The love of Angels

Many years ago, when I first started watching anime for real, I came across a series from '88 called "Earthian". I was spellbound by the pictures I found... A story about Angels descending on Earth to judge it. Back then, I couldn't watch it though.
It was nowhere to be found, and neither was the manga. All I could do was watch pictures and try to imagine what the story was like. I didn't understand what the genre 'shounen ai' meant back then.
But... There were wings and Angels. So it had a special place in my heart, giving me a lot of inspiration for painting, writing and simple sketching.

Now, many years later, I re-discovered Earthian, and both watched the show and read the manga. Now I know that I wasn't wrong in loving it back then. It is an extraordinary story. And it's tribute to eternal love, something so strong it will last through anything... It is the most beautiful thing.
Being who I am. What I am. It brings happy tears to my eyes... I salute you, Yun Kouga. Love is every bit as powerful as you make it in the manga... I know. I live it.

True love doesn't need promises. It will never betray and always trust. No matter what happens.
It is truly beautiful.

Happy Christmas everyone!

I hope you have a lovely Christmas, with lots of snow, tasty food, candy and celebrate with your friends and family. <3 Even though I am far from a rich woman, this Christmas may be the best I ever had. <3 The apartment is so pretty with all the decorations, and thanks to things turning out well in the end - and all my lovely customers - the tree has some gifts underneath it this year too!
If all goes well, next Christmas I will have a Giveaway for all my customers! <3 Don't plan on it yet, but if I can have it - it all depends on how well the store goes from now on - I will award the person who sends the best Christmas card to Strawberry Teaparty. <3

And the giveaway? Why of course, it will be a dress! <3 Look forward to it, and wish a good year for Strawberry Teaparty so it will still be around next year! <3

Since it is Christmas and a lot of snow, I found that practicing knitting would be a suitable pastime, so that is what I have been doing. I made these cute mittens, which I am considering making more of in more colours for the webshop:

My hands are always so cold, so these are perfect for me. <3 What colour would you love?

Love is Pink

My shipping of fabric for the spring collection has arrived, and I took the opportunity to splurge on some lovely yarns as well! <3 Pink, of course! I found the loveliest pink yarn that match the pastel pink fabric I got for the pink dress set.
I have now decided what they will look like, and I'm delighted to tell you they will come in sets! <3 Pastel pink, pastel yellow, pastel blue - and possible pastel turqouse, but of that I am still uncertain. Each set is planned to contain an empire baby doll dress, a pair of bloomers, a choker and a headpiece or mini hat or diadem. All in the same colour + white. <3 They will look absolutely adorable!

For the love of princesses

Today has been such a lovely day. I awoke early to a sunny winter's day, and started puttering around the apartment to prepare two orders I received yesterday. Ah, I love holidays! <3 I get to make cute gifts out of every order, wrap them carefully and oh, adding ribbons is so much fun! <3
My webshop is really coming along nicely now, this month has really been good! Now I can make even lovelier pieces when spring comes! <3

I finished this gorgeous choker this morning, it looks so adorable I want it myself! *giggles* It is available on both Etsy and in my webshop, of course! Here you go!

Saint Lucia and sweet pastime

It has been a very busy week indeed, but now I can finally sit down and take my time to write here. It is a lovely winter day today, with the sun shining brightly in the sky. It is treating all the icicles like diamonds, painting dazzling colours on our walls.
It's very beautiful. <3
As I listen to the low music of the Swan Lake (Leonard Bernstein) I am already preparing for Spring in my little shop. The colour scheme has already been decided - bright pink, bright blue and bright yellow. There will be babydoll dresses in these colours, complete with hairbands and many other sweet things. <3 Look forward to it!

Tomorrow is Saint Lucia's day, which we will celebrate by going up very early to watch the children sing her praise. <3 Happy Saint Lucia! <3

Christmas fair and unusual angels

Today I had such a lovely time! Despite it being cold outside, it was such a beautifull day. I woke up to see a gorgeous sunrise, which followed me on the way into town. The big windows in buses do have some advantages...
I had a nice chat with an eldery gentleman, who was on his way to his brother to give him an early Christmas gift - a stand for his CDs. I think it was very sweet of him to get up that early. :) The gift had been carefully wrapped in a blue gift wrapping. He was also speaking fondly of the homeless cats in the harbor...how he was going to buy them roast beef. Isn't that sweet? <3 Modern people usually take no time to take care of each other and those in need - not even if it's a stray cat. I thought of him when I waited for the bus home, and saw three ragged old men huddling inside the waiting room for warmth.
I was waiting for a good opportunity to confront them and give them a bag with Christmas buns, but...they left before I could. Maybe tomorrow.

