3 Ways to Wear a Beach Towel Kaftan

The Beach Towel Kaftan is a new pattern, made in collaboration with Nicole Akong. Read the story of this pattern HERE. Nicole and I each made this kaftan, and my version is sewn from fluffy white bath towels, making it a great backdrop for all sorts of colourful accessories. Here are three ways to wear…

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30 Years on from Jem

Exactly 30 years ago, as a fresh-faced 19 year old, I got a job at Jem Leotards as a junior cutter/patternmaker. We happened to be in Adelaide during the past week, so I arranged to go there, as kind of a “commemorative visit”. Jem Leotards is now called Jem Designs and is a shop with…

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The serial fashion exhibition goer

In an area where fashion exhibitions are few and far between, I’ve been to TWO in the past week (not counting Allan Aughey last week). How lucky am I! I went to both of them with Mum, who also sews, so it was extra nice. Here are some of the highlights of both. If you…

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What Ken needs (apart from a decent haircut)

What Ken needs

After sewing two jumpsuits in a row I badly needed a quick “instant gratification” project. What could be more perfect than swimming trunks for Ken! The poor doll has been swimming in the nuddy while Barbie’s been doing laps in her snazzy bikini. However, my favourite eight year old tells me he’s actually wearing a…

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Holiday projects

Holiday projects

It’s that exciting/busy/festive/reflective time of the year again, where we either wind down and relax or just get busier! The Craft of Clothes Blog will be on holidays until the end of January.  I thank you all very much for reading, and many thanks to those who commented. While the blog’s on holidays (I know,…

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A pair of bathing beauties

A pair of bathing beauties

My children have started swimming lessons again, in an indoor heated pool.  After their lesson they get in the car with their towels, then shower and change at home. I had in mind to make them some sort of toweling dressing gown to wear after their swim.  The sewing brief: long, robe-like, hooded, long sleeves,…

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“Flo-Jo of the Pool” cuts a dash at carnival!

spotty bathing ensemble head and shoulders

Do you remember Florence Joyner?  She was a US athletics star of the 1980’s.  Part of her fame was her long painted fingernails and figure-hugging flamboyant athletics outfits.  She favoured fluro and bright colours, one-legged leggings (ie- one leg bare), big hair, hooded leotards and bold jewellery. It goes without saying that you need to…

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