Guest blogger: Detachable crochet collar pattern by iro iro

Hello! I'm Sophia from 'iro iro' and I'm really happy to be writing a guest post for Chie today, whilst she looks after her own little Sophia. This is my first guest post and to be writing it here is wonderful, thank you Chie!

If any of you have stumbled across my blog before, you may have noticed a recurring theme: collars. I love 'em. Sweet peter pan collars..long bow-tie collars..vintage lace collars. They can completely change the look of an outfit. So let me not disappoint, here is a little tutorial to make your very own collar.

  This is a simple crochet detachable collar I made the other day. It is made with standard DK yarn for a more chunky look than those delicate lace ones found stashed away in vintage shops. And don't worry, it takes a lot less time to make too. You will only need scraps of yarn: it didn't even dent my 100g ball. Mine is made with acrylic (it was on hand..) but I think a cotton yarn would make a good alternative.

Ok, you will need:
- Yarn (see above)
- 4mm crochet hook
- Small popper (for back closure)

Abbreviations: ch - chain, sc - single crochet, dc - double crochet, sl st - slip stitch, tog - together.

Let's begin: ch 72  (72 chs)

Row 1: ch1, sc in every st  (72 sts)

Row 2: ch2, *dc in st, 2dc in st* repeat to end  (108 sts)

Row 3: ch2, dc in every st  (108 sts)

Row 4: ch2, *dc in 3 sts, 2dc in next st* repeat to end  (135 sts)

Row 5: sl st 1 st, *5sc in st, sl st 3 sts tog* repeat until 2 sts remaining, sl st 2sts. Pull yarn through loop to finish off.

To complete your detachable collar, sew a popper at the back and enjoy wearing it!

This is not only my first time guest blogging, but also writing out a pattern like this, so please bear with me. Hopefully it will all make sense, if there are any problems please leave a comment below or send me an email (iroirocrafts@yahoo.com).

 If you have never tried crochet before, I recommend taking a look at these easy instructions or popping onto youtube. It's a really fun hobby to have that you can pick up anywhere - I often crochet on the bus to college! Thanks for reading ^.^


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Be sure to check out her etsy shop full of cute crochet goodies! 

Guest blogger: Free PDF downloadable bag pattern by Nette

Hi everyone. My name is Nette and I am from Germany. It is so nice to meet you! Usually, I write a blog over at nettevivante all about my sewing projects and other creative output. Anyway, you might wonder why you do not get to read anything by lovely Chie?! That is because she asked me to write a little guest post for her readers, while she is taking a break welcoming her little baby girl! 

Having been inspired by Chie’s beautiful dresses for a long time already, I was really flattered to be able to jump in for her! Thank you Chie! ❤

This is a double premiere for me. Not only because this is my very first guest post, but also because I intent to keep you busy during Chie’s absence with my very first self drafted epattern and how-to.

So today I am presenting you a pattern for a simple, yet, highly versatile tote bag. I made several versions of it for ‘Pay it forward’ and am so glad that Chie is going to use hers for the baby! ;)

As you can see, this bag is just full of endless possible variations and I hope you are going to enjoy letting your mind wander and making one!

If there are any questions, leave them as comments here or on my blog, I would love to help you out then. AND if you really are making a bag, I would love to see your versions! Have a lovely day everybody!

❤Download PDF Eva bag instruction here.

❤Download PDF Eva bag pattern here.

Guest blogger: Freehand machine embroidery by Paunnet

Hello, everyone! I’m Paunnet (but you can call me Anna) and I’m very happy to be here while Chie takes care of lovely little Sophia.

Today I’d like to talk to you about a technique I was introduced to about two years ago and that has been inspiring me a lot, lately. It is called freehand machine embroidery (if you’re a quilter you probably know it already) and it allows you to put your designs on anything you want without an expensive embroidery machine.

This is what you’re gonna need:

1.      A darning foot (sometimes called quilting foot): mine didn’t come with my machine, but I bought one for a few euros at my machine dealer. This allows you to move the fabric while you sew and to stitch in any direction you want.

2.      Water soluble stabilizer: it’s a plastic-y film on which you can draw you design. When you are done, you just wash it and will dissolve. I used Madeira’s Avalon, which comes in a roll of 5m x 25cm.

3.      A permanent marker: make sure it’s water resistant or the ink will bleed on to your fabric when you wash it.

4.      Tape: to tape the stabilizer on the fabric, so that it doesn’t move around.

5.      (Optional) Embroidery thread: I had some in my sewing box, but regular thread works great too.

