Peta Pledger

Peekaboo Follies Burlesque

2012-01-29T10:34:00.005+11:00

Feather Fans, sparkling crystals, ballet en pointe & a bellboy....

Vaudeville & classic burlesque has found a new home at the Memo in St.Kilda, the beautifully restored 1920's theatre hall in Acland St.

'Peekaboo Follies' brought to you by Beckiejo, showcases vintage entertainment at its best with Dolores Daiquiri leading a stellar line up of burlesque beauties.
Scarlett, Vivianne Van Dame & Miss Jane with performances that hark back to Paris & New York in the 1930's & 40's.

Lallah L'amore burlesque darling with cabaret vocals will leave you spellbound, as Daniel Oldaker one of Australia's premier vaudeville performers has you laughing at his slapstick antics & sharp bellboy skills! Whilst Rani Huszar brings the sideshow of old to the stage with her eye popping, body twisting contortion routine that leaves audiences a gasp with wonder & puzzlement.

Wednesday 8th Feb at 7pm during the St.Kilda festival will see old revue entertainment centre stage as Peekaboo Follies makes it's debut.

Peekaboo Follies Feb 8th 7pm
Tickets at the door $25
or $20 online: here

Calling all Curvy ladies from Canberra!

2011-12-15T17:19:00.005+11:00

This week, I shipped a whole bunch of stock to Darling Central in sizes ranging from 14 up to 20.

In stock from tomorrow are my 'Sara' shirts in Pink Rose, 'Smitten' skirts in Black, 'Rocker Girl Jane' dresses in Red with white pindot and Black 'New York Groove' dresses, a style that's perfect for busty ladies.

If you have'nt been to Darling Central, the address is:

Shop 9, Number 7 O'Hanlon Place
Gold Creek, Nicholls
(just off the Barton Highway)
Open Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays
10am - 4pm

They have special Christmas/Holiday hours:

Thursday 8 December (late night shopping!) 5 pm to 8 pm
Friday 9 December 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December 10 am to 4 pm

Friday 16 December 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December 10 am to 4 pm

Thursday 22 December 10 am to 4 pm
Friday 23 December 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday 24 December (Christmas Eve) 10 am to 4 pm

Thursday 29 December 10 am to 4 pm
Friday 30 December 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday 31 December (New Year’s Eve) 10 am to 4 pm

So, if you live in Canberra, please pop in and say hello and tell Darla and Bloss "Peta Pledger sent you!".

Meet vintage loving blogger, Andi B. Goode!

2011-12-13T21:23:00.017+11:00

What-ho! My name is Andi B. Goode and I'm a vintagey blogger in her mid-20s who hails from Adelaide, South Australia. My name is actually Andrea but one day, about five years ago, I took it upon myself to start going by the name ‘Andi B. Goode’, for all things internet. I wasn’t terribly original as I just slightly modified the title of a wonderful song (by one of the best rock ‘n’ roll artists, ever).

I've been blogging since July 2009 and making a conscious effort to dress in vintage (and vintage styled/inspired) fashions since sometime around my 21st birthday. I love the fashion, music, movies and general aesthetics of the 1930s-1960s and it's from this period I draw the most inspiration in my own style, though I'm happy enough to be living in 2011!

My blog encapsulates my love of these eras and, whilst I tend to mainly focus on my outfits there, it's possibly best described as a 'my vintage life' kind of blog.

Some of my favourite non-blogging pastimes include playing the ukulele, watching movies from any era, knitting (from my ever-growing collection of vintage patterns) and collecting (Barbies, vintage knitting patterns, vintage cameras, ceramic cat figurines, etc).
Outside of my blogging life, I've completed a degree in visual arts and have just finished some further study in art history.

From there you should be able to find me at many other places around the internet, too!

<- Wearing Peta Pledger 'Angelique' dress.

You can find my blog here: http://www.andibgoode.com/

Perri and Ed's Wedding

2011-12-12T06:55:00.006+11:00

Like most of the brides that come to me for a wedding dress, Perri wanted a dress that she could wear after her wedding day.

Being in Melbourne, it was really hard for us to predict the weather. Early December should be summer afterall, which means sunny, right? Well, that is not the case with Melbourne, it could be cold and raining, sunny, it could hail, it could be windy or it could be extremely hot (or all of the things I just mentioned in one day).

Perri knew she wanted red and something that would keep her cool if it was a 45C day. Cotton sateen was the fabric we chose and after 2 initial designs, we decided on an 'Anni' dress style, but using a full circle for the skirt. I initially was going to fully line the dress, but as the weather was looking like it would behave, I decided to half line the dress using red viscose lining, as cotton sateen with lining can be a little heavy on a super-hot summer day.

The outfit was completed with a 1950s style Malco Modes petticoat and a beautiful crocheted shrug, handmade by her friend.

Perri also wanted her bridesmaids to wear dresses that could be worn again, they chose my 'Rocker Girl Jane' style dress "off the rack" from my online store and we used red with white cotton pindot fabric, instead of polka dot fabric. I made white belts to compliment their white petticoats, and as the bridesmaids live in different places around the world, each one was altered by their own dressmaker.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Perri and Ed for making me a part of their wedding day. It has been alot of fun.

Make Your Stuff Earn It's Keep by Lissanne Oliver

2011-12-09T11:24:00.008+11:00

This is Lissanne's final blog hijack installment. Thank you so much for taking the time to offer us your useful tips to keep our studios and workrooms organised and clutter-free. - Peta

Did you know we use 20% of our stuff 80% of the time?

Think about the books, patterns, templates, tools and equipment you favour for your craft. Did you know that you use these supplies 80% of the time but they account for only 20% of what you own? It’s called the Pareto Rule, or 80/20 Rule.

Here’s some fresh ways you can use the 80/20 rule in your world:

*Ensure items are versatile. For example, a washing basket is almost only ever going to be a washing basket. Whereas a tub can also be a vessel that will hold water too. Suddenly, this item easily qualifies for your valuable 20%.

*Avoid multiples. Do you really need that cache of buttons, trims, stationery or stash of “collected” magazines? Be ruthless. I know you own multiples of things that you will never use again. Do you have multiples of items because the original was broken or lost? Time to pare down.

*Feeling cramped? Storage at capacity or overflowing? Try having your storage only 80% full. Having room to move is very liberating. If it’s tricky deciding what to let go of, remind yourself about what are you making space for- for example, all the homeless items you can’t put away!

*Choose just one day a week as your maintenance day. Only spend 20% of that day on your craft, and the remaining 80% dealing with paperwork, doing accounts, decluttering. I love Mondays for maintenance - it's an easy start to the week and allows for planning the coming days.

*There will be 2 things on your to do list that are more important than the other 8 (eg getting your tax done, so you can claim a lovely refund! Or making the call to the photographer who will shoot your next work, ready for sale). Identify the two and get cracking. The two that are most important are often the most overdue or the tasks we perceive to be unpleasant. Remember I said perceive!

*Are you not using a tool or piece of equipment to it’s full potential? I’ve been guilty of this. Make the time to read the manual so you can achieve a better end result. Do you only know how to use 20% of the features on your camera – what a shame!

Taking the time to make good decisions about the things you own is an investment. Through the process, you will find lost items, reconnect with valuable items and feel liberated physically and emotionally. Get to it!

Image sources: Vilfredo Pareto, Blue tub, Pink basket

Evernote Your Stuff by Lissanne Oliver

2011-12-08T17:55:00.004+11:00

As a creative peep myself, I know it can be tricky to manage all the ideas, inspirations and references that are used to create. Collecting, storing and retrieving can be a challenge.

If you're anything like me you’ve used a random collection of sticky notes, scraps of paper, notebooks, browser bookmarks and bits and bobs torn from magazines and newspapers.

The old way of doing things:

Thanks to a tip from Joshua Zerkel of Custom Living Solutions I discovered a new way of doing things. It's called Evernote.

What makes evernote special? As they say, “Capture, organise, find.” Evernote is many things: a dumping ground, a search tool, an organising tool. It’s searchable, you can use tags, you can store snippets of text, URLs, photos, voice notes, sketches, literally anything you can think of. It will also recognize your handwriting so can search your (scanned or photographed) handwritten notes; amazing! I think it’s a great place for all those bits of info I *might* need or want to lay my hands on without thinking too hard about it.
It’s an app, a web based application, downloadable software from your computer. It automatically syncs across all mediums. Best of all, it’s free.

Here’s some ways I use evernote:

* I scribe creative ideas- say, an idea for a newsletter theme or blog post for time management and call the note “Next Newsletter”. I could also tag the note if I wanted say “time management" or "productivity" so I can easily retrieve multiple notes easily.

* I collect notes into notebooks - house renovations, Professional Organiser Training and recipes are just three of my notebooks, but you can have dozens of notebooks (or folders, if you like).

* I created a screen grab of my company web colours so I could be consistent with design across mediums. It’s safe in Evernote. And if it wasn’t in Evernote, where would I put it for goodness sakes?

* I dump images of decorating or design for inspiration.

Photo source: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/942134/

* Notes scribbled from a phone call are photographed on my webcam and uploaded so I can chuck the scrappy note and have a clutter free space. love it!

* I take a photo on my iphone of supplier opening hours can simply name the ‘note’ with the name of the store.

* I archive PDFs of my existing newsletters so I can know when I last mentioned a particular concept or tip.

Blowing your mind yet? Evernote really is “remember everything”. I don;t want to mess with your head, but the above are just the starting point... in the future, everyone will use Evernote. I swear I'm getting and Evernote tattoo.

There are so many ways you can use Evernote. Do you use is? Have you used it for task or project management? I’d love to hear!

Prioritizing Your Time by Lissanne Oliver

2011-12-07T19:24:00.009+11:00

Steve Jobs said it:

“People are busy doing whatever they do best, and they want us to do what we do best. Their lives are crowded. They have other things to do than think about how to integrate their computers and devices.”

Wouldn't it be great if everything in life travelled smoothy and nothing ever went wrong? Things didn't break, emergencies didn't happen and unexpected tasks, projects and events didn't chew up our time?

Let me help you take better control. Let me help you manage your time. Here’s the best Steve like-advice I can give you.

First up: what’s your biggest time waster? Identify it, then moderate. Be honest with yourself: if it's screen time (eg the interwebs) limit phaffing to half what you normally do. Set a timer, then unplug your ethernet cable. If you're on wireless, shut down your browser and work interrupted.

*Allow for delays. They happen. 10% contingency is great. 20% contingency is genius. For example, if it takes you 10 minutes travel, allow 11 minutes. 11 minutes is great. 12 minutes is genius!

*Plan for the worst, hope for the best.

