for the home

sotreadsoftly — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:22:57 +0000

When was the last time I made something for my own home? It’s been a while. Today, however, I grabbed a couple of hours in the studio whilst Miss TS napped.

image: cross cushions

Before Christmas I’d stumbled upon a gorgeous duck egg blue vintage woollen blanket that I knew would be perfect for cushions for our bedroom. For the appliqued crosses, I used 19th century french hemp which has a wonderfully slubby weave. A fabric that I adore using.

image: cushion detail

I filled the covers with two plump feather inserts that I’d been saving. Very extravagant but worth it.

image: completed cushions

Maybe I’ll make some smaller ones for the shop…

the simplest things

sotreadsoftly — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:10:08 +0000

This morning we visited New Rags Market in Greytown. Lovely to stop at each stall and chat to the local crafting community. I purchased a little wooden wall sconce with a preserve jar vase.

image: wooden sconce

I love the simplicity and rawness of the wood.

image: sconce and chalkboard

It sits nicely next to my chalkboard that was being thrown out of St Mary’s School a couple of years ago.

image: sconce detail

A little gypsophila cut from the garden was all it needed. Gentle and lovely.

new frocks

sotreadsoftly — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:02:10 +0000

I’ve been making new frocks for Miss TS. I cut out a freehand pattern using a couple of her existing dresses for inspiration and now wouldn’t mind them in my size!

image: three dresses

They take just 60cms of fabric and a little bias binding so am planning to sort through my stash to see if I have anything else that’s suitable.

image: paris map frock

They’re great for our summer weather but look equally as lovely layered with leggings and a cardi.

image: miss ts trying on dresses – she’s so independent!

new stationary supplies

sotreadsoftly — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:57:47 +0000

New year – new stationary. I simply cannot resist pens, pencils, notebooks, stickers and calendars. My 2012 calendar choice is by New Zealand photographer, Susanah Tucker. Gorgeous imagery, cute statements and perfect for our cottage. At the end of the year, the dates will be trimmed off and the photos framed or strung out on twine in a particular little girls room.

I’m working on a special art area in a corner of the dining room for Honor. I adore the little images taped to the wall. They’re making me smile today.

image: susannah tucker calendar

image: mantlepiece

image: honor’s corner

image: alphabet stamps

image: taped images

image: orla keily pencils

sotreadsoftly — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:30:49 +0000

image: choosing a christmas tree

Well, that’s me for the year. The agnes coy website is now closed until mid-January. Time to deck the halls and stir a pudding or two. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

Alison x

agnes treats for christmas – part III

sotreadsoftly — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:17:17 +0000

Day three and my final selection of treats before I take a break for Christmas with family. My website will shut tomorrow (15th December) at close of business but I’ll be back and ready to go in the New Year.

If you’d like to order any of the items featured over the past three days then simply email me and we’ll take it from there. For those of you in New Zealand, postage is FREE! Hooray!

I have ~~three~~ one of my popular Linen Layer Dresses in a beautiful soft green in stock and have decided to sell them at cost! They are all size 14-16. Scroll down for the images.

Vintage Fabric Bow Brooches

above: bow brooch – flora

above: bow brooch – grace SOLD

above: bow brooch – daphne

above: bow brooch – esther

above: bow brooch – cora

sweet brooches made from vintage fabric

approx 9cms X 7cms

SOLD

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Linen Layer Dress

linen layer dress

pure linen soft green dress ideal for layering

loose fitting – wear over leggings, skirts, jeans, dresses…

an all season garment

pintuck detail

size 14-16 1 available

underarm to under arm (cut quite low)43″

hips 46

nz – free : austraila – $7 : worldwide – $12

email me to order

$65 NZD

Lavender Fish

above: lavender fish – brian SOLD

above: lavender fish – alan

above: lavender fish – eric SOLD

above: lavender fish – ernie SOLD

above: lavender fish – bob

hang from a hook doorknob

filled with organically grown lavender

embellished with a pair of old, old buttons

24cms – not including linen string

made from a mixture of vintage and modern linen and cottons

:please note that due to customs rulings, this item is unable to be sent to australia:

SOLD

agnes treats for christmas – part II

sotreadsoftly — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:55:13 +0000

Here we are with day two of ‘agnes treats for christmas’. Thank you to those of you who placed an order yesterday. Your goodies will be with you shortly.