Now you can choose your design and transfer it or drawing it on the stabilizer. I chose this sketch of three little girl dresses that I found a long time ago on the Internet.

The next step is to prepare your machine: put on the darning foot, set a low thread tension and lower the feed dogs (my machine has a button on the back, check your machine’s instructions if you don’t know how to do it).

Now start following the lines of your design. You’ll need some practice to adjust the movement of the fabric and the speed of the pedal, but it’s not too hard to get a good result. If you really can’t figure it out, there are a lot of Youtube videos in which you can see the machine in action, which might be more useful than my written explanation.

In the picture you can see I finished the the first part and I left a long tail before cutting the thread and moving to the next little dress.

Once you have finished, turn your fabric, with the help of a seam ripper, pull the threads on the wrong side and knot them, so your design won’t unravel.

Now you’re almost done! Rip the stabilizer and wash away the remaining.

I used my little dresses to make a zippered pouch (and I made a matching pencil case with an ice-cream design that I found here).

Aren’t they cute? They are for sale in my Etsy shop.

I also decorated a plain t-shirt with some butterflies going from the front to the back.

                                                            

I hope this little tutorial will inspire you to create something beautiful. If you try it, I’d be delighted to see your results!

Interview: Meet Amelia Aventine - The photographer behind the "Secret Garden" lookbook

Hello! I hope everyone had a nice weekend:) Mine was very relaxed - I'm taking things slow now as I'm anxiously waiting for the baby's arrival. Andy and I finished watching Boardwalk Empire season one this weekend. I really enjoyed the show, and can't wait for the second season to come out! 

As I wrote before, Amelia was the photographer/stylist/make-up artist and creative inspiration behind the Secret Garden collection and lookbook. I was utterly inspired by her work, and wanted to share with you more about her. I'm so sad that she went back to UK after her short term visit to Japan... 
Anyway, here is Amelia:) 


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1.Can you give our readers a quick self introduction?

I'm Amelia, a UK based photographer. Recently my focus has been on fashion, but I enjoy all type of photography that involve people.

2.When did your interest in photography start?

It actually didn't really start until I graduated University 2.5 years ago and found myself unemployed. I had in the past thought that photography might be fun, so I decided to use my new found free time to explore it. I started off with self portraits, then also started to use friends as subject matter, and eventually in January last year I started to shoot fashion with local models and creative teams.

3.What was the first shoot you did? How did it go?

It was a bird themed fashion shoot. I found a local model on ModelMayhem, had a artist friend do the make-up, borrowed some lighting equipment off another friend and collected the props myself. I was very nervous and probably a little too shy, but the end results weren't too bad.

4. Where did you learn about photography and who are some of your influences?

I learnt photography mostly from just taking photos. I also picked up tips from books, internet forums and friends, but definitely a lot of trial and error.
Influences are definitely people with huge creative vision. People like Tim Walker, Annie leibovitz and Kirsty Mitchell. For me photography is about creating something from the imagination, a world more beautiful than is really there.

5.How do you find models and other people to work with?

I mostly use the networking site ModelMayhem. It is fantastic resource, especially in the UK where there are thousands of creatives on there. I am also lucky to have talented friends to use, and when it comes to models there is always the odd person who you see on the street who would be great to shoot.

6.You live and work England but recently spent time building your portfolio in Japan, How long were you in Japan? Why did you choose Japan? How was your experience working here?

I was there from January to March 2011. I actually ended up in Japan because my partner (also a photographer) was given a work opportunity in Tokyo.
I had an amazing time – both traveling and working. Tokyo is full of so many talented people and I was luck enough to get to meet and work with some of them. Every one is so enthusiastic and skilled, and as a result I have ended up with some incredible additions to my portfolio. I feel the whole experience and improved my confidence and fueled my excitement for photography a great deal.

7. You and I recently worked on the Secret Garden photo shoot. How did you come up with the idea?

As usual the path to the final idea was convoluted and involved many small pieces of inspiration. I saw your designs which gave the initial feeling of where the shoot should go, and I also looked through the inspiration posts on your blog and saw that there was a definite feel that linked them all.
I was then out exploring Tokyo and stumbled across the beautiful location we ended up using.  It instantly made me think of of your designs and so the idea began to take form. I then started to look around online for images liked to 'Secret garden fashion' and other whimsical fashion images using nature as a backdrop. From there I found a model I thought fitted the look, and formed an idea of the styling I thought would work – and then just let it all flow. 
This is a pretty usual situation, in the way inspiration came from many different things and the idea evolved over time and changed as new components were added.

