Thursday 25 January 2018

My #2018makenine Inspiration Board

As far as planning goes, I am a bit of a control freak and take some kind of comfort from knowing how my days are set out and ticking things off my list gives me a real sense of order and achievement. I mean, I don't get out much, what can ya do? However, when it comes to all of the creative outlets in my life I am much more of a mood led soul. That goes for choosing my next book, what to cook for dinner that night, which movie to watch and most of all what hits my sewing table next!


This method of making what feels right in that very moment helps to keep each project fresh and interesting and allows me to fully commit and pour my everything into it and nine times out of ten, I end up with a result that I adore. The biggest problem I do face, though, is planning ahead enough to ensure that I have all of the fabrics and materials needed to bust out a garment or two! Oh, and that little thing called time.


That, my friends, is where the genius #2018makenine comes into play! Thought up by the super craftastic Rochelle- master mind of Lucky Lucille, as a way to add focus and intention, to garner inspiration and ideas and to plot out a stealth like order to some other wise fantastic chaos. This is my first year really making an effort to get my shiz together and set some discipline to my craft and I'd love to share with you my #2018makenine inspiration board:


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1. Burda Style 'Cool Britannia' flounce skirt- shown here in a plaid wool, ideal for the colder months.

2. Sew Over It 'My Capsule Wardrobe: City Break' Lola coat- perhaps in a shorter length for a cool, spring cover up.

3. Slouchy knit- I love the texture and ease of this relaxed and comfortable wardrobe staple.

4. I AM Patterns 'Lion/ Zebre' sweatshirt- the choice of fun fabrics and the design details are what drew me to this chic pattern.

5. Corduroy pinafore- a timeless fabric choice adding structure to this otherwise feminine garment.

6. Colette Patterns 'Zinnia' skirt- a remake of this gorgeous skirt in a more casual, day to day fabric.

7. Simple, cocoon shrug- again for that comfort and ease in design, perhaps in a mustard yellow or burnt orange colour.

8. Colette Patterns 'Penny' dress- this classic cut, flattering dress would be perfect in a lightweight cotton with a real fun print.

9. Ah yes, the Tilly and the Buttons 'Coco' dress- another remake, this time in a contrasting coloured yoke and perhaps even pockets!


So, my harnessed ideas in black and white. It seems to be helping as I've already scratched one item off the list (stay tuned for a full post) and am 3/4s of the way through one of the knits. Hey, this might actually work! Besides seeing how I feel at the beginning of a new project another huge deciding factor is always fabric. Depending on what I stumble across at the market or on my travels, this will always play a part in how a design develops. And of course, how I manage to squeeze dressmaking in between my hand embroidery and crochet work.


My main goals this year really are just to make sensible choices for my wardrobe, be sparing with fabric waste, re incorporate old patterns or fabric where possible and to simply enjoy each project. No time restraints, no target restraints. This fun hashtag is a wee boost of motivation and a great way to become part of a sewing community and to keep up with what other creatives are producing. Do you have any specific goals for this year that set you on a creative path? Any new skills you'd like to learn or put to use?

Monday 22 January 2018

Winter Daydreams // Mood Board Curations

Sometimes you just need to have a little make-believe in your life and this last week I've found myself closing my eyes and imagining that warming Spring sunshine flickering between my eyelashes. Ahhh.


I mean, sure, it's been a fairly mild January here in the Netherlands so nobody can really complain but still the ratio of beautiful beams of sunshine to epically grey clouds still tilts to an unfair balance. Hey ho, rather than hide away until days get lighter and longer, I've decided to summon up my imagination, soak in these gorgeous images that make me think of brighter days and on we go!


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Hopefully these 'welcoming of a newer season' mood boards add a little spring to your step and have you looking positively forward to all the exciting adventures just waiting on the horizon! All images can, as always, been sourced via this epi-center of loveliness! Also, if a few more helpings of visual motivation can be found within my previous mood board curation posts, such as Love BoldlyMomentary StillOpen Your Eyes and Vault of Sky. Wishing you a wonderful week!

Thursday 18 January 2018

In A World Of ReImagination // Favourite Cover Records

music,favourite,records,cover,records,odetomusic,honour,love,songs,best,lifestyle,musictoliveby,january,mood,motivation,inspiration,moments,memories,uplifting,thoughtinvoking,danceitout,dance,acoustic,rocknroll,classics,playlist,spotify,records,albums,mixtape,


It's January, it's blowing a gale outside, was there ever a better time to board up the windows and doors and dance out all your frustrations and thoughts in a frenzy of wild shapes to your most beloved records? Nope, thought not!


Today I'm bringing the party to you! Close the curtains, crank up the volume and get ready to relive some moments of nostalgic delight and possibly discover some unheard gems whilst busting out of a winter funk, get your blood pumping and shake it out to the gods of music and melody!


