward to a Mexican meal with you when you get back from the US of A ;)

I also got my new vintage acquisition repaired and together to wear…

Thankyou to the always fabulous Shannon Rose for yet another amazing up do!

Sally, Abby, the beautiful bride Regan and myself

Hair by Shannon Rose

Yes, it may have been Sally and I that set the smoke alarm off….. oppps

Not wanting to end this amazing night just yet I found myself at a bazaar but sensational house party in North Carlton.  They had a band in one corner of the lounge consisting of a double bass, drums, accordion and a DJ in the opposite.  Amazing!

So as the sun rose over the northern suburbs I raced home southward, still in 60's dress and vintage mink stall, to say goodbye to my lovely friends Jade and Al off to South America for 8 months of travel, cannot wait to see photos - thankyou Instagram! 

I also received the photos from Loretta's beautiful wedding in the Phillipines.  Her headpiece you might remember from the Bridal Swirls post.

Loretta looked stunning… see for yourself below.

Thankyou for the photos Loretta!

This is an example of the bespoke headwear I make to suit any bridal dress or any occasion you may have…
Just send me an email to discuss the possibilities:  enquiries@byshelleygreen.com