Pattern Making Penelope Red

Most people don't realise I create ALL of my own patterns myself. And with pattern making, and women's fashion, comes grading. Grading means to adjust the pattern from a standard size 10 to a size 8, 12, 14, etc.

In a mass-produced brand, the pattern making is done more and more often these days on a computer, making the grading become a simple flick of a couple of buttons. As with all hand done work, electronic automation is becoming common, and eventually manual pattern making and grading will be a thing of the past. However, like with all of my processes, I guess doing things the Penelope Red way is like taking a step back into the past...


Above, to grade I start off with a grid at the top and bottom of each piece to grade. I won't get into specifics of how to grade here- it is too technical, but trust me, it's complicated!


I then move the size 10 pattern piece around the grid to form the next size I am creating.



I then cut out and "notch" each piece. Notching means to place a little marker along the seam line to indicate a seam junction, a dart or to prevent stretching of the fabric. They are very handy around a curved seam.




Again, more grading! Each time I create a new style this means not only do I need to create and test the pattern, but I need to grade at least three sizes ( so that means a total of four complete patterns per size). All of this work adds up!


I have already started to come up with a few ideas for the Autumn 2011 Collection, and there will be quite a few new styles, including a new pant style, a new jacket style, a new blouse style, and a new skirt style... and no doubt a few more!

To see some of my current styles, please visit the Penelope Red shop online here:

Customers wearing Penelope Red

It is such a great feeling to see my customers enjoying their Penelope Red designs! It is especially lovely when they send photos of them wearing it- as it shows that they are excited about it as much as me!

I am very lucky to have met Lorelle and Leanne, two sisters who have been buying Penelope Red in the past few months. They went for a weekend away to Bowral, and decided to take a few photos for me. It is such a sweet gesture- I really appreciate it!

Above, Leanne wears the Paris Skirt, a one-of-a-kind skirt. Below, the Monet Flared Pants- another one-of-a-kind design.




Above, Leanne wears the Deco Sequinned Top, and Lorelle wears the Black Latin Bolero and Cosmopolitan Red Bow Tie Pants.




Above, Lorelle wears the Black Noir Bow Top (p.s. that red car is HOT!), and Leanne wears the Aqua Paisley Blouse.




Above, Leanne wears the Pink Candy Cowl Top and below, Lorelle wears the Pink Singapore Sling Kimono.

Kiran's Sari-Inspired Wedding Dress, Part 3 Video: East meets West

You can now check out the making of Kiran's Sari Inspired Wedding Dress in a video format, on youtube here.

The video is split into 3 parts, so make sure you don't miss any parts!

Part one is here.

Watch all the detail and work that goes into making this stunning wedding dress!

Fabrics and Textures for Autumn 2011 Collection

Previously I posted about my Penelope Red Autumn 2011 Collection inspiration. Today I wanted to show you the fabrics, trims and textures that I may decide to include in this collection....



As with any design, my ideas will evolve and change as I go, but right now, I am thinking of using a mix of fabrics, textures, and trims in colours ranging from gold, silver, brown, blue, purple, and mixing them with shades of white, cream and black.

Included in these photos is a brand new print, white silk, black sequinned lace, a few vintage laces, a couple of vintage metallic braids, black ribbed fabric, olive silk, beaded chiffon. This is just a small selection of the fabrics and trims I have to choose from, and I can't wait to get started on this range!



Stay tuned for more updates throughout the next few months.

The Alexander Black and White Zebra Blouse

The Alexander Black and White Zebra Chiffon Blouse is one of my very latest designs. Pictured with the Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants, it is such a versatile, easy and flattering style to wear.



I have always been a huge fan of animal prints, and while this is not exactly an animal print, it is easy to see where the textile designer got their inspiration from.

The actual fabric itself is a chiffon yoryu- this means the chiffon is crinkled and has a more tactile finish.



This blouse has been handmade and finished off with gathering and a little blue rik-rak braid at the neck. It is a sleeveless top, but you can easily wear it with a skivvy on those cooler nights.



You can buy the Alexander Black and White Zebra Printed Blouse online in the Penelope Red etsy shop.



Take a look at my other Penelope Red designs here:

More photos of the Strawberry Daiquiri Polka Dot Blouse

The Strawberry Daiquiri Red Polka Dot Blouse has been added to the Penelope Red etsy shop. I spent some time last week taking a few photos so everyone can see it from each angle- I think that is important when you are buying online!






I have more information about this style on the blog too.

The Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants

I am very proud of this pant design, the Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants...I have always loved flared pants, and I have in previous years sold quite a few. I always found that no matter what I did, it was always hard to fit everyone though. Each women's hip to waist area is so different in length and width that making a fitted pair of pants with a zip and tight waistband was very hard to sell.

So when it came to creating these pants, I wanted to do something completely different! I wanted these pants to be high waisted (not hipster like my past pant creations), and I started thinking about using elastic... the only problem was I didn't like the look of a gather waist on pants.

The Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants is pictured above with the Martini Bright Stripe Blouse, and below with the Venus Floral Bolero.



So, I decided to make a flat centre front waist band, then hide the elasticated waistband with an oversized bow that tied around the waist! The elastic means that it has room to expand or retract where needed, and it also means a much more comfortable fit. In fact my customers are usually very surprised by how comfortable this design is!


So the fit problem is solved, they are super comfortable, and the bow gives it that "Penelope Red panache" that I always want in every single item of my designs.

The reason why I decided to make it in this bright blue colour is mainly because everyone else sells black pants. I always say that i can't compete on price, but what I can compete on is individuality- tell me, how many shops sell bright blue pants?


I designed these pants to make your legs look elongated. The pin tucks that have been applied to the front, together with the high waist create the illusion of length. I have seen a lady who was about 5 foot tall try them on, and even she was surprised by how tall they made her look.




The Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants is pictured above with the Caipirinha Y-Bar Top and below with the Strawberry Daiquiri Blouse.

I make these pants to fit, with the desired length. I personally wear mine with heels, but a few customers have opted for flats. I can also make them with out the bow, and just place extra belt keepers so a belt can be worn with them instead.


The fabric is a very soft 100% rayon. I have washed my pants twice so far, and they are the ones used in the photographs- so the colour stays.



The Cosmopolitan Blue Bow Tie Pants is pictured above with the Aqua Paisley Blouse.

The pants are also available in a bright red, the Cosmopolitan Red Bow Tie Pants.

You can buy these pants and other Penelope Red designs online in the Penelope Red etsy shop here.