Vintage inspired Jacket

Next Wardrobe Refashion project is this 'vintage' inspired jacket. No idea where I acquired this dress pattern from, but I unearthed it from the unused. I had long admired the sleeves on this dress and suddenly decided to have a go at a jacket inspired by the top half of one of the dresses in the pattern.

 

As most of the pattern pieces had seen better days, I needed to re-trace the tissue. In doing so I decided to add some swing to the back of the jacket (I think that was successful!). The fabric is a beautiful wool upholstery fabric... so if anyone want to sit on my jacket - it has excellent rub rates! The fabric has made the jacket quite weighty, but I quite like that... it's warm! 

 

I used the same cotton print fabric used to make this skirt, so it is demure to wear buttoned up, and a surprise flash of colour to wear  partly open. I added a cuff to the sleeves to add length and, I think, quite a nice detail, and oversized vintage green buttons finish it off.

 

Very cute!

Vintage Vogue: Smokin' dress

On assignment for Canberra's Got Style, a trip to Canberra Antiques Centre paid off in dividends. One of the gems I picked up was the Vintage Vogue dress pattern #1307, circa 1960's, designed by Jean Patou.

So, naturally, I couldn't wait to 'whip up' this smokin' hot dress!

Using fabric from my stash (from over a year ago), a grey-green suit fabric with just a little stretch (thank goodness!). I took the license to change some of the assembly instructions, but the design  is as intended.

The ribbon detail is easily interchangeable with anything I fancy as the mood strikes, add a jolt of colour or a splash of red. The dress also looks awesome without the belt, I think I'm going to have fun with this one!

Tango & James: The handbags collection

Here's a confession, I love making handbags (but who has the time anymore?). I make more handbags than a girl should keep for herself, so I began my 'label' Tango & James (named after a pair of goldfish I once owned!).

Here are the ones I am selling online via new online store Ginger Knits (run by a good friend of mine). And if I have any luck selling these, then there is every chance there will be more! Readers of Ninaribena Makes and Canberra's Got Style are eligible for a 5% discount, just quote code "CGS5%" when you place your order. And click here to find out how you can win $50 to spend at Ginger Knits!

Below, sold out, maybe I could make these ones again?...

Coffee Table Love

Here's something I made a couple of years ago now, but I want to share with you...

This coffee table I designed, built and painted. In response to the space I needed it to go into, I needed a coffee table that was 900mm x 900mm, with storage, on lockable wheels, so I could move it away (into the corner of the room) and looked GORGEOUS (in my style). So the only way was to make it myself.

The handbags are my design, sold now I called them "Stella" bags.

The flower was drawn freehand based on the fabric from the handbags.  This table is one of my favourite pieces in my house, it gets used every day and it still makes me smile.

Make-over: Project lighting

Ok, time to work on a gift for a gal pal of mine. She's young and funky and quite the individual... what to get for her? Something completely unique of course!

Take 2 Plain Jane table lamps and recover the shades with a fun fabric (Chicks In The City by Moda) from Addicted to Fabric.

  

Pretty cool? I'd have 'em!

Happy Birthday Clare!

Wardrobe Refashion Friday: easy skirt

I have had this fabric in my stash for over a year now. I fell in love with the zingy colours and oriental design instantly. I bought enough of it to make a dress, but worried all this time that it would be a bit much with the all-over pattern... so I finally made a simple skirt...

I am loving it with my DKNY top (thrifted) and little red Ebay shoes! And there's enough left over fabric for a handbag...we'll see!

Welcome to Ninaribena land!

Hello and welcome to the style files of Ninaribena. On this blog I plan to show you some of my home projects, undertaken in my spare time - around being a mum to 2 small and energetic boys and writer of Canberra's Got Style blog. 

This blog will focus on the other creative exploits I get up to... I hope you enjoy reading.