*Fortune favours the prepared mind. Kudos, Louis Pasteur.

*Have more time for the good stuff by focussing when you have to do and phaffing when you can. Don't mix 'em up.

*Email is a recipe for inaction. Pick up the frickin phone. Do it now.

*Don't "do it later." Not making decisions means clutter and it means you are having to revist, rethink, rehandle the thought or item.

*Are you doing too many things at once? Here's a wonderful poem to help with overwhelm:

Productivity in 11 words

One thing at a time.
Most important thing first.
Start now.

Or you can check out my series of comics to help with organising, decluttering, productivity: Luke Gets Lost is a familiar tale of laziness.

"A little work now for a lotta lazy later on."

Corinne Grant talks about "shuffling deck chairs on the Titanic". Agreed. I think procrastination is about as useful as drinking 3 bottles of wine in one sitting: there's no way you'll feel good about it the next day. Are you self sabotaging? Or just a tad lazy?

*Lissanne Oliver is a Snow dome collector, creative peep, business owner, collaborator,
TV presenter and as her dad says "The Bradman of Organising".

Roxy Music - More Than This

2011-12-07T15:20:00.002+11:00

While we're waiting for Lissanne to upload today's super awesome tip, here is a nice Wednesday afternoon tune by one of her favorite bands, Roxy Music.

Time to get SORTED! Lissanne Oliver is hijacking my blog for a week!

2011-12-05T16:31:00.005+11:00

Ok, people this is an intervention! A hijack!

I'm Lissanne ... I am hijacking Peta Pledger's blog. I know you creative peeps struggle to get and stay organised. That clutter gets you down.

I help people get organised so they have more time for the good things. If you are cluttered, waste time looking for things, 'double buy' and struggle to stay (or get!) organised, the next five days are for YOU. Say no to overwhelm, and YES to being SORTED!

I'll give you a different task, direction or tips each day until Friday.

Today I want you to maximise your space. There are two ways to achieve this SUPER FAST.

1. PUT THINGS AWAY A great place to start getting organised is by putting away everything you've left out and about in your creative workspace.If it doens't have a home, assign it one now.
If you have no room to put away to, move onto step 2 immediately!

2. THROW OUT OBVIOUS RUBBISH
Excess packaging, empty boxes and containers (no, they really won't come in handy, look how many you have for goodness sakes!), old magazines (anything older than 3 months needs to go, let's start afresh for 2012). If you think you have no rubbish or recycling, move to the back of the drawer, cupboard, out in the shed or garage, and I guarantee you will find some. Bear in mind the rubbish can be quite large: old furniture you were going to repair, a piece of equipment that needs more TLC you can provide (Besides, it's been there for so long it's almost vintage now).

DO IT NOW! Take action. Stop phaffing. Start sorting.

So, stop reading and spend the next 15-60 minutes getting organised. Then report back. GO!

PHOTO CREDIT: Paul Wesley-Smith
http://www.paulwesleysmith.com.au/

Need a stretchy skirt for the Holiday Season?

2011-12-01T07:33:00.005+11:00

With so many people having babies and with summer coming, I wanted to make a super comfy skirt that could be dressed up or down.

The 'Louisa' skirt is made from medium-heavy weight stretch polyester/spandex. I have personally road tested it and it retains it's shape throughout the day really well.

I have used a straight skirt pattern, so it is not too tight around the thigh and knee area. The waistband is elasticised with 1.5cm heavy duty "knicker elastic".

This skirt is not only for pregnant women, but I did find a gap in the market for nice skirts that can be worn during and after pregnancy.

I can only make 30 of these skirts as the fabric is super limited, so if you want one, please don't wait (I still get emails from people asking for leopard print 'Frankie' tops).

Shop using Australian dollars at my online store.

Shop using US dollars at my Etsy store.

Model: Beckiejo
Photo credit: Rocketman Photography

'Ahoy' art print by draw! pilgrim giveaway!

2011-11-28T11:44:00.005+11:00

Would you like to win a free art print by the lovely Pilgrim Lee?

Knowing how much my customers and blog readers love all things nautical, Pilgrim has given me an A4 size art print, featuring her Ahoy design in 'shipwreck' colourway to give away to one of you.

To be in the running, please leave a comment below (not on Facebook or Twitter please) and I will ask my 5 year old son (who can't read yet) to point to the winning comment on Friday, the 2nd of December at 5pm.

Please note:

The print is sent unframed and shipped in a poly bag and lovingly nestled in a rigid mailing envelope.

paper size: A4, 297x210mm (11.7x8.3 inches)
image size: 249x197mm (9.8x7.75 inches)

Please be aware that colors can vary on different monitors.

Printed with a xerox DC5000 on silk coated 200gsm paper

All artwork © Draw! Pilgrim copyright and reproduction rights do not transfer with the sale/giveaway of prints or original artwork.

Beckiejo's Kelly Green dress for Miss Pinup Victoria

2011-11-23T10:24:00.005+11:00

Beckiejo presented me with a beautiful pair of emerald green shoes and asked me to design a dress around them.

She wanted something that could be worn with or without a petticoat/underskirt and something 'classic'.

I decided early on that I wanted to use a medium to heavyweight stretch satin and 10 colour samples were sent to Beckiejo.

Kelly Green was decided on (although my terrible iPhone photos do not reflect the true colour of the dress) and a toile was made in calico.

I used a darted boat neck bodice that had a high neckline - front & back, but as you will notice if you scroll down to the next blog post, I liked the 'v' in the back of Sheena's wedding dress and modified Beckiejo's design for the final toile.

The fabric is 97% Polyester/3% Spandex Satin and a dream to sew. I was nervous about sewing a full circle skirt in this fabric but it was not difficult at all.

I did not line this dress, which is uncharacteristic for me, but used a neck and armhole facing. I finished off the dress with a handmade belt with diamonte vintage style buckle.

Beckiejo was Miss Va Va Voom Victoria and Miss Classic Pinup Runner Up at the 2010 Miss Pinup Australia competition and handed her 'titles' to this year's winners.

Photo credit for photo of Beckiejo wearing her Miss Pinup sashes: Lizey Weber

Sheena and Gary's wedding

2011-11-21T11:04:00.009+11:00

Sheena (pictured above with her lovely mother and father) gave me a photo of a wedding dress idea she had and we started the design process approximately 6 months before her wedding day, which was on Saturday the 19th of November 2011.

We started off with a tea length dress that had princess seams in the bodice, with a boat neckline and a full circle skirt.

The fabric we chose was polyester shantung in cream with cream coloured viscose lining.

At Sheena's second appointment (the one where I take her measurements), I asked her to try a toile on I had ready for another client and she fell in love with the style.

We changed the bodice design lines from princess seams to bust and waist darts, and added a just below the knee length full circle skirt.

At out next fitting, we chatted with her bridesmaid Leia about the skirt, as we were not "100%" about the full circle skirt. We looked at a few of my other dress images online and decided on an a-line skirt with a flat front and back, gathered at the sides.

We cut a small 'v' into the centre back and settled on the final design. I finished off the dress with a exquisite beaded bridal quality braid from Clegs, hand-sewn around the waitsline.

Sheena's 5 bridesmaids wore my 'Vanessa' style dress in black cotton sateen, half lined in viscose lining with a red 1 1/2 inch wide fabric covered belt.

I am far too excited to wait for Sheena and Gary's professional photos, so I am using photos that Sheena has given me permission to use via Facebook.

I would like to thank Sheena, Gary, Finn, Kristy, Leia, Ash, Erin and Kylie for making me a part of their special day.

It may have rained all day on Saturday, but from the photos I have seen so far, the sun shone brightly throughout their whole wedding. x

Photo credit: Kristy Nicholl and Alicia Fussell

Little T's Raindrop dress

2011-11-18T16:11:00.006+11:00

I made this cute dress using American craft cotton from Clegs (or was it Japanese?!), a vintage sewing pattern and finished it with a yellow velvet bow.

The back has an invisible zip and the neck hole is faced.

Little T loved her dress and would'nt stop twirling around in it, hence the blurry photo.

When Twiglet met Ink & Spindle

2011-11-01T07:51:00.006+11:00

Dana Leviston from Twiglet has joined forces with Lara Cameron & Tegan Rose from Ink & Spindle to create childrenswear label, Inklet.

Using organic cotton that is designed and screen printed here in Kensington, Vicroria, the trio create beautiful pieces of baby and childrenswear, as well as cosy blankets/wraps that are made locally, using ethical production.

You can buy Inklet online here and it is also available in some stores (please drop the ladies an email for current stockists).

'Like' Inklet on Facebook.

*Photos by Rebekah Lyn Photography and are not to be used without permission.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T11:12:00.005+11:00

I love Halloween and I love this desktop image by Candice DeVille who is a part of Some Fancy Ladies.

You can download your own copy here of this stunning image from Candice's blog, Super Kawaii Mama.

*Image copyright Candice DeVille and Some Fancy Ladies

Are you in Melbourne and need to get your home/office Sorted? Read on about a free pass to an organised you!

2011-10-28T15:40:00.004+11:00

Ooh! Breaking News! Lissanne Oliver from SORTED! organising & decluttering has given me 2 single passes (valued at $499 each) to giveaway to my blog readersfor the 6 Steps Workshop she is a speaker at TOMORROW (Melbourne).

Be one of the first 2 people to email Lissanne at lissanne@sorted.net.au for your chance to win!!

Lissanne has organised both my home (not this one!) and my studio and I highly recommend her and her colleagues.

Link to tomorrow's 6 Steps event here.

Black 'Frankie' top - PRESALE

2011-09-06T14:09:00.003+10:00

I have had many written requests to make another run of plain black 'Frankie' tops (pictured).

As retail has been a little quiet in Australia, I am being careful about how many garments I make, so I am going to offer this top on a presale basis.

If I don't get enough orders (there is a minimum quantity of this fabric that I can buy from my supplier), your order will be refunded within the next two weeks.

Date preorder starts: 6th September 2011

Orders close: Tuesday the 20th of September, 2011 at 12pm

You can pre-order the top from here.

My own little tribute to Jani Lane (RIP)

2011-08-15T10:05:00.006+10:00

As I waited for Puffing Billy to arrive at Emerald Station to pick up my little family and I to take us back to Belgrave Station, [the train station that takes you back to Melbourne], I had a quick look at my Facebook wall and rolled past a post by my friend Lea.

It was a Warrant clip and some words about leaving us too soon. I instantly knew it that Jani Lane had passed away.

A text message to my friend Peter of I Heart Guitar and his death was confirmed.

My heart filled with sadness and my head was confused as I was having a wonderful day out of Melbourne with my family as I mourned the passing of a fragment of my teenage years.

