Introducing Betsey Mae my Etsy shop.

Posted on by
10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve opened my Etsy shop called Betsey Mae ( one guess why ! ;) ) .. There has been a sale too so am feeling pretty whoop whoop! All cushion covers at the moment in various prints, of course a few animal prints have snuck in there. Surprise, surprise !

As you may know if you are a regular reader – I am a kitsch loving, vintage inspired, retro loving lady so expect lots of this kind of thing. I will be uploading lots of items over the coming weeks, homeware and clothing – mainly one off’s and also take commissions if you’re looking for something specific.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I like about Etsy, is that you can try things out and it feels so nice working with fabrics that I totally love. My own home is stacked full of colour and our family home when growing up was full of my Mums artwork – maybe this is where my inspiration comes from !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would love to hear your thoughts on what you see …or advice if you already have a shop. Pop over to my shop and have a gander.

Please share the love by clicking on the links below xx

A little bit of a bling.

Posted on by
4


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are some really simple things that you can do to up – cycle your clothing and it doesn’t have to cost anything or at least very little. In this case I spent £1.05 in total on some new red heart buttons.

This cardigan was okay, nothing particularly wrong with it –  it just needed a few things doing to it so that I felt happy wearing it. In fact, I’m pretty sure I bought it originally to jazz it up a bit but it got neglected… Awww.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The alterations were so simple. I just marked on the arms, the length I wanted them to be adding the seam allowance and chopped off the rest. If you do this – I find it easier and quicker to measure from the cuffs upwards. I then used some of the arm remnants – folded them over and pressed to make the cuffs which I then sewed back on and overlocked.

Then I snipped off the original buttons and put them in my stash for something else – and sewed on the heart ones which are lovely and shiny. :)  It only took half an hour so very quick too. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Because the pictures are inside and outside, the colour of the cardigan looks quite different. It’s more the top picture and the bright red heart buttons look very pretty against it.

Do you alter your clothes or do you have something lurking in the cupboard that you want to up – cycle ? Leave me a comment if you do. :)

Please share the love by clicking on the links below xx

Don’t forget my Nikki Strange iPhone 5 case giveaway ! Enter HERE.

Giveaway ! Win this Nikki Strange iPhone 5 Case – CLOSED

Posted on by
6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don’t know about you but my mobile phone often appears to be welded to my hand. It’s a necessity, what with all the apps on it for pretty much anything and everything. How did we ever get by before ? 

So, do you want the good news ?  This rather gorgeous Nikki Strange iPhone 5 snap on, hard case in Marbled Gardens print is my latest LucyLovesYa giveaway. It’s finished with a gloss oil treatment giving the case a shiny smooth finish. Retailing normally at £16.99, one of you lovely readers will own it for absolutely free.

Let me tell you a bit more about Nikki and her products and then you can get entered. :)

Having received a lot of commericial success, Nikki decided enough was enough & so decided to take the plunge and start a independant accessories label. She has now launched her own brand, specialising in

‘Imaginative & ethereal textile printed accessories for day dreamers & reality escapers’

Inspired by her love of nature, found patterns, textures & whimsical design, Nikki has developed a selective range of products, aimed to envoke a sense of playfulness & freedom. Experimenting with watercolours & inks ( and a splash of glitter ) to create a collection of dreamy & mystical prints, Nikki decided that it wasn’t enough to just design these prints, but to develop a range of products that would allow ‘the adventurer’,'the traveller’, ‘the dreamer’ whoever she may be, to journey & explore in style & colour! Her inital collection of iphone cases & pocket mirrors are the perfect portable accessories, allowing the wearer to feel creative, individual & inspired on their constant path of exploration.

Having graduated in 2010 with a BA(hons) Fashion & Textiles degree, Nikki Strange has since gone on to work in the industry as a passionate & highly creative freelance textile print designer. With two years experience, Nikki has been working as a freelance textile designer for both fashion & furnishings in studios based in the UK & LA, developing her commercial print portfolio and developing her own distinct feminine handwriting.

Next up are the details on how to enter the giveaway. I wish you all good lots of luck. I will pick a winner at random on Monday 17th June at 7pm.