Here is my current list of cover tracks worthy of their originals, some covers of covers no doubt but all in all a great big mixture of acoustics, rock n roll and hip shaking numbers. So what are you waiting for? Get your grove on and dance away those heavy grey clouds!





The tracklist originals:

1 - All Along The Watch Tower by Bob Dylan
2 - Feeling Good by Nina Simone
3 - Sympathy For The Devil by The Rolling Stones
4 - It's My Life by Talk Talk
5 - You've Got The Love by The Source ft. Candi Station
6 - Under The Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers
7 - Where Is My Mind? by Pixies
8 - Stay by Rihanna
9 - The Man Who Sold The World by David Bowie
10 - I Follow Rivers by Lykke Li
11- Crazy by Cee Lo Green
12 - Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns n Roses
13 - Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones
14 - Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
15 - Creep by Radiohead
16 - Heartbeats by The Knife
17 - Plain Gold Ring by Nina Simone
18 - Perfect Places by Lorde
19 - Wicked Game by Chris Isaak
20 - Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac
21 - Woodstock by Joni Mitchell
22 - Cherry Wine by Hozier
23 - City of Stars by Ryan Gosling for La La Land
24 - Ordinary World by Duran Duran
25 - No Surprises by Radiohead
26 - Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix
27 - Skinny Love by Bon Iver
28 - Diamonds by Rihanna
29 - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? by The Shirelles
30 - Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For Fears

Thursday 11 January 2018

Time's Up // Golden Globes 2018 Review

As far as Hollywood awards seasons go, the 75th Golden Globes have set the political and social bar high for 2018. Of course, as with all entertainment industry events, there was a sufficient amount of glitz and glamour but this one stands out from the norm of smiles and surface shimmer for a very important reason.


It is no secret that there are certain industries even still in 2018, fighting inequality and sexual harassment, so as the sordid veil falls and people finally become held responsible for their despicable behaviour, the mood of this years Golden Globes was one of solidarity. The dress code was black, there were Time's Up pins and no nonsense attitudes when it came to speeches as the guests expressed their collective strength in standing against prejudice and uniting in their position of opulence to raise awareness and funds for people facing these very injustices daily.


It was no doubt a powerful message as the red carpet was entirely awash in a sea of black but the ambiance was far from solemn- uplifting and empowering scenes of unity gave the evening its vibe adding volume to the many current movements, such as #metoo and #genderpaygap- in an ever forward moving society it is only f*cking right that people are finally paying attention and doing something about it.


So black was the shade adorning the stars, black simple column dresses, sheer and glitzy black and sparkle, fuller floor sweeping black gowns and black suits on the ladies and gents. Let's get the show on the road with the glamour highlights of the night.


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The first event of award season, who knows what is in store for the following occasions, as long as the strength and power that have begun the wheels of change turning, continue to stand together and no longer look away when faced with assault and injustice. The clock is ticking on those gross, archaic cultures of discrimination and violence. Here's to change, safety and equality, with a little glitter for good measure!

Monday 8 January 2018

Hashtag Opalescent // Instagram Accounts Currently Loving

Well, it's been a week of comfort here at Faded Windmills HQ. Slow cooked stews full of 'super foods', lingering coffee breaks with a biscuit or two, gloriously sunny rambles across the meadows and the beginning of a new book... ahhh heavenly!


It is time, however, to unwrap myself from my den of warmth and start to look forward, make plans and lists (oh how I love a list) and begin to focus my attention on how to achieve my personal goals for the coming season.


I've found that a brisk walk in the mid-morning sunshine whilst listening to a motivational podcast (or the birds most cheersome song), a stretch on my yoga mat and some time carved out of my day to empty my mind or a creative sprint of beautifully captivating visuals help to stir up my imagination and reignite that flame of wanting to create, be that via an inspiring magazine, a stroll through the local art gallery or my most beloved Instagram. I've rounded up some of the accounts at the top of my mojo boosting list for you to enjoy at your own leisure and of course, to add to your own favourites!



Vivid // Crafty // Paper work // Brightness // Colour love // Interiors // Florals // Characterful

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Bold // Playful // Illustrations // Literature // Inspiring // Motivational // Uplifting

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Style savvy // Complimenting hues // Striking beauty // Pastels // Feminine // Fashion forward

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Soft // Light // Dreamy // Stacks and shelves // Turning pages // Escapism // Treats

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On trend // Fashion and Lifestyle // Modern interiors // Everyday beauty // Luxe norm

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Highly inspirational // Fabric and colour heaven // Flattering silhouettes // Seasonal // Effortless

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What has got you motivated this week? Any exciting plans, projects or adventures on the horizon? Or are you still adjusting to coming out of hibernation? I feel you! Stay tuned this week for some glitz and glamour with a Golden Globes 2018 review post. How very Hollywood! Until next time x

Thursday 4 January 2018

Paperback Me Time // Quarterly Book Review

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There's nothing like kicking off a brand new year with a healthy dose of self love and by channelling powerful intentions of treating yourself right, keeping perspective and implementing your most treasured activities, you'll surely be on the right track.


