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.