Making Life more Beautiful
I used to shop in charity shops all the time, especially when I was in my late teens and twenties. Then you could pick up a flapper dress, heavily embroidered and beaded; silk chiffon 1940s tea dresses and silk satin … Continued
One of my readers Karen Mulkey, from Houston, Texas is in town next week and she asked for suggestions on where to buy fabric in London. This is not a comprehensive list but it covers places I have visited and can recommend. South … Continued
I have been meaning to review Crescent Trading since Jay suggested I might like it. I managed to take a day off work and, accompanied by the ever plucky and up-for-it Megan of Pigeonwishes, we had a quick lunch and took … Continued
As a special treat (Birthday) Nick booked a couple of nights in Brussels so I could spend a day at the Museum of Costume and Lace. Unfortunately a few days before there were bombs at the airport and underground and … Continued
Recently there has been some excitement on the internet about the Liberty collection at Uniqlo. Before I start on my review of the offer here are three disclaimers: Liberty is my favourite shop I generally dislike Liberty prints because they … Continued
A few years ago I went to a Knitting and Stitching exhibtion at Alexander Palace. Even though I got a student discount it was pricey and Ally Pally is a bind to get to. The spring show, at Earls Court, … Continued
This is a big topic, and one that I am fairly new to. This week, accompanied by three interesting dressmakers, I went to a leather wholesaler – Storm in Hackney. Run by Charlie and George, originally from Cyprus, with Nigerian … Continued
I have two habits. First I invariably start a project with fabric, rather than a pattern. Second, I buy fabric in shops, markets and warehouses (rather than on the internet). These habits are because I am rather particular about fabric especially … Continued
I love markets. I used to sell fabric on them with my cousin David Ryecroft from the age of about 12 to 16, getting up at about 4am and driving to various towns in Yorkshire and Lancashire. We would unpack … Continued
Brighton is a sea side City, around an hour from London. It is the sort of place you go for a day trip. Although there is a beach there is no sand and while Brighton can be fun it is … Continued