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Etsy

Something Spooky and New

Design Diary, Lingerie, New Items, updates October 13, 2018

You know me, I can never sit still so I’ve gone and created something brand new!

Actually, this has been a long time coming and just the start of a new platform for Ohhh Lulu Lingerie.

I’ve been working behind the scenes on a standalone (non-Etsy) shop for my Lingerie for months now, but wasn’t sure in what direction I wanted to take it.

For a few years now, I’ve had the goal of having a ready made line of lingerie that was at a slightly lower price point. I originally had the goal of creating a factory produced line that I could sell to retailers, but I still am struggling to find a Canada-based producer that will work with my relatively low quantities… not to mention I still haven’t actually wrapped my head around how I’d do it.

So, I’m still not there yet…

But, over the last several weeks I’ve worked on creating a selection of pieces that are ready to ship, but in limited sizes. The bralettes I’ve created are light support and great for lounging, but they aren’t the made to measure bras you’ll currently find in my Etsy shop. The bras in my Etsy shop are customized for your cup size and shape, whereas the ones in my ready made collection are a few sizes fit most.  This, and my fabric choices (which are mostly solids), are how I am creating my lower price points. That being said, they are still super cute and comfortable pieces. They are all styles that I love wearing myself!

Currently, I’ve got my Etsy shop and Ready Made collection separated, but I think I will eventually work on migrating the items from my Etsy shop over to this new storefront. The truth is, I’m having a hard time standing behind Etsy ever since they broadened their definition of “handmade” to include factory made items (yes, even items in factories are made “by hand”, but I don’t think when customers buy something that is marketed on a “handmade platform” as “handmade”, that they will assume it comes from a factory. It’s just sketchy marketing if you ask me).  Recently, they’ve changed search ranks to favour sellers with free shipping and short turn around times… which for me is hard since shipping (with tracking) in Canada is expensive! Seriously, I spend an arm and a leg on shipping Free shipping on every order is not something I can’t afford to do… Secondly, because I customize the fit on all of my bras and panties, offer custom designed items, and because of the amount of orders in queue, I can’t ship made to order items out in a day or two. Not to mention they’ve just upped their fees. I just can’t compete on that platform anymore, and I have some moral objections to the way the company is running now… So I’ve been looking for my escape for a while.

I’ve dabbled with ready-made items in the past but have never stuck with it. So, I’m going to see how these items do and if they do well, I’ll keep it up…! I still have more pieces to add but was excited to get these few things off the ground… especially my limited Halloween items!

I’ll be working on migrating over scrunchies and sleep masks this weekend and into next week, and maybe a few made to order items as well.  I really like the navigation of my new shop, as well as the the order processing and fulfilment methods.

You can shop my Ready Made items HERE!

Sample Sale Time

Lingerie April 7, 2017

Spring cleaning time! I have been hoarding samples. I make a lot of things when designing new collections and not all of them make the final cut. Sometimes a piece is too labour intensive to make it a feasible item for sale at the prices I like to offer… sometimes I’m just not happy with the outcome. Occasionally I’ll also make a custom bra for a customer in the wrong cut or size (doh!).  I also occasionally sew size runs of garments to keep on hand for different events. I’ve decided to clear a bunch of these things out. I’ve listed them in my Etsy shop at 50% off the retail price. A lot of these are last pieces and one of a kind, so don’t wait if you see something you like! You can shop the SALE HERE!

Etsy x DX Mastercraft Workshop

Uncategorized November 3, 2015

On November 11, I’m leading a lingerie-making workshop at the Design Exchange in Toronto!
The Design Exchange and Etsy have partnered to offer several Mastercraft workshops. You can learn lingerie making with me, Fabric Dying (I kind of want to do this one), jewelry making, and more! 
I’m really excited at the chance to do some in person teaching!
To prepare, my bestest buddy Abbey came up for the day so that I could teach her how to make lingerie!
Abbey has sewing experience, but hasn’t sewn much over the last few years,  hadn’t worked much with knits, and had never sewn lingerie. 
Oliver makes sure she cuts the gusset lining correctly.
Just by watching my demonstrations, she was able to complete the entire process herself, from cutting the fabric to doing the finishing touches. 

Getting the hang of sewing fold over elastic! She’s a natural.
Lingerie making is one of those things that just takes practice. Abbey did an amazing job, especially since this was her first time working with lingerie fabrics and notions, and felt a little rusty on the sewing machine! Getting the elastic just right and mastering that zig zag stitch takes a few tries, but on the whole, her set went together really well!