The Christmas Fair was a very happy event! People coming and going, smiling as they went, everyone wishing each other a Merry Christmas. It was truly festive. And I'm delighted to say that the Gingerbread Angels I made mostly for fun was a big hit! XD
I had put pink and white icing on them and attached two huge boobs in form of soft raspberry gums... XD Apparently it was not only I that found them entertaining! <3

Kittens, bunnies and a samurai remembered

Tomorrow it's Christmas Fair, and I've been working hard to finish everything I had planned for tomorrow. My fingers ache from sewing, both cat and bunny scarves. <3 They're adorable. <3
I hope they will make someone very happy tomorrow. <3 They're sewn from that soft, lovely fabric I found, so they are the cuddliest ever!

On another note, I was looking around on youtube for music, and found an amv about Himura Kenshin. Ah, it really sparked the memory alive again. How I loved that manga, and how I love it still. The OAV Trust and Betrayal is still one of the best animes I have ever seen.
And also one of the most moving and tragic. If you have not yet seen or read anything about Kenshin, I highly recommend reading the manga and watching at least the first OAV. The anime, I'm afraid, has quite a few fillers. But...it's still worth watching because Kenshin is such a lovable character.

The burden of pride

I have been taught by life that no one can carry my burdens but me alone, and that I can never expect anyone else to ever carry it for me. It's my shackles alone, no matter what it is. This philosophy also includes solving ones own problems without being a bother to others. Without relying on others. To always stand alone and carry it all, no matter how heavy it is.
To never be a nuisance to others. To never ask for help.
It's a sort of pride you know, one of the Sins. A pride so etched into the very being that asking for help becomes a very painful thing to do. When being powerless is like a knife in the back.When gifts are painful to receive when you have nothing to give back in return.
When other peoples kindness brings tears of frustration to you, since you don't know how to repay them properly.

It's a painful thing, pride. But if it wasn't for pride, the will to strive on would weaken and we would become burdens of other people. Beings to be carried.

I still don't know. Is pride a good thing, or a bad thing? Or is it just one of those things that makes us human. Greed, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth, Wrath, Lust, Pride... The seven deadly sins. Far more than just the simple things you first think about - Greed is far more than just the want for money or power, the will to keep things and people we love is also a kind of greed. Wrath is not only pure aggression, but can also be the reaction when you are treated injustly. Envy - not only the jealousy of what others have but you don't, but also the disappointment you feel when things do not go your way, when all other people seem to live happily while you are not...

They are far more than at first glance, and we all carry them with us, some more strongly influenced by others. But we all have them, in one way or another.

My strongest sin is Pride. My weakest sin is Envy. Which is yours?

 (Pride from 7 deadly sins )

End of the World and pink pastries

Yesterday the big pre-Catalysm patch arrived, and not much of Azeroth is the same. I thought it would bother me, but I must admit I like the changes so far! Lots and lots of new, exciting quests, areas completely transformed they feel new.
It's a new adventure, which I am looking forward to!

On another note, I have been making more pastries! <3

The snow is a hand deep outside and it is still snowing, so it is with a clean conscious I'm sitting inside with a cup of hot chocolate. <3 Ahh, I love winter sometimes. <3

We did it Coco! We did it!

We did it Coco.
What Blizzard created 1994, we ended yesterday. The man once called Arthas Menethil...corrupted by Nersul...and eventually the Lich King, was killed by our hands yesterday evening.
It's an epic feeling only a fellow Wow-player (or former Wow-player) can understand. And now I could finally see the cutscene I've been avoiding. It was EPIC! <3

14 minutes and 14 seconds. A truly epic battle. <3

Reliving the story of Edward

When I tell people my profession - my true profession, what I went to university to be - is being a comic artist, not many really understand what that means. Older people often jump to the conclusion that I draw comics for children, or the silly little comic strips you find in newspapers.

But that is very far from the truth of it all. I take my inspiration from places where children should never venture, and my favourite 'comics' are no comics at all, but rather graphic novels. Stories with depth and feeling. With character that come alive as you read.
When people understand that...they ask what my favourite manga is. I've read hundred of mangas, spent countless hours reading - but only one manga has kept me up all night. And that was the legendary 'Full Metal Alchemist'. A story I started reading long before it finally ended come June this year.
For those of you not familiar with it, it's the tale of two brothers; Edward and Alphonse Elric. The story in itself is too complex to just tell briefly, but in short: Their mother died when they were young, and their father was absent. The boys knew and practiced alchemy, and came to the drastic conclusion to use alchemy to try bring their mother back - through human transmutation, something that is taboo for a reason.
Of course...the transmutation didn't work out. Alphonse lost his entire body, and Edward his left leg. In desperate attempt to save his brother, he sealed Alphonse's soul into an armor, sacrificing his right arm in the process - the rule of equal value.

Crippled and scarred for life by the incident, Edward choses the cruel path of becoming a State Alchemist and gets advanced prostetics - called Automail - to replace his lost limbs as he and Alphonse go onto the hopeless path of trying to find a way to restore their bodies.
A path filled with sacrifice and pain.

It is a tragic story...but, it feels like a tale that needs to be told. When you read, you get the feeling that these people really existed, and their story is being told so others will learn from what happened to them.

