Wedding dress circa 1984

This is the dress my mom made for her humble wedding, back in 1984. Isn't it adorable?

Not to mention how adorable and shy my mom looks in the dress as well. I can just imagine all the love and tenderness she put into making it, and how careful she must have been in cutting the silk.. I should mention that while my mom is great at sewing, she also designs her own patterns as well, including this one! I can't imagine cutting into a piece of delicate material without written instructions to follow afterwards. This lady clearly amazes me.


It wouldn't surprise me if my gran (sitting on the right) made her own outfit as well. I think I can thank my maternal side of the family for all things lovely, and my crafty genes.

Thanks, mom!

Naming of

I decided to name my shop Elora Vintage after the town of Elora, Ontario.


It's a little place I used to go to often as a child, and I'd been itching to go back there for a long time. A couple weeks ago Peter took me for a special weekend getaway, and it was really lovely, to say the least.


The biggest draw to Elora for me is all the memories I have of that place as a child; sitting next to the Grand River and dipping my toes in the water, hiking in the gorge, frozen treats, and browsing the shops. There used to be this teddy bear shop I was always excited to visit, and although it seems to have disappeared, but everything else still remains in this sleepy Southern Ontario town.







This feeling of nostalgia is so similar to how I feel about a lot of the hand selected vintage pieces in my shop -- completely timeless, beautiful and classic, casual and sweet. Thus, Elora Vintage is born.

Elora Vintage

I've started my own little online boutique on Etsy -- Elora Vintage. It's been on my mind for a while now, and although I kept the idea mostly to myself, I've been quietly collecting and picking up small treasures here and there.

snow crochet cardigan

coral crop tank

soft spoken floral sundress

I hope you like it!

Yo Yo

This antique yo yo quilt was for sale on ethanollie, and needless to say, it sold quite quickly. Isn't it amazing? Each little individual scrunched up round is just so perfect..



I found a simple tutorial online on how to make my own yo yo quilt. It doesn't look too difficult as there's no need for batting or a backing of any sort. Thus, I have new craft project! And one thats good for a gal on a dime -- it's perfect way to use up all my scrap materials, or better yet, my old kiddy clothes my mother has been storing in her basement.

What's going on

Has it really been three months since my last post? My goodness, and my apologies.

Truth of the matter is, that I think I've failed my plans to open a yarn shop, and I haven't wanted to openly admit it yet. I still would love to open a shop, but I'm doubtful that it's going to happen this year. I will keep my business plan always on my desktop, in case the perfect opportunity arises at the right time - but for now, I think it's best to admit that I've fallen short of my goal for opening this past May. The same goes for my plans for opening in September or October.

Again, my apologies if I've gotten your hopes up and let you down. Hamilton really, really needs a yarn/craft/diy space in it's core. Toronto creative spaces like The Workroom or Lettuce Knit inspire me so much. My dream lives on in such spaces as these.

One day friends, one day.

Mom in '84

I discovered this roll of film a couple of years ago, buried in some junk at my Dad's place. The canister was super rusty, and though I knew it was old, I would have never guessed that it was from when my Dad traveled to the Philippines to marry my mom.

Man, check out that winning smile!

Watch her finger! So cute.

Now if I could only find out what happened to the roll of film that was in my Moms camera. That would be the find of a lifetime.

Althea Crome

Check out this video showcasing some truly amazing minature sweaters knit up by Althea Crome for Coraline. I absolutely love it!

Stop motion knitting

I came across this video a week or so ago, and I can't believe I haven't posted it yet. I hope you enjoy as much as I do!

via Craft

Forestbound

My latest forestbound pouch. It's number 6 in my forestbound related items!
This one is perfect for carrying around my small knitting projects.

Moss Stitch!

I have some super exciting news to share with you. The kind of news where you jump and down and scream with all your friends!

I'm opening a yarn shop!

Moss Stitch is Hamilton's newest yarn shop, specializing in fibres that are eco friendly, fair-trade, and natural! Our vision is to become a resource centre for knitters and craft loving individuals, offering classes for those new to knitting, and those not-so-new! Whether you knit, crochet, embroider or sew, we hope to inspire your inner crafty being.

Photo courtesy of Peter Michael Wilson

I'm hoping to take over this space - the current tenants being the lovely ladies of White Elephant. If I work really really hard, it could be mine by May! Nothing is set in stone by any means, but boy oh boy would it be great to move in there!

That being said, my Etsy shop is on hold. I still plan on opening it in the next couple of months, but for now it will have to wait. I have this amazing opportunity right now, and I've got to free up all my limbs so that I can hold onto it as tight as possible. Wish me luck!

Oh yes. That brings me to something else too. I'm conducting a little survey geared towards fellow Hamiltonians, but if you live in the Southern Ontario, feel free to fill it out too! It would really help me out if you did. You could even win a gift certificate to White Elephant if you're lucky!

Good times are a comin'!