Colsca

Hello People,

Well, Christmas Day has gone, and I am very much looking forward to the next year already! Loads to try and get done, (no time like the present), and today I finished this little thing, to be named a 'Colsca'. I had various word variations of a collar and scarf, for that is what these things are - scollar (too scholarly), scollarf, scarfolla....etc, but I think that Colsca sounds a bit eastern european, a bit Italian,(good in fashion terms) and snappy. So Colsca it is, and I am reasonably pleased - some amendments to be made to the shape and size, and general design, but the basic idea is working reasonably well.
These have developed from a) my annoyance with the practicality of scarves (look great when you first adorn yourself with one, but either work their way off/ fall down and off/ strangle you/ droop/ get in the way etc., etc...), and b) the realisation that if the draughts are effectively stopped from going down your neck and your extremities are warm, then I, at least, am a much happier person. If there's one thing I hate it's being cold!
ALSO, and this wasn't intentional,and is a slightly jokey suggestion, but you CAN wear them buttoned up as a hat!!!
There are more and different designs to come, and these grew from an idea about something to cover up exposed flesh if the weather is too cold for nothing over a dress, and where a jacket isn't appropriate, or where you just need something to go over a sweater if it's not freezing outside.
These are Christmas present versions actually, but I always had the intention to develop this idea anyway. If anyone would like to commission one, the price is £50, and they use 50% recycled fabrics/50% new, padded with terylene wadding, lined with acrylic or cotton fleece, and wherever possible using pure wool/wool mixture fabrics for the outer shell. So, warm as toast! Please specify colour combinations, i.e. blues, reds, naturals, monotones, yellows... Payment details on application.
Happy Christmas and New Year everyone!

Well, the man from Four Shires (regional glossy) magazine came a few days ago to interview and photograph me for Atelier (classic wedding dresses), and ecoEureko (the bespoke recycled alternative 'wedding and special' dress business).
All went very well (despite the snow), and I will have a nice big article with lots of photos in the in the wedding feature in the February issue. Phew! Well, yes, it's still not Vogue I know, but.....
Latest on the ecoEureko first sample, is that the finished pattern is now with my business partner for her 'ministrations', then we will consider what new fabric it needs as a compliment, and hey presto! (if only it was that simple), it will be finished.
We aim to make a small collection of 3 outfits, photograph them and then present to the world.

I had an idea that was somehow related to a nun's wimple in my mind, and I googled it and this was one of hundreds that came up. So stylish, but thought provoking and unexpected and beautiful...

One to one classes

Alongside everything else (!), I'm doing one to one classes in my studio for pattern cutting and sewing techniques - contact me if you're interested. I have several people already, come with a friend if you prefer - for a one off, or every week, whatever fits with you. Doesn't matter if you're a total beginner, student, or very experienced - everything accommodated! Give me a call or email me via the Atelier website

Atelier publicity

I am in the business section of our local paper, the Banbury Guardian! For Atelier that is.....an article on the front page, and two photos.
Well, you gotta start somewhere, and all publicity is good publicity!The business section doesn't appear to be online, otherwise I'd send a link, but I'll scan and copy into my blog later today.
One thing they didn't mention was that everyone I design and make for is given the original design drawing, framed and signed, on completion of the commission.
Anyway, thank you Banbury Guardian!

Bobbie

Developments

Hi everyone,
Just a quick word to tell you about something exciting in the 'planning' department!

I have recently started a collaboration with Rachel David (of Skrunch) to design and make some fabulous pieces which use 'permacouture' as the starting point. Don't want to give too much away at the moment, as I haven't seen anything around so far which describes what we have in mind, and of course we want to be first.

This will form the basis of my parallel alternative line within Atelier to be called Gowns of Darkness, though this collaboration will have it's own name soon.

Just wanted to get this 'out there', and to let you know that I will of course post details and photos here, and on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=559546689)and myspace (http://www.myspace.com/bobbiewatsonbydesign) as soon as one is finished.

My original Atelier design thread continues of course, for people who are looking for a more classic feel.

Bobbie

Some research

O.K., here's a little diversion which shouldn't take more than a few minutes, if you could spare the time?...it's part of some research I'm doing about personal meanings of fashion/clothing/dress, and relates to how we think and feel about the things we wear. Males and females equally welcome to take part. Here goes:

Q 1.Could you please think of a favourite item of clothing that you've had for more than 2 years (at least), which should be something that you wear quite regularly in it's appropriate season (i.e. a woolly jumper in the winter), describe it as well as you can (or add photo), and say why you like wearing it?

It could be to do with fabric texture/colour/ practicality/fit/stunning factor(the impression it makes on others), how it makes you feel.
It can be really casual or really sharp. slopping around at home type thing, sexy, sharp as a razor, jeans, going out, but think carefully about the reason - "It's nice" won't do! It's the reason it continues to be in your drawer/cupboard/wardrobe that I'm interested in.

Q 2. The same as above but something you've had for a really long time, how old it is, and why you still have it and wear it occasionally. It could be that you just can't bear to throw it away - but why is that?


All this will of course be absolutely anonymous if you message me, or you can reply to this post and share with others, the choice is yours! Nothing rude please!
I am hoping to eventually put all my research together for publication in the future.
Can't wait to see your responses...B.