An anime was made for this manga, which completely butchered both characters and story. And then...

They made Full Metal Alchemist - Brotherhood.

As I watch this new anime, true to the manga, I get reminded why I loved the manga so much.

Crochet slips and Oath of Fealty.

Have you ever read the Deeds of Paksenarrion written by author Elizabeth Moon? At first a trilogy about a young woman becoming a soldier, and eventually chosen by a saint to become a paladin, I truly love these books. Read them, and would easily re-read them, because it is such a well written tale. I much recommend all of the books.
Anyway, this year - after not having produced any further books in the Paksenarrion series since the 80s - Elizabeth Moon gave out a continuation: Oath of Fealty. This book is every bit as good as the previous triology of Paksenarrion, though it is not focusing on her, she is ever present as a paladin of Gird.
Because work doesn't always permit me to sit down and read, I have been listening to Oath of Fealty as an audio book, and today it ended. And I want more. I can't wait until the next book is released! For anyone that loves fantasy - or even likes it - this is truly a must read. <3

I have also tried my hand on crochetting a pair of indoor slips. I have never crochetted anything like this before, but I'm pleased to say they turned out better than I expected!

Felt bunnies and grandmother cat

The other day a friend of ours called, and told us she'd brought her old cat to the vet because she needed mouth surgery, and poor old grandmother cat was really out of it afterwards - and she had to go to work and didn't want to leave her alone lest she'd fall down the stairs or something.
So...we ventured over and made all the cats company, keeping a close eye on grandmother cat - also known as Sindy. When we arrived she was lying underneath the bed looking miserable. T_T We stayed for nearly three hours until our friend's husband got back from work, and I took the time to get some work done. 7 new pink and white tiaras, something the cats found fascinating! Not only for the movement as I worked, but for the glittering and little sun kittens displayed on the floor.
We were surrounded by cats before we knew it! XD

Yesterday evening I spent making a cute little bunny brooch out of felt, and now I'm making strawberries! <3

Random interesting fact: Did you know that tofu has estrogen in it? o.o Might explain why Japanese are less aggressive than most. Then again, they do other weird things instead...

For the love of roses

Today is another cold, wet day, and my beloved is still out in the rain on her way home. So I've begun preparing a hot bath for her - with rose scented foam bath. <3 It smells lovely, and the scent of sweet roses is wrapping our apartment in it's warm, comfortable arms.
I love roses. <3 And when it comes to beauty, bath and soap products there is only one brand for me - Crabtree & Evelyn. Nowhere else can I find such lovely fragrances. I love them so much. <3And the favourite scent? Roses of course!

Happy Birthday H!

Today is the birthday of my best friend! Happy birthday, honey! <3
To celebrate this grand occassion I've designed a pin cushion that is now available both on the webshop and on Etsy - and the first handsewn pincushion is of course H's birthday gift from me. <3 Just because we love her so much!! <3

Pouring rain

I am the kind of person who is in love with beauty. I love all kinds of knick-nackets, beads, shiny things, painted china, dolls, stuffed toys... I love it all. Despite turning 27 this spring, I do not feel that old at all! My favourite games is still Hello Kitty - Dream Carnival, and that's fine. <3 I'm sure I'm not the only adult who loves sweet things.
But when you love sweet things, and want to lead a quiet life surrounded by beauty and happiness - it's so easy for inspiration to get injured when things go wrong, people are mean - or the weather is awful, as it is today. The rain has been pouring down for hours, washing away almost all the snow...
It's frustrating to be low on inspiration, especially since I know I have loads of things to do.

I need something pretty to cheer me up. Do you know what I could do?

A beautiful winter day and a sky full of stars

Today has been one of those beautiful winter days you always hope for Christmas. A fine blanket of snow covering the ground, and tiny snowflakes slowly falling from the sky now and then. Just a little breeze, and not too cold, with patches of sunlight coming through.
Beautiful.
It makes one believe that there can only be wonderful days to come.
Tonight will be a cold night, with not a cloud in sight, every star in the sky is twinkling back at us. How I love the stars, they are so pretty...
And tonight my beloved finally figured out how to fold those sweet stars I was talking about, so tomorrow we will be starting on stars in other colours. Currently they are white and gold, but we are planning to make them in other colours - silver, red, deep blue with stars... I'm sure they will look lovely on the fair. :)

(Bild tagen från Poetry in Twilight

Folded Christmas stars

Many years ago my mother taught me how to fold small, oregami stars to hang in the Christmas tree as ornaments. I remember her painstakingly folding hundreds of stars to a Christmas fair the school arranged, just to raise money for the school.
I remember thinking it was so sweet of her to do so, and the patience she had with me - a seven-year-old - as she tried to teach me to make them. I don't know how, but she actually managed. But years have gone by and I haven't folded a single star - until now.
I was wrecking my brain trying to come up with some Christmas ornaments to sell on the Christmas fair, and it struck me. They are truly pretty and can come in so many variations! <3

And while I was at it... I made candy canes...

