Wednesday 12 November 2014

Fabric and Shoes

Aha, that got your attention didn't it?! Luckily for you, this post is all about fabric and shoes as I'll be waxing lyrical about my recent purchases in both camps. First I'd like to draw your attention to my new fabric, the result of a recent splurge in Miss Matatabi. I've been eyeing up the beautiful Japanese fabrics in this Etsy shop for a while without succumbing. But on my most recent visit, I couldn't resist - the fabrics were just so lovely I had to buy some before I burst.


To the casual observer, this polka dot double gauze is pleasant enough, but nothing out of the ordinary - until you see the other side!!!

This could have done with a press - sorry
YES!!! Polka dots and gingham, all on the same piece of reversible fabric, how amazing is that!! This is destined to become a fitted button-up shirt for next year and is crying out to be made with contrast button bands and collar.


Next up is a double knit, but not a double knit as we know it. No, this fabric is a knit version of double gauze i.e. two layers of fabric fused together at regular intervals to create one super-cosy layer! This is another reversible fabric, so I can have a bit of fun thinking of contrasting bits for the reverse side. I'm thinking of another Lady Skater dress for the winter, after seeing Tasha's gorgeous polka dot one. 


Last up is a metre of fabric I picked up in the sale section. It's a cotton/linen mix with a tulip design, which just happens to be my favourite flower! The fabric is reminiscent of vintage prints, whilst still retaining a Japanese feel, I love it.  I'm not sure what to make with this though - any ideas?  I'm ssooo pleased with my new Japanese fabrics. I have to also say that the customer service at Miss Matatabi was excellent - the fabrics were dispatched from Japan the same day I ordered them and arrived within a week. Well worth a visit if you're feeling flush. 

Now for the shoe bit, specifically my new red brogues. I do already own a pair of black brogues from Clarks that are super comfortable, but not that exciting. Also, they lost their appeal on day one, when Jon likened them to something Michael Flatley would wear. Sadly, he had a point, and they've been known ever since as my Riverdance shoes. What I've been looking for are a pair of brogues with a bit more oomph, that didn't look quite so much like Irish dancing shoes.


I found them at Shoe Embassy - a London-based shoe company I recently discovered. They have shops in Spitalfields, Camden, Brick Lane and Greenwich Market.  Not living near any of those places, I ordered mine online, sight unseen, which is always a risk. I take a UK size 4.5 (my feet mysteriously went up half a size after having my youngest) and in fact a Clarks size 4.5 are a perfect fit. If in doubt, I always go up a size as I have wideish feet, so I ordered size 5. Be warned, these shoes come up large - clowns feet large in fact. So if you're between sizes my advice would definitely be to go down a size. I had to exchange them for a size 4, which was a hassle and an expense, but worth it in the end.


My shoes (Quarter Oxford brogue in red) are PERFECT. In fact they're so perfect I'm in danger of tripping up when I'm out in public as I spend the entire time looking at them. They have a very slight tapered heel (about 1") and a lovely rounded toe. They look fab with jeans and skirts and everywhere I go I get asked "oooh, where did you get your shoes?". If you like a chunkier, more masculine style of brogue, then they also do a range called Brick Lane, which I have my eye on… But for now, I'll stick with my Quarter Oxfords, they're exactly what I was after and I'm really pleased to have discovered such a great new company, especially one based in the UK.

Thanks for indulging me! x




45 comments:

  1. Haha my husband busted me ogling my own new sandals the other day at a concert....... Nothing wrong with that I say! Did you see the striped cotton ponte at miss Matatabi? That was my most recent purchase from her.....

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    1. Yes I did, if I didn't already have 5000 striped tops/dresses I'd have snapped up some polka dot ponte too! x

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  2. EEEK! I have been looking for shoes like that for ages. Sooooo jealous. Reversible fabric what are you doing to our minds - and pockets! Love Jo x

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  3. Oh my word this'd shoes are amazing! Lucky Christmas is just around the corner!!!

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  4. I had forgotten how much I love brogues! (Opens second browser window!)
    Frankie
    X

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    1. I'm a big fan of opening second browser windows! x

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  5. Oooo - so much to drool over in this post! Very jealous of all of your fabric as well as those shoes. I live in silvery grey brogues from Clarks (I'm a 6.5 and it's so hard to get shoes that fit me - either too small or too big, but Clarks are always a good fit thank goodness) and I just love them...so comfy.
    I'm now seriously tempted with a red pair - argh Jane, I'm suppose to be saving for my house!!!! lol

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    1. Think of it like this Suzie, you'll be shelling out thousands on your new house, so an extra £60 isn't going to make much of a difference!! Good luck with the house by the way, fingers crossed. x

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    2. Thanks Jane. And I like your logic ;)

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  6. Oh, I'm so glad I've not yet got into sewing with knits or I'd be all over that site!

