dontbitchstitch blog

New Bag Styles

2011-12-09T23:49:00.001-08:00

Here is a preview of the new pictures to soon apear on the web site Rhona Delaney Willis is the photograper

Barbara Hepworth Gallery Wakefield

2011-07-27T01:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend I went to visit The Barbara Hepworth gallery in wakefield which is a wonderful gallery designed by the award winning architects David Chipperfield which sits amongst a dramatic waterfront setting of the river Calder surrounded by industrial buidings. From the outside the buiding looks quite like a unpenatrable castle but once you are inside the space welcoming an is bathed in natural light. It was opened only in May 2011 in the city where Hepworth was born.Part of the unique collection includes the plaster models donated from the Hepworth estate. There are ten gallery spaces some of which show the influences on Hepworths work from the international to the abstract artists in St Ives where she spent her later years. This new gallery is well worth a visit and is FREE

cycling

2011-04-03T11:51:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy cycling it enables you to see things that you might never notice if you went by car. The other day when cycling to the studio at islington mill on my little white raleigh bike I noticed the crocuses had been planted to spell islington. I had to stop and take a picture

Weekend in Wales

2011-03-29T05:38:00.000-07:00

I went down to Wales the other weekend which was great I went with six other women and stayed at a wonderful place which I coudn't recomend highly enough. Go to see the site on www.millhavenplace.co.uk which is on the pembrokshire coast. We stayed in the cottage which was really lovely and the family could not have been more welcoming. It is a short walk to the sea and has stuning coastal walks. The spring flowers were in full bloom. It was good to get away and blow a few cobwebs from the system.

down on the allotment

2011-03-08T02:02:00.000-08:00

Spring is definately in the air and slowly but surely we are getting the beds dug the garlic is in but lots more to do. How exciting the potential of spring that things may actually grow here fingers crossed.

valentines day

2011-02-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

Happy valentines day Ive been seeing hearts every where.

creative recycling

2010-03-22T08:45:00.000-07:00

I visited the inspirational shop creative recycling on Beech Road Chorlton this weekend.The gallery was set up by Glennis Andrews and Fiona Norton showing a wide range of ethical and sustainable artwork. They also run a variety of wokshops in the 'shed' at the back of the gallery. when I saw this old rusty car it reminded me of the amazing things that can be produced with a bit of imagination. The artwork on display in the gallery and in the outside area is a testament to the ongoing hard work that Glenis and Fiona put in to help inspire others to recycle and live in a sustainable way.To find out more and courses available go to http://www.40beechroad.co.uk/

Liz Scrine ceramics

2010-03-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

I have just got back from visiting Liz at From space where she is in the process of making this wonderful Mexican gothic type large candle stick.Earlier this year we helped indecorating the chimney for the wood burning stove in from space where liz works. Have a look at her web site to see the other work that she does my favorite is the passage light.The web address is www.lizscrine.co.uk

contempporary textile fair 2010

2010-03-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

I will be taking part in the contemporary textile fair 13th-14th March at the landmark arts centre. It showcases more than 70 designer makers exhibiting and selling a wide range of textiles. Come along to meet and buy some of the finest textile artists in the uk.

Great northern contemporary craft fair

2009-10-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk/ are hosting at spinningfields in manchester a cutting edge craft fair with 140 selected designer makers from the 23-25th october 2009 two designers to watch out for are Aisling Laws printed textile pictures. Inspired by manchester industrial lanscape andthe fabulous bags of Monica Boxley

New bag styles

2009-09-15T03:48:00.000-07:00

This new bag design was launched at the 'made in manchester' exhibition at the Royal Exchange Theatre Craft Shop. Each bag is completely exclusive. The same style is repeated but the fabric used is only used once so each bag is unique.

The undiscovered country of the nearby

2009-09-10T04:31:00.000-07:00

I was listening to the radio the other day and heard this phrase 'the undiscovered country of the nearby' this is so true we dont have to go on a great journey to find inspiration its right here on our doorstep it is in the most ordinary of things just take the time to look.

These are just images of a grided wall and a drain cover but I thought they were really interesting for designs.

Worker bees finding the Queen

2009-06-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

I have been drawn to finding out about bees at the moment and whilst walking to the studio came across this on the bridge passing from Manchester to Salford. written on it was authenticity and industry. A bit deep but maybe this is what we all need to have authenticity in all things we do, being attentive to things around us.

patchings festival 2009

2009-05-27T04:13:00.000-07:00

I will be exhibiting again at patchings art craft and design festival . This year the festival sees a special feature on fashion, promoting contemporary fashion accessories and jewellery. The dates of the festival are the 4th- 7th June for more information go to http://www.patchingsartfestival.co.uk/

Street Style

2009-04-02T02:50:00.000-07:00

Inspired by a article in The Times Magazine on Scott Schumann and his cult blog http://www.thesatorialist.blogspot.com/ who takes photographs of ordinary people with extraordinary sense of style. I took to the streets of Manchester to take photos of people with my bags. Thankyou to all those who took part.

etsy shop

2009-03-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

Check out the bags on my etsy store dontbitchstitch on http://www.etsy.com/ more to come soon

mothers day gift

2009-03-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

How about these wool brooches as an idea for mothers day sunday the 22nd march dont forget.

unique boutique

2009-03-17T04:27:00.000-07:00

A fresh new look to unique boutique a newly painted and styled store. It is now easier to find our spring summer collection in a dedicated area within the boutique. Unique boutique is a clothing and accesssories boutique specializing in independant designers, refreshing in its approach to fashion.

