mooandflo's new blog

Don't forget to head over to mooandflo's new blog...

or visit the Facebook page and see what's new in store...

1912 fashions - still cutting a dash

Oooh, how I wish I could get my hands on this pattern!

Isn't the orange and black coat just brilliant - I'd wear that now in a heartbeat, and I know I could sell it, too.  And the pink dress is just so dainty and feminine that I think it's timeless. What do you think?

This dinky creation could easily be a party or bridesmaid dress even now, its age given away only by the leg o' mutton sleeves and ruched cuffs but otherwise pretty funky even in 2012.

 These children look like they are having a whale of a time playing with their dollies, don't they?   And I love that  swing style coat.

 And yet another classic swing style dress, that looks both cute and darned comfy.  The cat doesn't look quite so happy, though, does it...

And in the end, this all reminds me that although times change and fashion changes almost as fast as politics, in the end it's all about looking pretty and feeling happy, and that much doesn't change.


Ref:  http://oldrags.tumblr.com/post/15369601869/clothing-for-girls-and-teenagers-1919

a mini business merger

It's been full on in the mooandflo household over the past few months, with a new business starting alongside mooandflo.  Lady Bracknell's Bags has done very well in its small life, selling lots of goodies and building up a good following.  However, for the sake of my sanity (or what's left of it) I'm merging Lady Bracknell with mooandflo so that I have just the one business to administer.

I think it'll go well - the first signs are good, with a fancy new logo showing a handbag and a sale on the first day!  So, onwards and upwards to get new stationery and start getting the accounts done - then I might just get time to actually do some sewing - lawks a mercy!

MooAndFlo - the grand sale

MooAndFlo is about to take another direction from making and selling children's clothes, so if you want to grab yourself a bargain, head over there now and get the SALE items while they last!

The new improved, whiter than white, 98% fat free MooAndFlo will be revealed soon...

So much crafty goodness

We're so lucky in Auckland - there are so many high quality craft fairs, often with a quirky focus, so that every weekend can be crafty if you get the urge.

Today I'm going to go and take a peek at a new market Love Vintage & Retro in Kingsland.  Judging by the blog and facebook page, there'll be lots of  stuff to drool over, and I'm hoping to get some brilliant and unique Christmas presents rather than the mass produced stuff I was reduced to last year.  I figure you can't beat getting a cool present and supporting the little guys at the same time.

Another cracking market is Crafternoon Tea also in Kingsland.  I went last week and got some brilliant plates and a vintage upcycled ring from Odd One Out, not to mention the sourdough and the chocolate croissants - nom nom nom.  I got there late (the Rugby World Cup has lead to some serious coning off of the area on match days) so will have to go again next month to peek at the fabulous jewellery stalls and kiddies' clothes that were there, too.

Talking of kids, have you tried Titirangi Mums' Market? It's a slight misnomer because there is plenty for everyone - you so don't have to be a mum!  Last time I was there I saw everything from beautiful handmade cards to high quality merino knitting, funky toys to handbags - not to mention a bouncy castle and a realllly good duo playing live music.  There's nothing better than strolling around a market listening to Dylan, The Stones, Neil Young and Bowie.

There are lots more, too - Devonport, Mary's Market, Oratia Settlers' Market, to name just a few.  Look in your local paper, look at fliers, and ask friends, then get yourself off to a craft market, support amazing New Zealand artisans and get yourself something wonderful.

Happy shopping!

Look what fabulous thing I've found!

I love finding fabulous crafts, especially when they are things I can't make myself, so I thought I'd share some of my favourites with you.

These funky hobby horses are made by Little Old Nags and are just about the coolest children's toy I've seen in ages.  I particularly love the zebra, and rumour has it there are some unicorns coming up soon, too!

 

Then there are these hilarious and brilliant bits of jewellery, made by Bitsy Frog - Vanessa makes realistic looking foodie earrings and necklaces and so on, all with resin.  There are even teeny weeny butterflies, 1cm across, that she has made by hand and put into jewellery.  I am in total awe - what patience she must have.

And then there's the knitting and crocheting.  Koyal at Koyal Kapilla NZ and Nat at PoppyandBee are very clever.  I can just about make a scarf if I don't have to do more than K1P1, so these scrumptious items leave me agog.  I even own one or two of these, and can honestly say they are brilliant value for money - so well made and sooooo luxurious.  Niiiice!

 

 What fabulous finds can you share with us?

Things no-one told me about sewing...

• you will need to iron a lot.  I mean a lot
• a nice chunky knitting needle is the bee's knees for pushing out corners
• you will wish you had been born with a quick-unpick as a spare limb
• re-threading the overlocker could lead to the need for therapy
• the bobbin will run out of cotton right in the middle of a main seam - usually the front neckline
• no matter how many buttons you own, you will neeeeed more
• did I mention the ironing?