1. Leave a comment under this post telling me why you would like to win this prize. ( This is compulsory ) 

2. For an additional entry – like both the Nikki Strange and LucyLovesYa facebook pages.

3. For a second additional entry and this is only if you have already liked our facebook pages – tweet this quote:

I’ve just entered the @lucylovesyablog giveaway to win a @nikkistrange Marbled Garden iPhone 5 case. Enter here: http://lucylovesya.com/?p=5440

Please let me know in your comment if you have also used your additional entry or entries – and just leave the one comment in total ! Thanks.

T’s and C’s

I will both add the winners name to this post and email them on Monday 17th June at 7pm – a reply will be needed within 24 hours or a new name will be picked.

One full entry allowed per person.

This giveaway is open to UK and International readers. Postage supplied.

No purchase necessary.

Prize not redeemable for cash and no alternative product offered.

NB This case is suitable for iPhone 5 version only.

Please share the love by clicking on the links below xx :)  

The winner of this giveaway is Sharon Pickles.

 

 

 

 

Dress a Girl Around the World

Posted on by
4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How this passed me by I do not know considering the sterling work lots of people have been doing on spreading the word and getting people involved. Thousands of dresses and shorts have already been made and distributed to little girls and boys in developing Countries.

I noticed one of my readers entries for my recent fabric giveaway wanted to use the fabric if they won to make a dress for Dress a Girl Around the World. Obviously intrigue got me googling straight away, ending up on the brill Sew Scrumptious blog owned by Louise who is the UK International Partner for this charity.

Basically, all they ask people to do is make a dress ( or two if you fancy ) for a girl who may not ever have the chance of owning one otherwise – and also shorts for boys. Here’s my first one above. It took no time.

There are easy patterns, tutorials and more information available on her blog if you also fancy having a go at making one. You can even make a dress out of a pillowcase !

I’m off to make another one and a pair of shorts – the thought of a little child on the other side of the World wearing them is all the inspiration needed ! :)

Please share the love by clicking on the links below xx

Inspired and tidy !

Posted on by
3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember the Inspiration Challenge that I ran up until last month when the lovely blogger Cassie Fairy took over from me ?

Well, Cassie found some beautiful vintage sewing machines for May’s project and I immediately knew which fabric from my stash to use for this – but wasn’t so sure as what to make.

After a day of sewing last week and searching for my scissors under piles of material what felt like the gazzilionth time – the light in my little brain went on – ping ! A scissor tidy – Oh yeah ! Also good for keeping them out of harms way if you have kids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I quilted it as you can see –  …. it’s kind of hypnotic once you get going :) I used a pretty pink cord on the backs, no-one is going to see it but I know it’s there. The bias strings can attach to two hooks – I guess you could also back put a sturdy back on it and do something really fancy like put it in a frame. Hmm – why didn’t I think of that at the time. That would look cool. Sewing through all the layers at the base with the bias was a bit of an ordeal but only because it was half term and I’d lost my marbles slightly, I am normally neater than this – ( I like to think ) …. :)

Anyway, Cassie has her post up now with everyones offerings for this challenge and they are fab – really impressive. I just love seeing lots of different perspectives and all the talent around. She also has the fresh new challenge for June – Beautiful beach huts ! – here’s the link. Take a look and maybe get involved … :) What would you make ?

Have a nice day and hope you feel inspired !

Please share the love by clicking on the links below xx 

Ps – only 1 more day to go to enter my Fancy Moon Fabrics Giveaway where the winner will receive 3 metres of their chosen fabric. Enter here. :)

Sew Proud …

Posted on by
6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Daughter was adamant that she wanted a sewing machine for her 7th Birthday recently. We ummed and arred about it. Quite an expensive present if it’s not going to end up being used much.

But I’m glad to say that she was over the moon – especially with the colour of it ! Up until last week she has practised on some remnant pieces, just sewing straight lines and getting to know it ( we all know that your sewing machine becomes your best buddy ! )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This weekend though she actually made this skirt. With some of my help obviously with overlocking, pressing and threading and we gathered it together. I tried steering her towards some floral prints in the shop but once she’d caught a glimpse of the leopard print – no other stood a chance ! We didn’t use a pattern as I wanted to learn how to make something that would fit perfectly straight away, to give her the confidence to try altering something next time.

