Exciting Announcement: YazBerry is Expanding; Now Offering baby berry

Now introducing baby berry, the little sister of YazBerry! 

It happened on a whim, I made a pair of leather baby booties for a surprise gift for a pregnant friend. Like I always do, I posted a picture on facebook of my latest creative project and had amazing feedback right away and several requests for custom orders! So far I've sent off 2 pairs of custom leather baby booties and have a couple more custom pairs on the design table.

I will be making variations on the leather baby booties pictured and baby booties with vintage Japanese kimono obi fabric in a few different styles and shapes. Stay tuned, lots on the design table this month. Gathering supplies; brainstorming ideas; surveying my mom friends. I will also be making baby leg warmers from recycled sweaters! 

My goal is to offer fresh color combinations and looks you won't find in stores or online today. Also, many looks will be gender neutral with the thought that they may be used for many babies! True heirlooms. 

Do I have your attention? Need an heirloom quality baby gift? Contact me and we can discuss the almost endless options. Vegan choices available too! 

STYLE IDEAS: How to Wear Vintage Scarves

Vintage scarves, next to obi belts are one of my favorite go to accessories for changing up a look. There are so many shapes of scarves available and they can be worn in a number of fun ways, giving you a different look each time. Scarves are a great way to add a punch of color to an outfit; try out a new print, color or style without spending a lot of money or committing to a whole outfit.

My personal stash contains a mix of vintage and new scarves. Tons of different shapes and a rainbow of prints and colors. Here are several ways to style different shapes of scarves.

SQUARE
These are my three favorite ways to style square scarves. I know there are others but these are my standbys. To achieve this look, fold the scarf in half into a triangle. With the fold facing your neck and while holding both points of the fold, allow the triangle to fall in front of you. Wrap the points behind your neck and allow them to fall back in front. This is a great look to use when layering your outfits. I especially like it in winter as it adds warmth at your neck, particularly for shirts with lower necklines.
Hip scarves are a fun way to change the look of an outfit. Again, fold the scarf in half into a triangle. Wrap the folded side around your waist and tie in knot at your hip.

Square scarves can be worn as headbands too. Again, fold in half into triangle. You can fold it over itself several times from either direction. About 2" is a good width of fold. Tie ends below hair at nape of neck. If it is long enough, the same method can be used to tie it around your waist as a belt.
Available at YazBerry: 1960s Paisley Scarf - Lavender - YazBerry - Vintage

LONG RECTANGLE
This is probably one of the most versatile scarf shapes. You can use it in all of the styles listed above for the square scarf, only you don't have to fold it in half into a triangle. You may wish to fold it in half lengthwise somewhat depending on it's width.
One of my favorite ways to wear a long rectangle scarf is as an obi style sash belt. This is a great solution (like the obi belts) to quickly custom tailor a look that is too big in the waist. I especially like it on tunic length shirts and on dresses.
1980s Pansy Scarf - Magenta and Purple - YazBerry - VintageLong rectangle scarves can be folded into belts too. A fun alternative to a 'regular' belt.

Another way to wear it around your neck is what I call the noose style. Fold the scarf in half lengthwise, hold the loop in front of your neck, wrap the ends around the back of your neck and feed them through the loop in front. Pull tight (not too tight or the noose might work).

TRIANGLE SCARF
Many shawls are this shape, though I have also found hip scarves in this shape as well. All of the styles used for the square scarf work perfectly for triangle scarves. They can also be worn like a belt if you fold them over themselves. What's nice is that they are often longer than your square scarves giving you a different look. If the are large enough to be a shawl they may not work as a headband or belt, but could be styled all of the other ways.

Have fun, be daring and creative. Go find some scarves and let them surprise you. I promise people will be impressed with the fun flare a scarf adds to your outfit.

For more images of ways to style scarves and to view my collection of vintage scarves, visit my YazBerryFashion.Etsy.com store.

Style Ideas: How to Wear an Obi Belt

I can honestly say that obi belts are by far my favorite accessory. Followed by vintage scarves as a close second. I love the versatility they offer with dressing. You can wear them with so many things to give a pop of color or texture to an outfit. They can be used to faux-tailor clothes to fit you perfectly.

