Daydreamer Dress: the Dress that Almost Wasn’t

Posted on March 9, 2017March 8, 2017 by Melissa Harrison

I thought this ethereal, marble print fabric was perfect for winter the first time I saw it, almost a year ago. Through spring and summer I kept looking at it, excited to design a dress when the right season came around – but that pined for design never came to me. Nothing I could think of seemed right when I tried to picture the finished dress. When winter came, desperate and defeated, ready to give up on this fabric I loved, I realized it was never destined to be a winter dress.

Once I let go of the idea that this fabric would make a beautiful, winter pastels type dress, the concept for the new Daydreamer Dress came to me so freely, I knew this was how it was always meant to be.

Dress Sophster-Toaster
Shoes ModCloth
Bow Sophster-Toaster
Sunglasses ModCloth

All photos by me.

Spring/ Summer Lookbook 2016

Posted on June 16, 2016October 25, 2016 by Melissa Harrison

The mess and chaos is spilling out of my sewing room and into the kitchen and office. Boxes and bags from a late night Ikea trip, printing equipment, new hangers, and sewing supplies are everywhere. My studio rack is full of dresses, skirts and tops while baskets full of tees and bows sit carefully tucked nearby. Of course, this routine repeats every time I have a big market coming up. This time it’s the HandMade Summer Solstice Market in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Here’s a little sneak peek at some of the designs I’ll have at the summer HandMade Market this weekend. Look for me under the bright pink tent!

Not in the Niagara Region? You can find everything from my lookbook at sophstertoaster.etsy.com.

All photos by me.

May Favourites

Posted on May 13, 2016October 25, 2016 by Melissa Harrison

The May flowers came a little late this year but the weather is finally warming up. Windows are starting to open in the afternoon, fresh spring produce is popping up at the local farmers’ market, and the outdoor artisan market season is in full bloom. Here are my favourite things for the month of May – all inspired by local artists and makers.

1. Travel and Wanderlust Inspired Accessories

$May Favourites \\ Sophster-Toaster Blog$

Dawning Collective’s Spyglass Necklace

2. 1920’s & Flapper Style

$May Favourites \\ Sophster-Toaster Blog$

BOKO’s Beaded Bag in Teal Green

3. Geometric Birdfeeders

$May Favourites \\ Sophster-Toaster Blog$

Moore Design Birdfeeders’ Oriole Feeder

4. Everything Strawberry

$May Favourites \\ Sophster-Toaster Blog$

Leikey’s Strawberry Brooch

5. Reminders to Stay Positive

$May Favourites \\ Sophster-Toaster Blog$

Merchant Handcraft’s In Hoop Everything Will Probably Be Okay Cross Stitch

April Favourites

Posted on April 30, 2016October 25, 2016 by Melissa Harrison

I’ve been so busy this past month, I’ve barely noticed how cold it still is outside. A week spent on vacation near the equator and knowing that Victoria Day, the official start of summer in Canada, is only a few weeks away have me thinking of nothing but sunshine and patio time. It’s the end of April and here are my current obsessions:

1. Cute broaches and lapel pins that people will actually be able to see when we don’t have to wear coats anymore.

$April Favourites \\ Sophster-Toaster Blog$