Sewing Pattern Inspiration: Lazy Oaf

All designs, images and border from Lazy Oaf

Lazy Oaf is a London based fashion label featuring bold colours and graphic prints. Established in 2001, their styles have a rebellious yet adorable feeling to them. I first heard about them in 2009, when my uni flatmate was really into their styling. We used to browse the website for hours, not being able to afford any of it as students but wishing we could! After graduating, the brand faded from my mind as I was more into Japanese fashion labels. Recently, I noticed many of my friends and instagram heroes rocking Lazy Oaf looks and staging photoshoots in the London store, which I'm looking forward to see for myself when I'm next in the city!

Lazy Oaf's style manages to be both casual and neat, giving off vibes of effortless chic while keeping the wearer comfortable. Their photos and styling shows someone who isn't afraid to speak their mind, make weird jokes, but who also likes to be left alone to do their own thing. I can see why they have such a loyal fanbase with this aesthetic. 

The overall silhouette is loose, flattering, with interesting shapes. I was inspired to look for sewing pattern inspiration to achieve a similar look in terms of fitting. My aim isn't to copy any pieces or ideas, but to make some wearable pieces that have these silhouettes.

Sewing patterns using similar silhouettes

Sewing patterns, clockwise from top left: Cali Faye Collection Gardenia Dress; Cocowawa Crafts Lily Dress; Seamwork Jane T-Shirt; Yoshiko Tsukiori Stylish Dress Book; Vogue A-Line Dress; Cocowawa Crafts Lily Top; Named Ronja Dungarees; Wear Lemonade Fiona Dungarees; Burda Style Trousers.

I hope this helps to inspire your makes! Do you like Lazy Oaf, or do you prefer other fashion styles? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Shopping for fabric and trims

Image from MissPatina.com

There are some great places to shop for fabric online, but many times we find ourselves contemplating expensive trips to London, or buying overpriced fabric, or even rummaging around local haberdashery shops that, while useful for the odd zip or elastic, are hopeless for finding quality fabric. With that in mind, I put together a few of my favourite places to shop for quality fabrics online. If there's any you use, I'd love to hear about them!

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.