Rosary Inspired Necklace – purple

rosary inspired necklace – purple

purple glass beads and antique bronze chain and findings

an antique letter snippet encased and protected by glossy resin

each necklace is unique

inspired by rosary beads

full hanging length – 62cms

nz – free : austraila – $6 : worldwide – $8

email me to order

$48 NZD

Rosary Inspired Necklace – mutli-coloured

rosary inspired necklace – multi-coloured

coloured glass beads and antique bronze chain and findings

an antique letter snippet encased and protected by glossy resin

each necklace is unique

inspired by rosary beads

full hanging length – 62cms

nz – free : austraila – $6 : worldwide – $8

email me to order

$48 NZD

MOP Button Bracelet – olive

mop button bracelet

antique mother of pearl buttons

toggle clasp fastening

olive green memory thread

to fit wrist up to 19cms

SOLD

Madamoiselle Zipped Pouch

madamoiselle zipped pouch

hand printed fabric zippered

images taken from antique and vintage papers

vintage fabric reverse

lined with charcoal and white cotton ticking

approx 18cms X 12cms

nz – free : austraila – $6 : worldwide – $8

email me to order

$28 NZD

Little Blue Tit Zipped Pouch SOLD

little blue tit zipped pouch

hand printed fabric zippered

images taken from antique and vintage papers

vintage fabric reverse

lined with charcoal and white cotton ticking

approx 18cms X 12cms

nz – free : austraila – $6 : worldwide – $8

SOLD

Yellow Bird Zipped Pouch SOLD

yellow bird zipped pouch

hand printed fabric zippered

images taken from antique and vintage papers

vintage fabric reverse

lined with charcoal and white cotton ticking

approx 18cms X 12cms

nz – free : austraila – $6 : worldwide – $8

SOLD

Up the Stairs to Bedfordshire Cushion

up the stairs to bedfordshire cushion

antique french linen

hand-stitched image in black

new feather cushion insert

zipper fastening

approx 41cms by 31cms

cool hand wash

nz – free : austraila – $10 : worldwide – $20

email me to order

$56 NZD

Le Sac

le sac

wonderfully roomy bag designed to be worn across your body

beige and red vintage french mangle cloth

antique french linen lining

approx 47 by 43 cms (not including handle)

cool hand wash

nz – free : austraila – $10 : worldwide – $18

email me to order

$72 NZD

As with yesterday, to place an order, simply email me with the name/s of your chosen item/s along with your post address and I will forward a Paypal invoice to you. Immediate payment is required . Your parcel will then be popped in the post the very next day.

Back tomorrow with my final update of the year.

agnes treats for christmas – part 1

sotreadsoftly — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:44:22 +0000

How did we get to the 12th of December without me noticing? The past couple of months have been filled with fairs and selling dates that have been so enjoyable. Yesterday was my final in-person commitment for this year and I can now focus on my family and those special UK visitors that we picked up from the airport not so long ago.

My website will close for the holidays this coming Thursday (15th December) and with no time for a proper website restock I thought that I would offer up some goodies to you via my blog. Now, how about free shipping for those of you within New Zealand? Yes? Oh, go on then! A little thank you for your local support and custom over the past year.

I’ll be adding items for sale to my blog today, tomorrow and Wednesday afternoon so do check back to see if there’s a goodie or two that catches your eye. You can always click ‘sign me up’ in the right hand column if you’d like an email whenever the blog has been updated.

Because we’re a little short of time, payment will be due immediately so that I can ship your parcel before I close for the year. If you’d like to place an order then just email me with your address and chosen item/s and I will send you a Paypal invoice. You don’t need an account to use Paypal but it means that you can use your credit or debit card securely and safely.

The cut off date for international parcels arriving in time for Christmas has passed but don’t let that deter you from treating yourself to a little something. Postage for international parcels will be listed after each item but I can of course combine postage for you if there are several items with your name of them.

Orders will be processed on a first come first served basis.

Okay, so here are todays lovelies. More tomorrow…

Linen Pintuck Bag SOLD

linen pintuck bag

natural linen

lined with stripped cotton

delicate pintucks

machine washable (gentle cycle)

approx 38 by 24 cms (not including handles)

postage:

nz – free : australia – $9 : worldwide – $17

SOLD

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

French Linen Cushion ALL SOLD

french linen cushion

vintage french ivory linen with red stripes

taupe and ivory linen reverse

button fastenings

machine washable (gentle cycle)

feather pillow insert

40 X 31 cms

4 available

postage:

nz – free : australia – $10 : worldwide – $20

~~$52 NZD each~~ ALL SOLD

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Banner Brooch SOLD

banner brooch

a unique hand stitched collage banner brooch using silks, lace, linen and old papers

hangs from a vintage brass coloured metal pin

approx 10cms by 8cms

postage:

nz – free : australia – $6 : worldwide – $8

SOLD

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Lavender Pillow – blue rose

lavender pillow – blue rose

antique french textile

appliqued antique fabric heart

hand stitching

filled with sweet-smelling wairarapa lavender

place under your pillow to help induce a restful nights sleep

approx 13cms square

nz – free : worldwide – $8

:please note that due to customs rulings, this item is unable to be sent to australia:

