A Busy Week

Phew, where has the week gone?  It has been so busy, I have re-introduced the Libby bag and will be making many more this week as well as some more new lines for the Christmas Shop and the Childrens' Range.

Here's a little sneak peak,


However, I can't helping planning my weekend already though, it's the best way of getting through a really hectic time, I run for the hills when it is very busy having spent the week in my studio. This weekend we went to Chatsworth House, it was a beautiful, clear and crisp day - very, very cold though!  

I just can't resist sharing this picture with you,  this hen knew what she wanted; she knew what, where, when and who - go get it girl, work it, work it baby, she was cool!

There are many recognisable women in that there hen!  Names on the back 
of postcard please!

Something is Happening in December - Around the 25th

Christmas Per Chance?
I have been very busy for the last few days and have tried my hardest not to get distracted and just to work, work, work. I have opened the Christmas shop on my website and so far I have added Santa Sacks and Gift Bags; how many people do I know that can't wrap a present?  Da da, a gorgeous fabric gift bag, which can be recycled year after year.
I have designed some appliqued styles too, I love applique and these extra special bags add an extra touch of individuality.  Santa Sacks are gaining popularity and children just love to see the same sack coming out year after year, traditions are after all what make Christmas, well, Christmas (that and chocolate, wine and sprouts...) .


I have also added a Christmas Home Accessories section to the Christmas Shop which will also be increasing over the coming weeks.  There will be some familiar styles in some Christmas themes, ideal for those who don't neccesarily want to do Christmas a la National Lampoon but wish to delicately add a little red and green to their home!


Well, it's goodnight from me... and back to work!
 

The To Do List vs The Wish List

I should be making more and more doorstops, like those above, but there are just so many things I want to do, see and read. I just can't buy the time to do them all, so I really need to prioritise.

The Wish List
I want to go to two exhibitions in London; The Age of Enchantment exhibition at the Dulwich Picture Gallery showing Victorian illustrations of children's fairy tales, featuring paintings by Edmund Dulac and Kay Nielson.

I desperately want to see the The Golden Age of Couture, 1947-1957 exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum having studied the work of Christian Dior's famous 1947 fashion revolution at college. When am I going to get time? I just don't know. Maybe I can snaffle some time before Christmas, see my sister and get some Christmas shopping done. Mmm, sounds like
a good plan.

I want to read Shopping, Seduction and Mr Selfridge by Lindy Woodhead, which is a history of the Selfridge's founder and background of modern-day department store. I also want to read Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky as I have just finished Atonement by Ian McEwan and would like to read more fiction set in the time of the Second World War. And last but not least, I want to read Playing with the Grown-ups by Sophie Dahl. I have heard her being interviewed several times recently and I am curious how she writes in comparison to her famous grandfather, Roald Dahl.

I have added my book list to my Away Fixtures as it usually takes a holiday to get some great reading done, a bit of a hint there!

The To Do List (Home Fixtures)
Is too long to go on...

Fashion Bikes

Do you know, it seems as though the bicycle was invented this week?

This week I have seen lots of photographs of beautiful models, such as Laura Bailey, Lily Cole and Agyness Deyn, who ride their bikes whenever possible, making them, of course, 'uber cool'. Due to their influence it seems as though the bike has been hailed a new mode of transport. Chanel have even launched their own bike, costing a mere £6200, but it does have a padded saddle, quilted panniers and interlocking trademark C's. Would you? How I would love to see Jeremey Clarkson on Top Gear briefing that one - a McQueen for him maybe. Would James May ride Westwood? As long as the Hamster wore a helmet I wouldn't really mind what he rode. Suggestions please. Click here to read more .

For reasons other than fashion, I really do need to get my bike out. Please do not presume I am a victim of fashion if you see me being resuscitated by the side of the Peak District roads, it is for me merely a form of transport. I ride Decathlon not Chanel.

November - Panic!

It is November, and although I might regret saying this in a few weeks, I am getting excited about the buzz of Christmas already. Thoughts of decorating the house and garden are whizzing round my head, but when I have a reality check (and stop thinking baking, mulled wine and Wham's Last Christmas) I panic and start to think about the amount of work I need to do.

So, I have been updating my website with new work and cutting orders today, but also wondering why there isn't an official six day week for us people who really get into work towards the end of the week and need another day. I am incredibly lucky that I feel like this and always wish there were far more hours in the day.

Maybe I just get on and do some work!