Better space, more productivity?

I spent the last few weeks getting a new space fixed up to work on patterns. Since I used to do all this work in my bedroom, I was laying out for cutting and working on patterns on a cardboard mat on top of my bed! Oh, my aching back back!

But now, I have this nifty new cabinet in my dining room so I can use the table to do layout - saves my back and I have a place to store everything out of sight when I actually want to use the room for dinner.



Now the pattern draft is done for the XL size western shirt!
Now I can cut out test fabric and start basting!
Actual work and productivity is finally mine!



More to come.

Tiki Hostess with the Mostest

Hi Caroline!
Here she is after winning the silent auction for the Kiki von Tiki/Eric October Tiki Kitchen set at the Ohana Luau at the Lake event in upstate New York last month. When I gave it to her for the auction, she just loved it! And then she made sure that she won it! Gotta love that dedication to a cause. And how adorable does she look?

I spent a little time last week taking purses and aprons, etc. to a couple of retail stores locally here in Southern California. I had one store - Vintage Inspired in San Clemente, CA loved the purses. But we need something for the fall and winter months, don't we Kittens? So your intrepid Kiki v. will be making up some really cute sets of hat, scarf, and purse for the store in animal prints, black velvet, and faux fur! Tres chic! Of course, I will post here when I have pics, and we will also be making them available via the etsy store as well.

Here's one set that's already done. The little cap and scarf:

The tiki pin on the front is removable and can be pinned on the scarf or the purse - or your lapel! It's a vintage Coco Joe keychain that I added to and put onto a pin back.

And the cutest matching purse!


And just for funzies, here's the pattern they were made from. So cute!


More info to come as these sets take form and get ready for your fall and winter fun! See you soonest!

Remember, commentors get free shipping for any purchase from the Kiki von Tiki etsy store, so chime in and talk to me!

SALE!

Kittens, I need to get the purses sold off to make room for my next projects. They're all now discounted by a pretty good margin.

All Lulas are now $35.00
All Bubbles are now $50.00
All Bamboo handles are now $75.00

See the etsy listings to purchase. There's a link over there on the right side of the page!
Anyone who has commented on my blog gets FREE SHIPPING. Just add a note mentioning the blog when you purchase.

Caroline golfs in KvT at Ohana!

Ohana - Luau at the Lake just happened last weekend in upstate New York! From what I could see from photos and eye witness accounts it was a raging success and lots of fun for all attending. Lots of fun activities, bands, room parties and vendors selling fabulous tiki art!

One such attendee was Caroline. Not only did she attend, but she was one of the organizers. They had a miniature golf contest - here's a shot of Caroline in her Kiki von Tiki skirt out on the green!



She also coordinated a silent auction to benefit the Easter Island Foundation. Guess who purchased the Kiki von Tiki/Eric October Tiki Kitchen set? Also Caroline! Wow, love that lady!






If you want to get a set for your self, click the link to the right and go to the etsy store - they're now all on sale. Towel sets of 2 for $20, Oven mitts are $30, and aprons are $40! Gotta clear out these items to make room for the next wave!

Paniolo?

A Paniolo is a Hawaiian cowboy. Apparently they have some extremely cool shirts. All this is new to me and was brought to my attention by Tom "Big Toe" Laura! He's an amazing artist working in the hot rod, lowbrow and tiki genres, and a friend of mine! And he wants a paniolo shirt!
Check him at www.tomlaurastudio.com and www.bigtoeart.com

We start with a 70's western shirt pattern:


Add a little 1940's flair:


Some reproduction barkcloth for accent:



And voila!


Well, we'll see about that voila moment.

But that is what is on the table this week!
Progess shots and more info pending!

Maybe a ladies version next?

New Bags for you!

And you, and you!

Got some new bags posted up - these went to Tiki Oasis with me and were not snapped up (imagine THAT!) so they are now posted on the etsy site!


Here's the one I'm calling Tiny Blue Bubble! This is the same vintage 40's pattern that I've used before, now in the most glorius deep blue and dusty pink barkcloth. Oh, this is a yummy color combo, kittens!



It's got those perfect tiny leaves accented with glass beads, and a reclaimed vintage metal zipper. I love the sound of a metal zipper, don't you?



Pretty pink satin lining, too!

And the Coco Blue Handbag.



This one has two round bamboo handles, an authentic vintage Coco Joe Tiki keychain, and fun wood bead fringe. The tab pulls through the handles and closes with a magnetic snap closure.







Pink satin lining and two BIG interior pockets!
Go see them at my etsy store! Click the link on the right side of my blog page.

And come back soon, I'm going to have a giveaway for you little tiki hostesses with the mostest coming up verrrrry soon. But you have to read and post comments to qualify. So chime in!

Kiki v's Trailer Trash Capris

Doesn't every girl need several pairs of delightfully saucy wiggle pants?
Something tight and shiny for dancing the bossa nova and flirting?



Something slim and black with a turtleneck for beatnick bongo playing?



Something curve huggingly delicious for riding on the back of a motor scooter with a cute boy?




Put on your Sophia Loren makeup! We're getting ready to go play!



Kiki von Tiki is making Trailer Trash Capris! A retro inspired pattern for multiple sizes and heights. Better get those buns toned up, kittens!