Snow, beads and cup cake bags

Today I woke up to a white world, and it is still snowing. <3 The ground is covered with winter's white blanket, and it's so pretty. I will need to dress really warm for my walk today!

I sorted my beads today, because they were really a mess! Lots of small little plastic bags and no order at all. It was impossible to find anything quickly! So today I took out bigger zipper bags and sorted them by colour. Next time I need beads I can just sift through the colour I need instead of digging through the whole lot! XD
I have been sketching on what to do with the last materials I have, so I'm prepared for the Christmas Fair when it comes. I have decided to make cup cake bags. That is, bags actually shaped like cup cakes with pink icing! <3 They are going to be adorable.
While I'm at it I'm also going to make heart shaped bags with laced bows on them. I want people to go 'oh, must have! <3' when they see them. <3

Christmas Fair and a mysterious helper

Christmas will be here soon, with less than 2 months to go the market street is buzzing with activity. Of course, this is something I have been thinking about before... To participate in a Christmas fair seems like a wonderful idea!
So, I contacted a friend and asked her if she wants to go too, so it looks like this will be fun! <3 All I need to do know is sew, sew, sew. And of course, buy some materials.
The latter I thought would be impossible given recent events, but the sincerely kindness of strangers now makes it possible. I still do not know if Strawberry Teaparty will survive, but I won't let it go without a fight!

As I was reading my guestbooks I realised that...someone had tried to contact me, to offer me a gift. The problem is...somewhere in the e-mail provided something has been misspelled, because it only bounces back at me. I hope, sincerely hope, that the person who contacted me will try again...

Mysterious helper, who are you?

New slogan and new logotype

Because of the resent events, Strawberry Teaparty has matured and evolved. While taking a trip up north, I have been working on a new logotype and a new slogan, since I have not been pleased with the ones I've tried out. Varying different ways of trying to tell people that I have something that suit most people, but first of all Lolita, it got a bit tricky.
Today, however, during my morning walk I finally came to a decision. I will change the current stripline from 'Cute Fashion for Everyone', to 'Ageless Fashion'.
Because, essentially, that is what Lolita is, isn't it? Taking our inspiration from as far back as the 19th century, and not locking ourselves up to a certain agegroup - young or old, it doesn't matter - the fashion is indeed ageless.
Besides this, I have worked out a new logotype after the feedback I got from the EGL-community on Livejournal (thank you, all of you. You were being most helpful!) which I will post as soon as I get home and can scan it. I will rework it digitally as well. Ah, it's at times like this I wish I could understand how Illustrator is supposed to work...

The current products on the webshop will also be rearranged and some items will disappear. I feel I must have a theme which works well, and right now some things are not very good representants of what I really want with my store.
A lot of new items will show up in the nearest days, since this trip has been very inspirational indeed! <3 I believe that a lot of the Sweet and Classic Lolitas out there will be overjoyed to see this new change.

Oh, and don't miss our sale! For all you from Sweden: Sale on Tradera.com

A frosty morning and lovely friends

This week has been very trying indeed, but this awful experience has been turned into something good because of all my friends and all the support I have received from friends and strangers alike. I appreciate all you have done for me, and all your kind words. <3 It's precious, and I will in no way belittle your importance for me.
One person alone is not strong, but with backup even the smallest person can climb a mountain.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. <3

This morning is cold with glittering frost covering the world outside. The sun is shining, making every leaf and strand of grass look like it has been painted with liquid diamond. The nature's beauty is indeed stunning. <3

Christmas in jeopardy, help!

Yesterday, I got the worst news possible... After not having known how to check up on my customers paying history, I got a link from my webshop provider. What I learned there was a frightening truth... The people I sent things to, are nothing short of thieves.
They scoure the internet for people they can trick, people with small businesses who may not yet know how to check the customers history before the ship - which I didn't, so I am a victim here - and then they make large, successive orders. Much like organised criminals. After one has received their goods, the others order quickly after.
And they have no intentions to pay, whatsoever.
These four people have together 80 depts being collected. 80. (För er svenskar: 80 betalningsanmärkningar.) They don't have any consciense... They don't care what happens to the person they tricked into sending them things. I'm not the first one, and I'm sure I won't be the last.
I have contacted the local newspaper, and hopefully they will contact me and make an article about this. I am determined that no one else will walk into this trap. I want people like this to be put to justice. It's a crime scene few know about.

As it is right now, I'm selling whatever I can for far less than what it's worth just to raise the money for food and the bills for november. It's a sad, sad situation.

If you know anyone, or you yourself want anything sewn, knitted, beaded, drawn...just contact me. I need every penny I can raise right now.

