A Journal
A personal journal that invites readers to design their own journeys through the world - with travel, dress and taste.
My work is shaped by seasonal rhythms, cultural, sensory and historical awareness, and expressions of independence. Language is my first love.
Wearing colour well can become walking in art
Colour is foundational to the dressmaker’s art and the wearer’s style. Finding the right route, and a nuanced and depthful approach to colour takes time, but pays dividends.
The amalgamation of good ideas generously donated by history with innovative creativity
Allowing ones work to be influenced by the work of others is smart, innovative and creates depth.
Anni Albers on the weaving craft
Craft and art. Art and craft. Steps on the same spectrum.
Recycling the past - and from them creating something that lives again
Creativity is not a synonym for originality. We can recycle the past to inspire future directions, and there ain’t nothing wrong in that.
The occasional lies behind the creative journey
A good reminder that making something great matters more than having the perfect explanation.
Cutting is higher risk than sewing
A reminding quote that scissors in-hand is as much a part of successful garment construction as time at the machine. There are few ways to correct a faulty cut.
Closet Core Patterns : “Just. Make. It.”
Just Make It. Cut into that expensive fabric and be done with it. Get on with making and wearing the thing.
Cherry Jeffs : “Repeating a process can teach us important lessons about subtle variation and refinement.”
This excellent article about what an artist’s body of work is also perfectly encapsulated why I refine - for longevity, strength and coherence of my inner voice.
Thoughts from Carpe Diem Regained by Roman Krznaric
A book on seizing the day, and doing more of that. My reflections and key takeaways.
Reflections on The Lost Art of Dress, by Linda Przybyszewski
A book about The Dress Doctors, a troop of women operating during the early-to-mid 20th century who advised American women on style and clothing throughout the Great Depression, World Wars and social upheaval.
The hardest thing to declutter - the scruff stuff…
I am totally onboard with the Marie Kondo method - but there are some things necessary in a useful wardrobe that neither spark joy nor get used all that frequently: the clothes you keep for scruffy jobs
Maybe I’ve been doing it wrong all these years
Do I really need to keep changing my wardrobe every 6 months?