8.What would you say is your biggest strength as a photographer, in what area would you most like to see your work improve?

I think my main strength is my creative ideas. As I said in the previous question I get inspiration from many different mediums – books, paintings, emotions, nature. I am a very visual person and I find myself taken by a particular element of these mediums and then daydreaming about the visual representation of them.
I often find myself frustrated that I can not produce what I see in these daydreams however, so I would say the area of improvement is definitely my technical abilities. In particular I would like to improve my knowledge of studio lighting, and also my skills in directing models to show the emotion of the ideas.

9. Do you have any up coming projects?

I head back to England at the beginning of April and I hope to keep the creative momentum I have gained in Japan. I would like to continue to build my fashion portfolio (I always have more ideas than time to execute them), and I would also like to explore other areas of photography. One of these is a more art based project, focusing on the visual representation of happiness – and how it is different for everyone.  

10.Do you have any people in particular that you would like to work with in the future? Why?

I am always on the look out for enthusiastic and creative people to work with. My Japan trip was the first time I had worked with designers, and shared creative control of the shoot. I enjoyed this so much - it was great to have another person to give input and bounce idea around with. I was very luck to collaborate with people who had a similar vision for the end result, and so the process flowed wonderfully and the final images were just what we all wanted.

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Check out more of her work on her website, or follow her on twitter❤
Entire Secret Garden lookbook can be viewed here. 

Interview: Meet Jason!

Happy Friday! Recently I have had the opportunity to collaborate with some amazing photographers, models and other crafters and I am planning to showcase them to you from time to time via interviews...let  me know what you think:)

First, let me introduce you to Jason Weddington.  He is the photographer who shot my 2011 Spring Collection. I wasn't sure how shooting with someone I did not know would work out, and I was a bit nervous. In the past, when I did photo shoot, people I worked with was either friends or friends' friends.  But it turned out that I really enjoyed working with Jason. 

One thing I have to mention is the speed at which Jason works.  He shot, edited and finalized the pictures in 72 hours.  He served in the Marines which is where I guess he learned that work ethic...he does their reputation proud. Simply Amazing!  

I was 100% satisfied with Jason's work.. and would love to see what he is going to work on in the future.. If only Andy were able to use a camera like him!

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Can you give our readers a quick self introduction?

Hmm, let's see.  I'm 33 years old, I live in Tokyo, and I've been in Japan for about 9 years.  I spend too much money on camera equipment, but this year I'm going to do better.  I'm also going to lose 5 kg.  (It's good to have goals, right?)  I shoot travel scenes, street photography, portraits, event photos, and fine art.  I like pictures that tell a story, or show something inspiring like a scene of natural or man-made beauty.

When did your interest in photography start?

I've had a camera at various times throughout my life, but I became seriously interested in photography (rather than simply taking snapshots) around 2000 or 2001.

What was the first picture you took after you decided that you were a “photographer”?

I don't think it really works that way.  At least it didn't for me.  I became a photographer slowly over time, and I still don't introduce myself as a one.  For a while I was "interested in photography."  Then I was "into photography."  Then for a while I told people that "photography is my hobby."  Now I tell people that photography is my passion, but I still don't introduce myself as a photographer.

What has been the best shot you have taken?

I have many favorites across several subject areas.  I can't really pick a best shot.  The images in the portfolio section of my site are some of my current faves, but I'll probably change my mind in a few months.

What has been the worst shot you have taken?

No idea.  Whatever it was I've long since deleted it and never looked back.  I shoot digital and delete on the spot if the image is a failure.  

How do you define your role in the creative process when working independently versus when part of a team?

When working as part of a team I see my role as that of a consultant.  I try to understand the client's vision, and sometimes help them take that vision from abstract to concrete.  Then I try to use the knowledge, skills, and tools available to me to create images that match that vision.  

When I'm on my own it varies.  Sometimes I have a specific idea that I want to try.  Sometimes I just wander around with a camera and shoot whatever looks interesting.  Sometimes I wander around with a camera and don't shoot anything at all.  Those are the hardest days.

Do you enjoy the collaborative process?  

I enjoy working with models.  When I'm able to develop a rapport with a model we tend to feed off each other and the ideas just keep coming.  It's great fun to release the creative energy and see where it goes.

Where do you see photography as an art medium heading in the future?

