Irish

One of my favourite possessions is my beloved Irish embroidery machine, bought off ebay for a mere £50. Bargain! I'm still not quite a pro at it but practice makes perfect eh? Here is a little snippet of what I'm up to at the moment. The Irish has a knee paddle so the user can create a varying satin stitch while sewing. The needle moves much faster than a domestic sewing machine, this makes it much easier to 'draw' with.

It's a hard life...

Abigail Brown

Embroidery magazine arrived on my doorstep today and inside were some little creatures that I just have to share! Abigail Brown is an artist, illustrator and maker who graduated from DeMontfort University where she studied Surface Decoration. I adore these little birds, find more for sale on her very charming website. X

Etro Spring 2008

The company I work for have asked me to a mini collection of tribal inspired swatches. The first the thing that comes to mind for inspiration is Etro. I love the ethnic and tribal influence, the bright colours and clash of prints. I have a vision of me on my travels looking all lovely and bohemian like these ladies, in reality I will be wearing walking boots, a backpack and have bad hair. Sigh.

All photos courtesy of style.com

No Time For Sorrow - Fabrics

Fabrics I produced for my first project in final year. Based on the previously blogged drawings. Digitally printed on to velvets and chiffons, then embroidered. Thank you to Liam for the photography. X

My latest Topshop purchases. Two lovely tops, even lovelier layered up. X

It's my first full day off in a while, and if that isn't exciting enough I'm off to see The Maccabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Drums and The Big Pink - Hurrah!

Graham & Green

Just a small selection of the lovely things at Graham & Green. 1. Bird Vases - £19.75 each. 2. Decorative Antique Caskets - £19.50 - £33.50. 3. Aluminium Deer and Stag Heads - £79 - £125. 4. Velvet Beauty Bag - £8.75. 5. Butterfly Print -£19.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day you lovely people. X

Alexander McQueen 1969 - 2010

There is not a project throughout my time at university that I didn't look towards McQueen for inspiration. I am in no doubt that his collections will continue to inspire me for many years to come. I am skimming through my files, looking at mood boards and flicking through magazines, I can't chose a favourite piece, I adore them all too much, but here is a very small selection. He and his talent will be sorely missed.