New Style: One Of A Kind Black And White Cotton Kimono Women's Dress

I recently created this Black and White Cotton Kimono Dress. It is a one of a kind design, and its the first of many new Penelope Red fashion designs for this Spring and Summer!

This 2013-14 Spring and Summer I am intending on using up a lot of my vintage fabrics. There are so many special fabrics I have collected over the years! Since all of the fabrics have very limited meterage there will be plenty of one of a kind designs!

The Black and White Cotton Kimono Dress pictured here has been handmade using a vintage cotton twill that is lightweight and has a slight sheen to it. The black print looks kind of like a splash of a paint brush in a circular motion.

I decided to add black rik rak braid (also vintage) down the front, to go with the black shoulder yoke and black cuff. Then I happened to have the white beaded flowers and they make the design look even more special I think!

Check it out: The One of a Kind Handmade Black and White Cotton Kimono Dress is available in my Penelope Red etsy shop online here.

Winter Colours Liberty Wool Bolero

Introducing the very latest design. the Penelope Red Winter Colours Liberty Wool Bolero!



I featured a little posting about the gorgeous Liberty designed fabric used in this jacket a few days ago, and this is the finished hand made product.

This bolero jacket will look great with a dark pair of jeans during the day; beautiful with a navy blue or black dress during the night; and great for the office with a black pair of pants.

This has been made from a Liberty printed 100% wool, in a beautiful winter colour palette of flowers and leaves. The bolero has been interlined with a 100% cotton fabric to create body to the fabric, durability and warmth, then fully lined with a bright blue silk lining.



I only had enough fabric for three of these bolero's. So whoever buys one of these will truly own a piece of unique design! I have already sold the size 10 (or US sz 6), so the only other sizes I have left are sizes 12 and 14 (or US sz 8 and 10).

Please email me on designer@penelopered.com.au if you would like more information or would like to purchase one of these bolero's.

New Style: The Penelope Red Pink Candy Cowl Top

One of my latest designs, the Penelope Red Pink Candy Cowl Top. This has been made from two knit fabrics, made from rayon (or viscose) and elastane- very soft fabrics, which hold their shape really well. It is the same fit as the Paris Bow Top, as I have used the same pattern; instead of a bow at the centre front and dramatic V- neck, I have altered it to be a soft V-neck, with a cowl in the contrasting black fabric. The neck has been decorated with a small piece of pink lace which has been hand-stitched onto the neck.

The candy stripe has colours of pink, coral, black and white. I would normally have more photos of this top, but I sold it the very first day I took it to the markets, before I had a chance to take more photos, or even show my husband! So until I make another one, these photos will have to do!



Follow me on twitter or facebook for more updates of my latest designs and finds!

The Penelope Red Noir Bow Top

Introducing the Penelope Red Noir Bow Top...a black and white version of the Penelope Red Paris Bow Top.



As the Paris Bow Top has been quite a popular style, I thought it would make sense to create this design in a classic black and white colour-way.



The exaggerated bow at the front still makes it a little quirky and fun, and the colour palette might make it easier to wear to the office/work.



The hem on this top sits at your hip area. The sleeve cuffs are made from knit fabric, and are not constricting at all.



As with all Penelope Red designs, this design has been designed, and created by myself.



You can purchase this online through the Penelope Red etsy shop, or visit the Penelope Red stall at The Rocks Markets.

The Penelope Red Black Fuchsia Kimono

Another new style to show to you! The Penelope Red Black Fuchsia Kimono, handmade entirely by me!



It has been created from two seperate fabrics. The main is made form a silk/cotton fabric, which has a slight sheen to it. It has been printed with a lovely floral print in black, pink, green, blue and purple.



The second fabric is a recycled rayon (viscose) fabric, in plain black. I think using these two fabrics togetehr really sets this kimono apart from the rest. The Black shoulders and tie around the waist makes your eyes drawn to the shoulders and waist.



I like to wear Kimono's with a pair of black pants or a black mini skirt, but the choices are endless really.



This is now available in the Penelope Red etsy shop here.



I could imagine this style with some gorgeous pink lipstick, some black heels, and jewellery of your choice.

The Penelope Red Black Bow Tie Top

One of my favourite designs that is currently for sale in the Penelope Red etsy shop (as well as at The Rocks Markets), is the Penelope Red Black Bow Tie Top.

I love wearing it with jeans, my olive pants, my Osaka Citrus Blue Skies Skirt, or any other skirt for that matter!



I think it is also important to see designs in a real life situation- one where there is no make up artist, or professional photographer or model- it isn't as if we carry these around with us whenever we wear our fashions! So the above and below photos are just some happy snaps I took before I went out one day.



This blouse can look glamorous and sophisticated, while the black makes it a little understated. I was inspired by my favourite Hollywood movies and photos when creating this style, as well as styling the photo shoot below.



In the above photo, the Black Bow Tie Top is worn with the Black and Ivory Check Fluted Skirt.

The below photo features the Black Bow Tie Top and the Black Blue Skies Skirt.



This blouse is available is US sizes 4, 6, 8, and 10 (or Australian sizes 8, 10, 12, and 14).

Follow me on twitter or facebook for more updates of my latest designs and finds!