Hello Chaps,

Just a quick one to let you know that my site is being revamped as we speak, so sorry if one or two pages aren't available for a little while. Please respond here, if you'd like to see any images of work to date, or any other information, and I can email you or you can phone: 07941 619992 to speak to me! The email is atelier@bobbiesroom.co.uk

Bobbie

A Gaudiesque sofa in Tilburg, NL

Hi all, (well, I hope someone reads this-it may be only my 3 followers, so please be a follower if you happen across this blog!)

Just to let you know that I will be adding a links page to this site very soon, so that you can look at related websites - some specifically wedding orientated, some fashion/art, and some purely interesting from a clothing/cultural/trend point of view. Indeed as many as I can think of that may interest anyone thinking of getting married, (and all that entails, alternative or not!), or anyone interested in fashion and clothing in the broadest sense.
Any suggestions for specific ones?

Speak soon,

Bobbie

Hello!

A bit of a lull in the posting recently.... the excuse is summer, and trying to make the most of it, along with the various 'strands' which I try to weave around my existence.

Being the beginning of September, things are getting concentrated again in more ways than one - work, daylight hours, plans for the next 12 months. I find this a good time to plan, before the stultifying cold and darkness of winter arrives, and while I still have the optimism of summer in my blood.
Went to see the Maison Martin Margiela exhibition at the Somerset House galleries in London last week, just before it finished. An amazing Belgian fashion designer, it was he who started the 'unfinished' /raw edge/frayed seam/deconstructed look back in the 90's. A lot of the pieces were more like art objects and very conceptual. Martin Margiela's background as a stylist was evident, and a lot of the 'garments' were more expressions of an idea. I personally loved the way it was exhibited, varied and inventive, and my favourite piece was a roll of white cotton fabric , stood on it's end, which magically transmuted into a jacket!! I mean that the roll of fabric was displayed as partially unrolled, and then the details of the garment fashioned into the fabric gradually until a part of a 'real' garment (the jacket) was apparent on the far side of the dress stand. Hard to describe, but I'll try and upload an image..

The fabric-jacket is on the far left.

I'm proceeding more quickly now with my current commission, the 50's dress and jacket in silk taffeta. At the last fitting, it fitted like a glove! Pleased, and even the toile looks great...



Speak soon,

Bobbie

Hello again Atelier people,

Well, my latest commission was just finished last week, the draped silk satin design, to much praise and tales of enjoyment! It did look fantastic on the woman concerned, I have to say....and how great she was to work with. It was for a wedding blessing in the garden, followed by a party afterwards with perfect weather. I'll be uploading some photos in the next few days...

The website is almost there, just more photos to add, testimonials to go up, and one or two other things.

Still replacing equipment in the studio for top efficiency!

As a side project, and linked to my teaching work in pattern cutting and production - I've noticed a real absence of basic sewing skills in some of the students I teach. Not their fault, but a result of 'needlework' as it used to be called, not being taught in schools any more. So a whole generation of young people are growing up never having picked up a needle, and therefore unable to sew on a button, or take up a pair of trousers or a skirt. Kids have to choose between doing 'Textiles' or a language, say. What happens if you're good at both? Academic subjects are deemed to be more worthwhile, but plenty of our most famous designers and artists are famous because their talents and skills were first encouraged at school.
You might have inherited a sewing machine from a relative, but have no idea how to begin using it, so........
I've decided to start up some local classes, in the light of what I've just been talking about, and also the recent huge trend for recycling, combined with a desire that a lot of people, including myself, have to produce something unique in our world of slick mass production, and limited choice in the high street.
It's called the Village Hall Sewing Preservation Society, (!) and if you live locally, whether you are young, old,somewhere in between, male or female, you could come along. Let me know by replying here, or email this site through the contacts page, or atelier@bobbiesroom.com

A bientot!

Bobbie

Hello readers......

Have just been investigating an idea inspired by a great website I've just discovered called inter-disciplinary.net, where there's loads of fashion related items and academic papers...don't be put off by the word 'academic'- it's full of fashion expert's writings which are fascinating. Here's the link to the fashion pages and a link to one of the contributor's review of the subjects presented at last year's conference.

My idea concerns archiving garments (which we commonly call 'vintage'), for use in a small scale context, as opposed to how the massive collections of museums are viewed and used. It also concerns 'personal meaning' of certain garments - a wedding dress for example...

Otherwise, in the practical world, all going fine. My design and make process is now described on the 'Services' page, and I'm off to buy some studio equipment on Monday. Beautiful silk satin fabric waiting to be cut, so I'd better press on.

And the sun is shining......

Bobbie

Still trying to find some time to get this website finished.... Hope you agree that it's looking good.

It's being done by my friend Steve Birkin, webman extraordinaire, and I'm holding him up by not supplying the goods for completion... this is due to having work flowing nicely, which is great.

I'm feeling very positive about this whole venture - or should I say 're-venture', as I used to do a lot more of this about 10 years ago before teaching took over. Although I love teaching, and do it with enthusiasm, it's good to be using my skills and creativity in this way, and there's a great satisfaction with working one to one with my customers. They seem to enjoy it too!

Two jobs on at the moment - a lovely 50's influenced design two piece wedding dress and jacket, (lots of stiff petticoats of course)chic and stylish, and an equally exiting design, although totally different, in silk satin, gorgeous colours and lots of drapes.
Can't give too much away of course, as the husband to be may be reading this!

Speak soon,
B.