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I received this fabulous Harris Tweed book for Christmas from the Lovely Libby. . a few days later after getting the book I treated myself to a length of real Harris tweed that I bought from Merchant & Mills' new shop in Rye....I can't wait to turn it into tabby cats......watch this space!
At the beginning of the year I went fabric shopping, something that I haven't done in yonks! It was a great morning, I went to Soho and went into the old shops that I used to go to and I discovered new shops too (new to me that is, ha ha!). I rekindled my love of finding new fabrics, it was quite thrilling and has inspired me to go on searching for delicious fabrics wherever I find myself. I ventured into the basement of a shop called Misan, which is full of end of roll pieces and remnants - there I found a lovely piece of fabric that was begging to be made into ginger toms the results of which you can see above......here's to fabrics old and new!!!!!!
3x1: Making a Jean from
3x1 on
Vimeo.
During our trip to New York last year, me and the other half went to a really interesting jeans shop called 3 X 1. Instead of having the cutters, seamsters (I don't know if this is a word, but I like it!)and seamstresses hidden away in a basement or attic or distant village, they are placed in full view on the shop floor within a glass walled room, so you can see bespoke jeans taking shape before your very eyes! You can choose from an incredibly wide selection of 150+ types of denim along with thread, zips, rivets and studs in an array of colours to create your own custom made jeans. Needless to say this service will cost you a pretty penny and will reflect the true price of making garments that have been made by workers who have been paid a living wage in decent working conditions. Don't let the price tag put you off visiting because it is an enjoyable experience with welcoming staff and gorgeous fabrics to stroke and coo over!
Above is one of 3 x 1 videos that can be found on their website, if you've got a couple of minutes take a look at how a pair of jeans is made at this inshop mini factory......
3 X 1, 15 mercer St, SoHo, NYC.
Last summer I went along with the other half to a wonderful evening party held at one of my favourite spots - Chelsea Physic Garden, hosted by Brunswick. I felt very meek as every person there was at the top of their profession, people working in business, charities, communications and so on. I felt slightly sheepish when I told the party goers that I was a toy maker, but I needn't have worried because they were interested in what I do. The lovely Frank who organised the event was so warm and welcoming, he took care of me and Rob all evening, he even took one of my cards!
A few weeks before Christmas I received an email from Frank's P.A Naomi inviting me to show my work at their work place in Lincoln's Inn Fields, I was mighty surprised and was considering not going as I'm a bit shy, but talking to the other half and to friends made me realise I could only gain by it, so with the help of Naomi a date was set in December.
I'm so glad that I agreed to visit as I had a great afternoon. I took a selection of the things that I make, together with a page explaining and what I do. I set up in a lovely room that looked out onto Lincoln Inn's Field, I'm afraid my photo doesn't do it justice! People came in ones and two's to look at my work and have a chat, some people even bought a few things! Everyone was positive and incredibly friendly - I made a mental note of all the good things that were said. It was a real boost to my confidence in my work. Thank you Frank and Naomi and thank you Brunswick People!
Here's a coincidence - I was born and brought up in Brunswick Road in Birmingham!