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  7. Love that double knit.
    My feet also grew half a size post children, which is weird, wish I could say the same about my mummy tummy though

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  8. I have succumbed to Miss Matatabi too a couple of times, she does have a great range of fabrics, I'm sure you will some lovely things with those. Those shoes are just so lovely, brogues are great anyway but all those colours and the wee heel (just spent the last 10 minutes oggling that website and their boots are gorgeous too, Oh dear! Very tempting)

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    1. I know, all those colours!! I also bought a pair of boots when I bought the brogues but didn't put them on the blog post as they weren't red and fabulous! This is the style: https://www.shoeembassy.com/all-shoes/orion. Ooh, those little zips!! x

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    2. Very cute little boots, they would go with loads.

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  9. I'm not even going to look in the Etsy shop... I must not buy more fabric..... Resist the double layer polka dots... Resist... I did have to look at the brogues though, I need a black pair and they are to die for. I obviously deserve them for Christmas.
    Can't wait to see what you do with the contrast fabrics!

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    1. Of course you deserve them for Christmas! x

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  10. Those shoes! Those polka dots! That gingham!

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  11. Funny I was on their website last night drooling over that same double gauze spot fabric. They have some lovely stuff. I love those shoes, I've been on the hunt for red brogues.

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  12. Those shoes are to die for. I need to to go check that website and see if they ship to Finland. Your blog is dangerous for the wallet, Jane .)

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  13. Okay, shoes and fabric now added to my christmas list! I just need to resist for the next few weeks until after Santa has been...

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    1. Could not resist, shoes en route!

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    2. Fabulous! I should be on commission! Hope you love them. x

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    3. I really do! They arrived today and they are fab, really quick service. Thank you for the recommendation (although my bank balance is sulking now!) x

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  14. Love the shows and love the fabric too. Thanks for sharing!

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  15. Love the double sided fabric! I've just made a double knit polka dot lady skater and I adjusted the neck line to add the Renfrew cowl and it is the loveliest cosiest dress ever!
    I also have a pair of the Clarks brogues in an oxblood colour - I bought a pair of cream ones in the sales and for some silly reason I took them back and have since regretted it. The red are fab!

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    1. The lady who taught me the pattern cutting course at Ray Stitch had the cream brogues, sorry to say it but they looked fab! I saw your Renfrew/Skater dress - gorgeous! Another one for my polka/Skater inspiration board! x

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  16. Oh boy, thank you for the shoes link. I'm going to go check them out in person! I love Miss Matatabi, you got some lovely stuff.

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    1. It's just as well I don't live nearer to their shops. I guarantee you won't leave empty handed! x

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  17. Haha. i was scrolling through my reading list and to be fair your title was the first to draw mw in. ;)

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  18. Oh, those shoes..... SIGH!!!!!

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  19. I'm going to totally blame you for the fact that my shoe budget is going to go through the roof in the near future- their collection is too good! Thanks for sharing :-) x

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  20. Oh, you lucky woman, to live in the land of the brogues. I have been looking exactly for these all over the webs and these are the ones I want. I'm going to order (or hub will for my birthday) the Brick Lane but the trouble is all the colors are so beautiful!!!!! Worth the U.S. shipping!

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    1. I felt the same, I've been looking for brogues like this for ever! x

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    2. My Brick Lanes in Marine are on their way to me!

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    3. Oooh fingers crossed they're a success. That Marine Ink colour is fabulous! x

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  21. First, THOSE SHOES! Adorable. I have some tan Clarks I bought in Dublin when I brought the most inappropriate footwear ever, but while practical, they're definitely a bit of a yawn. Your red ones though, swoon! Second, your fabrics are awesome, I can't wait to see what you do with the double sided ones (polka dot skater dress yesss), that is so fun! As for the tulips, can you squeeze a sleeveless blouse out of a meter, like the 50s sleeveless blouse pattern that suits you so well? Would be adorable with navy or denim trousers or a skirt!

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    1. Yes, it has to be a sleeveless 1950's blouse, I was thinking along those lines but it's nice to have a second opinion! Watch put for a polka dot skater dress soon! x

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  22. DOH! I forgot to add that I just received my first ever fabric buy from Miss Matabi a couple of days ago, a lovely Nani Iro. I think it took just over a week for me to receive it in the eastern U.S., which is really about how long it takes for me to fabric from some U.S. outlets. I'm thrilled with the fabric and the service.

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    1. Oh that's good to hear. I was mightily impressed too! x

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  23. Fabric and shoes. Otherwise known as the two things I spend ALL of my money on. Actually, no there are three things. Fabric, shoes and gin. I do like those brogues, Jane. Thanks for alerting me to a new shoe shop!

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  24. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon.

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  25. Nice post.I really like to read and i enjoying to get more idea that you post..

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