Red is for love.... Happy Anniversary Doug!!!

Well its mine and my boyfriend's anniversary this week... so I'm in the mood for love..... hence the red tops!!! I absolutely love red and white, the white top with the plait across the top was one of the rare tops I actually made for myself!! I plaited strips of some jersey scarves I had and hand stitched the plait on, it was a tricky task, trying to make sure the plait was straight!! Happy with the result though!!! This is me wearing it... we had a lovely day out at Leeds Castle, got lost in the maze, had cream tea and scones and a wander round the castle itself, perfect!

I don't know what it is but every time I see red and white spots I can help but think of Dear Miss Minnie Mouse!! This is my tribute vest to her!!! Super cute and hides a multitude of sins around the belly!!

Last but not least is a red scoop neck t-shirt I customised using a lovely strawberry fabric, finished it off with red diamonte gem buttons for a bit of glam!!!

Its all about the Bandeau!

I've made a perfectly plain bandeau boob tube into a lovely one-shoulder creation. Very simple to make using some chiffon and elastic, so that the shoulder strap is stretchy and fits much better without falling down. The shoulder strap can also be worn round the top of the bandeau as a frill, so too tops in one!! Topped off with a back corsage and some lace. Can be dressed up and dressed down!!

All I do is daydream about dresses

Finally friday and what a week! I'm glad I now have the weekend off. What a total shock the news was about Michael Jackson, I still don't quite believe it, he truly was the king of pop!!

Well all week I've been daydreaming about what dress to make next, I'm new to sewing so have started off with 3 simple designs so far and hope to get a bit more adventurous as time goes on, I'd love to know what you think!

The first dress, my pretty pink flowery number was made up by me (I've never used a pattern and not sure I would know how!!). I'm pleased that it worked out in the end though... I started off with a strip wide enough to cover the bust area and then folded both ends over to create space for the neck string to go through, then I stitched it together into a donut shape. I elasticated the top and bottom of the bandeau top so that it stayed in place and that there were no showing a bit of nipple accidents!!! Next I made a simple tube for the skirt, stitching the top and skirt together, also threading through the neck tie so it was secure, sewing it into place. I added a frill round the bottom and a small pocket and voila, my very first dress!!!!

I went on to make two similar dresses in boob tube or bandeau style. These were equally simple to make, I used bandeau tops that I had purchased as they had added bust support and had to just make the skirt, using 3 strips of fabric panels and attaching them to the top, finishing off with a bow. What do you think???

Stolen goods!!!

I stole this fab t-shirt from my boyfriends wardrobe and turned it into a pretty little off the shoulder top. Very simple to wear and ultra comfortable. Elasticated too, so you can slip on and off easily, perfect for the summer months. Get raiding your 'other halfs' wardrobes girls!!!

My top has been featured!!

Wow, I feel very privilledged one of my newest tops has been featured on Papillon Jewellery's blog, all handmade jewellery that is also sold on Etsy, its a lovely site, take a look at the link: http://etsypapillonjewelry.blogspot.com/2009/06/cant-make-up-my-mins.html

These are the pretty ear-rings that Papillon have teamed up my 'Hello Sailor' top with:

Black & White Classics

For the days when we don't want to stand out too much...... classic Black and White....

Hello Sailor!

Hello Sailor........ I'm feeling rather nautical... I'm a sucker for blue and white and especially a stripe or two!

Coffee & Cream... Mmmmmmm

Coffee and Cream and oodles of lace...... yummy, finished off with vintage diamonte buttons... has to be one of my favs!

Pink to make the boys wink!

Gorgeous Hot Pink t-shirt customised with white lace and a chiffon ruffle and matching bow, finished off with sparkly diamonte buttons....

My first post!!

My first post to my new blog... how exciting! I just would like to say thanks for having a nose and welcome to Byfords Boutique.
I've always loved fashion and have always looked for something a little bit different that no-one else has! The only way I could find that is if I made it myself, so I thought why not??
I will be posting new items I have made recently to share my creations and ideas with you
I have some items listed on etsy at http://www.byfordsboutique.etsy.com/ ... so I will get on with it and show you some of my work..... x