Thanks, New Year wishes and a Special Dress

The little girl pictured is my beautiful friend Karen's 2nd daughter. Karen and I met through our Mothers Group and I can say with all honesty, that I would be lost without her. We have very little in common and I'm afraid to say, she does'nt love Bon Jovi, however, I love her dearly and consider her one of my best friends.

I made this dress for Karen's first born daughter around March/April 2007. It has sentimental value for two reasons. The first one is because Karen kept the dress and has passed it on to her 2nd child and the second reason is because this dress is the very first thing I made after having my own son in November 2006.

As you can see, it's a simple dress made using a 1960's toddler pattern and 100% cotton pindot fabric. It has a button on each shoulder and I added a little bow in the front to 'finish off' the dress.

Even though it's a very easy pattern to make, I remember how difficult it was to cut and sew the dress in my sleep deprived state (my son woke every hour on the hour at night for the first 9-10 months of his life). I remember feeling frightened and nervous about what my mothers group would think, even more so because Karen is one of the most stylish people I know! Thankfully she liked it enough to keep for her 2nd child to wear.

People assumed that after I had my baby, I would start churning out babies clothes and I felt immense pressure to keep my business running, especially as it became my only form of income. I am glad I kept my business running, but at the same time, I do feel that I missed out on alot of resting and 'bonding time' in those first few months.

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone that has supported my business this year, it's been a strange year on a business level, but a really exciting one too.

Have a safe and Happy New Year, and I am looking forward to a new year filled with exciting new projects.

Bridal party dressed by 'Peta Pledger'

Melanie contacted me in October, and asked me if I could make her wedding dress. "I don't really make 'wedding dresses' as such, Melanie", I replied. "I know, but I am not after a 'wedding' wedding dress", Melanie replied. "Wonderful, I am the right person for you then!", I said. "Oh, and by the way, I am pregnant" Melanie added...

At first, I had a little panic attack as I had never made a wedding dress for a pregnant person before and I confess, I was a little scared.

Our first meeting was so much fun, Melanie's mother and sister came along and we settled on a design and fabric. A few weeks later, Melanie came to my studio to collect one of her bridesmaid dresses and the first thing I noticed was how much bigger Melanie's tummy had gotten!

Concerned that both my original design and fabric choice (shantung) would be too constricting, I hit the commercial pattern books to get a different perspective. I decided to use and modify a Vogue pattern as it had an empire line, open back and neckline.

We also decided to use cotton sateen as we liked the breathability of the cotton and the stretch thanks to the 5% elastaine content.

The skirt was full enough to accommodate Mel's tummy if it grew more and we made a navy blue belt that matched her gorgeous shoes.

Dressmakers will notice that the dress is half a size too big - this was intentional for two reasons, the wedding was in December (summer in Australia) and how much she would grow between dress collection and the wedding day was too unpredictable. I also wanted her to feel comfortable on her special day and not too constricted.

I am so happy with the way both the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses looked.

Thank you so much for making me a part of your special day and thank you to Kerstin Steger for this photo, check out her super cool childrenswear label Paul & Paula here.

Carita looking gorgeous in her 'Frankie' top

I love receiving photos from you in your 'Peta Pledger' clothing. Sadly, I don't receive enough of them!

This one is of Carita wearing her 'Frankie' top in pink with black spots, Her friend took the photo of her on a Melbourne tram.

You can buy your own top like this one from here.

I'm going to see Bon Jovi tonight!

I got my Richie Sambora haircut by J at Mioche. Black jeans and new top ready. I have stocked up on hair mousse and hair spray and now I just have to wait a few hours before I get ready and go. Words cannot express how excited I am!

Vintage inspired [sweatshop free] kids tees by Arthur's Circus

These sweet new tees by Arthur's Circus have arrived in their online store and make the perfect Christmas present for both babies, toddlers and little people.

The t-shirts are manufactured in Australia and carry the Sweatshop Free logo. The prints on the front have been hand printed in their studio and are of Natalie's photographs, featuring some of the sweet toys available from Arthur's Circus.

You can buy Arthur's Circus tees from here and from Magnolia Square market this weekend if you're in Melbourne.