Missing patterns and waffles

My collection of Gosu Rori magazines have been standing in a stand for years, being pieces of a prized collection. I do no longer use them all that much since I draw my own patterns, but they are nice for inspiration. My collection of Gothic Lolita Bibles work in very much the same way, though they are not as many anymore since I had to sell a few when the economical chrisis hit.
But enough about that. :) I was flipping through Gosu Rori number 5 yesterday, and I realised something I haven't before - the pattern descriptions for nr 19 and 20 is missing! And they seem to be missing from the pattern sheet as well... Curious, very curious... I gather it must be some kind of mistake, but if so I think others should have noticed too. :O

Waffles. <3

8-10 waffles

100 g butter
4 dl flour (1,7 cups)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
5 dl milk (2,1 cups)
2-3 eggs (2 if large)

Enjoy with strawberry or raspberry or apple jam and whipped cream. <3

Strawberry Teaparty - my love and dream

I have always loved beautiful things. Whether it be the frosty crystals of snow, beads on a string, or a lovely fabric. So Lolita came natural to me. I don't worry about what people think, rather I don't feel comfortable unless I'm wearing something pretty.

So starting up a small business in these times when work is scarce felt like the right thing to do. I still believe it it, but I am starting to feel disappointed in the customers I wanted to put my trust in. I want to believe that all people want to do the right thing, that they pay their bills and are considerate to others. But... During the last few weeks I've sent out four big orders, with great expectations that finally - FINALLY- we'll have money for Christmas presents and a decent Christmas holiday table.
But...
No money yet. Not even a single crown, and it makes me so upset I want to cry. I can't understand how anyone can set up my expectations so high, take my trust in their hands, and then just don't pay me for the hard work I've done.

If they don't start paying soon I will be forced to collect the depth, but that's a large procedure and it will probably mean no money for Christmas - and what's even worse - I have to pay the moms without having gotten it in the first place! I'm starting to slowly panic over here.

If any of my customers read this: Please, please, please, I beg you on my knees, please just pay your bills. This is just a too hard blow for me to take. I have a family. I have a home. I have bills to pay too, and if I don't get the money I will suffer for it. So please, just pay the bills...

The glamour and lure of the theatre

As I have said before, I had the great luck to be trainee at a theatre last year, and it's something that have always been fascinating me ever since I was allowed up on the attic of a great opera house many years back. All the things you find at such a place...ah, it is truly inspiring. <3
I could indulge in feathered fans, extravagant jewellry, tiaras, stockings, tutus, period dresses, corsets...I could stay there forever. The sheer glitter and luxury fascinates me. It isn't Lolita...of course it isn't, at least not for us to wear, but I adore it so much!
I have been playing with the thought of creating real, period corsets and other accessories inspired by the theatre and opera... I have so many ideas for so many beautiful things. I wonder if I could open a theatre/opera part of the webshop, or if that would be overdoing things...

(Bild hittad på: 17th century wedding gown )

The Phantom of the Opera and friday evening

As far as fridays go, this has been a very slow day. Of course, slow days can be pleasant in their own way, but to sit idle on a friday... Well, I thought I needed something to do besides knitting more bonnets. I found this addicting little point-and-click detective game. The theme is the Phantom of the Opera and I couldn't stop playing!
I must say that I really recommend justforfun-games.com for this very reason, they have many interesting mini-games when you truly have nothing better to do. On rainy, cold days like this one. <3 I found it very pleasant to play while knitting.

A new dress and rainy days

Yesterday I finally put the scissors to that lovely black/gray/white cirkus-fabric, and this is how it turned out! <3 I spent the whole day sewing but I'm so happy with how it turned out! I may add a second black flounce a little higher, but I haven't decided yet. :)

The coming days will be quite gloomy if the weather forcast is correct, with quite a lot of rain and warmer temperatures for the season. But I'm not worried! <3 It's already snowing up north so I'm positive that the colder weather will be back once it has gained new strength.

Frosty nights and a white Christmas tree

Tonight was yet another cold autumn night, so when I got out on my daily walk all the grass and moss were crusted with a fine layer of winter white frost. I don't know about you, but I love frost. <3 The air gets cold and fresh and everything smells so nice... It is truly my favourite time of year! Even if I do require some new, warm tights.
Hm. I wonder if I can sew those myself...

And this is for you, Coco! We discussed Christmas trees yesterday, and you said you were curious about a white one. I found this beautiful picture browsing the net:

(I did not take this photo. Credit goes to the photographer, though I have no idea who that is!)

Rain, chocolate and a new working desk

Most people tend to dislike rain, but if it's not raining too often I rather like it. Today we awoke to the gentle pitter-patter och rain against our French balconies. Listening to the sound is quite soothing, and wrapped in lots of blankets and pillows the morning could hardly be sweeter. <3
In chilly mornings like these, a cup of hot chocolate with caramel sugar is just right. Here's my recipe for you:

- 2 large cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of cranulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- Some whipped cream
- A few pieces of caramel/candied sugar.