Now, I have to be honest, aside from 'Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich' and 'Cherry Pie', I did'nt follow the band until present day. I was one of the many people that was part of the mass migration from hard rock/glam/heavy metal to Grunge upon listening to Nirvana and Soundgarden

In 1988, I saw 'Down Boys' on MTV Australia and immediately loved the song, I telephoned my friend Jodii and we planned a trip to Metal For Melbourne to buy their album.

My friends and I went to see Warrant play when they toured and we hung out infront their hotel in hope of meeting them. From memory, I did'nt meet Warrant, but I snapped photos of them as they rushed in and out of taxi's as some of us screamed "Jerry!", "Erik!" and "Jani!".

I still listen to the two aforementioned records to this day and everytime I do, I remember a life that was innocent and carefree. We live in a society that is obsessed with looking young, but as I reflect on my wonderful teenage years, no amount of Botox can ever make you BE young.

For me personally, Jani's tragic passing is sad firstly because his children, loved ones and family will live with the pain of losing him for the rest of their lives and for me, one of the voices of my youth went before I could Tweet him and say, "hey, you're awesome and we still love your music, regardless of the fact you're no longer Warrant's front man".

If you're troubled and feel like you don't have anyone to talk to, contact your GP or Beyond Blue.

And to my old friends that are reading this blog post, remember how many times we quoted this? "Call me crazy, call me insane, call me Jani, fuckin' Lane!".

I love this photo so much...

2011-08-10T00:27:00.005+10:00

It's been a long time since I blogged a favorite photo of a friend, however, I came across this one on my friend Sam's Facebook page and had to show it to you.

Sam and I made friends in the happy and hazy early 1990s. We lost contact during the time that we all stopped using our home phone numbers/moved out of our parents houses and started using social networks, such as Facebook. But thanks to Facebook, we are reunited as friends.

I love this photo because the person that took it captured both his shy side and his self confident side in one go.

Pop Up Studio Sale starts this week!

2011-08-02T12:24:00.009+10:00

I am taking part in a cool little Pop Up starting this week at the Nicholas Building on Level 2, 37 Swanston Street in Melbourne.

There will be a Pinup Photo Booth run by Helen McLean, Helen will be available to discuss future photoshoots and photography work.

Artists selling their wares are Betty Jo Designs, Emily Green, Dawn Tan, Lynnelle Moran of Crumb..., Madeline Stamer and Shara Lambeth.

I won't have many dresses to sell due to custom work taking up my time, but I will be selling some dresses, tops, shirts, skirts, cushions and accessories.

If you have any dressmaking enquiries or if you want me to take your measurements so you know what size you are when shopping at my online store, I will be available on all three days for chats and consultations.

Sadly, Pilgrim Lee who created our adorable poster artwork will not be in attendance due to poor health.

Did you see Pulp on Friday night? I did'nt and I am ok about it...sort of

2011-07-31T16:09:00.002+10:00

So; I had to choose between buying a Pulp ticket for their show at Festival Hall in Melbourne or a Soundwave Revolution ticket. After much discussion, I convinced myself that SW Revolution would "be better value for money". I made a mistake. I made a mistake because I am not going to SW Revolution afterall and Pulp tickets were a total sellout...that and I was unwell on Friday night and most likely would not have been able to go anyway. *sigh*

Now, I know missing out on a concert is not worthy of being sad about considering all of the horrific things people endure on a daily basis but there is a tiny part of my brain that can't help feeling sad.

Pulp were there for my friends and I in the 90s. We danced to them at Steve Wide's nights at Dream Nightclub and Pulp were there on lazy Sundays while we 'recovered' from our big weekends. Some of us loved Jarvis and some of us loved him and kept it a secret. We danced to Pulp at our mini discos in my lounge room and sung along to their songs in our car.

It's not often I feel post "I did'nt see..." sadness, but I do in relation to Pulp today, hence my blog post.

Anyway, if you were lucky enough to see them on this tour I would love to hear your feedback. :)

Guest post by Helen McLean - The best classic pin up photography just got better!

2011-07-25T11:29:00.005+10:00

I think it’s of utmost importance to regularly fine-tune my photography business to keep making it better and to find ways to offer more to my clients. And I do believe, I have just created the ultimate in both experience and package inclusions.
Firstly, I have taken away the confusion of ordering prints after your session. Previously, you had the choice of printing any of your edited images in whatever size you wanted. Sounded perfect.

However, after almost a year of working with this offer, I came to realise that this post-shoot decision was a confusing one for most and sometimes the decision was left for months. This was a case of ‘too many options offered’.
Therefore, after trialing with much success – I am now offering a more custom service by presenting you your images on screen after your session, and helping you choose which images are to be edited and printed – all as part of the package, no more to pay afterward.

That way, 3 weeks after your shoot, you will have your prints at home ready to display. With no extra effort, you will be able to adorn your walls, add sneak peek sized prints in your wallet/purse and place prints on your dresser table!
Secondly, I would like to introduce to you with much excitement, the studio’s newest member to the classic pin up package. She is a professional hairstylist and makeup artist, who specialises in vintage looks. The woman who walks the talk, Ms Candice DeVille (aka Super Kawaii Mama).

Candice DeVille is available, not only as part of the Helen McLean photography experience in the studio – she also provides her makeup and hairstyling services for private bookings such as weddings, parties and hen’s nights. And with Candice’s wealth of fashion knowledge she also provides styling services.

Helen McLean and Candice DeVille.

Finally, as a bonus – I have been in discussions with the authentic vintage clothing collector, Bonnie Rose Vintage. On occassion, we will have available the use of Bonnie Rose’s collection to wear during your shoot – this is an amazing opportunity not to be missed! This offer will be available only a few times throughout the year. Subscribe to the newsletter to be notified of the dates.

The standard studio wardobe (available to all bookings), has been photographed and available as a PDF file for you to peruse prior to your booking. This file is supplied to all booking enquiries.

What can you expect with Helen McLean’s classic pin up package?

Option of using the studio wardrobe (PDF of garment option available by email)

Nibbles and beverages provided throughout your session

Professional hairstyling and makeup by Candice DeVille (aka Super Kawaii Mama)

Easy & relaxed photo shoot with 100% posing direction by Helen McLean

Viewing of your shoot on screen to choose your favourite images for high quality ‘vintage-look’ editing

Your chosen images printed and posted to you

With Helen McLean and Candice DeVille working as a team, you are sure to get the best service and end product available.
We are currently taking Bookings for August, September and October currently. Please view the Pin Up Packages page and Contact Helen McLean for bookings.

Model: FoxTrot India, Stylist: Candice DeVille, Fashion: Bonnie Rose Vintage

View more of Helen McLean’s portfolio:
Website gallery
Facebook gallery

Plus size 'Smitten' skirts ready to ship

2011-07-15T18:26:00.006+10:00

Are you looking for a true pencil skirt in an easy to care for fabric, suits a lady with a small waist and curvy hips and is ready to ship?

The 'Smitten' skirt listing in my online store now comes with waist and hip measurements - for the finished garment.

This skirt was featured in The Age M magazine a few months ago and can be made in size 8 up to size 20. The outer fabric is black and features red lining.

I can also make this skirt in any fabric that is suitable upon request.

Also note, all garments purchased from my online store are subject to a full refund if the item is not the right fit and a money back guarantee.

A Night At The Hop present Christmas In July - skanking good times ahead!

2011-07-07T10:28:00.004+10:00

From the Night At The Hop event page via Facebook:

Time and date: Saturday, July 16 at 8:00pm - July 17 at 1:00am

Location: Gertrude's Brown Couch - Upstairs
30 Gertrude Street
Fitzroy, Australia

Details: Tickets are $20 on the door, or
$15 pre-purchased via paypal - with a special gift to collect on the night for pre-purchased ticket holders.

Dress to impress

To order your tickets, go to

paypal. com
"send money"
"send to a friend"
To "scooterheadsc@gmail.com"
The "amount" is the number of tickets you want, times $15

Printable tickets will be emailed to you at the email address linked to your paypal account (or other as requested) within two business days. If you haven't received it, double check that the paypal went through before emailing us.

Cheers and we hope you can join us,
Scooterhead Nation

I have been to many nights run by these guys and they are always so much fun!

It's my birthday today!

2011-06-30T09:07:00.003+10:00

I am 38 years old today and to celebrate, I have created a 20% discount code for you to use in my online store.

Enter HAPPYBIRTHDAY at the checkout to receive 20% off your order.

PHOTO SOURCE

Meg wears 'Frankie' with Kitty's approval

2011-06-29T09:03:00.003+10:00

Meg tweeted this photo to me last night. I love it so much I [with her permission] had to share it with you.

Please remember, I LOVE receiving photos of you wearing 'Peta Pledger' and there is always an option for the photos not to be uploaded online.

Meg runs her own business, A Kawaii Mau Mau Design, you can take a peek at her website here.

3 inch wide belts available from my online store

2011-06-27T12:31:00.005+10:00

3 inch wide belts in leopard print, red and jet black are now available from my online store.

I can make them to your waist measurement and I have a few sizes in stock, ready to ship.

If you have any questions, please send me an email to: peta@petapledger.com

T-shirts for little people by Arthur's Circus

2011-06-09T08:53:00.004+10:00

Natalie Jeffcott and her partner Nick run Arthur's Circus. An amazing store/online store filled with vintage toys and vintage inspired artwork.

Natalie is a photographer and has shot some of her vintage toy collection and printed the images on to 100% Australian made, sweatshop free t-shirts in size 0 up to size 6.

I am currently stocking them in my online store, but if you want to see what else Arthur's Circus has to offer, check out their online store.

The tees are AUD$20 each + shipping and are available here.

*All images Copyright 2010-2011 Natalie Jeffcott/Arthur's Circus and may not be used without permission.

Beautiful Miss Louise

2011-05-31T15:01:00.003+10:00

This beautiful portrait of Miss Louise wearing her Pink with Black spot 'Frankie' top was taken by Bexterity Pinup Photography in NSW.

Is'nt she gorgeous?! I am so honoured that Miss Louise chose a 'Peta Pledger' top for her pinup shoot.

Visit Bexterity's Facebook page and 'Like' it today!

The dressmaker in post-war Australian Society: ‘A Good Occupation for a Girl’ - via the Thread Den newsletter

2011-05-28T07:10:00.002+10:00

Photo source: Sew Review

I read this on Thread Den's online newsletter and want to share it with you incase you can help:

Do you know someone who did dressmaking for people in the 1950’s or 1960’s?
Did they do dressmaking from their home?
Did they work for themselves?
Did they work for payment or exchange?

