Well, it's been interestingly busy here in the depths of the burgeoning Oxfordshire countryside...
Both the Atelier classes, and Atelier wedding and event dresses are going pretty well. As this is the blog for the classes, I'll tell you what's new for that. If you want to hear the latest on the wedding dress front, please go to the blog on the Atelier website:www.bobbiesroom.co.uk
One of my new students comes quite a distance for her class, so I'm assuming that there aren't too many of these kind of classes in the wider area surrounding Banbury and Oxford.This is good news for me of course, and tells me that there must be a growing interest in being able to make patterns for, and sew clothes which are unique and importantly, actually fit properly! My theory on this is that, as a result of the trend towards acceptance of a more natural body shape, and away from idealised 'model' proportions, people need to have clothes that aren't necessarily a standard size 10,12,14 or 16. Added to this, factors such as not having 'standard' length arms, or 'normal' rib width, or back proportions, the desire to make a pattern and clothes that reflect one's body shape is an attractive idea.
My other theory about this is that in the 'mass produced' world in which we live , the desire to be more of an individual becomes stronger, and not being able to buy clothes which express our individuality in the high street shops, we turn to making them ourselves...and if we can't find the fabrics we want, we recycle - but that's another whole discussion!
O.K., enough theorising already..... but there's just one other interesting thing I'd like to tell you:
Two of my Atelier class students have said independently, that one of the reasons that they like the classes, is that they are able to talk about pattern making, sewing and clothes, with a like minded person who has a bit of a passion for those things, i.e. myself. We talk about how clothes make you feel, fit, the effects of colour, fabrics, and the detail of all these things. I am also very interested in people's history of sewing and their interest in fashion - the why's and how's....
I seem to have inadvertently built up a collection of vintage clothes, and so, in our conversations, I often show what I am talking about by referring to something hanging on the rail in the studio for explanation.
We do also do some pattern making and sewing!
And the very last thing, (this month's little bonus) - if anyone reading this introduces someone to me who becomes a wedding or event dress customer, I am offering a 20% discount on a set of 5 two hour Atelier lessons, so that instead of £150 for 5, (£30 per lesson), the price would be £120, a £30 discount....pattern paper, tea and coffee included.
Don't forget that anyone is more than welcome to come for 'pay as you go' lessons, 1 hour (£15), or 2 hours (£30) classes, and I encourage men, women, old, young, beginners or advanced students. Just email me for more details.
Speak soon!
Bobbie