The tools are getting better.  With modern DSLRs there are very few technical limitations left.  If you've an eye for composition and can learn how to see light, there are fewer barriers between you and that perfect image than ever before.  It's a great time to pick up a camera, and more people seem to be getting into photography as a hobby.

Will you look to stay on the cutting edge of the photography medium or will you try and buck the trends?

I just bought an 18 year old lens, what does that tell you?  It's all about the right tool for the job.  I do try stay current on the digital workflow side, because those tools are changing very quickly.  I used to spend hours in PhotoShop on editing tasks that I can now complete in just minutes in Lightroom.  So it really pays to stop of the latest trends in workflow.

Do you have any upcoming projects?  If not do you have any short term goals you are working towards?

I'm doing some portfolio shots for a lovely model from the UK in a few weeks.  In the spring I'd like to make it to Kyoto to shoot more of that amazing city.

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Check out more of his photos on his flickr page and his website❤ He also sells his prints here on RedBubble.  

Guest blogger: Studio tour by Megan Nielsen

Happy Friday! Today I'm having an Australian designer, Megan Nielsen as a guest blogger. 
I always admire people with well-organized sewing studio, and when I saw her post on her blog about her sewing room, I knew I had to ask her how she does it! My sewing room is such a mess, and I really needed some advice on how to organize it well before the baby comes. 

In addition to having a successful clothing line worn by Jessica Quirk of What I Wore and Kendi Lea of Kendi Everyday (two of my favorite daily read!), she is a wife and a mother of two young children. She also sells sewing patterns, including some maternity clothes sewing patterns. I've been wanting to make her wrap maternity top so bad! 

Enough with my rambling, and here is Meg ❤




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Hi everyone! My name is Megan Nielsen, but you can call me Meg! I’m an independent Australian designer, and Chie has asked me to share a little with all of you on how I have my studio set up.

I’ve worked hard over the last few years to hone my studio arrangement to it’s most efficient point. It’s been such a journey, and I’ve gone through so many iterations that it’s kind of hysterical – but I finally found what that works perfectly for me! You see I have 2 small children (both under 3), so the time I get to work on my sewing projects is limited - which means I need to be able to find everything immediately when I get a second to work. Added to that, sewing equipment is pretty dangerous for little kids, so everything needs to be out of reach, and I need to know exactly where it all is so I can tell if it’s missing! Actually you’ll find a lot of the way my room is set up (and the fact that it’s neat at all) is because I have little ones running around!

This is the basic arrangement:
I have a very long desk against one wall which has my sewing machine and my serger/overlocker. On that wall I also keep my peg board (which is like, the best thing EVER!). On the peg board I keep all the dangerous stuff, scissors, pins, needles, small buttons, rulers etc . It works really perfectly for me, because as I’m sewing on my machines I can reach up for whatever I need – but things are also well out of reach of little hands.

I then have a smaller desk round the side that houses my little office area – computer, printer, stationary and shipping supplies. Packing up orders to ship can sometimes take a while, so it’s really great to have a designated area. Above my computer screen, is my inspiration board. I normally keep my main sketches for the current season, as well as the fabrics I’m use and whatever inspirations I’m drawing on – it really helps to keep me focused!

In the middle of the room I have my cutting table – it’s really perfect here because I can access it from all angles, but also means that while I’m at my sewing station I can easily swivel my chair around and work on my cutting table. I keep a huge self healing mat on here at all times so that I can use my rotary cutter really easily. I like to use this table for pattern drafting too, since it’s so big and I have the grid underneath.
I keep my patterns in plastic drawers, organized by season, or type, whichever is more appropriate – and each pattern is housed in a large zip lock bag – just in case sticky little hands get access!
On the other side is my ironing board, which is always set up. I think anyone who serious about sewing will always have their iron on when they sew! I honestly think the difference something looking amateurish or professional.

You may have noticed there isn’t any fabric anywhere – that’s partly because I don’t want it any place that my kids can get to it, and partly because I have so much that it needs it’s own room to be stored (if fabric hoarding was a disease, I’d be a terminal case). There’s nothing fancy there, just lots of large plastic tubs and shelves.
The last things in my room are my 3 dress forms. Which are generally just scattered around depending on what I’m working on!

So there you have it!! That’s just a little bit about my studio space, and why I have it the way I do – it works so well for me, and I hope you’ve enjoyed my little tour!
XOXO

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I was also inspired by her blog post "how I do it all" - full of wisdom for a mother-to-be, like me.  Her "Meg's maternity wear survival guide" was very helpful as well.