Upcycled Embellished Sweaters

A long cotton sweater reminiscent of yesterday's dusters worn in open carriage to keep clothing fresh and unspoiled from the the dusty, horse trodden travel of dirt roads. This sweater is cotton crochet, soft and comfortable, nice and long, in a natural ecru color. I made a silk handkerchief pin from an antique hanky and a bit of lace for the front. The back has two lace appliques hand stitched with purple and green silk embroidery floss. The Parisian cotton ribbon is hand stamped with "Paris" and ties in the front and in the back to give a feminine fit. I am restyling a series of sweaters from cashmere to cotton with trims and altercations to make them romantic, one of kind, pieces.

Upcycled Restyled Shoes

This is a great way to recycle and reuse. Shoes that have lost their fashion edge just need a little bit of tweaking to become new again and more of a statement than they ever dreamed of. By adding scraps of velvet, vintage silks, and bits of lace the blah have become "belles chaussures" (beautiful shoes). They can take center stage and not only be a focal point but are also one-of-kind and can not be owned by another. You can find the shoes pictured on my http://www.stacyleighatelier.etsy.com/ site.

Through a Glass Dimly

Here are some pictures I took of the new shop from the outside looking in. Also, a few new items in the store and of course, Buddy. I am open on weekends so feel free to come see.......

Cashmere Lace and Ribbon RePurposed Statement Necklaces Fit for a Queen

Here are some examples of my friend's beautiful creations that I am featuring in the Atelier. Soft, lovely, one-0f-a-kind textile jewelry.

Roses for My Opening (Thanks Dad!) They are beautiful!

1st Day

Yesterday was my 1st day to open the shop. I had around a dozen people and everyone really gave me positive feedback. I had several try on garments in the cozy little dressing room that looks like a little bedroom. 3 sales were made and I finished a new sweater top as I worked. It was a great 1st day!

I had really great help from my friend from NestBoxVintage.etsy.com who had fun decorating the twig filled ceiling with bird's nests. My folks were great help and support as well. The space is lovey, inspiring, and I am sure to have many happy days to follow. Here are some pictures of the shop filled with clothing, bags, jewelry, willow furniture, and eclectic antiques.

Atelier Offerings

It is so exciting pulling the shop together, deciding what to include, what to make, what to hunt for. For starters we have linen clothing with hand painted birch trees, birds, fauna and flora by Of the Meadow. We have made cuffs and statement necklaces with vintage and antique lace, recycled cashmere sweaters, ribbon, and jewels. I have some beautiful vintage pieces. Whimsical plywood chandeliers hang from the ceiling. I want to make more upcycled OOAK shoes fit for Marie Antoinette, more headbands and hair pieces. My mom has made the sweetest little girl pillow case dresses. I know that it is going to be a space filled with the things I love and the things that make it fun to be female.

Haute Handbags Spring 2010

Check out the Spring 2010 Haute Handbag issue. It's jam packed with really amazing handmade bags and I am featured twice. It's so full of inspiration and ideas for your next project.

http://www.stampington.com/html/haute_handbags_spring10.html

Restyled Leather Coats

Last fall I started taking vintage leather coats and changing them to make them current. They went over really well and I need to make more for this Fall.

The Atelier will feature Up cycled Romantic, Victorian, inspired clothing with a modern twist. Also handbags, cashmere statement necklaces, and jewelry made from re purposed materials. It will be a wonderful mix of styles and give fresh, new life to wear ables that may have thought their time on Earth was over.

Leather Ruffle Bags

The Atelier

Where do I start? Primarily, I design and create leather handbags but I also enjoy making one of a kind clothing designs. I am working on opening a new little shop where I will have a space to sell restyled, up cycled and a few vintage items. Since I have an Etsy shop, or rather a few Etsy shops and have the merchandise taking up space in my home I thought it only logical to have a brick and mortar retail space and reclaim my home back. My friend and I are working on the space right now. We started with a shop that has been an Antique shop, tanning and worm selling shop, coffee shop, and now, a OOAK clothing boutique. Right on the main highway, connected to other stores, along the Great River Road, near my house, inexpensive rent, seems just right. I will add some pictures soon. My friend is top secret on our design and decorating endeavours but I hope to open by Mother's day weekend so we are under the gun.