Jenny-Lynn Louise Potter is conducting oral history interviews for a research project on the history of women working as self-employed dressmakers in Australia in the 1950’s and 1960’s. This research will focus specifically on dressmakers using their home as the base for their work. The main aim of the research project is to investigate the personal experience of the dressmaker and what it meant to be a dressmaker in Australian society at this time.

Jenny is seeking women who fit the above criteria and who are willing to participate in this research project. Participation will involve one or two interviews at their home (or a preferred location). The interviews will take approximately 60 minutes. They will be asked questions about their own personal experience of working as a dressmaker and how they managed their work alongside of any family or domestic responsibilities.

This is an opportunity to contribute to expanding the body of knowledge about the social and cultural history of women, work and family in Post WW2 Australian society. Get behind the project by getting in touch with Jenny at jl2potter@students.latrobe.edu.au and letting her know about that special someone in your life that might want to share their story.

Happy Birthday Siouxsie ♥

2011-05-27T19:21:00.001+10:00

LaDama rips off Black Milk

2011-05-26T07:35:00.007+10:00

First of all, I would like to point out that yes, flared velvet leggings "have been done before", but this is not the point of my blog post.

From James Lillis' Facebook page:

At the beginning of 2009 I walked into a little sewing shop and bought two shiny new sewing machines. It was a slightly unusual sight - a shop full of older women making patchwork quilts for their grandkids... and me.

I didn't mind. It seemed very punk at the time.

My idea was fairly simple - I would teach myself to sew, buy some beautiful stretch fabrics, and make insane leggings. Then I would find girls who would get into them. Girls who wanted leggings that could pack a little more punch than the ones on offer at your average department store.

I made the leggings, found the girls, and so was born Black Milk.

Things were slow initially, but the girls who bought the leggings were always really positive, which was super-encouraging for me in the early days. The turning point came when I decided that I was going to figure out a way to wrap chains around a pair of leggings. It took me a week of drawing, sketching, scheming and failing before I finally figured out how to do it. I called them Cages, and they were a minor cult hit. From that time on, so many girls were ordering Black Milk gear that it became a full time job.

We've come a long way since those early days sewing leggings at midnight on the kitchen table. We've sold thousands of pairs of leggings all over the world. We've been featured in numerous magazines, newspapers and blogs from the local paper to Vogue. Best of all, Black Milk has now got score a reputation as one of the most exciting designer leggings labels in the world.

But a lot is still the same. I still stay up to midnight sewing. I still personally design each piece. I still get a buzz every time a girl emails me a picture and tells me how many people commented when she wore out her Black Milk leggings.

Yeah, it's still fun.

xx

In a short time James and his label, Black Milk Clothing has grown from a small label selling leggings to a cult phenomenon. His label has 12,518 Facebook followers and it grows everyday.

He has a fanbase as loyal as the KISS Army and he regularly interacts with them online. He asks their opinion on new garments and he listens to what his customers/fans say.

Seeing how very hard James and his team work has made me a fan of the label too. Some of his designs remind me of when I was a teenager and I although my figure does'nt allow me to wear Black Milk, I have a very big fondness for his work.

Which brings me to this, when another label steals your idea - regardless of whether "it's been done before" or not, you kind of have to say "oh well", but when a company makes the same garment as you are making AND STEALS YOUR PHOTOS TO SELL THEIR PRODUCT, that is not ok, never.

Adelaide friends, a new store is coming your way!

2011-05-23T10:12:00.006+10:00

Two-Bit Villains is a new store opening in Adelaide, they're stocking Rockabilly, vintage inspired and Kustom Kulture clothing and cute accessories predominately from Australia.

'Like' their Facebook page and mark the date in your diaries to go to their store opening on Saturday, 11th June!

Nikki Sixx

2011-05-17T11:55:00.001+10:00

Photo taken by Court

Limited edition 'Rocker Girl Jane' dress in Midnight Rose

2011-05-15T10:34:00.004+10:00

How this dress came about has a cute story behind it. I bought a roll of this cotton sateen rose print fabric in November 2010. I did'nt get around to making the intended dresses as other work had to be done first.

So, the dress was going to have capped sleeves, a full skirt and boat neck bodice. My friend Joy, who also runs a vintage inspired clothing label and also happens to share my birthday, made the same dress using the same fabric and neither of us knew we had the same roll of fabric or our intentions for how we were going to use it.

Instead, I have turned the roll of beautiful fabric, which I have named the print Midnight Rose into 12 'Rocker Girl Jane' dresses.

They are fully lined using cream coloured lining and come with a fabric covered belt in black for a little contrast.

Available in size 10, 12 and 14 you can buy one from my online store, Darling Central in the ACT, Thread Den and I Dream A Highway in Victoria.

Photo credit: Helen McLean Photography

Styling and model: Candice DeVille

New 'Sara' shirt in Red Daisy!

2011-05-11T17:29:00.006+10:00

I finally have photos of the new limited edition 'Sara' shirts I made. The fabric is crisp and feels lovely on, I have used pretty swirly buttons that remind me of candy.

A big thank you to Helen McLean for taking the awesome photos and to Candice DeVille for styling and modeling for me.

This shirt is a limited run of 38 and is available from my online store, Darling Central in ACT, Thread Den in Fitzroy, Victoria and I Dream A Highway in Northcote, Victoria.

Candice has a wonderful blog that you should check out too: Super Kawaii Mama

My 'Teenage Dream' came true last week

2011-05-02T16:37:00.008+10:00

OK, not quite. My real teenage dream was to work at a Motley Crue or Bon Jovi concert, however last week I worked in a job I never imagined I would do. I worked as an assistant in Katy Perry's wardrobe department at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

When I got the email, I admit I did'nt know much about Katy Perry but after being lucky enough to see her show in between working, I can say with honesty, I am a fan. Whether her music is or is not to your taste, two things are for sure, she can sing live and she puts on a great show.

So what did I do at Rod Laver? I arrived on Monday morning, with my sewing machine in hand and was introduced to Su, Erin and local dressmaker, Alicia. Gaby from Hopeless Lingerie also came in and helped us for one day which was fun.

Alicia and I sewed labels into costumes and did repair work when we were asked to, while Su worked on both Katy and her entourage's costumes and Erin, who also worked on the costumes focused on what she is Queen of - bling! Never in my life had I seen so many Swarovski crystals and jewels it was awesome! Half way through my time with the girls, I learned that Erin Lareau specialises in bling and costume design, among her many other talents. Take a look at her website here and her CV here, they're so impressive.

Thursday was show day and I started to get nervous and excited. We pressed and steamed costumes and got them ready for the dancers. Once our jobs were done, we were permitted to watch some of the show from the sidelines and I have to say, seeing a full Rod Laver from the side of the stage was a little daunting at first, but once the show started and we had to be ready to work, the screams and cheers seemed to disappear and my focus was on doing my job.

Naturally, we were not permitted to photograph any of the costumes, but I got permission to take a close up photo of her 'cupcake skirt'.

It was a very exciting week and I feel so honoured to have spent a week working with Su and Erin and I am grateful of the friendship I have formed with Alicia from Melbourne too!

Striped 'Frankie' tops are now instore!

2011-04-15T08:27:00.005+10:00

I have been eagerly waiting for my new 'Frankie' tops to be made and I am happy to say, they are ready to ship!

Made in Melbourne, Australia from a super soft stretchy knit (60% Polyester/32% Viscose/8% Spandex), this style has a longer cut, making it perfect for the cooler weather and this style also makes a great pre and post natal top.

Like most of the 'Frankie' top styles, the two new designs are limited edition and won't be made again once they are sold out.

You can buy yours from my online store, I Dream A Highway in Northcote and Thread Den in Fitzroy.

Special thanks to Helen McLean Photography for the product shots!

'Natasha' pencil skirt available in plus size

2011-04-08T16:20:00.005+10:00

Sorry about the lack of posts here of late. My life seems to be on fast forward at the moment!

Just a note to let you know that my basic 'Natasha' skirt is available in size 8 to 14 and also in size 16 up to size 20.

This great skirt is made from 95% cotton and 5% spandex so it has a little stretch and is easy to wash and wear.

The back features an invisible zip closure and split. This style of skirt has a traditional waistband, so it is made to sit on your natural waist.

A big thank you to Rouge Noir for the lovely photo!

Pip is going to rehab, I hope you will too?

2011-03-28T11:16:00.006+11:00

First of all, I want to apologise to my friend, Pip Lincoln for copying and pasting the photos and text from this blog post.

My heart and head are so overcome with emotion right now, that although I have 1 x dress sample, 1 x 'New York Groove' dress, 1 x 'Smitten' skirt to make by 4pm today (it is currently 11:28am) oh, and many emails to reply to, if I don't write this post now, I won't be able to focus I my work.

I personally know Pip, her boyfriend Cameron and their three children. Over the years I have watched this little family work really, really hard and to read that Pip feels that she is cheating you by selling *her* book in *her* shop at the RRP, makes me feel both cross and sad.

As with myself and other crafty people I know, there is a misconception that just because we have a small business and a strong online presence, we are rich, which sadly is'nt always the case (if I were rich, I would be writing this post from my purpose built studio, not in the spare bedroom of my house and Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue would be on his way over for peppermint tea).

Some of you may have no interest in craft, or books or Pip's shop, and I get that, but this post could be about any small business or sole creator. I ask myself everyday, "how long can I keep going like this?" (competing with both small run and mass produced clothing sold at a discounted price), and to be honest, I can't see myself having a clothing label in 10 years times as it is too hard to compete, but read the text from Pip's blog post and see what you think.

From Pip's blog today:

"I am heading into Rehab, starting today. I am going cold turkey. Yes. I am shutting the door on discounted books. What? I am not going to shop at the BIG DISCOUNT online booksellers anymore. Not at all. Ever. Gasp! Okay. Are you freaking out? Gulp. You might hate this post. I will understand if you do. Quick! Click away and come back tomorrow! NO hard feelings. I am still going to write it, though. It's important.

Reasons to hate this post
You love books
You don't live near a bookstore
You love cheap books
You are on a budget

Reasons to love this post
You love books
You support people who write books
You support independent booksellers
You don't support monopolies (unless it involves many board games)

I feel like I need to get this off my chest... I totally understand that you might not agree or care about this stuff. And I totally get that, I really do. But this is how it is for me...

