Ursula's Mint Green Bolero Jacket

I love it when a design comes together and I am reluctant to sell it- it means I am very happy with it! This bolero was a custom order for a lady in Germany, named Ursula. She tried on my Black Latin Bolero, but I had run out of fabric and couldn't make it in her size.

After a while, we both decided that this mint green wool/mohair would be a great option for the cropped jacket instead. I appliqued the cream lace onto the mint green fabric, just like I had done with the black latin bolero.



Little buttons and loops fasten the front which meets edge to edge.


I lined this bolero with cream silk satin, and green silk- I love these two fabrics together!


The lace has been applied to the sleeve aswell.


I received some feedback from Ursula yesterday:

"Thank u much !! It feels comfortable , fits perfect , looks wonderful!!! Keep the measurements!!
Thanks again. Your fan in Germany"

It is always nice to hear that my designs have reached their owners, and that they are enjoying them! It makes all the work worthwhile in the end and puts a smile on my face all day!

Outfit fun at The Rocks Markets!

One of the best parts about my work is that I get to meet many wonderful people while at The Rocks Markets. I have been very lucky to meet a few good friends since starting to sell there, and Leanne and her sister Lorelle, are two of them.

Leanne bought the Ikat Bolero (worn in the photo above) a few months ago, and wore it last weekend to show me how it looked on. I was so pleased with how it looked on her I had to take a photo. This bolero is a one-of-a-kind wool and jacquard cropped jacket, and I will be making more similar styles to this (in other fabrics) soon.

Since I was in the photo taking mood, here are a few others...



Leanne and I out the front of my Penelope Red market stand.


Leanne looked fantastic in this outfit, and many people commented when she tried this outfit on: the Black Silk Emilie Blouse and the black linen and purple Cairo Skirt.

New Style: The Gothic Coffee Bolero

One of my very latest styles, The Penelope Red Gothic Coffee Bolero.



This design evolved from the fabric-up. I already had the pattern, as it is the same pattern as the Venus Floral Bolero, and I had the fabric roll in my sewing room, just begging to be used. For some reason, I automatically had a vision of black lace on it some where, and then as I looked through my box of trims and things, the black velvet ribbon looked so elegant next to the lace.



Once I started to put it all together, it had a little French feel to it, a little bit of a Gothic undertone, and an Art Nouveau vibe.



The Gothic Coffee Bolero jacket is made from a very unique 100% cotton weave. The fabric has been woven into tiny diamonds, from white and coffee coloured yarns (It almost looks beige from a short distance). Then a silver foil print has been applied to the entire fabric. The silver metallic finish is noticeable, but is not something that takes over the style.



The centre front has been decorated with velvet ribbon, and a vintage black nylon lace. The front meets edge to edge, and little black buttons and hand-stitched loops helps to fasten the bolero.



The jacket has been fully lined with a polyester lining.



I will be placing this bolero in the Penelope Red Etsy shop very soon. I hope to get some amazing photos with a proper model very soon!

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 Venus Floral Bolero

I have finally had a chance to update this blog with a new Penelope Red design! Introducing the Penelope Red Venus Floral Bolero.



I have deliberately used photos that only show you sections of the bolero, as I want to unveil the whole design in a photo shoot, which will be taking place later on in the month- so keep watching this space for more!

This new cropped jacket design was inspired by Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" painting, and Jane Austen. Read more about this here.



The main fabric is a gorgeous vintage screen printed cotton, which was purchased from an antique dealer a few months ago in Sydney. The ruffle is another vintage fabric, which I have previously used on the Victorian Pink Corset as well. I thought the ruffle accents the bold flowers with a more delicate feel- I like the idea that each woman that wears this has a little boldness to them, but also has a little delicate, feminine side to them as well.



The jacket or bolero has been fully lined, and I have added a lovely pink decorative blanket stitch to the edge of the hem.



I am currently working on other styles that will be a part of this mini-range. I can't wait to show you more! I already have a corset and a gathered neck blouse to include.

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

Updated on Tuesday 23rd March, 2010: I have added the Penelope Red Venus Floral Bolero to my etsy shop. Please take a look at this beautiful design here!