Heat the milk slowly, while whisking up a foam in it. The second it starts boiling, take it off the stove. Briskly whisk down the sugar and cocoa until the cocoa is completely whisked in. Pour the chocolate into a big cup of your choice, put in some caramel sugar, and a spoonful of whipped cream on top. Yum. <3

Yesterday I received a new working desk! It's almost four times the size of my old one, so now I finally have enough space to work on. <3 It's perfect! All I need now is some small boxes to put my things in...since the new desk has no drawers...

First snow and the knitted muff is finished!

Tonight we arose to a white world. I had expected a few flakes, having read and re-read the weather reports, but there were a lot more snow than I had expected. It had patches here and there, of course, but most of the ground was covered with powdered snow.
Of course, I couldn't resist talking a stroll in this winter wonderland. It was so beautiful. <3 Especially with the sun coming down and touching the ground, turning every little snowflake into a diamond of ice.

As I write this, I'm drinking a cup of hot chocolate with caramel sugar, listening to classic music. Outside the clouds are gathering as if there will be more snow, but inside it is comfortably warm. <3 It's been a great day for knitting today, so I finished the muff I started on yesterday. I couldn't resist adding some details to make it look absolutely dreamy...

Victorian collar and a knitted muff

A year ago I had the great opportinity to be a trainee at a real theatre, in the costume area. While I did indeed help out with other things when need arouse (such as laying the tables in the giant dining hall when there were especially many guests), my first and foremoust duties were to the costume atelier.
Theatres has always fascinated me, as I expect they do many, so I was in Heaven when I started out. I fell in love with everything. Every spangle, every frill, every bead and glittering shoe... The glamour was dazzling. Of course, it was hard work, but... It was one of those opportunties of a life time.
As I was there - both mending, adjusting and some sewing - I learned a great deal about period clothing. Corsets in particular. As I've always been in love with the 19th century, I was bound to create something inspired by that area...
So today I sew a collar. A corset being far too complicated to sell in my webshop at the moment, this collar originated from a sketch I had in my workbook.What do you think?

Maybe it was The Little White Horse - I don't know - but I just wanted to create something a bit more period. And as we speak I am knitting a white muff - knitting braids on it if you know what I mean? We'll see how it turns out. :)

Saffron buns and a really silly problem

I have a problem. And it's so silly, such an i-land problem that I'm almost ashamed of myself - but just almost. Remember the gorgeous fabrics I ordered from Japan? I've been mulling over what design would be most suitable for a dress in each of the fabrics.
The black one with circus motif I think would look very nice as a JSK, so it's not really a problem. The other one on the other hand... The white fabric is really giving me a fright. It's so pretty, so gorgeous, I want to make the finest dress out of it...but the mere thought of putting scissors to it and actually cutting it gives me willies.

See? It's really silly...and yet... I'm absolutely terrified I'll cut it wrong somewhere! >.< Or that it won't be as pretty in my head as when I actually make it. Of course...in theory I could always buy more fabric... Bah! I don't know what to do about it. ^.^;; I think I'll lay it beside my sewing machine and stare at it some more until I'm 100% sure of what I want to make of it. *sigh*

As it's been a particularly tough week - as I told you - we've been splurging on candy and cookies. And this evening I'm baking saffron buns - in October! I know, it's way too early but...but...! I love saffron buns...

Moving house and winter drawers

This has been a busy day indeed! The fabric I had ordered arrived yesterday afternoon, but as I was too tired and busy to fetch it at the local post office, we did so this morning - on our way to the library. The library where we live is such a cute little thing... It doesn't have all that much books, and it doesn't cover more area than maybe slightly larger than your average flat, but - it's so sweet. The atmosphere is great, the librarians nice and chatty, and the little books they do have are interesting.
As we got back from the library (parsel with fabric clutched tightly) the rain picked up, so we had to use our umbrellas. It was rather pleasant, tripping along in the drizzle, watching the lovely coloured trees.

A quick lunch later my father called, and he picked us up to help my parents move house. I expect we will help them every day now until they leave on sunday - it will be busy times indeed. I'm uncertain just how I will juggle work and this (especially since my father wanted a pair of pants adjusted - and like all who don't sew themselves, he believes it will only take a few minutes...), but we will have to manage. Plan A) right now is to buy lots of candy and cookies to keep us happy when we get home, but I'm not sure I like that kind of plan...

As for the webshop, I'm currently creating more lovely winter items. At the moment, I am focusing on crisp white and off-white in a lovely combination. Yesterday I put up a sweet, hand-knitted bonnet in the webshop, and tonight I'm sewing warm winter drawers in a light, breathing fleece fabric (finer than the thick fleece more commonly used). They will be adorable. <3

The cold preserves and old books

The cold is slowly but surely giving in, but it's still not letting go this time around! I admit I do feel quite silly beading and sewing while goughing and whining. I am blessed with a much patient beloved. <3
During my more...pitiful moments...I took the opportunity to re-read 'The Little White Horse'.

