I've had these hand-crafted dolls by Simpli Jessi bookmarked for months now. I love their ruby-red circle cheeks, wavy hair and graphic simplicity, as well as the raw, vintage quality of each individual doll. And they take custom orders, too. They'd make perfect Christmas presents for children three years and up. US$64 from Simpli Jessi's Etsy shop. Follow the blog here.
After more handmade Christmas present ideas? Browse through my Etsy find archives.
I spotted these pint and half-pint tees for adults and kids in Fabrications recently, and thought they were would make fun gifts for Father's Day. I'm usually wary of matching slogan tees for parent and child, but these are actually quite clever and rather adorable, and are available in a range of colours. They're made by quirky London-based company Twisted Twee, and you can buy direct from them online. Otherwise pop into Fabrications on Broadway Market on Saturday, and you'll have Father's Day sorted for Sunday.
Fabrications
7 Broadway Market
London E8 FPH
Tel. 0207 275 8043
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.
Opening hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 12noon-5pm
Or call for appointment.
Nearest tube: Bethnal Green Station
Nearest train: London Fields BR
Custom letterpress birth announcement by Papered Together.
Hi Top Bird,
I'm about to be a mom and I’m looking for nice baby announcement cards. Since I really like your taste, do you have any suggestions for cards?
Florianne (Amsterdam)
Hi Florianne,
Congratulations on the impending birth of your own wee birdy!
What is it about babies (and come to think of it, weddings), that sends all sense of style zooming out the window when it comes to graphic design? I’ve searched high and low for decent cards for friends’ babies, only to be confronted by row upon row of boring, bad design in varying shades of puke and a catastrophic combination of pastels. I’m always left wondering: where’s the cool stuff?
Invariably, the answer can be found online, at the websites of independent stationers and letterpress companies. Here you’ll find beautifully crafted cards with unique designs and gorgeous illustrations.
Here’s my round-up of the best birth announcements…
Letterpress birth announcement by Hello!Lucky.
‘Animal Crackers’ baby announcement by Tiny Prints.
‘Vintage rattle’ birth announcement, by Chick Print’s Etsy shop.
‘Chick and dude’ birth announcement, by Chick Print’s Etsy shop.
‘Airplane’ custom birth announcement, by Chick Print’s Etsy shop.
Custom letterpress birth announcement by Papered Together.
You might also like to check out the birth announcements at:
The best bit about writing a blog is reading all the feedback, and there has been lots to read recently, especially in response to my post about the slow fashion trend. Here's what a wee birdy called le bug had to say:
“I think the slowest of slow fashion would be if I made my own clothes ... know any good sewing pattern shops/online shops?”
Kudos to you for going down the make-your-own route, le bug! I’m always super-impressed by crafty people who dig out the old Singer and knock up a skirt on a rainy afternoon. There are actually some excellent online sources for patterns, as well as some good starting points for absolute beginners (like me). Here’s a list of my very favourite online sew-your-owns and other crafty sources:
1. Built by Wendy
Wendy Mullin (of Built by Wendy) is a New York-based fashion designer who’s designed a line of home sewing patterns for Simplicity called Built by YOU. I really love the simple smock and frock pattern, which has variable sleeve and length options. I know a few birdies who have tried and tested Wendy’s patterns, and give them a big thumbs-up (but warn that they tend to be a bit on the small size).
2. Paintergirl’s Knicker Making Kit
Pop artist Gemma Jones (aka Paintergirl) has recently launched her own knicker-making kit, which has been selling like hot pants on her Etsy shop. The pattern shows how to make your own customised pair of knickers from an old t-shirt – the ultimate in make-do and mend! The pattern has been trialled by some 20-odd Kaotic Kraft Kuties who have reportedly gone on to “run, dance, make-out and pick up wearing them.” Nice one.
3. Burda Style
It mightn’t sound overly sexy, but Burda Style is actually an amazing resource with a plethora of free patterns, sewing how-tos and a supportive online sewing community. Check out this sweet and simple shift.
4. Sublime Stitching
OK, so this isn’t so much about making an entire outfit, but these too-cute embroidery patterns
will make you some lovely embellishments. They’re a snip at US$3.50,
and can be used to decorate everything from t-shirts to tea-towels.
Check out the vital organs kit
and stitch some ovaries on to your undies. Chain stitch has never
looked so sexy! Great DIY Xmas gift ideas, too. (Londoners can also
pick up Sublime Stitching patterns at the V&A Museum shop.)
5. Sew Mama Sew
Another good resource for fabric and patterns, Sew Mama Sew features some excellent options for babies and kids, like Oliver & S patterns for toddlers. I also like the fabric messenger bag pattern, which would look good in a strong Marimekko print (although IKEA has an excellent range of retro Scandi-style fabrics at the moment, a snip at £1.59/metre).
6. The Make Lounge
Sewing novices in London can learn the basics with a workshop at The Make Lounge in Islington. I like the sound of the Survival Sewing workshop, which teaches basic hand-sewing skills so you can tackle your own repairs and take up hems and cuffs. Handy stuff. Check out the upcoming workshops, which include fun projects like making a leather cinch belt and Japanese-style stitched journals.
The Make Lounge
49-51 Barnsbury Street
London N1 1TP
Tel. 020 7609 0275
Nearest tube: Angel
Well that was a much longer pause between posts than I intended, apologies for my blogging absence over the past week. But it's not for lack of inspiration, mind you. It's been a busy couple of weeks here at the Wee Birdy nest, with deadlines mounting after the rush of LFW followed by Design Week. But I've been making like a magpie, collecting shiny bits of news and eye candy for future blogging entertainment. In the meantime, meet these cuties for 'birdy pick of the week':
This is Lucy, my favourite two-year in the blogosphere and her pet cockatiel, Hobson. Based in New Zealand, Lucy's mum makes adorable children's clothing for her Etsy shop, Lucy's Place. I've blogged about her skirts before, but I particularly love her range of simple smock tops and dresses for summer, and tiny print-trimmed peacoats for winter. It's like (more affordable) A.P.C. for toddlers.
Topstitch Liberty- print smock shirt, US$40, from Lucy and I's Etsy shop.
School social Liberty-print smock dress, US$44, from Lucy and I's Etsy shop.
You can read more about Lucy over at her mum's blog, Lucy and I, where she discusses her passion for birds (they house lots of rescue birds), where to buy Repetto shoes in New Zealand, and her latest fashion creations (including cool smock tops for grown-ups).
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