Banyan Trees and Wooden Elephants

 Listening to- Sprout and the Bean by Joanna Newsom

Apparently primark is the new vintage, with Newcastle stores such as Best Vintage and Attica stocking recent items to items a few years old, even though they claim to buy only from vintage specialists.

I recently bought a primark camisole (non- vintage!) and gave it sprinkle of hand made dust with some tree and cloud applique, a few trims, and some elephant prints from my little wooden elephant, purchased in camden market.

I used fabric paint for these as it stays on the fabric when washed, i know this after i spilled a whole bottle of dark blue fabric paint on my pale green wool carpet.

applique-ing the tree onto the vest and the finished item, looks a bit scruffy but that was the idea.

Doilies aren't just for grandmas, they're for life.

Listening to John Coltraine and Dave Brubeck- Take 5

I'm having a tendancy to dis- regard everything I've ever learnt in my education about trend lines, and embrace the ever- so- classy, ever- so- up to date Doily.

I took a plain old topshop vest, cut it up, re- arranged it, hand dyed, appliqued, embroidered,  crocheted, appliqued some more and came out with this... (it looks terrible on the hanger but very nice on)

So next time you're feeling a bit retro, retire your grandmas doilies from the arms of her Stannah™ chair lift and join me. Classy bird!!