Pretty in Pink

© Melissa Gaggiano

    When I came across this small metreage of pink tulle it called... Nae, in a whispering cry it told me to pick it up and pay for it. At the time I had no need for the fabric. There was no master plan for it to be turned into something more beautiful, or alternatively disastrous. Any fabric addict can understand what I am talking about here.

    As luck would happen I did find a use for this gorgeous material, and much sooner than I had imagined would happen. This tulle had me imagining Marie Antoinette, as played by Kirsten Dunst. Of course I didn't have nearly enough material to create anything that grand. The next best bit of inspiration did come along, in the form of Kylie Minogue.

    The previous week I took my daughters to the Kylie on Stage exhibit. All three of us were utterly enamoured and arrived home with stars, pearls and sequins in our eyes.

    This week is my eldest's birthday and I decided to make her a pretty party dress to celebrate. And so a meeting of many wonderful ideas – Kylie, pink, tulle, sequins, birthday, love for my daughters – culminated in my pattern making and sewing this gorgeous slip of a dress, which can be worn with singlet, shorts and leggings.

By the way, did you know the fabric tulle is named after the French city in which it is manufactured.

Totoro Summer Dress

© Melissa Gaggiano

    This Totoro summer dress has been waiting on the back burner for about a year. Finally it got made with a little help from my eldest. Technically it was her sewing project, but after a round with both the overlocker and sewing machine she gladly let me do the rest. Would you believe I got this made in one day?

© Melissa Gaggiano

© Melissa Gaggiano

Of Owls and Pirates

    March would appear a time of change. A new month clicks over and the weather suddenly realises that it is not meant to be hitting us with 35° plus days. Thank the goddess for the cool change. 

    The other day, wanting an opportunity to do something crafty with my eldest I found a wonderfully easy paper owl activity. Together we made a team - I cut, my eldest glued. We now have four paper owls decorating her bed and she has plans to add more owls to her collective. We'll probably be doing that next week.

    Click here for the paper owl tutorial.

    I have also been designing and sewing a pirate costume for my eldest's pirate dress up day coming up at kinder. I made a pair of elasticated pants, a sleeveless jacket and a felted heart eye patch. I am pleased to say that not an extra cent was spent, as I used the materials already in my possession.

Original pirate concept.

Finished pirate garment.

The Pink, the Orange & the Grey

    Last week I was doodling some clothing concepts, very much inspired by the pink and orange colours that pop up in some Moroccan interior and exterior design.

Fashion illustration by Melissa Gaggiano.

Fashion illustration by Melissa Gaggiano.

Fashion illustration by Melissa Gaggiano.

Fashion illustration by Melissa Gaggiano.

Hats Off to Teri

Teri Redrup, a fresh face on the Australian fashion scene sits down to answer my annoying questions about her studies, work and dreams of fashion. 

Which fashion course have you been doing?
Currently I am studying costume at Ultimo TAFE in Sydney. I’m in my last year so we are just starting to research our final integrated project. I am pretty excited as this is the light at the end of the tunnel! and it is nice to pick a project that you are passionate about and that showcases all your strong points. It’s been a real pleasure to do the course, it has a good variety of subjects to work through and some amazing teachers.


Where did this love affair with clothing design begin?
:) I remember having a muppets toy when i was really young which you scribble over the top of to make an impression of different muppet character in different costumes... I also remember watching an episode of Oprah once where she had a fashion parade, also when I was very young, and I was totally blown away by this oversized orange jumper over purple leggings! so amazing haha. I’ve always been interested with clothing I guess, particularly the theatrical side of things.


Which work tools do you like working with best?
I have a tendancy to veer towards the more old-fashioned skills. I have studied millinery for a few years and really enjoy blocking a beautiful felt and the meditative quality of hand stitching. I’ve collected a few hat blocks and brims now and they are lovely even just as something sitting on the shelf.


Last year you worked with Romance Was Born making some hats. How did this come about? Describe the experience.
I was lucky enough to know Anna and Luke from RwB. Together we worked on a costume for a gorgous burlesque dancer  a few years ago. That worked out really well and then for the last 3 summer/spring shows I’ve been doing a bit of millinery and accessories for them. It’s always fun going in to their studio, they are inspiring and encouraging and I hope to be able to do more with them in the future.


Are there any fashion styles and eras that you have a particular fancy for?
The the first 50 years of last century are so elegant. I especially love the 30’s and 40’s. The sweater girl look is a fave of mine,I usually have a knitting project tucked into my handbag.


Are there any craft projects you haven’t already done, that you’d like to tackle one day?
A friend bought a knitting machine recently, and after having a little lesson on hers, I’m going to buy myself one for my birthday!


What do you plan to achieve for the future?
I change my mind frequently about what to do when I grow up! I love the idea of working as a milliner but I also enjoy working in fashion and bridal. I’ve met some great people in this industry that are very creative and enjoy what they do and have also managed to conquer the business side of things. Maybe one day I could do the same.

Photo © Six Photography