Scott's Old Shirt: Upcycling Strikes Again!

If your bigger half is anything like mine, you've probably got a fair amount of closet space devoted to perfectly nice shirts that he (or she!) just doesn't really wear anymore. If you can't find a good home for them, or consign them, what to do? In the case of a Smoking Lily employee, there exists an option far more exciting than the Sally Anne: Send it to the studio! Please enjoy our little story in pictures...

Step 1: Rachel models hilariously oversized shirt. I am sure Scott will be impressed :p

Step 2: Aha! The pattern fits.

Step 3: Renée chalking.

Step 4: Renée cutting.

Step 5: Harmony hard at work.

Sew, Harmony, sew!

A new form taking shape...

Step 6: Ta-da! A brand spankin' new John Wayne top that will find a good home and be much worn (that last part is "Step 7," I suppose!).

Vancouver Update: Smoking Lily's Artistic Treatment

Last year my very good friend, Mark--photographer, painter, art director, Renaissance man at large--shot a series of photo portraits of his friends in locations they had chosen that were of some import to them. Having been one of his volunteers, I can attest that it was an interesting experience for someone who dislikes having their picture taken (Glenda knows well how I generally squirm when there's a camera on me), but I was absolutely fascinated by the results. Flipping through the dozen or so finished photographs, most of which being of people I haven't met, was so engaging; who were these people? Why had they chosen their particular locations? What were they thinking of when the picture was snapped? What stories lie here!

One photo I most certainly did recognize was the one above. Despite splitting her time between Toronto and Japan whilst slaving away at post-graduate research, Sara manages to come and investigate our skirts on a pretty regular basis. In this portrait she is looking quite contemplative in, I believe, one of the very few short-sleeved John Wayne tops from last year. Sara also writes a fantastic blog all about her Japanese adventures called Tokyo Beaute, which I highly recommend. ...Hhmmm, maybe we'll have to get her to send us some pictures of her Smoking Lily collection in action on the streets of Japan!

It's Hot

Oh my goodness, it is so hot here right now.  We've been busy and with the heat we have neglected  our blog.  There are a few things we have been working on this past week.   We found some beautiful white eyelet lurking in the back corner and have decided to make some of the Calamity Jane's.  We have just cut a huge load of Clover Point Smocks and they should be ready in a few days.  Fabric was ordered this week for a new black sleeveless summer frock (it's all about the LBD) and Nicole is just finishing up the High Tide Pants in 70's Denim. We bought and washed 45 men's shirts and Steph is making more John Wayne's  and Korrine just finished the first run of chocolate brown Ampersand Tunics, so pretty.  We sold out of the Market Dress but found a new cotton jersey to replace it plus we shortened it to knee length.  Glenda is taking photos of all the new stock tonight and the should be posted on the site tomorrow.  

Cheers

Trish