Well, summer seems to have returned - really beautiful here in the centre of England, warm and clear blue sky....from the studio I have the most amazing view with hardly a building in sight, and count myself lucky to have such a great place to work!
So firstly, let me tell you, if you didn't know already, about MacCulloch and Wallis, a small shop in the heart of London's West End which I see as a remnant of times when local wealthy ladies could go and buy a couple of yards of silk, and run up a little dress for a weekend in the country! And I mean that in the most affectionate way, as this shop is really a gem, and the website is beautiful.
The great thing about this shop, which to my knowledge has always been in the same location right near to Oxford Street and Hanover Square (home of Vogue magazine), is that you can get fabrics and equipment there which seem to very hard to get elsewhere. O.K., online is now the place to go for many things, but unless you know exactly what you want, it's a bit of a risk. (Saying that I recently bought 4metres of habotai silk lining for about £4 a metre, and the delivery was free from China! But that was an example of knowing exactly what I wanted, and not having to match a colour).
M & C have a fantastic range of French and Italian wools, cottons and silks, which, although not cheap are lovely, and you don't have to trail around looking at dozens of different shops elsewhere in hope. The quality is amazing, and they are the kind of fabrics you fall in love with. The French embroidered laces and the Broderies Anglaise along with countless other fabrics are sumptuous! Want, want, want...
They also have, to my amazement, tracing wheels which are the same design as mine which I bought about 30 years ago. I still think it's the best I've seen or used, the handle is made of wood and is cheaper than Morplan's plastic version...
I reckon I should get a gift voucher for all that free advertising!
Please note that I am still doing my special offer for new students - 6 classes for the price of 5, so it would be £150 instead of £180 for 6 x 2hr classes. It is one to one tuition, so you will learn and achieve a lot in each lesson, and you can come as often or as occasionally as you like. The classes do not have to be in a set block of weeks, just come when you like or when you are able.
Pattern paper, tea and coffee are included in the price!
So, happy pattern cutting/sewing and speak to you soon!
Bobbie
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| In the studio |
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| View from the sewing machine |
