My first trip to the ballet

Last week I went to the ballet for the first time. I like to try new things and though I enjoy going to the theatre and live music I'd never been to any kind of dance performance before. So I decided it was time for a new experience.

As a novice in these things I choose a classic, Swan Lake to start with (performed by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia). I looked up the story before hand so that I would know what was going on but it tells you about it in the programme anyway. I found it quite enjoyable. I think I enjoyed the swans dancing more than the men, they seemed to have more variety of movement. Although having said that the 'bad guy' was very dynamic.

It was great to hear a live orchestra play too. There wasn't a pit so you could see all the instruments and really feel the music.

I loved the swan skirts! They were pretty much horizontal. The ultimate in uber-poof?

My friend tells me that this is a very traditional presentation of the ballet and that modern dance can be a lot more passionate and creative. I did enjoy the costumes and spectacle of Swan Lake so I wonder if I'd miss that in something more abstract? Maybe I'll try that next.

Valentines creamy fudge hearts

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today I had a go at making fudge. It's one of those recipes that people avoid as it's hard to get right. I wish I'd known that before I set out! ha ha.

I don't think I got it quite right. Everything seemed to go okay - but the texture isn't very creamy it's more like a sugar mouse. (Which is fine but they are way easier to make, you don't have to boil sugar or anything). These are also VERY VERY sweet.


If you'd like to have a go, I got the recipe here: creamy fudge hearts,  it's on the Martha Stewart site.

I only made half the quantity suggested and I'm glad I did as anymore would have bubbled over the top of the pan! To be fair it does say what size pan you need but I don't really get what a quart is. Anyway, you need a BIG pan, a jam/candy thermometer and lots of patience.


The fiancé would like to add at this point that VERY VERY sweet is an understatement.

EDIT: They tasted much better the next day! Still sweet but a lot more creamy.

When buttons aren't really buttons

As someone who likes crafting all kinds of things I was really taken by this cute paper punch.

Not only does it cut out little buttons, it embosses them as well! They'd be lovely in a scrapbook or on cards for people who like to sew.

It's a Martha Stewart product which I've never seen the UK before. They seem popular though - they are sold out on a lot of craft supply sites.

I'll show you the results as soon as I get my hands on one of these little beauties.

Finding interesting materials

Sometimes I feel the kinds of fabrics and notions available are a bit limited. There are lots of online fabric shops but quite often they seem to stock quite similar products. So I've started looking in different directions for interesting materials to make my clothing more unique. Here are few ideas:

Scope out charity shops.
Although there are some ugly things in charity shops they can be a good place to find small amounts of a fabric - say for an applique or a bag. Velvet can be very expensive and you may not need a whole meter so finding a velvet skirt for £1.50 could be a great buy. Recycling is good for the planet too!

Try a flea market.
I find these really good for buttons. I've seen some really cool military style ones and you can usually get a deal if you buy a few, I've even had them thrown in free when I was buying something else!

Fairs for 'other' hobbies and interests.
This weekend I visited a historical reenactors kit fair. It's not a past time in which I partake but they had lots of 'period' dresses for inspiration and a great leather supplier. I got the clasp in the picture which I really like, I'm thinking about putting it on a cape. I had a good chat with a lady about making cloaks as well.

Almost-antique-shops.
I'm not sure what these are really called, maybe just a cheap antique place? They always have loads of brooches and sometimes vintage lace and ribbon.

Dance wear.
For something a little more spangle-y try the notions sections of dancing fabric shops. You might need sunglasses to get past all their neon Lycra but they tend to have rhinestones and sequins to the nth power.

I think the main point is to look outside the lolita world for supplies in the way we look outside for inspiration!

Pictures, snow and inappropriate shoes

I decided to try out my coat in the snow!I don't usually do pictures like this but then we don't usually have snow like this.
I didn't know if my coat would be warm enough, but it was fine.
My main problem was lack of appropriate footwear.



I do actually have some very warm gloves and boots but they are both black and I didn't want to spoil the look. They do match my hair better though!


















Thanks to my lovely fiance for being my photographer and standing out in the cold while I messed about.

Model: me (with chilly feet) Photo man: Fiance Clothes: Beret & Brooch - Primark, Coat - made by me, Blouse - Baby, Skirt - made by me, Tights - bargain from TK Maxx, Shoes - one of those replica places.

Macarons in the UK

You can now mail-order macarons from Bougie in the UK! I really want to try some but they are rather expensive treats.

Couture Sewing Techniques book

This is one of the books I got for Christmas. Although it's called Couture Sewing Techniques I actually found it a great introduction to the idea of couture in general.

For example, did you know that Haute Couture garments are pretty much all hand sewn? That really made me think. I always assumed you needed a machine to make clothes properly but you would actually have a lot more control sewing by hand.

The book explains the process that couture houses go through to fit clothes for each client - usually making a totally new pattern to flatter the individual figure! Then the author shows lots of useful techniques starting with hand sewing stitches and going on to different hems, bindings and fastenings.

I thought one of the most useful sections was about facings and backings and how they are used to keep the item in shape. This isn't really mentioned in most sewing technique books apart from a little bit about interfacing.

It does feel a little old-fashioned in places. Mainly I imagine because couture is now such a small industry most of the examples are historical and a lot of the clothes shown are kinda ugly not so inspirational.

I do like that this book has been written with home sewers in mind though. Everything is explained and there are photographs and diagrams where required. It's easy to see where you would be able to apply the techniques to your own work - even if it's not totally hand sewn.

I've fallen for...

... an Angelic Pretty item.

They have this star shaped bag at the moment and I want one!

What is happening to me? It's so tacky and 80's and way too expensive.

It has inspired me to have another go at making a handbag though. I was going to try something like a heart shaped one, but maybe I'll try a star instead.

Also I got a couple of nice books for Christmas that I'd like to tell you about.

I'm lucky to have a few days off now until I have to go back to work so I might even have time to do both.

Merry Christmas!

Every year I say that I am going to make a Christmas dress. Guess what? No Christmas dress AGAIN! I am starting to think I will need to begin making it in June if I want to get it done...

Hope everyone has a lovely time!!

It's nearly Christmas

I love Christmas time. And not just the big day. I love shopping for presents and making Christmas-y things and watching Christmas songs on VH1.

I've tried something new this year - edible tree decorations. I used Nigella's recipe from her Christmas book (recipe also available here) to make these sort-of-gingerbread biscuits.

Next time I think I'll use a lot less pepper than she suggests. They still taste nice but, yes, peppery. I tried a few different cutters like hearts and bells but the tree shaped ones came out best. I really like their traditional look, especially with the red ribbons.

I was going to make cards again too but I didn't have time as I was designing engagement announcements. *giant grin* That's right my man and I got engaged!