email me to order

$22 NZD

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Lavender Pillow – french ticking

lavender pillow – french ticking

antique french textile

appliqued antique fabric heart

hand stitching

filled with sweet-smelling wairarapa lavender

place under your pillow to help induce a restful nights sleep

approx 13cms square

nz – free : worldwide – $8

:please note that due to customs rulings, this item is unable to be sent to australia:

email me to order

$22 NZD

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Lavender Pillow – roses and blooms SOLD

lavender pillow – roses and blooms

antique french textile

appliqued antique fabric heart

hand stitching

filled with sweet-smelling wairarapa lavender

place under your pillow to help induce a restful nights sleep

approx 13cms square

nz – free : worldwide – $8

:please note that due to customs rulings, this item is unable to be sent to australia:

SOLD

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Lavender Pillow – faded reds SOLD

lavender pillow – faded reds

antique french textile

appliqued antique fabric heart

hand stitching

filled with sweet-smelling wairarapa lavender

place under your pillow to help induce a restful nights sleep

approx 13cms square

nz – free : worldwide – $8

:please note that due to customs rulings, this item is unable to be sent to australia:

SOLD

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Linen Rose Brooch – chartreuse SOLD

linen rose brooch – chartreuse

beautiful hand stitched lightweight linen brooch ideal for all seasons

chartreuse and taupe linen with felt backing

nickel-plated brooch back

approx size ~ 10cms X 8cms

postage:

nz – free : australia – $6 : worldwide – $8

SOLD

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Linen Rose Brooch – ticking SOLD

linen rose brooch – ticking

beautiful hand stitched lightweight linen brooch ideal for all seasons

cream, green, dusky red and taupe linen with felt backing

nickel-plated brooch back

approx size ~ 10cms X 8cms

postage:

nz – free : australia – $6 : worldwide – $8

SOLD

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

finding the balance

sotreadsoftly — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 05:28:44 +0000

image: pillows awaiting their final stitches

For those of us running hand-made businesses, Christmas is without doubt, our busiest time of year. Producing stock needed for fairs and markets during the pre-Christmas lead up, has often meant burning the candle at both ends. This year, however, is different. With the arrival of Honor it’s been more important than ever to find that balance between work and play. Several weeks ago I told myself that whatever I could make in the few windows of opportunity that I had, was enough. With the release of pressure, I was left with a sense of calmness. Whatever I can achieve, will be enough. I’ll keep reminding myself of that throughout the coming weeks

Yesterday was spent in a marquee on the stunning Parehua Country Estate. I was lucky enough to be invited to have stall at the Martinbrorough Town and Country House and Garden Tour. Sadly, I didn’t get to tour the homes, but I did get to meet some great people. Val from Lavenders Green had the stall next to me and I treated myself to a bottle of her Lemon, Ginger and Manuka Honey Cordial. Diluted with hot water, it was great for my cold that Honor had very kindly shared with us.

image: tiny bunches of grapes forming

image: the view across Parehua Vineyard

image: the marquee that housed our stall. Mark Dimock sculptures line the entrance

image: hand embroidery on vintage linen

Next Saturday (19th) I will be at the Rathkeale College Fete. Details can be found in the right-hand column.

Right then, off to build Lego towers and read story books.

and relax

sotreadsoftly — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 07:52:57 +0000

image: the work table

Before a major fair or event, the studio gets a little chaotic and this last week was no exception.

image: piles of lace, silk and cotton

The final Craft 2.0 of the year took place yesterday at Chaffers Dock, Wellington. The Atrium, where the hub of the fair took place was incredible with a buzzing atmosphere, natural light and space. The Galleria, that housed my stall and several others felt, I have to say, a little like an after thought but we all made the most of it and were grateful to being included in perhaps the most established and popular of the NZ craft fairs. The Galleria was filled with amazing designers and was one of my most successful fairs to date selling out of several lines.

I lost count of the number of blog readers who made themselves known to me. They were filled with congratulations for little Honor and each and every time, I welled up! I’m rubbish at keeping my cool!

image: cross cushions and hand printed pouches

I purchased a gorgeous two piece for Miss Tread Softly from Jules from Lone Moose who had set up shop next door to me. I swapped agnes goodies with Joke from Hikkepik for one of her beautiful frocks. I think that it’s the one we’ll dress Honor in when she meets our very special visitors at the international airport in a few weeks time. Here in the Wairarapa we’re all very excited that Hikkepik will be moving to our province soon. Joke’s wonderful bright-eyed giddiness is infectious!

So, all in all, a very enjoyable weekend. Today was spent reorganising the studio ready for the next round of designing and making in preparation for the Martinborough Town and Country House and Garden Tour on Saturday 12th November.