Hi Everyone!

Just a quick one to let you know that after a little delay, toile test garment/prototype number 2) for the recycled/new fabric wedding dress project is underway - a short bell shape, with capelet...really enjoying doing this and impatient to get it finished....will load up photos later today, but just thought I should update you, as it's been a while!

As a little extra, please have a look at this fabulous blog run by three women, which is a total mine of information for anything to do with sewing, and where to buy/see myriad sewing/fashion related items. As I mentioned on my facebook page a while ago, one of the things I found the most fascinating, was a video of the women working in the Chanel atelier in Paris. The concentration and attention to detail - that's what makes a couture piece. Inspirational...here's the link: http://thesewingdivas.wordpress.com/category/couture-sewing/

Speak soon!

Bobbie

ecoEureko progress

Proud to report that the first ecoEureko sample is about 50% complete, and though I say it myself, looking rather beautiful...

Just to explain, in case you haven't read anything about ecoEureko before on this blog or on my facebook, it is the name of a business collaboration I have set up with Rachel David, who is designer and maker from Leamington. She uses recycled fabrics - vintage and modern, and we are working together to produce what we think is a unique combination of old and new for bespoke wedding and 'event' dresses.

You can look at the embryonic website here, for information on 'who, where and what', but just to let you know that we aren't launching it big time until the first 3 samples are made, photographed/styled and ready to go.
However, I am so excited by the prospect of ecoEureko, that I'm putting some images up here as a little taster, and would like to explain how we work, and how it fits in with Atelier, in my case, and Skrunch, inRachel's case.

The idea is that we use at least 50% recycled fabrics in the designs, and this could sometimes be considerably more. The other fabric will be new, and this will be dictated by a) the design, and/or b) your preferences - ethical or otherwise when coming to us to design and make a magnificent bespoke dress.

So far, (and remember, this is a new collaboration), it is working thus: I design and pattern cut, then the pattern and toile (test garment to achieve the desired shape), goes to Rachel, who starts to assemble and decorate the dress using her collection of fabulous antique and modern fabrics, accessories and haberdashery. New fabric may then be incorporated according to the design, to result in a unique and 'extra'ordinary garment.

Other personal elements can be used in the fabric of the dress itself. Please see the 'What we do' page for an explanation.

Work on website development is ongoing, so if you cannot immediately access the site, it's because we're working on it, so please try again shortly afterwards!

Bobbie

Roofer's chic

Well, you might wonder what I'm talking about, but there's a lot of it about here, roofer's chic, that is.
And with the bedroom ceiling, (and parts of other ceilings) having recently fallen in as a result of some of the work on the roof,there will be a lot more of it about for a while yet!

The men have been toiling for what seems like months, in the face of snow, ice, rain, wind, all in extremis.

But they know how to dress for the job,and this being a fashion related blog, these things don't go unnoticed. The routine is: beanie (fleece or knitted/thinsulate lined), covered by a hoodie,(hood up)covered by a weatherproof padded, hooded jacket (hood up). Tracky bottoms, (maybe two pairs?!), buckle-on knee pads, big sturdy, pale suede builders boots, grip gloves.
No bravado concerning exposed skin, macho-ness or anything like that, and who would blame them?

Well, workwear isn't particularly my thing, but I'm just admiring of these guys, and how they do their job.

Despite all this however,my students and customers are very uncomplaining, and it's business as usual at Atelier Towers!

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