One of the most important parts of my day to day life is making time to read. It doesn't have to be hours but ensuring I find those precious moments to switch off from the outside world and engage in a different way, really helps improve my knowledge, empathy, language, imagination and lowers stress levels immensely. Let's jump into 2018 the right way, with a handful of book reviews from my A/W quarter.



Ok, I completely understand now why this trilogy has such a huge YA following, taking it almost to cult status. It is a fast paced, intriguing story with kick ass characters over coming personal demons and discovering how to live as their true selves- the entire time whilst battling a dystopian state of affairs.

This second instillation continues the story further and awakens yet more curiosity as our leading woman makes shocking personal discoveries and is really put through her paces physically, mentally and at times emotionally. The thrill and action is taken up a notch as things take a turn for the worst.

I'm really enjoying these books and will be completing the trilogy soon to see how the tale is brought to a close. Not exactly ground breaking in its originality of concept but told in an enjoyable way making it a pleasure to consume.



A beautifully written piece of literature that leads you on an emotional journey through some dark and heartbreaking moments and out the other end like a breath of crisp, winter air.

This book really got to me on an emotional level and in certain parts I almost regretted reading it. I'm usually a whimsical/ historical fiction kind of gal, but despite being sucker punched in the the feels, I am glad I stuck with it as it was such a pleasure to read.

The story follows the tragic turn of events to young Shelby on one awful night and shows her darkest lows as she battles against her biggest fears and enemy- herself. Woven together with a delicate yet fearless hand, Hoffman writes this contemporary piece with intention.

Be prepared to weep it out, this little beauty will pierce through the thickest skin. One to be devoured and savoured.



Well this book was not at all what I was expecting and I can only say that I really enjoyed it.

A wonderfully bizarre tale of a present day, very ordinary, police officer who finds himself entangled suddenly in the world of the supernatural. Whilst attempting to crack a rather odd case he is introduced to the things that nightmares are made of and discovers a lot about his own 'abilities' he had never previously dreamt to possess.

Although this book was grating at times; yes, I understand it is set in London, but to have it thoroughly described like the audio narration of a GPS pulled me out of the fantasy and the annoyingly sexist traits of the main character felt clumsy rather than essential- I did however find myself devouring the story and falling into its grasp the further into it I ventured.

A real treat to read a piece of supernatural literature with enough whimsy and spook to satisfy yet written against a strikingly modern backdrop is refreshing.



I will review this outstanding novel (and my favourite book I read last year!), on the blog closer to its release date, later this year, but for now feel free to follow the link to my goodreads review.



What a sombre and heartbreaking tale, deliciously written with care and whimsy.

A brisk story of a never ending, snow filled February, where chilled winds and blustering storms replace joy, cheer and most worrisome of all- the gift of flight. This grounding limitation sees the spirit of the village falter and fall, children go missing, townsmen turn on each other, people become imprisoned in their own fears and frailties.

Only an encounter with February itself may be the key to bring a little warmth back to this frozen town.

Chilly, wobbly, upside down... yet a real treat to consume. For the lover of fairytales and fables.



What a beautiful tale!

Sarah Waters does it again. A book crammed full of story. There is life within its pages, characters full of faults and fears, old houses with broken hearts and burnt out memories, families torn apart, opportunities won and lost and a creeping chill that lasts until the very last page.

A period number set at a time of change, decline leads to decay with an emotional outcome as one family faces all manner of evil- all within the very four walls of their family estate.

One to keep you up at night with the rain pattering at your windows.



I did it. I threw caution to the wind and lept. By lept, of course I mean that I jumped feet first into the final book in the Harry Potter series. And what a journey it was!

This was a real treat for me as I have been working up to the finale of a story that has warmed my heart for many years and one I have prepared myself to truly enjoy by avoiding the final films and any further discussion, in hopes of being untainted or tarnished.

Without saying too much about the last piece of the puzzle, I was so pleased with how the legend concludes and found this just such a fantastic piece of literature. The characters are of course perfection and I wasn't at all disappointed by how the story was brought to a close. Possibly a controversial comment to make, but personally, I didn't need the very last chapter. My needs were catered for just before the final chapter. I felt that the story drew to a perfect end and the last bit took me out of the wonderfully, fluffy haze of Hogwarts. Too real, too modern, not necessary. But by no means a smudge on the book overall.

Super thrilled to have experienced this world from beginning to end and now can't wait to start re reading them!


There we have it, first post of 2018 and quite the mixture of books! Please feel free to check out my previous literature related posts Tall TalesDive In and Story Time for yet more book loving! What is first up on your 'to read' pile for the new year? I'm tucking into several enchanting stories and look forward to sharing with you my reviews, in the next quarterly review post. To keep up to date with what's got me turning pages, head to Goodreads and Instagram!