Inspiration from our Holiday in Sanary sur Mer Provence

This June we went to Sanary Sur Mer by Eurostar and TGV,it was a long hall from Truro in Cornwall but it was so worth it!

I enjoyed visiting various places along the coast and we both loved the markets and the fabulous countryside and exquisite towns and hilltop villages.

Sanary is a charming town with an attractive port and  an old town to explore.

There were many small boutiques selling great unusual clothes and I was in my element ferreting about in the racks of brightly coloured dresses ,trousers and scarves.

These patchwork dresses were so colourful and easy to wear in the warm climate.

The colours are so vivid and they need to be in the wonderful Provencal light.

I liked this blue dress.

I bought some linen jackets and a pink spotted frock

and wished I had brought an empty suitcase with me!

The markets at Sanary and Toulon had real bargains.

There were also some lovely fabrics in the markets.I could have spent hours rummaging through the stalls and shops.

I did buy a small length of a provencal print and bargain peice of fabric with sprigs of lavender dotted all over it!

The quilts called Boutis are gorgeous and we also saw some folk costumes when a group of local dancers turned up on the quay.

Traditional Provencal folk costume.

Wonderful Boutis!

We had a great trip on many levels but I really enjoyed the fabrics of Provence.

 



Thought of Spring

Not time yet to don the sandals and put away the warm boots!I think I shall still keep my furry boots on for a while!

I have been sewing away with the new Janome which I bought myself when my old Husqvarna screwed up once to often,ok" a bad workman blames his tools" but it was a very elderly machine.



Inge De Jonge always has some gorgeous feminine clothes to remind me of warmer days.

I like the neckline of this lovely blouse ,it has an feeling of the fashions during WW1.

Ostebro is another Scandinavian fashion house that has some gorgeous clothes.

I have never found anything from Britain to rival the Scandinavian ,French and Italian designers of romantic clothes,

Please someone prove me wrong!

This is from Oskander and I love the simplicity.

I am sewing now and have two dresses on the go I will post pics when they are done . I would love to adapt this dress if I could find a wrap around pattern suitable.

Ivey Ibitz is a new discovery,very distinctive designs ,bespoke garments .The style is very Downton Abbey.

I have made two  dresses and a pair of harem pants towards my spring and summer wardrobe and hope to start a blouse tomorrow,it is a top with  a peplum and long sleeves. 

Well I hope there are some ideas here  to please and entice!

If Winter comes ,can Spring be far behind?

P B Shelley.



Some more bits of inspiration!

This is a very flattering collar!

Here is a selection of beautiful lace collars, sometimes you can find lovely pieces in antique shops and fairs.

 A lace collar adds something pure and delicate to a blouse or dress.

 

 The fine workmanship that goes into handmade lace has a magic of its own.

 

 I love this demure collar on the plain black.

 A little lace at the throat softens and flatters the complexion.

 

 I was lucky enough to know a lady who made lace,she created the most exquisite work and was always looking for new and unusual bobbins.The concentration and finesse that goes into hand made lace is astonishing,such patience and intricacy! 

Machine lace is also lovely and very usuful for trimming but the the art of lace making must be cherished.

 

 

Ideas for winter evening sewing!

As the nights draw in and the winter returns I need some colour to help me stay happy throughout those dark light starved months.The cultures of the cold parts of the world reflect this in their vibrant folk art and costume  Tales of dark forests,warm fires and hearty food are all part of survival through the lean and chilly season.

The Laps have this off to a fine art,love the swirling skirts.

 

The hemlines,belts and embellishment are so cheerful in the snow.

 

Fabulous textiles!

 

 

 

This is a glorious book from the British Museum which is available on Amazon.

The amazing variety of pattern and style is fascinating if you are into fabric, texture and colour.

Here is a nice idea for Christmas!

 

I love this and will have a go at making something similar. The shirt would be easy and would be lovely in a cosy red flannel or brushed cotton. The little bag is beautiful and out of my league I am afraid however Gudrun Sjoden has something similar this year in her winter collection.

This skirt would be easy,a dirndl with applique round the hem. I think a warm brushed cotton  would make cosy skirt

 

This would also be fairly simple,lovely embroidered  ribbon on the hem and shoulder straps. You could add a flouncy  flannel petticoat for extra warmth.

 

Another adaptable idea that could be fashioned from the dirndl with shoulder straps added.

All these clothes  need a sturdy pair of warm boots!

Well it is no good sitting here I should be cutting and sewing before jack frost nips at my toes. I hope you get a few ideas for warm and colourful clothes from these pictures. It has me inspired anyway!

Keep warm and jolly!