Sewing inspiration to create a vintage style: An edit of vintage fabrics from Olive Road London paired with modern dress patterns.
Vintage Style: Sewing Inspiration
I’m At The Knitting & Stitching Show
I’m back at the Knitting & Stitching show this Autumn at Alexandra Palace in London. 10 to 13th October 2019. Find me at stand J17 in the Great Hall. Come and say hello and get a free Scrap Busting Pattern booklet (whilst stocks last). I’ll be selling a wide range of vintage fabrics, buttons and…
Fabric Scrap Busting: 8 top tips for zero waste sewing
“Waste in fashion can be redesigned and minimised. It can be a massive problem or could be an untapped never-ending resource”Loved Clothes Last: Fashion Revolution Issue #2 Textile waste from the fashion industry is a major contributing factor to the environmental emergency, with 15-19% of fabric ending up on the cutting room floor during the…
We Are Celebrating Our 5th Birthday!
We are 5! Olive Road London launched at Pop-Up Vintage Fairs at Old Spitalfields Market in London in September 2014. I started selling bags I had made from vintage fabric along with a few vintage finds. Five years on, my business has developed into focusing on selling vintage fabrics, patterns and accessories along with teaching…
Mary Quant: 1960’s Style Icon
Whilst everyone was busy making tote bags from vintage fabric at my last beginners sewing workshop, we chatted about what to make at the next workshop. Dresses were a popular choice, particular with an A-line skirt. I’ve been wearing this style since the 1990’s but the origins of this silhouette come from the 1960’s. I…
Make a Drawstring Bag
A super versatile bag to use for tech equipment, laundry, shoes and shopping. If you picked up a free copy of my Fabric Scrap Busting booklet, scroll down for more in-depth instructions and step by step photos. If you discovered this free pattern by chance, please click here to sign up for my newsletter and…
Ready for a Fashion Revolution?
How to get involved for Fashion Revolution Week: 22 to 28 April 2019 Tomorrow is the start of Fashion Revolution Week. The sixth year in which the charity are encouraging us to get involved and challenge our favourite fashion brands with the question ‘Who Made My Clothes?’. Fashion Revolution was established in 2013 a year after…
Mid-Century Modern Style
A fan of the Mid-Century Modern style from the 1950’s and 60’s, I’d never considered where the phrase came from. Journalist Laura Fenton explains ‘Author Cara Greenberg coined the phrase “midcentury modern” as the title for her 1984 book, Midcentury Modern: Furniture of the 1950s’. Fenton goes on to theorise why the style is increasingly popular. Head to…
Zero Waste Sewing: 8 top tips for using your fabric scraps
Capes: For all kinds of heroes
Do you ever think about something then can’t stop noticing it? A bit like being on a health kick then being faced with chocolate cake at every waking moment? This is how I feel about capes. Last winter I started noticing the odd cape worn by a fashionista around London. Ever since then they keep popping into…