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.