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

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