Succulents from Billy.

My friend Billy gave me some Succulents recently. I love them.

Marianne Westman - Picknick Print

Marianne Westmans Picknick print has just been relaunched on new products at New House Textiles.
She has inspired me to draw tomorrow.

Nancy Bird

Nancy Bird - I want one!

Willy in Australia - Bird

So I've finally arrived in Oz and am very excited about all the new things around me.
I discovered Bird today: a fantastic range of luxury eco products with beautiful printed fabrics at the core of the brand. Designed by Rachel Bending.

Willy Purses featured in Japanese magazine Hanako

Willy Purses have recently featured in Japanese magazine Hanako - they have been included in an article about High Tea Of Highgate - one of Willys UK stockists:

 

Horrockses Fabrics

A selection of my favourite Horrockses fabrics. This one is by Graham Sutherland.

These are Alistair Morton designs. Other designers Horrockses worked with include Pat Albeck and Eduardo Paolozzi.

Horrockses Fashions

Last weekend I went to The Gallery Of Costume in Manchester. As usual, I found myself admiring the 50's style dresses - in particular the Horrockses dresses. I first came across Horrockses at The Harris Museum in Preston - they have a few dresses on display but I believe they have many in their collection (as Horrockses previously had a factory in Preston).  The Fashion And Textile Museum in London are currently exhibiting "Horrockses Fashions" and I can't wait to go and see the show.
Anyway, having been inspired by the dresses I saw in Manchester I bought this recently published book: Horrockses Fashions Off-The-Peg Style In The 40's and 50's. I love it! Click here for details of how to buy.

The book really inspired me. So, I decided I should have a look through our family photos to see if my Nan owned a Horrockses dress. I didn't find any Horrockses fashions but I did find some amazing shots of my Nan in very lovely oufits. Here are a few for you to see. Look at this gorgeous dress with such a pretty print:

Floppy collar and pockets. And amazing hair.

Polo shirt and shorts combo.

I love this picture. Knitted cardie with belt - perfect!

Look at her lovely shoes.

Girl talk.

Shoes again! 

They're fab.

Nice sleeves.

Love the detail:

Could it be Horrockses?

So, I didn't have much luck finding my Nans Horrockses dress. But surely this picture below is close enough. No idea who they all are except for the lady on the far right who is my Great Grandma. Absolutely love this photo! It was taken in Skegness as a Coronation Souvenir Photograph in 1953 so maybe I've found what I was looking for?

I Love London

The City Wall Walk. The Barbican.

Royal Festival Hall and the South Bank.

The Hayward Gallery.

Kenwood House, Hampstead Heath.

Chomeley Lodge, Highgate

Selvedge Summer Fair - My Favourite Bits

Hand made creatures by Abigail Brown. I loved the foxes.

This circus lady cushion by Caroline Dulko.

I love the owl lavender doorstops by Catherine Tough. I have one of her hot water bottle covers - an old favourite!

I think I may have to purchase one of these prints by Rachel Eardley. I didn't buy one and I wish I had now.

Cute: Lavender wardrobe mice by The Black Rabbit.

Selvedge Summer Fair - Highgate

I'm off to London for a few days of inspiration and to catch up with friends.
Very much looking forward to the Selvedge Summer Fair in Highgate - St Augustines Church Hall, N6 5QG from 11am til 5pm.

The Design Circus Pop-up Shop, Albert Road, West Bridgeford

Have just popped a last minute batch of Willy purses in the post to my friend Helen Hallows. Hopefully they will arrive in time for the craft fair Helen will be attending this weekend - Saturday, 26th June at The Design Circus Pop-Up Shop, Albert Road, West Bridgeford. Pop along if you're in the area! Helen will be holding a stall of work during the day from 9.00am - 5.30pm. Click here to see Helens new designs.

Ms Worthingtons Shoes In The Window At High Tea Of Highgate

Look! Willy Purses in the window at High Tea of Highgate. If you look carefully you can see Ms Worthingtons shoes reflected in the window. I wish I was there - I really want a piece of lemon drizzle cake.

High Tea Of Highgate,
50 Highgate High Street,
Highgate, London, N6 5HX
Tel: 0208 3483162

Willy - The Making Process

I really enjoy the process of making my handmade pouches. As each one is made slightly differently to the next one I never tire of making them.

Once I have screen-printed and fixed the fabrics I cut them - ready for make-up.

I then choose an assortment of varied designs for each customer order. I like to see lots of designs and colours mixed together.

I make the bias-binding by hand from vintage liberty print fabrics. A hidden surprise when the new owner opens their pouch for the first time.

I like to choose zips in contrasting colours.

And then they get made into pouches.

www.willydesigns.com