The skirt is essentially like my gathered skirt tutorial one from a while ago. Except we cut two squares for the back and we inserted the zip in the centre top rather than at the side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She wanted to embellish it a little so we used a Jennie Maizels Swallow Fabric Plaster from our stash and I think she chose well.

I’m so glad we bought her the sewing machine. It’s a really nice thing that we can do together and have a bit of fun. She is really interested in the techniques ( except when Scooby Doo is on ! ) and as she comes from a creative family – I think she might be getting the sewing bug. :)

Just really wanted to show these off as feeling quite proud of her right now – and she is pretty chuffed too :)

Have you taught anyone in your family to craft ? What do you like to make ?

Please share the love by clicking on the links below xx

Feel free to use my images  - just please ping a link back to me here at LucyLovesYa x

Ps – Don’t forget my giveaway to win 3 metres of Fancy Moon Fabrics – of your choice ! Ends on Thursday – enter here.

Fancy Moon Fabrics Giveaway – 3 metres of your choice – CLOSED.

Posted on by
67

 

 

 

 

I’ve been a huge fan of Fancy Moon Fabrics for such a long time, so am really delighted to be running this fabulous giveaway in collaboration with them.

Nancy at Fancy Moon Fabrics is always helpful and friendly – an important factor when ordering fabrics online. If I’m looking for something really unique, I know I can find it on their site – there’s is always something new and enticing too so I like to give myself a cheeky half hour for a browse ! They stock a wide range of cotton and linen fabrics for dressmaking, quilting, furnishing, curtains plus patterns and notions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made this skirt from my block yesterday with their Zocalan Mexican Cotton fabric by Alexander Henry. Almost too good to cut into but then equally criminal to hide away in a cupboard. :) It’s always more fun sewing when you love what you’re working with, wouldn’t you say ? It’ll be worn loads.

If you would like to enter this giveaway to win 3 continuous metres of your chosen Fancy Moon Fabrics fabric – here’s what you need to do: 

1. Go to the Fancy Moon Fabrics website and have a look around the site to find the fabric that you would like to win – then leave a comment below this post telling me what you would like to make with it. This is compulsory.

2. For an additional entry – Like both Fancy Moon Fabrics and LucyLovesYa on facebook.

3. For a second additional entry ( you must have followed step 2 and liked us on facebook first for this entry to be valid ) – Tweet the below quote on Twitter:

I’ve just entered the @lucylovesyablog giveaway to win 3 metres of @fancymoonfabrics of my choice. Enter here: http://lucylovesya.com/?p=5352

Please only leave one comment in total under this post. I will know if you have liked on facebook and tweeted the quote – but please also include this info in your comment. Thanks x

All done ! Wishing you lots of luck ! I will pick the winner at random on Thursday 6th June at 7pm.

T’s and C’s

One full entry per person allowed.

I will add the winners name onto this post at the close of this giveaway and will also email. I will need a reply within 24 hours or a new winner will be picked.

This giveaway is open to UK and International residents. Postage and Packaging supplied.

If your fabric choice is unavailable for any reason – you will be asked to pick 3 metres of a different fabric.

Prize not redeemable for cash and no alternative offered.

Please share the love by clicking on the links below xx 

 

The winner of this giveaway is Dawn Mason. Congrats !

A new giveaway starts on Monday so do pop back to find out more. Thanks for all of your entries and to Fancy Moon Fabrics for such an amazing prize.