The Penelope Red Winter Coat

I have recently added the Penelope Red Jade Winter Coat to my Etsy site.



It is, so far, my most favourite design I have ever made- which is saying a lot, since I have made well over a few hundred pieces in the past few years!

I originally had made this design in another colour way/fabric choice, for myself last winter. I received so many comments on it, and when I found the fabrics in the Jade and Black coat, I couldn't wait to make more! I am so happy with the finish and quality of this coat- one of the reasons why it is my favourite!

I thought it would be nice to show you the original Penelope Red Winter Coat- The Emerald and Ivory Coat. This is my own personal coat. I love wearing it! It makes me feel like a million dollars as soon as I put it on! I can't help but smile when I wear this coat.


I had originally intended to create the coat using just the emerald and ivory check, and the faux fur trim. However, I started to realise I wouldn't have enough fabric. I am actually glad it turned out this way, as the contrasting panelling gives it that Penelope Red panache which I love!



I decided to also add ivory piping in between the contrasting fabrics, as well as for the welt button holes.


I am starting to realise that tailoring is truly where my heart lies... I love creating intricate coats and jackets, with a certain Penelope Red contrast. Each time I make a coat or jacket, I am learning something new, which I love! When I made this coat, it was the second time I had created one- I had done plenty of jackets and boleros, but not a coat.


I created the coat over the course of a month of late night sewing- and it was well worth it, even if I do say so myself!


The Penelope Red Jade and Black Winter Coat is now available in my Etsy shop. It is a one-off design, as I only had enough fabric for the one copy. So whoever buys this will be the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind Penelope Red Coat, and no one else will ever have the same!

The Penelope Red Pleated Turtle Neck: A new design!

Last week I finished a new design... The Penelope Red Pleated Turtle Neck. The charcoal grey and black version is available in my Etsy shop now. The fuchsia and black version is now available as well.

This design features a lovely pleated detail on the LHS shoulder, and the pleats extend across the front of the blouse.



You can wear it tucked in or out, with your favourite pair of jeans, pants or a skirt.




The top has 3/4 sleeves, and a very soft roll-over turtle neck. The hem falls to the hip.


Both designs, the grey and black or the fuchsia and black, are one-off's. Each being unique from every other top, as the fabrics are recycled, and I therefore, only had a limited amount to use.




A more casual look for Penelope Red, but I still like the understated panache that the pleats give. They look much better in person- it is very hard to do it justice in the photos!




Take a look at the Penelope Red Etsy shop online, to see the Grey Pleated Turtle Neck, and the Fuchsia Pink and Black version.

Follow me on twitter or facebook for more updates of my latest designs and finds!

The Penelope Red Black and Lace Winter Dress: Making of

I wanted to share with you the making of my Penelope Red Black and Lace Winter Dress. I wore this dress to the Tessuti Awards, and I was so proud of it! It is an amazing feeling to be able to wear something that you have hand-crafted yourself!

I love sewing, and sometimes it is nice to make something that is just for me! It means I can be as creative and spontaneous as I want, and I only have to satisfy myself!



I bought the fabric from the Tessuti fabrics store in Surry Hills. The plain black fabric is a 100% wool crepe. The cream and black fabric is 100% wool too, so I made sure I steamed both fabrics, to prevent shrinkage.


Next, I carefully cut out each piece. I had only just enough of the black and cream fabric, so I was very lucky. I always like to use a rotary cutter and cutting mats. It means a much more accurate cut, and it is actually much easier on your hands. The brand I would recommend is Olfa. They last a lot longer than the rest.


In my more expensive and exclusive garments I like to use interfacing, rather than fusing. It is a more time consuming process, but worth it in the end. So I cut out the interfacing separately, then apply each piece to the back of the main fabric, fastening it with stitching.


After the seams have been stitched, it is important to trim your layers of seams to reduce bulk. So I always trim the interfacing seams away as much as possible. I clip and notch wherever it is needed, then press. Every seam is treated this way.



This dress is relatively easy enough to sew, it just has a few tricky areas. The hardest is the centre front peak under the bust. It has to be 100% centred and even on both sides. I find the best way to do this is to place a line of stitching on both pieces of fabric, to outline exactly where the stitching needs to go.


Above is the inside of the centre front, and you can see all of the clips and notches!


The dress is completely lined with black silk lining, encasing all seams in between the layers.

Once I had the dress constructed, I hand appliquéd the lace around the neck line. I first of all pinned the lace in place (above), and then hand stitched with a needle and thread around each medallion. I watched "Pride and Prejudice", (the BBC version of course!) while sewing the lace by hand. I next clipped off any excess threads and pieces of lace.


So my dress was done! I am so happy with it.




I found some really cute black and white vintage buttons, to add just a little finishing touch to the sleeves, and at the top of the back neck. I then placed a little piece of the lace to the sleeve, right next to the button.


The lace was also purchased from Tessuti fabrics, in their Surry Hills store, and it really is just simply stunning! It came on a big roll, like any normal fabric, and I just bought 10cm worth (so I got one long line of flowers).

There is nothing like a nice new dress to revitalise and freshen up your day! I can't wait to wear it again!