Abbey’s first try! Amazing!
I’m hoping I’ll get to see a couple familiar faces at the workshop, and meet some new ones too. If you know anyone in Toronto who would be interested in learning how to make lingerie, please let them know about the workshop! I’ll be providing a variety materials and a notions kit so that you can create a truly customized set. 
See you on the 11th!

Sample Sale Time!

Uncategorized April 18, 2015
My sample bags overfloweth.
I make a lot of stuff over the year… when I’m desigining for a new collection I get so many ideas, and not all of them make it into my collection. I’ve added quite a few one of a kind items to this year’s sample sale! I also have old ready-made stock that I’m trying to clear out…

Photography : Mlle Chèvre (https://www.facebook.com/mllechevre)
Model : Ms White Willard (https://www.facebook.com/mswhitewillard)
Make Up : Audrey Lavigne Makeup Artist (https://www.facebook.com/audreylamua)

Super Awesome Mega Giveaway!

Uncategorized February 10, 2015

The Etsy Team that I co-manage with Kathleen is running an awesome, gigantic, super amazing give away! I wish I could win… We’ve got art prints, porcelain jewellery, wood veneer note cards, designer cushion covers, handmadeupcycled cashmere dolls, cherry wood serving boards, hand-carved of course! There are so many good things… when I tallied it all up it’s over $340 worth of handmade and vintage goods! 
My contribution to the giveaway is a set of His & Hers Sleep Masks (or Hers and Hers, His and His, or keep them both for yourself!). I’ve been making lots of these masks for guys, and am finally getting around to offering them in my shop…

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about preparing this giveaway is seeing everyone’s amazing work in person… There are some seriously talented people here!
Anyway, enough chit-chat. To enter the giveaway, head on over to The Canadian Collective’s Blog.

Good Luck!

Wednesday Wish List: Doll House Edition

Uncategorized May 23, 2012

I’ve been absolutely obsessed with doll house miniatures on Etsy, after finding L Delaney’s shop. I can’t get over the amazing detail in some of these pieces.  Here is a round up of some of my favourite finds.

1. Miniature Cloche Terrarium by Hammersheels
3. Miniature Butchers Block by Artisique
4. Miniature vintage Bed by Artisique
5. Miniature Union Jack Rug by Artisique

Busy week for Ohhh Lulu….

Uncategorized May 22, 2012

 Well, Thanks everyone for making my Sale a huge success! I hope everyone was able to get in on the deal who had wanted to.

To help boost things a bit, I made Etsy’s front page on Saturday. It made for a very busy weekend!

Also, my give away on Oh the Lovely Things came to a close on Sunday.  I was surprised to see almost 400 entries into the give away! Thanks to everyone who entered, and congratulations to the winner. And, if you didn’t win, stay tuned… I’ve always got a new one up my sleeve!

Lastly…

Uncategorized April 24, 2012
Joan Polka Dot Bias Cut Camisole
Why bias cut?  All sewists will know how beautifully bias cut fabric drapes, but if you’re not a sewist you might not be familiar with the beautiful hand of bias-cut satin.  When you cut fabric so that the threads run diagonally along the garment, it creates the most beautiful, fluid drape and adds a considerable amount of stretch to form around your body.  Lately, I’ve been wearing hardly anything other than bias cut camisoles under cardigans and blazers.  They are so… effortless and glam.
Joan Super High Waist Knickers

 Phew…. so as you can see I’ve been a busy little lady.  But, I finally feel like I’ve really accomplished something.  I am so, so happy with how everything turned out. I have so many other ideas flying around in my head, I can’t sew fast enough to get them all out!

3 for $60

Minky…

Uncategorized April 24, 2012
Amethyst Smoke Bra & Panties Set

I’ve been on a major Satin Kick ever since I made this custom set for one of my most favorite customers.  I am especially loving top stitching satin.  It has such a retro feel.  This set can be made in nearly any colour  possible.

Amethyst Smoke Bra

Amethyst Smoke Knickers

Not all of the bras are lined, but this one is. It adds some support for larger busts.  I wear a D cup, and I find this quite comfortable.  There are no wires or padding, so don’t expect the girls to be up around your chin, like when you wear a Victoria’s Secret Bra.  You get a much more natural look.. but it is comfortable, and in my opinion, natural is much more sexy than the unnatural shape a VS or La Senza bra gives.  Those bras have their place, but if you are looking for a more natural silhouette, or something comfortable enough to sleep in, this might just be for you!

Here