18 12 2011

Christmas presents

Here are the sparkly pieces I’ve made for my friends. I thought it would be better to design something different from the things I make for sale so they are limited editions just for them! I like them so much that I felt a bit sad to give them away.  But this applies to all the things I make…  Someone might like my works but I like them even more!

This is a silk linen bow tie with an adjustable velvet ribbon. I thought it should suit my friend’s taste for not too girlie but subtly sweet. Embellished with gold and white beads.

This friend has a crocheted collar of mine already and has asked for a fabric one this time. This one is the same velvet collar as I’ve been making but with extra embroidery. Embellished with grey, blue, yellow, and pink beads and lots of french knots with white silk yarn.

This one is a velvet hairband with a silk crocheted flower. She is a cute friend who can have bows on her hair so it gave me a chance to make my first hairband. I am thinking to make one for myself as well but with massive flowers on both sides of the head like earmuffs. Embellished with beads and sequins in gold and blue.

Share
14 12 2011

minus sun, plus stars

Here are the stars I’ve made as Christmas decorations.
They are really simple, just plastic stones and sequins stitched onto cut out felt.
I don’t have a Christmas tree so they are on my dressmaking doll as a substitute.
One day, I hope to have enough space for lovely unnecessary things, my wish upon a star.

Share
11 12 2011

Selvedge Christmas Fair 2011

I have done Selvedge Christmas Fair on Saturday and here are some images from the lovely event. Thank you very much to those who came to visit the fair and are checking my blog now. I have never been to this area (Highgate/Archway) before but it looked nice with independent shops and cafes. I shall visit again to walk around when I’m not dragging my suitcase with a clothing rail on my back.

I might have had the widest range of products; clothing rail on the right with lots of clothes, accessories on the table and jewellery on the shelf. I’ve made some embroidered felt stars to decorate my table and your Christmas trees. This time I’ve made little cards that describe what the products are as well.







Share
06 12 2011

crocheted rings

I have made some crocheted rings. After quite a few experiments, I’ve finally decided this is it. I like how they look like little crowns, or plasters, or thimbles. One edge is beaded and the other has picot stitches for a lacy effect. I have used sewing thread in silk as I couldn’t find knitting yarns fine enough to make these delicate rings. They are so cute!

Share
28 11 2011

Bust Magazine Christmas Craftacular

I had half a table at Bust Magazine Christmas Craftacular on Sunday at York Hall, Bethnal Green. Thank you very much to everyone who is checking out my blog now after finding me there. The fair was very busy and I found a couple of nice things from other vendors as well but I’m going to show you some photos of my stuff because it’s my favourite…

front view of my space

my shoe rack with jewellery and accessories

candy-like jewellery, embroidered fabric encased in resin

rings, embroidered cuffs, crocheted silk necklaces

collars

display with glass cases, scarves, garters

I’m not sure if I’ve been here before but I loved the colour green of this room, a boxing venue, it seems to be.

Share
25 11 2011

Christmas cards 2011

I’ve designed two Christmas cards this year and they are now sold at Circus, 5th Avenue Brixton Village, SW9 8PR. I will be selling them at Bust Magazine Christmas Craftacular (details on the right) on Sunday along with jewellery and accessories. I will be waiting for you.

Christmas card Dark version

Christmas card Cold version

Comes with a red envelope and a little sticker with text from the story “YOU’RE ALL MINE (YOU’RE ALL IN ME)”.

It says “Merry Christmas” in the inside and the back has the Christmas stocking image.

Share
23 11 2011

collars

I’ve made some new collars, two using navy velvet and one crocheted.
The velvet collars are lined with navy cotton drill.
There are images of the collars I’d made before here.

This one is embroidered with cotton yarn and beads.
Fastens with cotton grosgrain ribbons in cream colour.

This one has very delicate silk crocheted trimmings.
Fastens with cotton and acetate grosgrain ribbons in grey.

A cotton crocheted collar with cotton grosgrain ribbons.
This cotton yarn is shiny like silk but it’s firm and doesn’t fluff, very good.

Share
21 11 2011

Christmas stocking

It’s cold and it’s time for Christmas shopping. And here is a Christmas stocking in my style: very much handmade but simple and nice with no mess. It’s made of cream coloured wool, dark orange linen, and silk yarn for the crocheted trimmings and the heel patch. It’ll be a perfect Christmas present if you’re meeting someone to give him/her a present before Christmas (because you want it to be used this year!).



Share
15 11 2011

sailor style scarf in velvet

I’ve made the sailor style scarf in navy velvet this time to go with winter coats. The chambray version looked pure and friendly but this one is more elegant and mysterious. I’d wear this by folding it in half and making the edges go through the loop like in the first image, or tie it at the back like in the second image. I like the slanted edges for their subtle ribbon effect. made with 100% cotton

Share
12 11 2011

Fashioning the Future Awards ceremony

I had been shortlisted for the Unique Design category (there are five in total) months ago and I’ve finally found out the result this week. So, I didn’t win, nor was I selcted for the exhibition… But that doesn’t make me a loser as I am still one of the 45 finalists out of more than 2000 entries! The ceremony was held last Thursday evening at the East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf. I also went there the following day to see the exhibition but there were no actual works, just some images and video clips so the ceremony which had models dressed in the selected garments was more exciting for sure.

an article about the ceremony on Glam UK


We all sat on these big wooden spools.

There were about 10 garments on models but I think this one is my favourite as it uses crochet.
I don’t think there’s anything to do with the competition but I loved the styling they did. All the teen models were wearing cat ear alice bands. Arousing…for me at least.

It was a little disappointing that nothing was representing my work but here is the proof that I’ve made it to the finals. (My name is Yuka Maeda, in case you didn’t know.)

I have some posts with images of the work I’ve done for this competitions so have a look in the
Competitions category
I will probably enter more competitions so let me know if you find ones suitable for me!

Share