Custom Order: A Handmade Emerald Green and Bright Blue Silk Kimono

I was looking for some time to compose this post about this fabulous custom ordered green and blue silk kimono, and now that my bub has woken up with teething woes, and is desperately wanting a cuddle, it seems the perfect time to start! I think I sometimes live a double life! Fashion designer in one life, mother and wife in another! 

I just finished hand beading this kimono design last night, and Leanne only picked it up today- so it's hot off the press! Leanne was sweet enough to model it for me in these pics so I could show it off.

Leanne has purchased quite a few of my cotton kimonos, and its one of her favourite styles. She had asked me for a more evening wear type of kimono, and after discussion we decided on this gorgeous emerald green vintage silk. 

The green silk in the main body of the kimono features a dark blue floral print, so I decided to use a bright blue silk for the sleeve, then blue vintage rik rak braid,  and blue sequins to give it that finishing touch!

As with all my kimonos it's the pleating of the fabric that really makes my Penelope Red kimonos stand out... And it's unfortunate that you can never see it in the photos. Each kimono uses around 2 to 2.5 metres of fabric due to the pleating  and how it has been cut. 

I have handmade so many kimonos since starting my Penelope Red fashion designs. Each one has been unique or at least made into a select few. It's quite fun for me to imagine just how far some of my unique designs travel. In its life time, I wonder how far this kimono will go?!

New Penelope Red Scarf Design: Chinese Flowers

I have posted a new scarf design in my Etsy shop. The Penelope Red Chinese Flowers scarf has been made from various beautiful fabrics, including silk, cotton, and linen blends.


I love mixing colours, textures and prints together, in unusual combinations- my friend's say it is my trademark. Making these scarves gives me the opportunity to play around with this even more.


I usually use one of the fabrics in the scarf to inspire the rest. So, for instance, in this scarf, I used the red Chinese-style printed cotton, to help determine the other fabrics and colours to use. The print has beige, cream and blue included in it.



A few other scarf designs can be seen here.

All Penelope Red scarves are one-of-a-kind. No scarf is exactly the same as the next.



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

My Penelope Red Pleated Neck Blouse

Recently, I have had a little spare time to catch up on some sewing for ME! I adore bright prints and colours, and when I saw this fabric, it just screamed out to me!



I decided to make my own version of the Penelope Red Pleated Neck Blouse, as the fabric was so light and soft, and it will be perfect for summer!


Pictured above is the Penelope Red Monet Pleated Neck Blouse, which can be purchased online or at The Rocks Markets. If you would like a copy, please email me at: designer@penelopered.com.au



I bought this fabric from Tessuti Fabrics, a few months ago. It is a beautiful 100% silk twill.






As I had planned to wear this top with some bright red pants, and my favourite colour is red (obviously!), I chose to highlight the underbust seam with a bright red satin binding.




Since the fabric is silk, I wanted a beautiful finish, so I completed all seams as french seams. I then bound the facing edge too, with satin binding- so no over-locking was needed at all.



A great summer top to wear with jeans, or my fabulous red pants (shown in the previous photos), or a mini skirt... I can't wait for summer now!

The Penelope Red Tailored Winter Dress: Custom Order

The Penelope Red Winter Tailored Dress would have to be one of my favourite designs, and one that I am very proud of! A lovely customer of mine, Kiran, asked me to make this style for her, when she had seen my other versions on my website. Doesn't Kiran look beautiful in this design!?



We both decided on the colour and fabrications together. The bright blue silk looks fantastic against Kiran's skin! I loved the idea of using the beautiful silk brocade for the main body. The 3rd fabric is a wool pinstripe.



The sleeves add that extra bit of panache! They are something different; something you wouldn't expect, and they really make the outfit.



Making this style gives me a chance to show my flair and love of colours and contrasting textures. I love creating beautiful shapes and panelling to show off the figure, while showing off the fabric. It makes this dress stand apart from the rest!



The square neckline really suits Kiran. This neckline was inspired by watching old movies, in particular "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes".



Since the sleeve has panelling, I continued the curved lines around the neckline and back. It also gave me a chance to frame Kiran's beautiful face with the bright blue silk.



I made the pattern to fit Kiran completely, so we had a few fittings to get it just right. If you would like to enquire regarding a custom made Penelope Red Tailored Winter Dress, please email me: designer@penelopered.com.au

I am so pleased with this dress, I want to make one for myself!- however, I am currently planning to create a black and cream version in the next few weeks, and since I already own the two pictured below, can I justify a 4th?....maybe!



Above is the first ever Penelope Red Winter Tailored Dress. I actually designed and made this about 2.5 years ago. I still love it, and I still wear it constantly!

It still amazes me how complete strangers will react every time I wear either of these dresses. I will always be asked the same question, "Where did you get that from?!"
Kiran, you have been warned!



The Penelope Red Spring Tailored Dress. This is another version of the same style pictured above, just different fabrications, and no collar. (The custom made blue dress is a slightly different style)

I love this design because it is creative, alluring and unexpected, while still being extremely feminine, sophisticated, but also sexy. What every dress should be!

The Penelope Red Kaleidoscope Mini Skirt

The picture above, of me, was taken with the help of my hubbie- so it isn't poffessional, but atleast you can see it properly on a body.



Today I finished a new design- The Penelope Red Kaleidoscope Mini Skirt. I am loving the colour/fabric combination! While I understand that the combination is not for everyone's taste, sometimes it isn't about pleasing the masses... I like to keep it fresh and sometimes create items just for the love of doing it! This is what keeps me coming back!


I wanted to create a mini skirt that wasn't too mini. I wanted a length that was still classic and sophisticated, so this skirt is short- but not sky high.

I decided to place a curved panel down each side, as this creates an optical illusion, as well as it is my signature look- I love my panels! The curved panel means that the darker fabric (the plain Emerald Green Silk) is detracting from the thighs. The peach satin binding is creating a longer line, and draws your eye up and down the length.



When I make straight skirts or fitted skirts, I like to try and curve them around the hips and butt- we want to show off the curves! Not hide them in excess fabric!

This skirt was made from two beautiful 100% Silk fabrics. Together, they have such a luxurious feel, and the satin binding just lifts it even further!


I also managed to match the check where possible.


Of course, it is fully lined as well, with an invisible zip.

I only have enough fabric for two of these skirts- so this skirt is 1 out of 2. I hope whoever decides to buy it, loves it! This will be available in the Penelope Red Etsy store, in September 09.