Meet my newest style, the 'Gabrielle' top

I wanted to create a top that could be worn with a scoop neck and with a higher boatneck. I have had many requests for a short sleeved 'Frankie' top and I think I have come up with a great wardrobe staple.

The 'Gabrielle' top is made from 60% Polyester/32% Viscose/8% Spandex and has the longer length like the 'Frankie' top.

This top can be worn comfortably both ways and also makes a great maternity and post-natal top.

I have made the first two colourways in plain black and in black & white stripe and am introducing this style at the special price of $60 until Boxing Day (online only).

Each colourway is limited and is available from size 8 up to size 22.

Please don't hesitate to email me should you have any questions.

Candice DeVille is the gorgeous model in the photos below, check out her blog about all things vintage inspired and stylish here.

Visit my online store, stocked with my Australian made clothing here.

This week's skirt special!

Hello! I usually post special offers on my Facebook page, but I am increasingly being told by my customers that they do not have a Facebook page, so I will try and post on my blog too.

For $65 + $10 shipping, you can choose one of the above fabrics for a skirt in the same style as the skirt pictured below.



The finished length is 53cm and it has a button and zipper closure in the centre back.

To order, please send an email to: petapledger@gmail.com

Have a lovely week!

Peta x

When Twiglet met Ink & Spindle

Dana Leviston from Twiglet has joined forces with Lara Cameron & Tegan Rose from Ink & Spindle to create childrenswear label, Inklet.

Using organic cotton that is designed and screen printed here in Kensington, Vicroria, the trio create beautiful pieces of baby and childrenswear, as well as cosy blankets/wraps that are made locally, using ethical production.

You can buy Inklet online here and it is also available in some stores (please drop the ladies an email for current stockists).

'Like' Inklet on Facebook.

*Photos by Rebekah Lyn Photography and are not to be used without permission.

Striped 'Frankie' tops are now instore!

I have been eagerly waiting for my new 'Frankie' tops to be made and I am happy to say, they are ready to ship!

Made in Melbourne, Australia from a super soft stretchy knit (60% Polyester/32% Viscose/8% Spandex), this style has a longer cut, making it perfect for the cooler weather and this style also makes a great pre and post natal top.



Like most of the 'Frankie' top styles, the two new designs are limited edition and won't be made again once they are sold out.

You can buy yours from my online store, I Dream A Highway in Northcote and Thread Den in Fitzroy.

Special thanks to Helen McLean Photography for the product shots!

Meet Gaby from Hopeless Lingerie

Hi Peta Pledger friends and fans! My name is Gaby and I am the owner/operator/sewing lady/designer and everything in between for Hopeless Lingerie.

Peta has asked me to write a guest post for her blog about my little business so here goes!



I have been working on Hopeless for close to 3 years now, so much has happened and I am still so excited to see what the future holds. I had the dream to start my own lingerie business after many years of being unable to find bras that fit me. As a curvy E cup I am now finding more brands that cater to this market which is wonderful, but it is still my ultimate to goal to create beautiful, flattering and comfortable garments for girls of all sizes, smaller and bigger. So far my journey has mostly involved pieces that cater to the smaller end of the spectrum, as I slowly learn the techniques and find the machinery and materials needed to make structured underwear. There is so much that goes into making properly fitting bras that I am not ready just yet to embark on it, but I am getting close!



I have been enjoying sewing with bamboo and modal jersey a lot recently - and focusing on comfortable sleep-wear and lounge-wear. I spend a lot of time when making patterns and samples to try and create styles that will be suitable for a range of different body types. This means putting elastic in the right places, allowing room to grow in some areas, and making adjustable elements like ties, clasps and slides. I know ordering expensive things over the internet is scary so I try to make the garments as flexible as possible. (And that is also why I do so much made to measure!)



I have a very exciting year ahead, with 4 small ranges planned, the first of these is a (mostly) white bridal range which I am shooting in a weeks time. To find out more about me and Hopeless you can have a look through my blog here .

Thanks for having me Peta!

Gaby xoxo

Things that make me Happy # 2 - Johnny O'Keefe

There us something absolutely magical about Australian music. Growing up in the 1980's, music shows always put an emphasis on Australian music.

Watching music video programs now is always a mixture of American Hip Hop, R & B more Hip Hop and more American *insert genre here*.

My mum is a Johnny O'Keefe fan and I remember feeling awestruck everytime I saw him on tv or listened him on the radio.

Whenever I hear this song, I have to sing it really loud and if you have heard me sing...well...

Hot Couture - Handmade in South Australia

I will be going to the annual Kustom Kulture Weekend festival in Adelaide tomorrow.

One label I am excited about trying on is Hot Couture.

Joy Taylor, the woman behind the label, not only shares a passion for vintage clothing with me, but she also shares her birthday with me.

I recently sent Joy a 5 question quiz:

1. What is your name and your location?Hot Couture Adelaide South Australia.

2. What kind of handmade clothing do you make and what is your inspiration?
I make retro 50's inspired garments mostly frocks. My inspiration is from old original patterns.

3. Do you plan on expanding the business in the future? If so, what are your goals?
I would like to expand but I will just go with the flow and see what happens. I would love a shop in Melbourne or Sydney eventually.

4. What are you favorite fabrics to work with and do you have a favorite thing that you like to make?I love my cotton fabric with a slight stretch it works so well and fits beautifully. My bardot with the matching belt.

5. Name 3 of your favorite Australian designers (established designers are welcome).
Peta Pledger and not just because this is going back to her. I like retrospc'd as well and myself haha!

Please visit this wonderful Australian made label at www.hotcouture.com.au and their MySpace page: www.myspace.com/hotcoutureaustralia