Fisheye No. 2

Much as I love my DSLR, I have been feeling rather nostalgic of late. It seems like a lifetime ago since I handed in a roll of film to be developed and I miss playing with my analogue toys. Imbued with good intentions this morning, I blew the dust off my Fisheye no. 2 and opened it up to change the battery. Despite having to prise it out of its own caked on goo, I am fervently hoping and praying that my beloved is unscathed and that we can spend many more happy years together.

Here are some fond memories we have shared.

Panchachuli

Today, I would like to introduce you to a group of remarkable women. They are passionate and creative and I am very fortunate to have the benefit of their expertise. I came across them in my search for sustainable and ethically made fabrics for my childrenswear range. I knew instantly that we were a perfect fit but what I did not know was that I would form an emotional attachment not just to the product, but to the people who made it.

 

 

/Image: Panchachuli/

The Panchachuli Women Weavers cooperative came into being back in 1997 when Mukti Datta and Dena Kaye first met. Dena was looking for a project with which to honour her father's memory and Mukti had been instrumental in dramatically transforming the lives of the people of Northern India for years. Together, they launched spinning and weaving training programmes in 35 villages around the ancient town of Almora.

 

Today, over 800 women are employed, financially independent and - no doubt - happier and more confident as a result. They have access to excellent healthcare and about 8 schools have been built since the cooperative's inception.

In 2009, Mary King founded Panchachuli UK which now works in conjuction with the local women and is the sole trader of Panchachuli's handmade fabrics in the United Kingdom. Each is made to order and dyed using either vegetable or ISO/ AZO-free dyes and the colours are truly exquisite.

 

If you would like to know more about Panchachuli and the incredible work that they do, you can do so here.

P.S. I am extremely grateful to Mary King for being so generous with her time and advice and for providing the photo (see top) for this post. Thank you!

Hiut Denim Co.

When my brand grows up, I would like it to be the Hiut Denim Co. Created by David Hieatt and his wife, Clare, it is responsible for reopening a factory in their native Wales to make jeans and nothing else. The idea of giving jobs back to craftsmen who had lost their livelihoods certainly appeals to the romantic in me. Their obvious dedication to the art of perfecting the humble jean makes the luddite half of my heart sing.

Put simply, the Hiut Denim Co. is - quite literally - making history as we "speak". Each of their jeans has been designed and built to last and - to further underpin this fact - each has a History Tag. This gives the wearer the unique opportunity to record where they have been and what they have done in their Hiut jeans.  Much as I would like to own a brand new pair, I secretly wish that I could have lived-in ones handed down to me. My, what a thrill that would be!

Can you tell that I am having a why-didn't-I-think-of-that moment? I might as well say it - the Hiut Denim Co. is my design hero. Who is yours?

Simple Pleasures

Some of the most pleasureable things in life can often be dismissed as the most mundane. Here are a few I have recently been lucky enough to experience.

1. Losing myself in a good book. Theresa recently inspired me to join a book club and I am so glad that I did. I have always loved reading but the older and busier I got, the more excuses I found not to keep it up. This month's book is The Hunger Games and I am finding it increasingly hard to put down.

Whilst I prefer tradtional books over their online counterparts, I often find something electronic to stimulate and amuse. I stumbled upon the work of Ryan Andrews the other day and I found it quite compelling. Sarah and The Seed is my personal favourite.

2. Cooking and baking for my daughter. I was never terribly interested in cooking but that all changed when my little girl was born. I discovered Béatrice Peltre's sumptuous blog when I was planning her first birthday and I have been blissfully hooked ever since.

Her recipes are wholesome and delicious; her photography, the stuff all great food dreams are made of and her anecdotes captivating. I bought her book earlier this year and when I am not reading it - that's right, I said, "reading it" - I am either cooking from it or fantasizing about what I shall try next. My daughter is an extremely willing and enthusiastic test subject and I take my "leftover" dispatch duties very seriously.

Today's special: Plum and oat muffin adapted from Diana Henry's recipe.

3. Watching my orchid prove me wrong. I am not at all green-fingered and so buying an orchid a few months ago was completely out of character, not to mention a bold leap of faith. I am happy to report that it is still alive. Just. 

What are the little things that have made you smile or put a spring in your step this week?

Watch This Space

Can you believe that yet another Monday is here? Each one comes more quickly than the last, it seems. 

This is just a quick note to apologise for my erratic posting schedule and to thank you all for taking the time to stop by and leave such sweet, thoughtful comments. I began this blog as a means of promoting my childrenswear label and I got so much more out of it than I could have ever hoped for.

Knowing that we can all support and inspire each other through this fantastic medium is such a joy and a privilege, that I want to do my very best to continue to be part of it.

/Image: Nathalie Boutte - Pivoine, 2010/

In the interest of consistency and keeping on top of my other responsibilities, I have decided to post twice a week. My intention is to do so on Mondays and Thursdays.

Some of you already know that I have been working hard on a few changes and I cannot wait to share them with you. I just love keeping juicy secrets, don't you?

P.S. My huge and heartfelt thanks to Zen Master T for letting this grasshopper pick her brain and bend her ear the other day. It seems to have done the trick!