Something that I have been pleased and surprised by is how obi belts compliment many body types: I like them to nip in around my waist, which is narrower than my hips and shoulders. They look great on long lanky women around the hips. I also like them on women with rectangular torsos because it creates the illusion of a waist.

Obi belts give you options to change the look of a tunic length shirt or sweater. This is one of my personal signature obi looks. (LOVE IT!). I apologize for the dark images, I am still adjusting to working with the low lighting in my new workspace.












This obi can be found in my store.

I discovered almost accidentally while working in my unheated artist's stall on Artists' Row in Salem, MA, this fall that obi belts look oh so fab topping a classic trench coat. I wore it with this narrower obi in the fall, but am equally as pleased with the funky look the wide obi gives this classic style.












This obi is not yet available in my store, if you love it, send me a note, I would be happy to list it for you.

Because I have broad shoulders and hips and a narrower waist, I tend to prefer looks that nip in at the waist or are well tailored for my silhouette. Obi belts are a quick easy faux-tailoring fix when stuff is just too loose looking. I use them over big, cozy sweaters, fun vintage dresses that are a size or two too big, but the print/look/label was too good to pass up, knit tops that could use a little extra shape.

You name it, I've obi'ed it. Here is a sweater I prefer to wear with an obi. I wanted to show a dress too, but the obi belt I have that looks good with a few of my dresses is MIA for the moment. I am living out of boxes still...things in the house, things in the garage...slowly assembly a life.












Again, this obi belt isn't available in my store yet but I would be happy to list it for you. Just let me know.

I mentioned that obi belts flatter a lot of different body types. Here are several real women, who modeled in my Ahht For Peeps, Wearable Art Fashion Show in Salem, MA this summer. I invited members of the community to model my looks. I took it a step further and encouraged them to pick out the pieces they wanted to model and create a look they felt comfortable wearing. Real people, real fashion.

The first two are what I would describe as lanky women, long and lean with long torsos. One wears the obi with the wide part to the back giving it a low, loose look. The second wears it in front but low, she really makes this apron flavored obi look sassy! Love it.












The model on the left is wearing this obi. The model on the right is wearing an obi not yet available in my store, but if you dig it, let me know and I can list it for you.

These two women have narrow hips and long lean legs. Their torsos are more rectangular in nature, often giving the sense of no waist. Here they both look fabulous in obi belts, which create the illusion of a waist.













The obi on the left is available here. The obi on the right is available here.

P.S. I love taking on custom obi orders. I have a nice selection of authentic antique Japanese kimono obi fabric and a booming stash of vintage neckties. Let me know what you are looking for. I would love to create it for you. berry (at) yazberry (dot) com. I love using recycled materials. Most of my obis are made from either antique Japanese obi fabric, vintage neckties or upholstery samples. I do mix in new materials as well, but find so much inspiration from recycled materials.

My current obi belt collection is available in my store. However, if you saw something in the pictures from my Artists' Row store, chances are it is not yet available online but I do have it, send me a message and I will confirm either way.

2011 Bodes Well for YazBerry

As of 12:15 AM on the 2nd day of the year, I have already had handmade items featured in 6 Etsy.com treasuries (one self curated)! After a slow holiday gift giving season, this recent positive response to YazBerry bodes well for a successful 2011.

Here are links to the treasuries and the featured items:

My Dangle Earrings - Vintage Metal Beads - YazBerry - Handmade are very popular and one of a kind.
They have been featured in 3 treasury lists so far this year (plus one I curated myself) and will be gone before you know it. There is only one pair so you better get them fast.

New Year's Adornments, curated by Virginia E. Berry of yazberryfashion, featuring jewelry and accessories by HandmadeMN street team members.

Ringing in the New Year, curated by MyShiningStarDesigns.
Features a funky take on New Years.

new years eve partay, curated by nectarjewelry, featuring a very clever collection of images, a work of art itself in a fun montage for New Year's 2011!

Take me to the Ball I'm Ready, curated by workingwoman, featuring ball ready looks with a golden bond.

Happiness in Honeysuckle,
curated by newnance, featuring a vibrant, happiness inducing collection of items with honeysuckle (and other bright colors) in the mix.

