How to make a mask to use during Coronavirus pandemic
A few weeks ago I volunteered to sew a small mountain of ‘anti-projections’ masks for the local government to distribute so I learned a thing or two in all that making. I know there are plenty of Coronavirus/Covid 19 mask how-to’s out there but many of them end up looking like a face nappy so I am here to tell you all I know! I’m going to show you how to make two different kinds and what you will need is some fabric, clothing type elastics, an old t-shirt cut into thin strips, bias binding or anything else that will work as tie strings.
A life creatively lived
This is kind of following on from my last blog post where I talked about finding a new path for GW, (here) I want to talk a little bit about what I am doing to keep the creative fires burning not just because it’s fun but because for me it is a MUST for maintaining my sanity and sense of self. Though I’ve learned that it doesn’t always have to be physically making something, sometimes it could be as simple as reorganizing a shelf to display interesting objects. It isn’t some big thing that requires lots of effort, it’s actually about small things that build over time, almost without realising it that add up to a life creatively lived. So here are a few of the things that have kept me going creatively over the past few months and they are honestly all very easy things that anyone could do.
A new path for Grey Whale
Where has time gone?? It’s 2020 and I’ve not blogged since mid 2018, wow. Here’s what happened. The year started out sparkling with possibility, big plans, finally making a profit (spoiler: profit does not equal a living though) and I was getting official help with making my little business physically sustainable and clearing a path to growth. Then I became pregnant with my third child, great! I could work until the end of the year maybe getting some extra outside help and take a few months off after, right? Nope, very wrong.
Big monstera leaf print fabric
I’m excited to share this new fabric I printed! Monstera leaf in the best quality water based ink I can find (as always :0) on pale creamy natural organic cotton. It will bw made into some cool summer totes and if I can print more then who knows what else? I’m now dreaming of cushion covers and throws!
New stores stocking Grey Whale bags!
So happy to announce that my bags can new be found in two new locations! One is Velvety – a beautiful Melbourne based vegan, sustainable and ethical shop. (Check my bags out on the front page 😉 The other is Wonderloop, a brand new name in sustainable fashion based in Brussels, Belgium -where I am of course based too. Helena the founder has so carefully chosen each brand and item in her hopefully-permanent-soon pop-up shop and I’m honored to be placed alongside such great names as Armed Angles, People Tree and Veja to name but a few. Woohoo!
New PINATEX handbag collection!
So happy to announce the release of my Pinatex handbags! There are actually four separate designs here, one is an extra special 2 in 1 tote plus insert that turns into a light crossbody bag. No more messy switching bags and forgetting your wallet! These have been (as always) hand crafted with careful attention to every detail and made with earth kind pineapple leather alternative Pinatex.
Ethical wardrobe: Autumn get the look
I thought I’d start sharing a few ethical fashion outfit ideas with you from time to time, I think part of the problem that people have with ‘ethical fashion’ or choosing more ‘sustainable’ clothing is that the terms conjure up ideas of having to sacrifice on style or good quality. So first up as the weather turns chilly I’m pulling together an Autumn look I really like using staples you probably already have and if not maybe they will give you some ideas. Today I have chosen a really simple casual outfit with warm autumnal tones: jeans and over-sized cardi which most of us have, pared with a tote handbag (by guess who?) plus metallic trainers in copper and a beautiful piece of simple jewelry to brighten everything up. Here’s what I have chosen with links if you want to know more or where to get any of the pieces. I don’t know about you but I have huge heart eyes for those shoes and that necklace. Enjoy!
How to organise your handbag or purse – Marie Kondo style
Our handbags and purses often contain a jumble or receipts, tissues, loose change and a variety of other useful and not so useful items. If this sounds like yours too you are really not alone. You clear out the bits and pieces and before you know it you are back to square one. But I have found a brilliant solution to keeping my handbag organised inspired by the queen of all things organised and tidy – Marie Kondo. This way makes it so easy to switch between bags toom one day you might need that big tote to carry everything but the kitchen sink and the next maybe you only need a light crossbody with basic essentials. The solution? Zipper pouches. Yes it’s that simple and I’m going to show you how to keep your bag organized and tidy forever! Ok maybe not forever but this honestly works! Here’s how in 3 easy steps.
What is vegan leather and is it eco-friendly?
So what is vegan leather? It’s a term spreading fast and as the trend towards vegan food grows so does the desire for vegan fashion. I feel like we are led to believe that because of associations with the word ‘vegan’ it is somehow natural and kind to the environment. However what does it really mean- it might not harm any animals but is it really eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable?
