Vancouver Update: Rocking the Hammer!

Hello everybody! This is Erin, reporting in from the wilds of Hamilton (or, rather, Mount Hope, to be exact). Yes, Scott and I have been enjoying his family's hospitality in Ontario this Christmas--despite the rather un-West Coast temperatures, we have been having a great time.

As you can see, everyone was so good this year, Santa got them awesome Smoking Lily shirts!


All good things must come to an end, however, and Scott and I will be flying home tomorrow. I hope everyone in Vancouver had as much fun last week as we did! See you soon, Vancouver!

Do It Yourself - Ugly Sweater Kit

I am the youngest of three in my family. My brother, Brian the middle child, and his amazing partner, Richard, live in Vancouver. My older sister, Charlotte, and her two awesome children, Charlie and Parker, live in Gibsons, along with my fantastic parents, Brian Sr. and Christine. With all 8 of us it's really tricky to organize family events. We don't see each other as much as we would like, so this year I really wanted to give everyone in my family a gift that would bring us closer and force us to spend quality time together. I came up with an idea that would make us all laugh for years to come.

Do It Yourself - Ugly Christmas Sweaters.

Tape is #1 because not everyone in my family is a sewer. Glitter ribbon, sequins, ric rac to resemble snow, poinsettia things, and some sparkly trees. Oh, and... the reindeer. Yours doesn't have to be doing that, but in my family nothing is shocking....I doubt my mom will even notice.

Then you bag it all up pretty in a zip lock bag. Print yourself off a label, and presto! You have a one-of-a-kind hilarious gift that will bring smiles to the grumpiest old man (my Dad) and have the practical joker of the family silenced in awe (my sister). And if your mom is like mine, your Do It Yourself sweater kit will end up being proudly worn to the grocery store.

Christmas Hilarity

Oh, this is just too good!

Spotlight: Smittens

Well, December crept up very, very quickly this year. I've been a busy little elf, and after sewing all day at the studio I have been going home everyday (well... almost everyday... okay SOME days, let's be honest) and cutting and sewing loads of Smittens for my own label, Skeptic.

There are awesome new colors this year: fuschia, brown, moss green, black, peacock blue and denim. I've also tried out a new applique, a sweet little bird who gets along real well with the other embellishments, especially the squirrel; I imagine they are great friends. There are many different combinations available, so ask about current stock. They are made of a cozy boiled wool and are fitted, but still stretch nicely.

Now, these Smittens are limited--I will be making a few more short runs, but time (and fabric) is running out, so get 'em while you can.

Studio Update: New Nightie

A month ago, we wrote a blog asking YOU what awesome Christmas item you would love to see in the stores this year. And here it is.... it's a .... Nightie!

Made of 100% cotton, this light and soft little number has an empire waist, with an adjustable velvet ribbon drawstring in multiple colors. The somewhat plunging neck has a sweet lace detail, which provides enough coverage to be comfortable. Currently available in a winter white tone on tone with delicate leaf print, $78.

Lily Inspiration

Last weekend I went on a journey to visit my parents on the Sunshine Coast. The long drive and the two ferry rides from Victoria really got me thinking about Smoking Lily Christmas ideas. I decided to go through some of my Mom's old patterns for inspiration. Some patterns were so old they burst into dust as I touched them. After turning my Mom's sewing room upside down, I discovered this special little gem and I can honestly say it is older than me. Please pay special attention to gentleman on the left. Need I say more? Smoking Lily mens 70's housecoats coming complete with yellow glasses, curled coiff, matching mustache and beer? I have to see if the concept wins rave reviews with the ladies in the studio. Stay tuned.

Spotlight: Vote here! Pants or Nightie?

Hey everyone,

I know, I know, I'm sorry... but we're going to bring it up. We're going to say the word.

We're wondering what you want for .... Christmas... There, said it!

Man that was scary.

Here in the studio we come up with something seasonally appropriate every winter for you to put on your wish list. Then you can be all seasonally excited. In the past these have been items such as slippers, or more recently, pyjama bottoms. (The photo above is of a selection of our previous pj pants.)

So this year we were thinking... do you still want pyjama bottoms? Or do you want something new? Something exciting and different?! Pyjama bottoms are awesome... but would you want a nightie? We were thinking that we could make a pretty awesome nightie. Not what your grandma would wear. Something cooler, something with an all over print. Plunging neckline anyone... ?

We are open to suggestions, but mostly are wondering. Pants or nightie? Please respond below, with intelligent, inspirational or simple comments! Thank you for your input!

Christmas Snowshoeing

This Christmas Day I had planned to do nothing (like lay in bed all day nothing), then friends called to say they were taking their new snowshoes to Mt. Seymour (on the north shore of Vancouver) for a trial run. It was a gorgeous sunny day so what was I do - of course I would join them! We hiked our way toward the summit, stopping for warm tea with rye breaks, water breaks, snacking with the birds breaks... (it was a pretty challenging climb for someone who had planned to be horizontal all day). Fortunately James was thinking ahead and brought along Crazy Carpets. So on a sunset descent, rather than trudging up and down the trail, James skied while Rhonda and I slid and screamed our way down the green runs - soooo much fun! It was a much more challenging and exciting day than I had imagined. Thanks you two!

Cozy Feet

Just in time for Christmas, we’ve come up with the cutest slippers ever! Made of thick wool and lined with fleece, these little booties are unique in that they are made of one peice of fabric! This makes for a very cool design with minimal seams and a fancy side detail. Each pair is hand appliqueed and printed on the inside. So far there are just the three designs but there are more colours of wool coming. At the moment they fit everyone in the studio size 7 1/2 to 9. Not to worry though, we have a smaller pattern in the works!