The Little White Horse is truly a book suitable for Lolitas. It's a fairytale, and written as fairytales are with all the wonderful descriptions of how beautiful the world is, the clothes, how delicious the food, how sweet the animals, how pretty the flowers... It's a symphony of beauty for one who still has their imagination. Of course...there are a couple of things to which I don't approve (God is quite important, and cousins do get married - at the age of 14 nontheless!) but the overall book is sweet and I love it. <3

Pearls and satin

As I restocked, I realised that the bright pink facetted pearls were running low, along with a few other items, such as satin bands. I saw it fit to restock these as well, and I also took the opportunity to see whether the colour of the bright purple gems was right. I have been considering making crowns in different variations, both traditional and the tiara variations I currently make for the webshop.
I never expected the tiaras to be quite as popular as they have been, but as it is now I have perfected the recipe for them. Using only two pieces of silverplated metal thread, the entire crown is more or less made in one piece now and lack the prior metal shining through here and there.

Also, I was forced to take a trip down town (despite the cold being far from over) to buy satin bands. Black was entirely out, and the pink organza bands I use for the pink cat ear diadems had run out.

Refilling stock and a terrible cold

The past week has been busy indeed, and a terrible cold has made the work heavy and slow. Of course, it is only to be expected that some items in the shop is more popular, but they've gone so fast I couldn't keep up! So right now I'm stocking up on quite a few things that are currently sold out, so it will be a little while until I make something new.
I have a sweet bolero in mind though, that will be perfect with the luxurious winter dresses. But before that... Well, I have clothes to sew! I'm expecting a shipping from Japan with some fabrics I have ordered. Here you will see them:

Cupcake earmuffs

A late night update, but I just wanted to post this for you, Coco. :D

Nothing as sweet as a lollipop bag

I've had this thought mulling in my head for days... The swirl of a lollipop, and I couldn't let it go. I couldn't decide...should I make earmuffs? Or a bag? What material to use?

And today I started on it - and finished it. <3 It got so cute I just had to keep working on it. It'd be the perfect accessoar for a sweet lolita in winter! <3 I can see just how cute it would be with this and the bunny scarf (they are both hanging on my mannequin at the moment) so I hope they will be sold together. <3 I know I'll definitely sew a similar bag and bunny scarf for myself!

Lollipop bag from Strawberry Teaparty

Cupcakes and Christmas ornaments

Sometimes you just find something so cute - you just can't help yourself! That's how I felt today as I found these adorable Christmas ornaments - shaped like cupcakes!

They are going to be so cute in our Christmas tree! <3 We have 'themed' Christmas ornaments in our tree, silver glitter garlands, small lights, pink and silver spheres and candycanes. So these will fit right in. <3

While at it I also bought white and blue fleece fabric to sew more things for the webshop, and pink and white yarn for more scarves. <3 Look forward to it!

To Strawberry Teaparty's webshop!

Finished dress, bunny scarf and macarons

There are so many cakes and cookies and pastries out there, the macarons are the ones I've had most trouble with - and never gave up on! I've tried to listen to every tip I've gotten, but they've never turned out well. Yesterday the book I had ordered arrived (I <3 macarons by Hisako Ogita) so I just had to try her way of doing macarons...and it worked! <3

They got perfect this time around. <3 And I'm so happy! They turned out exactly as they were supposed to - they even got that cute gloss! <3

Besides baking I have finished the dress, and here comes picture as promised. <3 And while I was at it I made a hat with cat ears (isn't it just adorable?) and a bunny-scarf! <3

Froggy pants and a gorgeous dress

My father is a golfer. He talks golf, he dreams golf, he watches golf on tv, he plays golf... And I think it's rather cute to be over 50 years old and still passionate about a hobby. So when he pointed at a red fabric with happy, singing green frogs on it and said 'I want a pair of golf pants in that fabric!' I couldn't very well say no...
So, I  have been sewing froggy pants for my dad. *giggles* And they just got finished, so he'll look absolutely dashing on his next golf round...

Besides sewing froggy pants, I found this gorgeous turquoise fabric with little white dots...and I just couldn't help myself! It will be a gorgeous dress - just as gorgeous on a Lolita as a bride's maid (that's what came to mind). It will be up on Etsy.com asap! <3 Here's a little picture of the top so you know what it will look like!

Hand held mirrors and felt carrots

A while back I had the idea to make soft toys that looked like carrots, but I couldn't really find the fabric I needed in the right colour - and to the right price! But today I found it, so I'm currently sewing a very happy carrot in felt fabric. It's so cute you just want to cuddle it! <3

And I have awesome news for you! <3 I just got these gorgeous hand held mirrors in stock so they are now up on the webshop for sale! Aren't they just beautiful?

Cherryflavoured macarons and a teacup dress!

Today I have been making pink macarons, which I plan on filling with cherryflavoured filling! <3 I love macarons, don't you? They're just so cute and sweet and perfect with tea! I hope the book I ordered arrive soon...I can't wait!

