I found these great vintage guide and scout badges on e-bay recently and plan to use them in all sorts of ways. I think they'd make a great trim for a hat. The cloche hat on the left is one I made from scratch and then trimmed with various badges dyed in tea to give them that vintage look. Very "grand tour" don't you think?
Some great tips in this reproduction of Joanna Chase's book from the days of rationing. When I have time, I'm going to try out some of the patterns.
I've been reading about this fantastic new place in Paris called Sweat Shop which has just opened near the canal St Martin. It's based around the concept of a cyber cafe, essentially, you can rent out space by the hour at one of ten Singer sewing machines which are available for whatever creative project you're currently involved with. You can come and go as you please, but best of all there's a communal table where you can sit and enjoy tea and organic cake! It sounds like a great place for meeting other like-minded people, and there are all sort of workshops too so you can learn new stuff. I'm really looking forward to making a stop there next time I'm in Paris. As the owners say "Sweat Shop is the place where your dreams and projects come alive. And it's here for those wanting to learn, create, transform, practice or recycle in a stress free and well equipped environment."
Do come to Charleston near Sussex and take part in the Patch Walk Easter Trail on Easter Sunday. Make yourself a wonderful collage to celebrate the start of Spring. Hope to see you there! Click here for details