SO. At the moment we are not selling our book in our shop. We were selling it, but to be honest I feel like a bit of a charlatan selling my book for the recommended retail, when I KNOW you can get it for nearly half that elsewhere. (Did I hear you scampering off to google 'Pip's book cheap quick'?) I like to share good tips and make sure that I am being fair and upfront. So I feel really really weird making you pay full whack for my book when you can buy it from one of the big discounters way cheaper. I feel like I am cheating you. What the heck? How can that be right?! How can an author selling their own book at the RRP be cheating. Well... it's not, of course, but it FEELS like that to me.... I am sensitive. I want you to be happy and get a good deal and have plenty of money to buy cake and things.

I spoke to another author about this the other day. He said that his book is LESS THAN WHOLESALE through some of the book discounting sites. This means that if he buys his own book direct from his publisher, he will pay MORE for that book than YOU would if you bought it online from the book discounters. And he WROTE the book (along with another rad gal). He says he too feels weird selling his book at the RRP via his own website. Even if it is signed. Still feels weird. Hmm.

Let's dig a bit deeper. For me it works like this (it may work differently for other authors) ::

ME :: I buy the book at wholesale through my publisher at half the cover price. And then I mark it up 100%. And then I sell it to you. Simple. In that case I get a royalty on the book from said publisher (a modest percentage of the cover price paid twice yearly) PLUS I get the margin I added to the wholesale price (through my store cash register!)

THEM :: The book discounters buy the book for half the cover price (or maybe a titch less, perhaps? volume discount?) and then they add as little as a dollar or two to the price and sell it to you. Simple. (Of course I still get my royalty on this book too.) They are happy with a tiny margin on top of the wholesale price... and then they will even ship it to you for free.. somehow... how can that even work? I don't know, but that is how they do it. And you probably like that a lot! I used to! Cheap books! Hurrah!

What is the problem? Well... I guess the book discounters have big plans for world domination and will have a monopoly before we know it.... Do you think? They are building a big powerful business. And the book discounters are relying on you to go and peek at all the books you want at your local bookstore and then hot foot it back to the computer to buy it for half price plus a dollar or two. (That is a bit uncool, if you do that. Please try not to do that.) They are pretty happy that they don't have to actually TALK to you or pay expensive shop rent or make a nice window display of lovely books or bother with author signings or any of that pesky stuff either.

How is this discounting sustainable? I do not know. I know that it is not sustainable for smaller booksellers. And what this means in the long term I do not know. (See how much I don't know! It's all very confusing!) Will the big discounters crush everyone and then push the price of books back up to regular old retail? Or will they be bought out by another giant company and make their money then... and prices of books will ultimately return to the RRP? I am not an expert on this stuff. All I know is that when authors feel like robbers selling their own books (because they can't compete with the big discounters and they don't want to 'dupe' their readers/customers into paying the RRP) than something is very wrong.... And when small stores are acting as unwitting showcases for big huge book discounters then something is very wrong.

Yes, I think there are lots of ways I can make it nicer to buy my book direct from me, even if it does cost you an extra $20 or so. I can sign your book. I can have a chat with you. I can tuck a little map of Fitzroy's best shops into the cover while we talk about crochet and you peep about the shop. Those are all good things to do. And maybe they will make you want to pay the RRP and buy from me. BUT I know that this economy means lots of people HAVE to cut back. I totally get that. I really do. A chat is probably not worth an extra $20, no matter how delightful. And my messy writing DEFINITELY is not worth $20! I really do understand that.

So. Bearing in mind the budget and the bank balance, all I would ask is that you think about what you buy book-wise and where to buy it. Think about the survival of small booksellers, (and also know that probably A LOT OF AUTHORS feel weird about selling their own books at the (very fair) RRP now.) And have a think about whether this matters to you, and who you want to support in this whole schmozzle.

So. My rehab starts today. I am not buying any more discounted books. (I have bought around 20 books from the book discounters previously.) I am going to buy fewer books (at the RRP) from independent booksellers. And I am going to hatch a plan to make the books I will sell in my store in the future more special : including some extra bits and pieces tucked into the cover which you can't get if you buy from the big guys.

Maybe you know a lot more about this than I do? Tell us what you know in the comments!
Maybe you have something to say about this important issue? Do do do tell!
Please note : this entire post is written from my own point of view. It's probably not very objective...!

xx Pip"

If you wish to buy Pip's books, they are available from here and here - and hopefully from Meet Me At Mikes in Fitzroy!

Free* portrait of yourself in your Peta Pledger garment!

2011-02-23T13:16:00.003+11:00

As some of you have gathered from reading my blog, I don't have enough photos of people wearing their 'Peta Pledger' outfits.

Leanne Bertram from H & B Foto Grafic has kindly offered to photograph you in your 'Peta Pledger' dress/outfit for free!

There are no catches and there will be no spammy follow ups. The details are on the flyer Leanne has produced and if you want to email her for further details or to make a booking, you can send her an email to: leanne@hbfotografic.com

If you want a vintage hairstyle and make up person for your shoot, I highly recommend Candice DeVille, quotation requests can be sent to: candice@candicedeville.com.au

So please, make a booking get a snap and send me a copy too!

*This offer is only available in Melbourne, people outside of Melbourne are more than welcome to fly down to Melbourne to take up this offer at their own expense.

Meet Gaby from Hopeless Lingerie

2011-02-20T11:15:00.009+11:00

Hi Peta Pledger friends and fans! My name is Gaby and I am the owner/operator/sewing lady/designer and everything in between for Hopeless Lingerie.

Peta has asked me to write a guest post for her blog about my little business so here goes!

I have been working on Hopeless for close to 3 years now, so much has happened and I am still so excited to see what the future holds. I had the dream to start my own lingerie business after many years of being unable to find bras that fit me. As a curvy E cup I am now finding more brands that cater to this market which is wonderful, but it is still my ultimate to goal to create beautiful, flattering and comfortable garments for girls of all sizes, smaller and bigger. So far my journey has mostly involved pieces that cater to the smaller end of the spectrum, as I slowly learn the techniques and find the machinery and materials needed to make structured underwear. There is so much that goes into making properly fitting bras that I am not ready just yet to embark on it, but I am getting close!

I have been enjoying sewing with bamboo and modal jersey a lot recently - and focusing on comfortable sleep-wear and lounge-wear. I spend a lot of time when making patterns and samples to try and create styles that will be suitable for a range of different body types. This means putting elastic in the right places, allowing room to grow in some areas, and making adjustable elements like ties, clasps and slides. I know ordering expensive things over the internet is scary so I try to make the garments as flexible as possible. (And that is also why I do so much made to measure!)

I have a very exciting year ahead, with 4 small ranges planned, the first of these is a (mostly) white bridal range which I am shooting in a weeks time. To find out more about me and Hopeless you can have a look through my blog here .

Thanks for having me Peta!

Gaby xoxo

Check out my friend Anita's first production, The Freak and the Showgirl

2011-02-18T18:06:00.002+11:00

“wave after wave of shock, horror and body parts too numerous and
outrageous to mention” The Scotsman

"Holding rudeness and sass as their banner, they test the breadth of
political correctness – before sending “acceptability” flying out the
door," Sunday Times, Perth

Sexy, offensive, funny as hell, Mat Fraser (natural born freak, UK)
and Julie Atlas Muz (Miss Exotic World 2006, USA) present an
outrageous burlesque cabaret spectacular of magic tricks, song, dance
and striptease. Leave your political correctness at the door as these
two celebrate disability and nudity and freaks and showgirls!

MELBOURNE:
The East Brunswick Club
23 February at 7.30pm
280 Lygon Street, East Brunswick
Tickets $26
ph: (03) 9388 9794
www.eastbrunswickclub.com

ADELAIDE:
2011 Adelaide Fringe Festival
1 - 13 March at 11.30pm
The Garden of Unearthly Delights, The Spiegeltent
Rundle Park / Kadlitpinna, Corner East Terrace & Rundle Road, Adelaide
Tickets: $27 / Conc & Cheap Tuesdays: $20
ph: 1300 37 46 43
www.adelaidefringe.com.au

This is the real 'I Heart' necklace by Victoria Mason

2011-02-03T11:45:00.007+11:00

It was brought to my attention today (via my Facebook wall) that Victoria Mason's beautiful 'tape measure heart' necklace aptly named, 'I Heart', has been ripped off again.

I am so cross to see that it has happened to Victoria [again], as I personally know her and I have watched her work hard on her products over the last 6 years.

There is a misconception in the fashion industry, that being copied is the best form of flattery. I personally have never agreed with this and I think that it is unfair that artists can do very little to stop it.

As much as I would like to name the company that is selling the knock-off, I am going to hold back as I don't want to give this UK based company any free promotion.

I will however, tell you where you can get your own 'I Heart' necklace and see more of Victoria's amazing designs.

Click here to buy your own 'I Heart' necklace.

Toddler dress made from Hawaiian Barkcloth

2011-01-25T14:50:00.002+11:00

I made this dress last week for my friend Emma. I posted the picture on my Facebook page, not expecting to receive a bunch of orders for them.

I have used a vintage sewing pattern (pictured) and genuine Hawaiian Barkcloth, the same one I use for these dresses.

So cute!

A simple and inexpensive gift for little ones

2011-01-07T10:03:00.003+11:00

When I was pregnant with my son, my workmate James said to me: "you'd better start saving up for all the birthday presents you're going to have to buy!".

By this, he meant that when your child reaches a certain age, they are going to get invited to parties - and lots of them.

For some parents, buying a gift around the $25-$30 each time can be a burden on the household budget, so here is my suggestion for a gift that lasts for years and is useful -and is under $10.

A button badge set, designed and handmade by draw! pilgrim and a Little Golden Book is a suitable gift for a child between 1 year old and up. Ofcourse, you would'nt give the child the badges to play with, but they look great on a 'nappy bag' or on a child old enough to understand not to touch it.

As for the Little Golden book, these can be picked up for under $5 each from supermarkets and bookstores. If the books get damaged over time, the pictures can be used to make greeting cards and collages.

To see more of draw! pilgrim's lovely artwork, visit her website here.

'Kitty' dresses in Blue & White Pindot worn as bridesmaid dresses

2011-01-05T09:17:00.003+11:00

Here is a sweet photo of Alisha and Bek wearing my 'Kitty' dresses as bridesmaid dresses at Melanie's wedding.

I think they look great. They are dresses that can be worn again, which is a bonus for girls - especially when I think about the bridesmaid dresses we wore in the 1980's!!!

The 'Kitty' dress can be made in any fabric (as long as it is suitable) and can be purchased from here.

Thanks, New Year wishes and a Special Dress

2010-12-30T22:55:00.004+11:00

The little girl pictured is my beautiful friend Karen's 2nd daughter. Karen and I met through our Mothers Group and I can say with all honesty, that I would be lost without her. We have very little in common and I'm afraid to say, she does'nt love Bon Jovi, however, I love her dearly and consider her one of my best friends.