Yesterday I realised I had enough of a gorgeous lilac fabric with cute teacups on to make a dress! <3 So I've cut out the fabric to sew it together today, it's going to be so cute! I promise I'll post a picture for you to enjoy. It will be available in my webshop and on my etsy.com account as soon as it's finished! <3

Don't forget to go there! <3 Strawberry Teaparty on Etsy.com and Strawberry Teaparty webshop

The special offer this month isn't up yet, but I'll tell you what it is! <3 I will include a secret present with every order in October! Don't miss out on your special gift!

Icecream cheesecake and a clean kitchen

I've been meaning to rearrange in our kitchen for a while, but never really gotten around to do it. Mainly because of all the fragile porcelain... I get goosebumps if I lift more that one cup or two saucers because I'm terrified of breaking them, so...well, it hasn't been done. Today though, we started rearranging for real, and I must say I'm quite pleased with the result.
Standing tiptoe on a chair I realised all the cupboards had one more shelf! Hurrah! <3 So all the glass we don't use that often and the myriad of candles went up there instead. Now it looks so much spacier!

My beloved also made a cheesecake with philadelphia cheese that is now in the freezer. <3 It'll be de-li-ci-ous! <3

Cherry marmelade and kneehighs

There are a few things in life that are just so blissfully yummy you just can't avoid them! And to me...cherry marmelade is one of them. So when I was standing there with a big bag filled with delicious cherries, what was I supposed to do?
So, yesterday evening I made cherry marmelade of them! Wonderful sweet cherry jam with that little sourness that makes it so delicious. <3 (I did not take this picture.)

And today, we went into town to shop a bit and I found three new pairs of kneehighs. <3 All adorable, but I suspect the white over the knee in angora will be this winter's favourites. <3

Little Katy and Sweets

This morning I made the finishing touches to little Katy. <3 I had already decided not let her be naked and so I sew her a tiny dress from lace and cotton fabric. This is how she turned out! Isn't she just adorable?

I have a confession to make - I love sweets. And I don't mean candy, but all sorts of pastries, muffins, cakes, cookies, short bread... I just can't seem to stay away from them. And among the big favourites is macarons.
I've tried my hands on macarons many times and only a handful times they've turned out just like I want them - glossy and smooth. So...today I ordered a book I have been glancing a bit at and really wanted...

Once I try out the tips in this book, I'll let you know! <3 (And yes, I have not forgotten the bunny with a crown, he's sitting by my sewing machine in need of a few stiches. :) )

Katy almost done and kitty ears

I've been to a few anime conventions over the years, but I never really allowed myself to get drawn into the anime madness. I do admit having cosplayed, but I never really...hm...obsessed over it. Anyway, my point is, that I always wore either a cosplay costume or my Lolita clothes.
A few days ago, however, I got a request for a necklace from Tokyo Mew Mew and a diadem with cat ears on it. I decided to start up a small cosplay section, and I wanted to create the most high quality cat ears out there, and I started out with these two pieces.

The left one is made of black velvet - silk velvet and not cotton - and the right one made of the softest teddy bear fur I could find. <3 I have plans on making a pink pair of teddy bear fur as well.

I've also been working on a pattern for cute soft toys, and I'm pleased to present you to Katy - the first of my series of toys. She's not quite finished yet - I plan on sewing her a little dress - but almost done. <3

Teacups and party

Today we are having a friend over for lunch and a movie, and it's going to be so great. Before our guest arrived we went to shop some, and came across these gorgeous teacups! <3 I mean just look at it, isn't it adorable? We also bought a tiny cream jug in the same lacy design.

Now I need to start laying the table for lunch, we are having a lovely dinner with fresh shrimps. Yum! <3

Soft toys

A little while back I started working on a soft toy bunny that I intended to decorate with a crown, but I ended up running out of soft fluff to stuff it with so it... The poor thing has been lying in a drawer waiting to be finished. Now, yesterday I received a huuuuuge package (It reached my chest!) with stuffing! <3 I have to admit I was very, very tempted to just make a giant teddy bear and use up all the stuffing on that...
Ahem. Anyway, the little bunny is now getting the attention it deserves, so I hope it will be finished by tomorrow! <3 I can't wait to show you just how cute it is!

Rainbows and embroidery

Today started out as one of those days - you know, the days when you are as tired when you wake up as you were when you went to bed, and there is no milk in the fridge?
That's exactly what this morning was like, and I wasn't the only one affected - my beloved was pretty grumpy as well. It turned around quickly with baking bread and buying new milk. <3 And you know what! This afternoon I took this amazing photograph just outside our window!

Beautiful, isn't it? And then the mirrored rainbow just above it...
I started embroidering a cute cape the other day, and I will keep working on it today. :) It's really cute. <3 I was inspired by a drawing I found on a site with anime pictures - they can be amazing for inspiration at times! - and made a pattern. I'll show you once it's finished! <3