Fashion and Embroidery / Sewing for Pleasure / Hobbycrafts – NEC Birmingham 16-19 March

The NEC in Birmingham knows how to put on good shows – just last week, millions of people up and down the country watched Crufts. I stayed with my family, and even the kittens loved it:

They were both shy when I arrived on Friday, but by Sunday they trusted me and curled up on my lap together. It was crushing to leave these little guys behind when I went back the following day.

This week, the NEC hosts the Sewing Show. The opening day can often be the quietest day to go, as most people don't book a day off and visit on the weekend. Featuring Fashion and Embroidery, Sewing for Pleasure and Hobbycrafts shows (Cake International is also included in the price but is only open fri-sun). Last year, I went with my mum to the show at Alexandra Palace, and this year we wanted to try the NEC as it's easier to get to from Banbury.

I didn't get the names of all the artists/stalls, and I'm sorry about that. If you recognise any of the textile pieces, please let me know and I will credit them.

NEW illustration blog

I've started an illustration blog at madillustration.wordpress.com, where I'm sharing illustrations, tools of the trade, techniques, behind the scenes, and inspirations. Posts will mostly be short and sweet, so you can read them with an espresso rather than a cup of tea! Because of this, I'll be updating this blog a little less often, but I'm not abandoning it and will still post life and lolita related posts here.

Thanks for checking it out!

Living with CFS/ME

Today's post is a little off topic from art and lolita, but I promise I'll tie it in. I thought for a long time about doing an 'illness post' as I don't usually talk about my condition (although I've got better at opening up about it lately), and I didn't want to write a negative / self-pity post when everybody goes through a bad time as it is, but I'm hoping it might help those with similar issues or to further understanding of what it's like to live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / ME.

My Lolita Room (Mini Wardrobe Post)

Every year in January, lolitas from all over the world make a "wardrobe post" – a detailed entry on I-can't-believe-it's-not-dead-yet LiveJournal. These posts are often extremely labour intensive as Japanese fashion lovers document every detail of their dresses, blouses, shoes, and accessories. I thought about making this kind of post, but even though my wardrobe is small, it felt like an intimidating prospect when I could use that time drawing or journaling instead. There are so many beautiful wardrobe posts that I don't think mine would be of much interest, too. So, I'm doing something a little different: I'm showing where I keep my clothes instead, a glimpse into my wardrobe, and organisation tips.

Les Bourdons – Review of Victorian 3 Strap Booties

Today I'm going to review the new lolita footwear brand, Les Bourdons. This brand uses leather, so please be aware of that before we go any further. Les Bourdons translates as The Bumblebees, and is run by Nina of Lockshop Wigs.

Hello 2017!

In 2016, despite promising myself I would blog more often, I just didn't get around to it, and I regret that. I worried too much about what to post, whether anyone would find it interesting, and what I wanted to write about. So the only thing I ended up writing about was Wicked and Whimsy in the summer. I know I keep saying it, but this year I want to change that by having a better plan. I have a blog writing app on my phone now, which I'll use to make drafts and notes; I have a better camera to use; and I have a list of "lolita lifestyle" and creative activities to give me inspiration; as well as talking about my pursuits in the world of illustration. So I'll split each post into two halves, and you can read either, both, or neither!

Wicked and Whimsy, London

I've decided to return to blogging again, as I miss the pace of it, and being able to write more than a caption next to a photo, and there is something so much nicer than Facebook about it. For example, you know that the people reading it are genuinely interested, and not some bemused aunt or acquaintance running into it on their newsfeed. What better way to start again than by writing about Wicked and Whimsy? I apologise in advance for clumsy writing, as I'm out of practice. I'm also thinking about replacing my camera, as it doesn't pick up light well, and it's tiresome to edit every photo, which I haven't done here.