I made this dress for Karen's first born daughter around March/April 2007. It has sentimental value for two reasons. The first one is because Karen kept the dress and has passed it on to her 2nd child and the second reason is because this dress is the very first thing I made after having my own son in November 2006.

As you can see, it's a simple dress made using a 1960's toddler pattern and 100% cotton pindot fabric. It has a button on each shoulder and I added a little bow in the front to 'finish off' the dress.

Even though it's a very easy pattern to make, I remember how difficult it was to cut and sew the dress in my sleep deprived state (my son woke every hour on the hour at night for the first 9-10 months of his life). I remember feeling frightened and nervous about what my mothers group would think, even more so because Karen is one of the most stylish people I know! Thankfully she liked it enough to keep for her 2nd child to wear.

People assumed that after I had my baby, I would start churning out babies clothes and I felt immense pressure to keep my business running, especially as it became my only form of income. I am glad I kept my business running, but at the same time, I do feel that I missed out on alot of resting and 'bonding time' in those first few months.

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone that has supported my business this year, it's been a strange year on a business level, but a really exciting one too.

Have a safe and Happy New Year, and I am looking forward to a new year filled with exciting new projects.

Bridal party dressed by 'Peta Pledger'

2010-12-23T12:15:00.004+11:00

Melanie contacted me in October, and asked me if I could make her wedding dress. "I don't really make 'wedding dresses' as such, Melanie", I replied. "I know, but I am not after a 'wedding' wedding dress", Melanie replied. "Wonderful, I am the right person for you then!", I said. "Oh, and by the way, I am pregnant" Melanie added...

At first, I had a little panic attack as I had never made a wedding dress for a pregnant person before and I confess, I was a little scared.

Our first meeting was so much fun, Melanie's mother and sister came along and we settled on a design and fabric. A few weeks later, Melanie came to my studio to collect one of her bridesmaid dresses and the first thing I noticed was how much bigger Melanie's tummy had gotten!

Concerned that both my original design and fabric choice (shantung) would be too constricting, I hit the commercial pattern books to get a different perspective. I decided to use and modify a Vogue pattern as it had an empire line, open back and neckline.

We also decided to use cotton sateen as we liked the breathability of the cotton and the stretch thanks to the 5% elastaine content.

The skirt was full enough to accommodate Mel's tummy if it grew more and we made a navy blue belt that matched her gorgeous shoes.

Dressmakers will notice that the dress is half a size too big - this was intentional for two reasons, the wedding was in December (summer in Australia) and how much she would grow between dress collection and the wedding day was too unpredictable. I also wanted her to feel comfortable on her special day and not too constricted.

I am so happy with the way both the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses looked.

Thank you so much for making me a part of your special day and thank you to Kerstin Steger for this photo, check out her super cool childrenswear label Paul & Paula here.

Carita looking gorgeous in her 'Frankie' top

2010-12-21T18:05:00.004+11:00

I love receiving photos from you in your 'Peta Pledger' clothing. Sadly, I don't receive enough of them!

This one is of Carita wearing her 'Frankie' top in pink with black spots, Her friend took the photo of her on a Melbourne tram.

You can buy your own top like this one from here.

I'm going to see Bon Jovi tonight!

2010-12-11T13:40:00.003+11:00

I got my Richie Sambora haircut by J at Mioche. Black jeans and new top ready. I have stocked up on hair mousse and hair spray and now I just have to wait a few hours before I get ready and go. Words cannot express how excited I am!

Vintage inspired [sweatshop free] kids tees by Arthur's Circus

2010-12-02T16:40:00.007+11:00

These sweet new tees by Arthur's Circus have arrived in their online store and make the perfect Christmas present for both babies, toddlers and little people.

The t-shirts are manufactured in Australia and carry the Sweatshop Free logo. The prints on the front have been hand printed in their studio and are of Natalie's photographs, featuring some of the sweet toys available from Arthur's Circus.

You can buy Arthur's Circus tees from here and from Magnolia Square market this weekend if you're in Melbourne.

A Christmas tree decoration good enough to eat!

2010-11-26T22:12:00.004+11:00

There was a lovely surprise parcel from the Netherlands in my mailbox today. Germaine of Oh By Jingo sent me a sweet vintage postcard and one of her super cute handmade Christmas tree ornaments.

This one is a gingerbread man and I must say, her workmanship is superb!

Please visit her online store and if you wish to buy your own gingerbread person, click here.

'Frankie' tops in Pink with Black spots are on SALE until midnight on Sunday

2010-11-25T10:16:00.003+11:00

Well, it seems like it's almost winter again in Melbourne, so this sale has come at the perfect time. Great for both warm and cool days, this top is made from 95% Polyester and 5% Spandex. It has a longer line so it looks great with both jeans and capri pants and also tucked into a pencil skirt.

You can buy your own 'Frankie' top from here at 50% off the retail price until midnight, Sunday the 28th of November!

The Social Network has spawned a new crush...

2010-11-20T18:01:00.004+11:00

My pal Emma and I went to see The Social Network at the Westgarth two weeks ago and I have had a huge crush on Jesse Eisenberg since!

Now, I know some of you may be thinking "gosh, Peta...he's a bit young don't you think?" - I say NO! Crushes are ageless and fun (but it would be super creepy if I had a crush on Justin Bieber *shrudder*). It has taken my mind off a big project I am currently working on and inspired me to watch Adventureland, which I have discovered is a really cool movie!

My favorite song of the moment is 'In Motion' from The Social Network soundtrack. I am a big Nine Inch Nails fan and was really impressed with the job Trent Reznor (along with Atticus Ross) did. If you don't own the soundtrack and like electronic music, go out and buy it, you won't be disappointed.

As for the Jesse Eisenberg crush, I look forward to seeing his next movie, Holy Rollers, in the meantime, I have Google. ;)

Oh Wow! Red 'Frankie' tops are on SALE until Sunday!

2010-11-18T11:25:00.002+11:00

Red 'Frankie' tops are on sale in my online store until midnight on Sunday.

They are made from a beautiful stretch fabric that includes Viscose so they feel really nice to wear.

Note: size 14 has sold out.

'Never Fade' by Phrase

2010-11-12T11:16:00.003+11:00

Phrase's 'Never Fade' is available from iTunes...it's perfect for summer, hanging out with pals, remembering the past and looking forward to the future...

RIP James Freud

2010-11-04T15:20:00.003+11:00

The news has come in that James Freud passed away this morning. The online 'tweets' are saying he committed suicide.

I was never a massive Models or James Freud fan, but my best friend was and I have fond memories of listening to her squeal about him while I scrunched up my 15 year old nose.

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

If you are sad or depressed and feel that you cannot go on, please call Life Line on 13 11 14 or visit the Beyond Blue website, because there IS light at the end of the tunnel, I know this because I too have been in "the tunnel" before.

'Making It Handmade' is available on DVD!

2010-11-01T07:16:00.004+11:00

"So you think craft is for Nannas? Well think again. Come and explore the subculture of indie craft in Melbourne through four women who are subverting domestic craft techniques drawing from punk culture, politics, feminism and modern aesthetics."

Melbourne film maker, Anna Brownfield has released her documentary 'Making It Handmade' on DVD. The film features 5 crafty women, Rayna Fahey, Pip Lincoln, Gemma Jones, Casey Jenkins, Faythe Levine and interviews with them talking about their careers as crafters, the craft groups they have started and their opinions about what it is like to be a crafty woman in 2010.

Whether you are into making craft, buying craft or are simply interested in a sub-culture that you may not know much about, this movie will do one thing for you, leave you feeling with an inexplicable feeling of empowerment.

You can buy the DVD from here.

Bon Jovi - You Give Love A Bad Name

2010-10-25T09:36:00.002+11:00

I know that this song is played to death on commercial radio, but I just had to post it today. I am going to see Bon Jovi with my cousins Julie and Suzie in December and I have to say, we're pretty excited!

After 23 years, this music video still makes my heart flutter. Oh, and if you're wondering who my favorite band member was, it was and still is Richie. ;)

"The Smith Kids Are Alright" - benefit gig for Gavin, Ned & Tadhg Smith

2010-10-18T09:14:00.002+11:00

Copy and pasted from the Facebook event page:

Cate Groufsky was an "irreplaceable soul", and her sudden passing has left a massive hole in the lives of many, none more so than her partner Gavin Smith and their 1 y.o twin boys, Ned and Tadhg.

In a show of mass support from a music community that Gav has been involved in for over 20 years, (The Cants, Sons of Lee Marvin, The Ghoulies,) a benefit, support & memorial gig will take place on Sunday October 24 at The Tote.

Doors open 1.30pm
$20 entry.
BBQ, Raffle, Donations.

Nici Blue Eyes
Damn The Torpedos
Wrong Turn
The Devilrock Four
Bakelite Age
Sons of Lee Marvin
Russian Roulettes
Even
Digger & The Pussycats
The Meanies

In facing the obvious and immediate financial implications of such a life altering event, this is a genuine way of helping out Gav, Ned and Tadhg. But more importantly this day will enable family, friends and even strangers to come together as a community and give support to the Smith boys, and to help remember and celebrate the irreplaceable soul that was Cate.

If you would like to make a financial contribution:

Trust fund for Tadhg and Ned –Direct Payment details below.

If you would like to donate directly to a bank account, here are the details provided by Berry Street; please read the directions below to ensure that Berry Street directs the money to the fund.

Bank: National Australia Bank
Branch: 330 Collins St,
Melbourne...
BSB: 083-347
Account number:
45-912-0903
Account name: Berry Street Victoria – Community Relations

If you contribute, please email Robert Nash (Berry Street) at rnash@berrystreet.org.au and let him know the amount of the donation and that the contribution is for the "Trust Fund for Tadhg & Ned Groufsky" so that Robert can ensure the money goes to the fund and can issue you with a receipt for tax.

Hooray! Gemma Jones has released three new Gocco prints

2010-10-12T10:24:00.004+11:00

The awesome Gemma Jones has released three new Gocco prints for sale in her etsy store and I am excited!

As some of you may know by now, aside from the fact that Gem is my friend, I am a really big fan of her artwork and her little collection of prints featuring pennants and beautiful 1960's inspired girls has not let me down!

Pictured is 'Hooray', printed on a page from a children's novel titled 'What Katy Did'. I have ordered all three and I will be stalking my letterbox until they arrive.

You can buy 'Hooray' (pictured) from here.

'Like' from here and 'Yes!' from here.

Note that all images are Copyright Gemma Jones 2010/2011

My flower girl dress is on Offbeat Bride today!