One of my favorite colors is Honeysuckle, and Pantone has decided it is their favorite color this year too. Many items in my personal wardrobe and in my collection are Honeysuckle (aka salmon or coral). My Shoulder Bag - Coral Turquoise Beaded Flower Applique - YazBerry - Handmade is featured in the above treasury. This too is one of a kind and there will be no others made like it. The appliques are salvaged from a recycled silk knit shirt, which has become the liner.

And, Fabulous in Minnesota,curated by lightreading, featuring a gorgeous, icy collection of work by Minnesota Artists.


My Obi Belt Reversible- Antique Japanese Kimono Obi - YazBerry - Handmade has been featured on blogs and treasury lists in the past. It is a crowd pleaser and gets great reviews in my feedback. It is a limited edition piece and there is only enough fabric left to make 2-3 more. I use antique Japanese kimono obi's in many of my pieces, which are roughly 12' long and if all of the fabric is usable make 3 - 6 belts (ideally).

Here's wishing you a fabulous, prosperous, healthy and happy 2011! Welcome New Year, I am so grateful and pleased you have arrived.

Scoutie Girl - Zoomed Local - Salem, MA

Upon my recent relocation to Salem, MA, I was discovered by Linda, a blogger forScoutieGirl in her Zoomed Local Blog post on Salem, MA Etsy artisans. She featured one of my Handmade Obi Belts (pictured above), which is made from an antique Japanese Kimono Obi. This one is reversible and available at yazberryfashion.etsy.com.

"scoutie girl is the blog with a penchant for the passionately handmade. we feature original design - from both emerging and established crafters - to enrich your life. for more on sg, read the dirt." (Taken from www.scoutiegirl.com on 11/2/09)

I recently learned about ScoutieGirl's blog myself, as it is a favorite source for all things awesome and hand made on Etsy's Twitter account. I Highly recommend you track down both @etsy on Twitter.com and @scoutiegirlblog on Twitter, for interesting and insightful posts on handmade goodies and fascinating artisans.

While you're there, look for @yazberryfashion to keep up to date on what I'm working on and up to!

Also, blogger Linda, is an artisan herself, she has an etsy store, alamodestuff.etsy.com where she sells quirky switchplates and purses, wallets and pillows made from seatbelts! Be sure to check out her store and her blog www.alamodestuffblog.com!

A thank you goes out to my Model, Naomi!

Is it a Tunic or a Dress?

TBD. Sometimes a design requires the hunt for the perfect fabric, other times the fabric inspires the design. That is the case this time. I had a piece of leather I had cut one of my leather corset leaf bodices out of that wants to be turned into either a tunic or a dress. My initial thoughts were tunic...but upon playing with some fabric around the house last night and today I am wondering if it might be a dress.

Here are the first peeks of an idea:




The lovely mauve and off white fabric you see is an antique kimono obi. The delicious giant buttons are vintage! I love recycling and repurposing fabric and buttons. To use the kimono obi fabric, I need to take it apart.


When I exposed part of the liner I discovered the makers mark (no not the whiskey), does anyone read Japanese characters? I'd love to know who made this as all kimonos and obis are meticulously and precisely hand sewn and this is the first stamp or label I have come across! This one, like a couple others I've worked with, had a lovely hidden silk lined pocket as well. I love the discovering little treasures like these. As the silk is in pristine condition I think it will find it's home in a purse in the near future.


Here is what it looks like day two. Part of the process is taking apart the first draft, which is simply pinned fabric and actually starting to tailor and assemble the item. Right now I am working on some organic, raised darts along the front waist. The idea is to cinch in the waist a bit, so it looks less sack like when the obi belt is tied around it. More later as the design progresses.

Kimono Clutch Makes Blue Berries Treasury List

WrenWillow, a seller of fine hand dyed and hand screen printed baby clothes has included the Kimono clutch in her blue berries treasury, currently viewable here. Be sure to check out her Etsy.com store: wrenwillow.etsy.com.


The Kimono Clutch is available now in my Etsy.com store: yazberryfashion.etsy.com Elegant antique obi fabric (the extravagant belt worn with a kimono) forms the outside of the elegant clutch. Surprising graphic colors peak out from the edge of the flap giving you a taste of what lies within, a bold vintage scarf. Beaded and appliqued color swatch embellishes inside flap.


