*Designer* - New Sewing & Crochet Pattern by Get Smitten. Let it Snow!

We are experiencing massive snow storms here in the French Alps - the size of the snowflakes on Saturday night were the biggest I've ever seen.... like giant feathers, silently floating to earth; it was magical!

It is a happy coincidence then, that the latest pattern from my Get Smitten studio is all about having snow-fall on demand from the prettiest cloud in town. I launched the Let it Snow! cloud mobile pattern earlier this week on Etsy so I thought I'd let you know about it too!

I have committed to launching a new Get Smitten pattern each month throughout 2012 - so watch this space for updates and news..... and to keep me accountable to achieve that goal!

All my Get Smitten patterns are available in downloadable pdf format and contain full, detailed instructions on how to make each item. I take you step by step through the process as if you were on one of my creative workshops and provide close up photos to help you deal with any tricky parts. In fact those of you who have attended any of my creative workshops will know the level of detail and extra helpful information I put in my hand-outs!

The Let it Snow! cloud mobile is a super simple sewing pattern - complete with cloud template - which looks gorgeous made up in any of my Get Smitten vintage fabrics. All you need is...

* 1 fat quarter of vintage fabric

* some ribbon

* 1 skein of embroidery cotton

* a crochet hook

* pre-made mini pompoms or felted balls

* stuffing

....and it really should only take you a few hours to make {honest!}

The photos were taken a few days before this latest fresh dump of snow and it was about ten degrees below zero... seriously chilly stuff, we didn't stick around too long I can tell ya! I had wanted to wear my funky blue Mary Jane shoes with this outfit but there was no way my little tootsies would ever have survived! Fur lined boots were a much wiser choice! I'm also loving my new grey lace tights and denim blue nails; do you like?

The tiny pompoms used here were actually cut from some upholstery trim I had (in fact they were the inspiration for this sweet creation!) but you can buy pre-made ones in most craft stores or even have a go at making your own. My friend Samantha has written a great tutorial on how to make felt balls on her blog

I hope you like the first pattern release of the year, I am excited to get started on February's one already. I'll release it early on in the month as it will be Valentine related and you'll need time to get busy on it ready for the 14th!

Do you have snow where you are? Do you still get excited when the first flakes fall?

Lisa x

Colour Me Crazy!

Let the World Spin by Irene Suchoki

Colour plays a huge part in all areas of my life; it always has. Whether it be for work as a stylist, as a designer or in my home life, there is certain to be a colour palette involved. In fact, I would go as far as to say it was something of an obsession - I have been known to reject seating in a restaurant that clashed with my outfit and I distinctly remember shunning The Brownie Guides uniform of brown and yellow; it would take way more than the enticement of a sewing badge to get me to wear that combination I can tell you!

I will leave it until another post to show you my studio space where all my fabrics, threads and yarns are colour coded; I could go on.. but I won't... you'll only think I'm odd

What I really wanted to show you was this video I came across recently for Dulux paints - you may have already seen it as I think it may have been used as a TV commercial



How gorgeous are those pink and lilac Indian archways?! The video mesmerised me and reminded me of when I was an art student and used to take one of every single Dulux colour chart from the local DIY store. Once I had the entire spectrum I would punch a hole in one end and secure them with a large paper fastener so that I could fan them out whenever I was working and check out colour combos for a project. Ah the simple pleasures in life!

I think it's time I spent a few happy hours playing on Colour Lovers again! Harmonious colour makes my heart sing. What does colour mean to you?

Lisa x

p.s if you can't see the video in your email version, come on over to the blog!

{Let the World Spin photo by Irene Suchoki visit her Etsy shop to see more of her gorgeous images, movie by let's colour project}

Designer: Vintage Style Crochet Cardigans

There has been some Etsy love coming my way this week! Firstly there was the Boudoir Butterflies Artwork featured in a treasury and now it is the turn of my vintage style, crochet cardigan. The treasury (below) is called Peach Storm by Zionshore & what a gorgeous collection of peachy goodness she has found. I'm loving all the soft, warm tones of blush, peach & coral this summer. I'm in that same spot on the bottom, centre left again! Thanks Zionshore for the mention x

I designed & made 3 of these cardies (short for cardigans, if you are not familiar with quirky, British terminology) on holiday in the South of France one summer. They are based on the short, waist length, swing jackets that ladies of distinction wore in the 40s & 50s. I made them up in a cashmere blend super chunky yarn which gives them a kitten-soft quality. The third one I never got round to photographing. I want to find an old fashioned carousel with beautiful painted horses to compliment the deep, dusky raspberry of the yarn.

The yarn quality and the hours that went into them are obviously reflected in the selling price, so I appreciate they are not likely to be fast movers. But this makes them all the more special in my mind. They are delightful to wear - I couldn't part with the yellow one in the end and always get compliments whenever I wear it. It's sweet over a white summery dress & I love the line of the 'swing' when I wear it with skinny jeans.

And did you notice the vintage fabric covered buttons?  

Love ♥ Love ♥ Love

I've been thinking about releasing the pattern for them - what do you think? So then you too can enjoy the happiness that comes with wearing something unique & not mass produced.

It's a good feeling; I promise xx

{photos by Jeremy Wilson on his beloved Holga}

Get Smitten's Giant Spring Clearout Sale!

 As it is now officially Spring I thought it time to have a huge stock clearance sale at Get Smitten. There are lots of fab new summery handmade goodies ready for the Spring Summer collection & quite frankly I need to make some room for them here at Get Smitten HQ!

And so (drum roll if you please........) for a limited time you can grab yourself a whopping 50% off your online order by entering the discount code BIGFAT50 at the checkout!

but wait there's more. Mother's Day in the UK is March 14th and so I will be giving away a FREE handmade Mother's Day card with every order. Yep, that's right 50% off all those gorgeous handmade Get Smitten goodies AND a free Mother's Day card. I know, I'm too good to you. (if you're not from the UK, hold on to the card for later in the year - you have Mother's Day too right?!)

Here's a sneak peak at some of the bargains you can bag and don't forget that all purchases are beautifully wrapped & tied with a Get Smitten printed lace tag

 

Birds & Bees silk cushion in grey & yellow was £45 now £22.50

Esme Flirty Scented Sachet to make your undies smell divine! Was £25 now £12.50

Truly, Madly, Deeply one-off necklace was £20 now £10

Offer applies while stocks last & the 50% off does not apply to postage costs. You need to enter the discount code at the checkout in order to receive the reduction. Happy shopping!