I spent today working on a new accessory idea. I only required three pom poms for the necklace, although ended up making over 20 of them in search of the perfect shape/texture. After finding this so called perfect pom pom shape, of course i'd forgotten the different steps I'd taken to get there. oh well, I'm sure I'll find a use for all of those extras. Perhaps as a detachable decoration for my rope body piece?

...a few of the wool pom poms I made before switching to the sheer peachy/nude fabric, although they will probably end up in the from of a necklace also! The oversized brass ball chain is another necklace under construction.

| fabric and brass necklace in progress the brass chain is vintage so still needs a bit of a clean to make it more shiny and golden. I've been experimenting with ways to clean brass and so far a mixture of vinegar and water seems to do a good job at removing tarnish.

I get a strange enjoyment out of hanging flowers around the house to dry. The hydrangea and allium varieties being particular favourites. It's nice to think of them as mother nature's pom poms. I'm looking forward to continuing work on these pieces. Hopefully I will have something more to share very soon.

source: personal photographs

A skirt in the making: structured wool skirt with paneled french seams and belt holes for chain

I'd stopped because it looked horrible on me but now after time apart, I suddenly have an urge to give it another go. It has chain details as the sides which are detachable/adjustable allowing you to cinch to your preference. I uploaded a webcam pic just after it on my flickr and now I'm dying to try it on with my oversized 'house' shirt. I love those types of clothes that were purposefully purchased for lounging around the house in. The necklace below is a gift for Hannah. Image credit: my own photographs

I thought I'd share a few of my recent design projects with you. Please excuse the blurry pics. They were taken rather hastily and it wasn't the ideal situation to mess around with my camera while balancing one leg on the bed side table and the other in mid-air. Not so graceful. 01 / self made necklace using vintage materials Currently one of my favourites. It consists of double lengths of cross-over chain and a chunky double linked chain, threaded with a textured silky ribbon. The two colours look really luxurious together and I'm really loving semi-chunky long necklaces at the moment. 02 / self made full length dress I spent so much time making this dress and one day I just stopped. The next time I have a day off I'm getting my sewing machine out and finally finishing it! I imagine the dress looks really plain at the moment but hopefully I can show you again when it is complete. It has a few interesting design details, such as multiple ways to cinch sections of the waist and create different drape effects. 03 / dress fabric Totally unplanned, but I somehow talked myself into purchasing an entire roll of dress fabric on my last visit to the fabric shop. It has the most beautiful drape and I couldn't bear the thought that it wouldn't be there on my next visit. Image source: personal photographs

It's about time I shared a new link with you, I've been meaning to for long enough! It's my online portfolio and you're welcome to visit it here. Hope you like it! Image credit: self-made dress, photographed by me and modeled by Lucy

I'm going away for a few days tomorrow, one of which will include a visit to a fabric warehouse/shop. Rather excited, especially since I have just ordered an overlocker! I'll be celebrate my purchase by buying masses of jersey for a few dress projects. The dress above is one I made a while ago with chain detail at the back. The side gaps are intended for belts or body chain. I have acquired more chain since so I may have to make it again a little less sparingly!