2010-10-05T10:39:00.002+11:00

I recently made a flower girl dress to compliment black 'Rocker Girl Jane' dresses I made for a bridal party.

This photo, taken by Stephen Henry is featured on Offbeat Bride today.

Both the blog, and Stephen's website are beautiful so please take some time to check them out.

These Artists - Nicole Reed's first solo show

2010-09-28T09:28:00.003+10:00

Spring is finally here! (well, sort of)

2010-09-18T09:54:00.003+10:00

It is finally Spring here in Melbourne, although it is a little hard to believe as it is so very cold!

I love Winter, and I do prefer the cold weather over hot weather, however, I am ready for pretty dresses, picnics at the Edinburgh Gardens and day trips around Victoria.

While browsing Mitchell and Dent's online store this morning, I came across this beautiful Spring inspired print, titled 'Spring Posy'. It is one in a series of three.

Visit the Mitchell and Dent online store for this and other pretty printed goodness.

'Kitty' dress

2010-09-16T16:53:00.003+10:00

I have just posted some 'Kitty' dresses to Midnight Black in NSW.

This new style is made from soft Japanese 100% cotton, is half lined in the same fabric and has an invisible zip closure in the back.

The broderie anglaise that I have trimmed the dresses with has a sweet heart shaped pattern through it and is really lovely.

If you're not in Sydney and would like to buy a 'Kitty' dress, visit my online store and buy one from here.

'New Way New Life' - Asian Dub Foundation

2010-08-24T09:25:00.001+10:00

Have you met Miss Hussy?

2010-08-19T12:00:00.003+10:00

I have known Hayley Stoneham for about 5 years now. My first contact with her was through MySpace, then Facebook and we've met in person once too.

Hayley has an Australian, 1950's - 1960's inspired clothing label called Miss Hussy Clothing. She is currently based in the USA with an office in Melbourne, Australia.

1. What is your name and your location?

My name is Hayley and I have a clothing label called "Miss Hussy". Currently I live in Las Vegas but i also have a "base" in Melbourne" which is where most of our items are made. (The rest i do by hand from here in Las Vegas)

2. What kind of handmade clothing do you make and what is your inspiration?

I mostly make retro inspired pieces. Mainly influenced by the 50's and early 60's. I love being inspired by a fab piece of fabric, either a really neat or unusual colour or a print. Of course i do the basics like pencil skirts etc but i love doing limited runs of dresses maybe only 8 of each in a really great fabric. It keeps if fresh and fun for me too.

3. Do you plan on expanding the business in the future? If so, what are your goals?

My dream has always been to have a little boutique! I'd love to be able to do that. I couldn't think of anything better than having your own shop. Hopefully when i move back to Australia I can start working towards that. Las Vegas isn't the best environment for small boutiques.

4. What are you favourite fabrics to work with and do you have a favorite thing that you like to make?

I love working with cottons or cotton elastanes. I love the variety in cotton prints available. You are limited with a cotton though and i try to stick to only using it for 50's style sundresses with full skirts. So i have to say they are my fave only because of the wide variety of prints there's on for every mood. Right now my fave thing to make is the 50's sundress. Its probably because the weather is so hot here right now and wearing pants is torture! - and they are so much fun to trim, bows, buttons, rick rack...love it!

5. Name 3 of your favorite Australian designers (established designers are welcome).

Well i have to be honest, when i was studying fashion at university i would have killed to have owned a brand like "Wheels and Dollbaby" they were the right mixture of punk, retro and rock 'n' roll! Love that style. Unfortunately in uni all i could afford was the tank...still saving up for something!

Im going to cheat here and say that i love my fellow retro designers...You, Moxie Minx and Hot Couture. How fab that Australia is producing some of the best items in this scene. I think its great that people are really getting behind local brands too. There is a huge amount of loyalty right now.

And then Alannah Hill, controversial right now but how can a girl not want that kind of edgy pretty!..lovely! I got a great Alannah Hill 40's style straw hat for christmas. It is my favorite thing right now.

Miss Hussy online store: click here

PHOTO CREDIT: Jenny M

Sylvia in stripey 'Lucky Diamonds' at Greazefest

2010-08-18T10:25:00.004+10:00

I love receiving photos of customers wearing Peta Pledger dresses and this one is adorable.

Sylvia wore my Red and White stripe 'Lucky Diamonds' dress to Greazefest this year.

If you have a photo of yourself wearing a Peta Pledger garment please send it to me! My email address is: petapledger@gmail.com

Thanks Sylvia!

'New York Groove' dress in Peacock

2010-08-16T07:07:00.005+10:00

When I showed my friend Pilgrim Lee this dress, unsure of what she thought about it, I blurted out: "I was going for CBGB in the 80's meets Mad Men". And being a fellow creative type, she understood exactly what I was talking about.

This fabric is wonderful. Photos don't do it justice as it is hard to see that it is a jacquard (63% Polyester/37% Rayon) with black and metallic peacock green thread.

I made this dress unlined and used a neck facing, with an invisible zip closure in the back. Unlike most of my dresses, the darts in the front have been sewn as tucks.

The dress is available online from here.

The Cure - Catch

2010-08-14T08:08:00.001+10:00

I have been interviewed by Baby Wasp's Culture Hound

2010-08-10T09:29:00.004+10:00

The lovely Courtney Beck interviewed me for her super cool blog.

You can read the interview here.

Thanks Courtney for asking me some very interesting questions!

'Frankie' tops available NOW!

2010-07-29T17:39:00.003+10:00

All four 'Frankie' tops are available for sale in my online store.

Please note that some colourways may take up to 4 weeks for delivery.

This style of top is good for non-pregnant people, pregnant people and post-natal people as it has a longer cut and quite stretchy.

Made in Melbourne, Australia with love.

Mad Men, Cocktails & Dresses on draw! pilgrim

2010-07-23T14:01:00.003+10:00

Go and visit draw! pilgrim and check out her super cool Mad Men inspired blog post. It features delicious cocktail recipes and some of my dresses!

'Frankie' top in Black coming soon

2010-07-15T15:25:00.003+10:00

Here is a photo from my recent shoot of Beth playing it up for the camera.

Oh, and I am going to make the 'Frankie' top in black soon, I promise!

'Lula' mini skirt in tartan

2010-07-14T09:46:00.002+10:00

The new photos from my latest shoot will be trickling online over the next few weeks.

Available from my online store now, the 'Lula' mini skirt in tartan is made from 65% Polyester/35% Viscose and lined with 100% red Polyester.

Lining adds to the cost, but I think that the 'creeping up' feeling when you're walking down the street in an unlined mini is quite uncomfortable, also, by lining this skirt I found that it gave it a nicer shape.

The waistband is bound in yellow (you can see inside the skirt if you click on image number 4 here and there is an invisible zip in the centre back. I am favoring large snaps as waist band closures at the moment over traditional button and buttonholes.

If you wish to buy this skirt, it is available from my online store now.

Think Pink from the movie, Funny Face

2010-07-06T09:14:00.002+10:00

It's my birthday today and...

2010-06-30T10:36:00.000+10:00

It's my 37th birthday today, the end of the financial year in Australia and the last day of the SALE in my online store!

Bestest early Birthday Present ever!

2010-06-28T08:26:00.000+10:00

As some of you may know, I have been on the search for frankie magazine issue # 2 for quite some time now.

Well, on Saturday my wish came true. My pal Eddie gave his mint condition copy to me as an early birthday present, and it took alot of self control not to jump up and down like a person who has scored front row Bon Jovi tickets.

I think aside from the fact that Ed is a generous person, it may also my magazine karma.

You see, about 3 months ago, I gave my friend Pete of i heart guitar my treasured copy of Guitar World, featuring a very young and spunky Steve Vai on the front. I had the magazine since I was 15 or 16 years old, which makes the issue "vintage".

As Pete lives and breathes guitar - and is also a huge Steve Vai fan, I felt that the time had come to pass it on.

So if you have a collectable, or something that you have been hoarding for a long time, and you think that someone you know may appreciate more than you do, wrap it up and give it to them...as you don't know what collectable karma will come to you!

Some of you will know Steve Vai from this David Lee Roth music video:

Friends that inspire me - Lynnelle Moran

2010-06-21T22:32:00.000+10:00

I planned on doing a series of blog posts about my 'muses'. However, I felt a little awkward using the word muse, so I am going to blog about friends/people that inspire me.

Lynnelle Moran and I met in the early 90's in clubland. We were both goths and I thought she was very cool indeed as her face was pretty and so much whiter than mine!

Over the years she has inspired many dress and skirt designs and we have collaborated together to make some fine threads.

Lynnelle has a super cool husband named Dan West who is a music producer and also is part of Sylent Running, a collaboration between musicians from Melbourne and NYC. Lynnelle is also in a band, a folky electro outfit called Welcome Dear Friend.

As well as making people happy with her beautiful singing voice, Lynnelle also juggles being a mother to two boys aged 4 years and 6 months AND running a sweet childrenswear label named crumb...

The label is a partnership between Lynnelle and her beautiful mother, Mary. The two create beautiful clothes for both girls and boys. My favorite item in the shop at the moment is the Billy Boy Rocker shirt.

Well, this is the first post of nine, I hope you enjoy checking out all of the links and please do tell your friends about crumb... and please mention that it is all handmade in Melbourne, Australia.

Life Is Flashing Before Your Eyes

2010-06-21T09:13:00.000+10:00

My pal and I went to see some Vince Collins animation at ACMI in Melbourne last night.

If you watched Sesame Street (gosh, another Sesame Street reference!) in the 1970's and early 1980's you may be familiar with his work.

Here is a clip from last night. Both my pal and I are mums to young boys, this song was quite relevant to both of us at this point of our lives.

Happy 5th Birthday T-world!

2010-06-17T16:56:00.000+10:00

T-world was launched 5 years today by tee collector Eddie Zammit.

The magazine is wholly dedicated to t-shirt culture and is the only one of it's kind in the world. It has featured some amazing artists both from here in Australia and around the world.

Something that you will notice about T is it's colour. With so many magazines choosing 'muted tones' and black and white photos, T is like a trip to "that room" at Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory - coincidently, Eddie currently lives in a converted chocolate factory!

Issue number 6 celebrates 40 years of Sesame Street and is a must have for people like me who grew up watching it and still love it. Oh, and some cute little people I know are models in the 'A-Z of Kids Tees' feature!

I met Eddie through my friend Nicole a month or so ago. His hard work ethics and passion for life are infectious and he has certainly made me want to work harder at what I do (the dressmaking bit, not the motherhood bit, that's already covered).

Whether you are into t-shirts or not, this magazine is still worth a look as it really is amazing.

