Not the only Orange Tree

...in this funny old town

I love that going to work is a journey full of discovery.  

  

New art works (and road works, lets be honest) appear on a daily basis - getting to Orange Tree Cottage is an adventure!

I love the swathes of green that are starting to appear inside the red zone - defining the new city in a whole new way.  I can't wait to take a walk here - covering a space three city blocks long on a green carpet instead of a dusty pavement.  

Just imagine that for a moment.

A side project

Those of you who sign up for my newsletter will know that I was invited to show a piece at a Fabulous Retro Fashion Show in Palmerston North on 30th March.

I love incorporating some of the cuts and ladylike style into my work - in particular I love the techniques and finishes common on garments from this period and earlier, but this project called for a very special and very 50's piece.

I selected this floribuna print, as for me it epitomizes the spirit of the 50's - exuberance, optimism and a celebration of hard-won freedom.

If your in the Palmy area why not make a day of it and go to the races - tickets can be bought here and include a double decker ride from the city - fun!  (If you do go, let me know and maybe send me pictures?)

And if you're wondering - I'm happy to sell this dress once its returned, its a generous size 10.

 

With love

I like to think all my pieces are handmade with love.  None more than the Kisses skirt with its special sashiko detailing made by hand.

I know a few people have their eye on this piece so I have decided to open it up to preorders this week so as to avoid disappointment.

How it works is I'm cutting and sewing the skirts this week.  All preorders will be couriered on Monday 25th March.  If you get your orders in now and enter the code KISSES at checkout and get 10% off .

Find it here

Happy rainy (thank goodness!) Monday to you.

Transcend....AW13

There has been a little chill in the air lately, the leaves are turning and there are new prints, new colours and new styles in the offing.

Friends I have cut so many dresses in the past week I have given myself wrist strain!  Not the end of the world, but enough to be an annoyance.  I guess this means there will be some sewing on the menu - its easier on the wrist than cutting!

Brief Encounter Dress in Jewel

Last week I managed a big batch of Brief Encounter dresses, and this week I'm working on the Kisses skirt and a few Satin Trimmed Henley's.

Kisses skirt and Satin Trimmed Henley tee

Then after that its a matter of working through all the styles, but as always I'm happy to take preorders - so let me know if anything takes your eye and I'll make it up for you straight away.

I'm dreaming of the day a shop will 'back me' and actually order and pay for my work on an invoice (rather than commission) when that day comes I have Christchurch based factory waiting to help me with the production.  Wouldn't it be nice to give you a completed range ready to buy straight away?  Until then, ever item is lovely made by my hands, so I appreciate your patience and support while I make that happen. 

Rainy Friday Night dress and Faux Fur Tippet

From The Shadows blouse and Sherbourne pencil skirt

For more of the styles, please visit my Facebook page and take a look at the "Trancend AW13" photo album.

Happy Valentine's Day!

If you're in Christchurch be sure to swing by the Cottage this Friday or Saturday - there are discounted samples and one offs not included in the online sale.

The New[s]

Its that time of year isn't it - its all about the new.

I've been working away in my studio finishing pieces I had cut before Christmas and so there have been a few updates to the shop this week.  Many pieces that were 'made to order' are now 'ready to ship'.

This would have to be my favourite new piece - in gorgeous Liberty fabric no less.

Also, in the last week, I've welcomed a new supplier to The Cottage.  Yay!

I now have in the showroom tees from the very lovely and very very talented Ellie Smith (of Extra Curricular fame).  There are three different designs, but very limited numbers and at just $35 each an absolute steal - you may have to be quick!

Soon (by the end of the weekend I hope) I shall be finished with the last of my summer pieces.  I must admit my brain and fingers are itching to start on the Winter pieces I sketched out over the summer holidays, but I shall leave that for another post.  

Happy day to you!

Me and my sketch pad are taking a little break, we're off to the Malborough Sounds for a (what I hope will be) sunny week of drawing and planning*.  I shall be back at the Cottage on the 3rd January.

*To be fair there will be a bit of sleeping and eating and swimming and fishing too.

I do hope you are enjoying a restful summer.  Until next year then!

Better and better

I did promise you some better photos. After our opening day on December 8th the showroom has continued to evolve.

There is still a list of silly little renovation tasks to complete and more machinery to move down, but I love that as you wander through the door a large window affords you a peek into my workroom

I was overcome with an incredible sense of peace as I worked away last Saturday.  This space is filled with light and the sounds of the trees swishing in the wind and city noises beyond.  I like that this little place is tucked away, but still in touch with 'the hustle and the bustle'.

I can't wait to set up my industrial machinery, but for now I'm making do with a more portable option; cutting in the studio and doing more major sewing runs at home.  Its a juggle and I look forward to the day when everything is in one place!

This coming Friday and Saturday I shall be open 10-4 as usual.  If you can't face the mall you might want to wander around the studio...

Then will be closed for a little break over the Christmas/New Year period.  I shall reopen on January 4th 2013.

A joyful Christmas to you and yours.  Thank you for all your support in 2012.  2013 will bring some really exciting developments for the Cottage.  I have ideas to get a Designer's Market in the space, exhibitions by local designers and artists, musical and visual performances.  This is only the beginning friends....

Then & Now

Huzzah - so I am open!!

Please forgive the self satisfied back patting on my part - but this is what I started with and this is where I have got it to:

As I look through the photos though I had a total head-slap moment.  I took these at the end of the day, Saturday.  I may have been a bit tired. ( I maaaay have stayed up till 3am Saturday morning scrapping the paint off the floor in the main room. ) 

The result was I took lovely pictures of gorgeous Jo's work (aka Random Little Things) and Sly Fox and you would be forgiven for getting the impression there was little or no actual fashion within the walls.  There is in fact two whole racks of gorgeousness just beckoning for a try and and a rather commodious changing room if I don't say so myself!

So I'm making it my mission this week to take some more and better photos to reflect the size and extent of the space and its offering!

Oh and I must thank Naomi Ferguson for coming along on Saturday, what a treat she was - seriously the voice of an angel!

eeeeeeep - not long now folks, and lots of preparations are happening, I might just have to give you a sneak peak or two over the next week.

Nin x