New Vintage Fabrics

When people have seen my designs at The Rocks Markets, or when I am wearing my Penelope Red designs out, most will ask me the same question, "Where do you get your fabrics from?". I know that my interesting fabrics and prints is what sets me apart from a lot of the other designers out there, so while I won't give away all of my secrets, I will share something with you...

I come from a long line of dressmaker's, and now that my Aunt's are getting past the stage of wanting to sew, they have decided to pass on their collection of fabrics to me! It only means great news for me and for my Penelope Red designs.

I have always loved vintage fabrics and prints- and they add an exclusive touch to my designs as no one else will have that fabric. Even when in was in TAFE, studying fashion design, I would visit the local op-shops and vintage stores, and collect beautiful pieces of fabric. Vintage fabrics is part of the Penelope Red aesthetic now, and around 50% of my fabrics and trims are vintage- especially after the latest editions.

The above photo and the below two photos are of fabrics collected from my Aunt Christine.
1. two cotton prints, and a beaded and sequinned trim.
2. printed linen, printed polyester and more beaded trims.
3. a black and blue jacquard and a printed cotton.



If you know anyone who likes to sew, you'll probably find out that we like to collect and hoard! Some people call it, "insulating the walls", other's call it, "fabric-holic". So when I meet a dressmaker who is giving up the trade, I always ask if they would like to sell their stash to me. The fabrics in the next image are from a recent "stash-buy". I love the printed wool (left), and the linen has come in handy (middle). The lace is probably my absolute favourite thing I acquired from this lady.



The fabrics above and below are from another aunt of mine, Aunt Patricia. All of these are cotton prints, and they will come in handy for the coming Spring/Summer- I can't wait to use them!

The Penelope Red Vesper Kimono

The Aqua and Black Vesper Kimono has been handmade from a 100% cotton print. This fabric is so beautiful and soft, with such a vibrant print- most people assume it is silk until I tell them that it is actually cotton!

I pleat the back panels, so you don't need to arrange it in a particular way- it is done for you. This is another surprise that people seem to love- because it is very hard to see this when it is hanging on the rack.


Above, the inside of the kimono- all seams are over-locked.


It is always nice to have a few extra photos of my designs- plus I love wearing my creations, so any excuse will do!


I like to wear the Penelope Red Vesper Kimono with a dark pair of jeans and heels for a more smart casual look...




... and I think it looks pretty HOT with a Penelope Red mini skirt. I wasn't sure if I could tuck it in and make it look good, but I am actually very happy with how it looks tucked it! I think because the kimono is quite a full in silhouette design, this actually makes my waist appear smaller- and let's face it, that is always a good thing!



The skirt I am wearing with it is my very latest design, and it is made from two cotton elastane prints. I haven't even named it yet!


A lot of people would probably say my choice and mix of prints is a little out there- but I love mixing up different textures and prints. It is my trademark. If you are not a brave as me, perhaps a black, blue, or red skirt would be just as lovely. I always say, "Your wardrobe is limited only to your imagination!"


You can buy this handmade Penelope Red Vesper Kimono online, in the Penelope Red etsy shop.

The Mai Tai Aqua Halter Top

The Mai Tai Aqua Halter Top is part of my new Summer Collection, "The Red Hour". This collection was inspired by a cocktail/party theme, and as soon as I saw this fabric, I knew this style would be perfect for it!




These photos were created by a great team of people, and you can read about them in the Penelope Red newsletter here.



This has been hand made from a 100% cotton print, with cotton poly lining, and big maroon buttons at the back. The back is a wrap around style. Such a versatile style- wear it with jeans, pants, skirts, shorts, etc.

Creating "The Red Hour" New Summer Collection

Finally my computer is working!!!! I have not been able to add any new blog postings for 2 weeks now, and I am starting to get withdrawal symptoms. So here I am, back again, and ready to add more and more new posts!

So without further ado, I wanted to show to you the beginnings of my new Penelope Red Summer range, "The Red Hour Collection".

It is called "the RED hour" instead of "the cocktail hour". I began designing this collection by starting off thinking: "what would I love to wear to a cocktail bar or party?"

Then I visited my textile agent, and she had these amazing fabrics! So the ideas just flowed...


The above design is my new Aqua Summer Wrap Around Halter Neck Top. Such a great style, which never dates, paired together with a stunning print- I have a feeling this will sell fast!


The photo above and below is of another cotton print, but you are actually seeing four colourways/swatches of it (2 in each photo). I have so far bought the green/aqua/yellow combination (the top swatch in the photo below), and now, each time I look at these photos I am tempted to buy another, but I am not sure which one... Any suggestions?



From the aqua print fabric, I am also making some flared pants from it. Anyone who knows my style well, knows I love my colourful flared pants!


This next print will be made into a gathered neck blouse, such as the Black and White Nouveau Blouse. This style shape has been very popular in the past 6 months, and as soon as I spotted this fabric, it just screamed Penelope Red!



There will be plenty of other handmade Penelope Red styles to come, and sneak peeks to view. I am hoping to have all the designs made up in the next week, ready for a brilliant photo shoot.

Some of my current styles available to purchase can be found in the Penelope Red etsy shop here:

The Penelope Red Pink Summer Kimono

Introducing the latest Penelope Red style, the Pink Summer Kimono! It has been handmade from a 100% polished cotton, featuring a bright coloured print of flowers, paisley and marbling. The colours include pink, yellow, red, blue, purple, white and more.



I have taken many photos of this style, and I wanted to show you a few more than the five etsy allows, so here they are.



The back ,above, with the belt tied around the waist; the below photo showing the back when the belt is left loose.


The back has several pleats above and below the waistband, which is shown in the below photo. I have sold several kimono's (in other prints) at the markets, and the back pleating is usually one of the aspects of this design that people love. It really makes it easy to wear, as you don't need to arrange the pleating yourself- the garment already has it.



Above and below shows the inside of the garment. I always like to make sure the inside is as neat as the outside!




It truly is a simple style to wear; pair it with jeans and some chunky jewellery to go shopping; wear some skinny black pants and heels for a night out; cute shorts will make this style versatile for a lazy summers afternoon at the beach! As it is 100% cotton, you could also use it instead of a sarong- it is a light fabric, so it will dry quickly, and no need for adjusting and re-tying it all the time (like we do to those sarongs)!


Take a look at the Pink Summer Kimono style in the Penelope Red etsy shop