Urban photo shoot

2009-03-06T04:54:00.000-08:00

With help from friends who kindly gave up thier time so I could get some images of the button scarfs. We used the backdrop of these shutters which have been decorated with a cheeky monkey by a street artist.

When designing the scarf I thought of it as a collar. A customer described it as like a necklace which I really liked. they should be available on the web site to buy soon.

triffid flower

2009-02-24T04:51:00.000-08:00

My sister bought me this bulb for christmas which grew and grew into this triffid flower its amazing I took some pictures and came up with this design.

Recycling Old Clothes

2009-02-12T02:00:00.000-08:00

I have recently been involved in a poject with oxfam,which involves breathing new life into old outfits that have been donated to oxfam. Through the oxfam shop on oxford road Manchester I am selling one-off bags made from the unusableor unsold donations. Through the project I have discovered that the uk alone throws away 900,000 items of clothing,which means there is a enviromental impact of fast fashion which often ends up in lanfill sites. Synthetic(man made fabrics) dont decompose. So how could I not become involved it is good for the enviroment and for a good cause.

Emma Cooney the manager at the store wanted to promote the shop as a fashion destination while pushing the recycling ethos at the heart of the oxfam even further. The charity works in more than 70 countries to alleviate poverty and suffering around the world.So I am very excited to be involved these are two of the bags that I made for the shop One from a flared skirt the other from a old suit.

2008-09-04T01:51:00.000-07:00

over the bank holiday I went to a fishy festival in Newlyn cornwall and found these wonderful sculptural lobster pots a dying art but one that should be preserved.

Workshops - What do you think?

2008-07-11T03:44:00.000-07:00

I am looking into the possibility of setting up some workshops in the New Year, with the focus on surface printing, in other words making patterns on fabric or paper.

I thought this would be a good way to give people the opportunity to explore the design process, and see how surface printing is done, regardless of experience of knowledge. It would be an introduction to simple printmaking techniques.

For me, this would be a bit of a return to where I started out, which was my degree in Fine Art printmaking, and creating my own prints on fabric. The idea is to have fun with print whilst creating something fabulous !!!

There might also be the opportunity to work with some of the other artists/designers here at Islington Mill.

So, let me know if this is something which you might be interested in. Drop me an email, or post a commment...

Fashion Market - Tib Street, Manchester

2008-07-11T03:19:00.000-07:00

For over 2 years now, I have been setting up on the Fashion Market, in trendy Northern Qtr district.

You can often find individual and unique pieces at affordable prices.

It's the first dedicated fashion market in the North West, supporting local designers giving them the opportunity to showcase their talent in a city centre location.

You will find dontbitchstitch's wares, come rain or shine, giving you the chance, every Saturday, to buy original pieces at reasonable prices. You can quite often buy some limited edition items, but you have to be quick to get these !!!!

Patchings Art Craft & Design Festival 2008

2008-07-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

I exhibited my latest range at Patchings Design Festival in June. It was the 15th Annivesary of the Festival, which saw over 150 of the UK's leading artists exhibiting their latest work. Set in rural Nottinghamshire, the Festival gives people the opportunity to take part in a number of demonstrations, encouraging them to become more actively involved in the creation of arts & crafts.

The Festival gave me the chance to not only sell my work, but also catch up with fellow craft workers. It was also a great opportunity to meet with both loyal customers as well as new ones.

New Collection

2008-05-09T03:08:00.000-07:00

dontbitchstitch are launching their ‘Five a Day’ spring/summer collection.

Inspired by the ‘five a day’ recommendations, my products will provide you with a healthy range of clothing and fashion accessories, organically produced in the UK, offering a fresh selection of products from bags and scarves to hats and clothing, all of which won’t break the bank, and will ensure your glowing on the outside this spring/summer.

From granddaughter to grandmother, dontbitchstitch’s range will suit all styles and pockets. Great as either gifts or just treats for yourself, my products will offer you the easy way to get your ‘five a day.’

new designs

2008-03-12T05:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the dontbitchstitch blog

We will be launching a new collection of spring/summer bags and accessories, and also a new range of lounge cushions as featured in Concept for Living magazine, Northern Design issue. Find us under the 'Best of British' designs.

Have a look at the website: www.dontbitchstitch.co.uk