Photos by Yaz: yazbon_2000@yahoo.com Recently, YazBerry held a photoshoot with photographer Yassine Belhaldi who is currently taking bookings.

Obi-Wan Kimono or 100 pounds of fabric

*Gulp* I just hauled two 50 pound suitcases filled to the brim with fabric all the way from Minnesota to Massachusetts! I almost killed someone in the airport when the precariously stacked suitcases tipped over exiting the airport and I blocked the exit a bit and everyone just walked around me and didn't bother stopping to help me pick it up (kind folk these days hunh). Finally after being totally and completely unable to lift the suitcase I yelled at a man standing at the curb "Could you please help me!?!??!" After he helped me it occurred to me that I had been a bit rude and compensated for this by thanking him excessively, from the bottom of my travel weary heart.

Why on earth was I schlepping two 50 pound suitcases half way across the USA anyway? Simple: I went treasure hunting and discovered a fantastic source for vintage OBIS! (What are obis!?!??! I know you are asking. They are the beautiful embroidered silk or brocade belts the Japanese use with their Kimonos, in the singular, Obi). Stay tuned to www.yazberry.com/fashion.html for exquisite handbags and accessories made from re-purposed Japanese Obis. Also, I expect the Obis to sneak up as table linens and home decor items as well, so make sure you tune in to www.yazberry.com/decor.html in the coming weeks as well.

Next question: what on earth was I doing in Minnesota? First of all, Minnesota is one of my favorite places ever, and I have lived in several states and traveled to several countries. The myths about the unsupportable winters and summers filled with mosquitoes are...true...but I love the winters and I love the summers...drenched in bug repellent. Minneapolis is such a growing arts city; I dare you to check it out!

Anyway, I digress. Why did I go to Minnesota for vacation? Well I grew up there and have lots of family there (my grandparents were very productive, I have eight aunts and uncles on my father's side and they are all married and have 2.5 kids and a dog!) and I have many friends there that know how cool Minneapolis and St. Paul are and are sticking around because it rocks! My friends are very fun, some of them, Ms. Karen Wallin and Ms. Andrea Nelson, have joined a bowling league and invited Ms. Megan Pratola and myself to bowl with them and I found it quite entertaining...maybe I am a closet bowler and never knew it! I have to brag that I bowled my best game ever in the history of Virginia and bowling, 106!


I bowled and dined with a few friends who enjoyed robust steak and other savory dishes and tropical cocktails. Can I please state for the record that Leinenkugel's beer is brewed in Chippewa Falls WI, it is not an import. Anyway, I digress again. Ms. Andrea Nelson is a journalist and has interviewed me on YazBerry. I'll share the interview with you when it is published, don't you worry.

Now, let me explain to you the remaining 75 pounds of fabric. They say that the quilter that dies with the most fabric wins. My grandmother is an excellent quilter, a master of applique and French snots (her rendition of French knots). Grandma always, always, always has had shelves full of fabric. She has fabric in every color imaginable and neatly sorts it and stores it folded in color order (I think I inherited the color order trait; see my sock drawer and crayon box for reference). I thought the day would never come when Grandma allowed me free rein to thumb through her fabric collection.

Not only was I able to thumb through five floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with fabric, but I was requested to take home as much of this fabric as I could! I think my Grandparents wanted me to take home all of it...but even the garbage bag full I did take was nearly over my allowed weight limit for my flight home. I remind you to check back often as some fantastic vintage fabric dating as far back to the 1940's will be appearing in numerous configurations in YazBerry creations. Don't worry, when I write up the fiber content I will be sure to list it as vintage fabric from Grandma's collection, so you are aware of the legacy you are about to buy into!

While I am typically quite light hearted, bordering on humorous on this blog, I do want to take a moment to be serious. My Grandma is nearing her mid 80's, she is still mostly healthy, but the years are sneaking up on her. What does it mean when a quilter, who's goal is to die with the most fabric, begins giving away her treasured collection? I like to think she has no intention of moving on, so by downsizing she is telling the years that "I have no intention of winning the quilters competition, I will be here forever." I love my Grandma so much!