Harry Duley Top and my home made Colette Clover Pants…

Posted on by
4









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the first time I have used a Colette pattern and although I had to fiddle about a bit with it – I’m really pleased with how these pants turned out. I say pants, but to me they are trousers. But .. I’ll go with the original. :)

I don’t know if it’s just me but I cut out the pattern using my measurements and the pants were massive on me ! So I shaved off a lot of fabric from inside and outside leg ( naughty me, should’ve made up a toile first ) and some from the crotch – too much information ? :) Obviously, I had to make the waistband length shorter too which took no time. I used version 1 of the 2 but took out the front pockets.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I make some more ( which I definitely will because they are so comfortable ) they will be much more fitted and 50s – probably in a gingham fabric.  I’ve cut the pattern to a size 0 now because with stretchy fabric it seems this is the size for me with these … ( not usually the case ! ) My only other observation is that the back waistband sits lower than the front but not a problem – it works.

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

British Clothing brand Harry Duley very kindly sent me the low cowl neckline, capped sleeve top that I am wearing with the trousers – it was so beautifully wrapped when it arrived. It felt like a real treat opening it up. All of their items are designed and made in the UK – and feel really soft !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I do love a t – shirt and needed a bit more colour in my wardrobe. I’ll wear it for Summer, then layer it up for the colder months. The draped front works on most shapes, I think. It’s good for me as I am quite large busted with a smallish frame and it feels nice to wear.

They also do an item called The Tube which looks interesting, it’s essentially a band of versatile fabric shaped from waist to hem that gives the effect of wearing lots of top layers, without having to actually wear lots of clothes. There’s also one for Mums to Be. Great idea, don’t you think ? :)

Have a look at their site – www.harryduley.com to see more.

Have you tried using Colette patterns before ? How did it work out for you ?

Please share the love by clicking on the links below xx

Feel free to use my images – please just ping a link back to me here at LucyLovesYa.

I have received no payment for this post from Harry Duley. Just the lovely top to review !

Olly M Jewellery

Posted on by
Reply

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was looking forward to checking the post when I got home last week on the return of our holiday because I knew this little package from the lovely Michelle Misra of Olly M Jewellery would be in there somewhere, with something very pretty and shiny inside. :) …

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here it is ! The Silver Dove necklace. It’s had many a compliment already and I’m really chuffed as it’s one of my favourite from the their silver range.

I’m a sucker for eye catching, timeless pieces that are well made. I would always rather have one piece of special jewellery instead of several forgettable bits, so am definitely becoming a big fan of this brand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle originally made pieces for herself as she couldn’t find much affordable, high end quality jewellery out there – and when lots of her friends started asking where they could get what she was wearing – she realised that she could make a business out of it. So that’s how Olly M started. She only ever uses sterling silver and for the gold items, it is mostly 14 karat, or if gold plated – always 24 karat plated onto sterling silver – so no tarnishing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things have clearly spiralled at quite a pace as the Olly M gold friendship bracelet is featured in this months Vogue Magazine in the Showstoppers section  - and has also been spotted on ” Made in Chelsea ” Celebrity, Mille Mackintosh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These childrens Birthstone bracelets are very cute and personal gift idea and a unique keepsake. Olly M have thought of everything ! :)

To see the collections in full pop over to www.ollymjewellery.com and you can also keep up to date on Twitter - @Ollymjewellery or become a fan on facebook.

Make sure you keep checking this blog as there will be an Olly M giveaway here at LucyLovesYa very soon ! … Yey !

Please share the love by clicking on the links below xx

I have received no payment for this post. Just the Silver Dove necklace to review – which made my day :)

Thanking You … Thanking Me …!

Posted on by
2

 

 

 

 

 

I love doing giveaways on LucyLovesYa. It’s always good to hear feedback from my readers about them and they have often said I offer some of the best blog prizes. I pride myself on working with companies who have something really special to offer and that I would always choose to buy from myself.

There are lots more lined up that promise to be very popular and I can’t wait to share them with you. :)

The best bits are always letting the winners know that they’ve won – it’s a really nice feeling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I so did not expect this but Sandie from POWDER GREY STORE won 2 tickets recently for the Grand Designs Live giveaway and had such a good weekend that she even sent me a thank you gift from her shop – this vintage style Jig – Sew Kit ! It’s perfect and I am really touched ! We will enjoy making this very much here. Thanks, Sandie !

Just a little post because it made me smile and I wanted to share the happiness with you :)

Please share the love by clicking on the links below xx