You can buy current and back issues from mag nation.

Baby Wasp interview with Eddie here.

The Girlfriend Of The Whirling Dervish

2010-06-10T12:31:00.000+10:00

One of the best things about Facebook is the wonderful things you can discover through your friends - thank you Mose for posting this!

SALE is not a dirty word...

2010-06-07T13:58:00.000+10:00

OK, so if you live in Melbourne, Australia you may be quite sick of the word SALE by now.

Department stores seem to have them all year round and the thrill of the post Christmas and End of Financial Year sales seem to have lost their sparkle.

Well, it is the end of the financial year and it is my birthday soon. So, from today until midnight, June 30 I am having a SALE in my online stores.

Oh and thank you Pilgrim Lee for my cute sale sign!

Webstore: www.petapledger.bigcartel.com

Etsy store (USD): Peta Pledger

Speaking of Pilgrim...

2010-06-03T18:40:00.000+10:00

I blogged about the dress I made for Pilgrim Lee of draw! pilgrim the other day. However, I don't feel that I don't you enough about the girl behind the delightful designs.

I first read about Pilgrim Lee and her wonderful artwork on The Vine. The article was written by paintergirl - someone who has introduced me to many cool people and things over the years - and I instantly fell in love.

What caught my eye was her Alphabet series, my favorite being the one pictured above. I love the colours and I love the indirect way the pills and letter C remind me of The Carrie Nations from the movie Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.

I bought the print and had it framed by the amazing people at Melbourne's Outre Gallery.

Not long after reading the article, I started following Pilgrim via Twitter, and after learning that we both had sons the same age, I asked her if she was interested in a playdate. Thankfully, she said yes and we (and our sons) have been friends ever since.

Whether it's a sunny day or a grey & rainy day, Pilgrim always fills up my day with colour...technicolour to be exact!

She launched her Etsy store recently and is planning on adding new items every couple of weeks.

If you're after a pretty bright print for your wall or some super cute gift tags, visit her store and be sure mention that I sent you for a 10% discount off your purchase from her etsy store!

Website: draw! pilgrim
Twitter: pilgrim_lee
Etsy store: draw! pilgrim

Pilgrim's dress made from a 1960's bedsheet

2010-06-02T11:18:00.000+10:00

My super talented friend, Pilgrim asked me to make her a summer frock made using one of the many beautiful pieces of fabric from her stash.

First, I machine washed the fabric using hot water and just a little washing detergent and fabric softener. I would have liked to have tumble dried the fabric but as I don't have one, I line dried the fabric piece.

Finally, to ensure as much shrinkage was taken out as possible and to make the fabric easier to work with, I pressed and steamed the fabric with a hot iron.

We chose a simple boat neck strapless design as the fabric print was quite bold. The skirt is a simple gathered a-line shape and the centre back has an invisible zip.

Princess seams allowed me to get a nice fit in the bodice and I lined it with 100% Viscose lining.

Hopefully I can post a photo of Pilgrim in her new dress later in the year as the weather gets warmer.

For now though, forgive me for the iPhone photo of the dress and be sure to check out Pilgrim's amazing website, draw! pilgrim.

One of the things that made me want to sew

2010-06-01T09:33:00.000+10:00

When I was a little girl, my nanna and I watched this movie together many times. I remember the feeling of awe when they convert the "shack" to a pretty home.

I am about to make some new curtains for both my bathroom and laundry. I hope you enjoy this clip from the movie Calamity Jane as much as I do.

RIP Ronnie James Dio

2010-05-27T15:36:00.000+10:00

I remember watching this on the ABC as a child. From memory, it was on just before I had to leave home to go to school...or was it when I got home from school?

Anyway, this is my small tribute to Ronnie James Dio, may he Rest In Peace.

A Shot Away

2010-05-25T09:37:00.000+10:00

I am one of 'those people' that is lucky to be surrounded by friends that are not only faithful, but very, very talented.

One of those friends is Nicole Reed. I have known Nicole for 10 years or so, and I remember in the early days, my knees would go weak when I saw her as I thought she was just "so cool". Nicole is soft spoken, intelligent and a super talented photographer.

Well, I still think she is "so cool" and love her dearly as a friend, but I can also say that I am a big fan of her as an artist too.

Photographing a broad range of subjects, for tattoo, fashion and streetwear magazines, the thing I love most about Nicole's work is that her photos always look 'alive'.

Her wedding photography is unobtrusive and natural and the many photos she takes of her surroundings in her many travels, make you feel like you could get lost in that moment in time.

I hope to shoot with her soon, but in the meantime, please check out her work via the links below.

WEBSITE: A Shot Away

FACEBOOK: Business page

PHOTO CREDIT: Mr Cartoon photo taken by Nicole Reed for T-World magazine issue # 5

New dress in a limited run of three

2010-05-24T07:24:00.000+10:00

At first glance, you may think that this dress is no ground breaking design. This is true, however, what makes my dress stand apart from the others is the fabric.

This dress is made from the highest quality cotton sateen, which means it's cotton with about 5% spandex/elastaine in it. It is thick and a dream to both sew and wear.

I have only half lined this dress keeping in mind that not everyone wants to wear a lined dress. It has an invisible zip closure in the back and leopard print trim. The 2 inch wide belt is included and I have not added belt loops to this dress, allowing the owner to wear the dress with or without a belt.

You can see a close up of it here and it is available from my online store.

Oh, and it's in limited run of three, I have already sold two so there is only one left!

It's not a party without Margarita

2010-05-12T09:07:00.000+10:00

My friend Dawn posted this gorgeous link on her blog, The Girl Can't Help It.

It is a Cointreau advertisement featuring Dita Von Teese and I just had to share it with you...enjoy!

Zebra print 'Lula' skirt looks like the first skirt I made...

2010-04-07T08:07:00.000+10:00

The very skirt I made was in year 9 in high school. The year was 1987 and my friend Kendra and I needed something to wear to the Bon Jovi concert (Slippery When Wet tour).

We made zebra print skirts out of poly/cotton jersey that I think we bought from the fabric department at Coles in the Melbourne CBD, which is now a Target store.

The skirts were basically a hemmed tube with elastic in the top to hold them up. We wore fishnet stockings, matching pointy toed ankle boots and I think matching Bon Jovi tees on top.

Fast forward to 2010 and my urge to make clothing inspired by my formative sewing years keeps getting greater and greater.

The 'Lula' mini skirt is a new style. It is generally 42cm long from waist to hem and is sometimes lined and sometimes unlined depending in the fabric.

This one is lined in 100% viscose and made from 100% cotton corduroy. The wales are very fine, giving the skirt are nice texture. It has darts in the front and back and an invisible zip closure in the centre back.

If you would like a bit of metal influence in your life, you can buy this limited edition 'Lula' from here.

Oh and if you want to see where Kendra & I got the inspiration to wear matching outfits, watch the Cinderella video for their song 'Shake Me' below:

Blog Love from Perth!

2010-03-23T08:58:00.000+11:00

This is another short blog post as there is a little person asking me to build a train track with them.

The gorgeous ladies from Studio Bomba have a side project called Mitchell & Dent, they make beautiful stationary and artworks. Please check out their online store here.

Oh and as my star sign is Cancer, it's only natural that this is my favorite print!

Thank you Leah and Angie for your blog love last week, I really appreciate it! x

Thank you for the shout out Paula!

2010-02-18T11:06:00.000+11:00

Here is an interview with Paula Delley shot early last year.

If you are interested in buying a leopard print skirt like one she is wearing in the interview, send me a message!

Jennifer's wedding dress and the 1930's heirloom lace

2010-02-14T09:29:00.000+11:00

When Jennifer and I had our first meeting, all was going well. Jennifer wanted a 'non-wedding dress' made from 100% Silk Dupion using a 1950's inspired pattern. "And I would like to incorporate this piece of lace that belonged to my great grandmother, it's been in our family for years and it's very, very old".

I instantly got stage fright and I must admit, went into a little panic. As I composed Jen's quote I worked out the best way that we could get the most out of the piece and after the quote was approved, Jen set out to have the lace professionally cleaned and dated.

The National Gallery dated the lace as early 1930's, which made me feel a little more relaxed as I would have felt a little nervous cutting anything that was from the year 18-something.

We agreed to a simple design and let the lace be the main focus of the dress. The silk was purchased at Tessuti in Melbourne and I wish that you could see the true colour of it in the photo, it is divine! I bought the 100% Viscose lining from Harvey's in the Nicolas building and used a heavier lightweight woven interfacing (that sounds strange, I know) for the bodice.

I gathered a rectangle piece of the lace onto the midriff to ensure that we got the maximum use of the piece, the invisible zip was inserted into the side seam.

Jen wore a very cool pair of black and gold metallic snakeskin stilettos and accessorised the dress with an antique brooch.

To see the backview of the dress click here.

Thank you so much for making me a part of your special day Jen! x

Alexander McQueen, RIP

2010-02-12T14:27:00.000+11:00

When I woke to the news that fashion designer, Alexander McQueen had committed suicide I thought it was another cruel online hoax.

Sadly though, it is not a hoax and very true. Although the fashion industry will acknowledge that it lost one it's heros, what breaks my heart the most is that there is a group of people out there who's lives changed forever today.

I lost two friends through suicide in the 1990's and not a day goes by that my heart doesn't break. It's a strange sort of pain, you can feel it coming from a distance and within seconds, the sadness washes over your whole body and grips at your heart and then after what feels like a long time, but may only be a few seconds, it passes and life goes on.

If you feel that you cannot go on, suicide is not the solution, there is help and there truly is light (and life) at the end of the tunnel. Australian residents have access to a service called Beyond Blue, if you are not an Australian resident and you feel depressed or that you are finding it hard to live, contact your GP and ask for help.

Valentine's Day sale...

2010-02-10T10:10:00.000+11:00

Just a quick note to let you know that all love-themed items in my store are reduced until February the 15th.

Take a look here.

Speaking of Valentine's Day, check out Pilgrim Lee's blog for some cute Valentine's Day goodness here.

"May I have straps with that dress please?"

2010-01-06T08:14:00.000+11:00

The answer is YES. Well, in most cases. When Sean wanted to buy his gorgeous girlfriend Yani a Peta Pledger dress for her birthday, the one request he had was that she did'nt want a strapless dress.

Yani chose the Antique Pink Hawaiian Bark Cloth 'Lucky Diamonds' dress and I made it with removable straps.

For an additional fee of AUD$10, I can turn any of my strapless dress designs into a dress with button on-removable straps.

And remember that all custom made dresses have the option of sewn in or removable straps, providing the design allows for it.