What you'll be seeing in stores next summer 2011

There was definitely a buzz at this year's premier trade fair for women's wear and accessories. The three day event was well attended by buyers from all over the world. I got a sneak peek at what trends we'll be seeing next summer (yes, fashion works a year in advance). So here's the scoop if you're interested:

1. Layering - think cropped tops over long Tees, wide jackets over blousy tops
2. 'Batik' (tie-dye) prints - not only for tops, but on pants and leggings aswell
3. Colours of nature - sand, olive, shell pink, sunny yellow, jungle green etc.
4. Bags - Big slouchy bags or ladylike handbags with extra long shoulder straps
5. Jeans (of course) - from skinny to boyfriend, jeans are very much IN

Here's my personal pick of items that already blend in with next year's trends:

Summer Trend 2011 von DuniB,  enthaltend

My PC is playing tricks on me

I was going to write a new post yesterday, when I couldn't get my PC to start :(
I tried everything (that I know of), but nothing happened. Unfortunately I couldn't use my hubby's PC either, because it broke down just last week and is currently in the repair shop. I took mine over there and after giving it the once over, they told me there was nothing wrong with it?!
So I got it back home late in the afternoon and guess what? It booted just like always. Go figure!
But the story doesn't end there. Just as I was going to print a couple of documents my printer dies. It's at the repair shop right now, but looks like the cost of having it repaired will exceed the price of a new one. I didn't really expect or budget for a new one after only three years. GRRR.

Fun summer ruffle skirt

Being a lot smaller than the average woman around here, store-bought skirts/pants rarely fit. Most of them are too long and too wide in the hip, so I have been forced to alter them - which, to be honest, is my least favourite thing to do! So, a while back I drafted my own skirt pattern, which turned out to be more complicated than I thought. One thing I learned while I made the muslin sample is that all corners on the pattern need to be absolute 90° angles, otherwise you'll end up with little 'cones' sticking out where the seams meet :-\
For the actual skirt I used a Japanese cotton/linen blend in a peachy rose with brown polka dots. It closes with a zip on the side plus button. As I was taking this photo I was thinking that my flea-market coat hook is really coming in handy for displaying all sorts of projects :)

Have a great week! 

Antique style evening purse

This chic upcycled leather evening purse is all glitz and glamour!

I've had this antique style kisslock frame forever, but couldn't decide what type of bag to attach it to - until I cleaned out my closet and re-discovered the long, black 30s style gown that had been hanging there for ages and that I have only worn once. Inspiration struck!
I drew a couple of sketches, settled on an old-fashioned round shape and drafted the pattern. The purse is made from genuine leather cut from a skirt sample. It's small, but the rounded shape helps to 'expand' the interior - enough to fit lipstick, powder, mobile phone and some cash easily. The front is adorned with a glittery butterfly and it has a short detachable chain.
Hmm...with a formal dinner coming up in two months I think I just might slip on that black dress and accessorize it with this purse...

Lazy days of summer

A couple of days of having to rest my hand....and I've become totally idle. And I don't even feel guilty about it! Must be the gorgeous weather we're having and reading about/viewing photos of a couple of my Facebook friends' holidays :) So I sat out on the terrace mostly, re-reading Eat Pray Love and watching the butterflies flit about the hydrangea blossoms...

Pictured below is my 'Uptown Shopping Bag', which I had featured on my Facebook page last month but had forgotten to show here on my blog:

It is made from Japanese medium-weight cotton/linen blend in purple with large polka dots. It is fully lined in a solid purple. The wide bottom is further re-inforced by the soft beige faux-leather. Now, normally people associate synthetic leather with that stiff, smelly stuff - but this is totally different, and I admit it took me ages to find it! I'm very pleased with its quality. It is soft and pliable, has a cotton backing and is completely odorless. I love this stuff! This bag will be available in three different colourways.

Have a great week!

Puffy Purses

I finished the Russian Roulette (top) and Midnight Stroll (bottom) puffy purses last weekend. These versatile frame purses go well from day to evening and their 'puffy' shape are the perfect size to fit all your essentials. They are made with a slimline silver frame and the fabrics are padded for extra puffiness!

Unfortunately I will need to leave off sewing (and typing) for a while since the carpal tunnel syndrome in my right hand is back in force since yesterday :(

Fleamarket Finds

I love spending weekends at markets, especially in summer, and every once in a while I pick up gems that other people consider 'junk'. I found these two items recently for peanuts. After I cleaned and removed the candlewax residue from the bowl it was as good as new and looks very decorative in my home. I'm not sure why anyone would want to light candles in it though? And the shabby style coat hook is perfect for hanging up a few of my handmade decorations.

Enjoy your Sunday!

We have a winner!

First of all, I'd like to thank EVERYONE, especially my new Facebook fans for participating in this contest - and as usual I did the draw the old-fashioned way by handpicking the winner myself!

I typed up all your names according to your number of entries folded up the pieces of paper and put them in the box.

Shaking the box for luck.

Who is the winner???

It is LESLIE CHAPPELL : a new facebook fan. Congratulations, Leslie! I will contact you via your Facebook account.

Now that was a lot of fun! To everyone else - don't be sad, there's always a next time :)

Happy Weekend!

Sammy turns six today!

Hey everybuddy,

it's my Birfday!!! Six years ago today Mommy and Daddy brought me back to my furever home. I love it here! I have many napping places, lots of toys and yummy snacks. In summertime I get to play outside, watch the birdies and occasionally I meet one or two kitty pals from the neighbourhood!

and look what I got for my birfday: my very own supply of CATNIP. Thanks Mommy, thanks Daddy!

Oh, and before I furget - you still have until tomorrow to win my Mommy's handmade bag!!! There's a zip pocket and two more pockets inside, one of which my Mommy says is for mobile phones, but in reality it's for keeping kitty snacks in :)

Lovely Lavender

I hauled out my fabric scraps box the other day and played around with the various patterns and colours.  I finally settled on combining large and small patterns in a two-colour scheme, i.e. brown-pink, green-pink etc. The scraps were quite small - just enough to make  4 x 4 inch dried lavender- filled cushions. Stacked up in fluffy piles of three they are a fabulous decoration for your bed or bathroom! Used individually they can be placed in your drawers adding a bit of  'old fashioned' scent. These cushion stacks make great gifts too!

Reminder: you still have a chance to enter my bag giveaway!!!

GIVEAWAY - Win a Handmade Bag!!!

Hi everybody!

Here's your chance to win a OOAK messenger bag designed and entirely handmade by me! This giveaway is open to everyone across the globe and ends on Friday 9th July. The winner will be announced the next day!

  sunglasses for demonstration purpose only

The bag is made from high-quality, pre-washed medium-weight and interfaced cottons. The main fabric has an all-over print of yummy strawberries, cherries and tiny flowers on a black polka dot background. It is fully lined and has multiple pockets inside. There are two pen-holders on one side panel, which doubles as a sunglass holder too. The shoulder strap is adjustable - wear it traditionally on the shoulder or across the body if you prefer! This messenger is a compact size, yet spacious enough to carry all your essentials - perfect as an everyday bag!

Nice, compact size - great for the office too...and inside shocking pink. Pink rocks!

Here's what you need to do to enter - it's easy:

1. Leave a comment on this post = 1 ENTRY

2. Join my facebook fan page = 3 ENTRIES
    click on the 'like' button on the facebook widget to the right
    or (if you can't 'see' it, try in Mozilla Firefox) My facebook page is Duni Buesken Handmade

Note: those of you who are already on my facebook page will automatically be entered 3 x.

That's it. I told you it was easy. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYBODY!