Rings and Apologies

Firstly I think it is safe to say that I am the world's most useless blogger! Since setting up the business back in January the business has gone from strength to strength and in doing so my spare time has become less and less... something I definitely should not complain about even when I am working past midnight on a Sunday night! Unfortunately though it means my blog entries have gone from little to non-existant, so I think it's finally time to buck up my ideas and get back into a routine.

So with that over and done with I'll give you a quick update on the past month. My first major project is now done and dusted! Yey!!! My first ever phone call back in January was from Rugby School who were looking to replicate 19th century rugby kit for their students to wear whilst recreating a traditional rugby match whilst the Olympic Torch went through the school. This was a fantastic first project to get my teeth into and it became an overwhelming success.

The pupils and I

The match was made up of 3 Houses

The pupils waving their caps in the background as the Olympic Torch went past

After the excitement of the Rugby match in the morning of July 2nd, BBC Radio Nottingham then got in touch and I soon found myself live on the radio for about 6 minutes on Alan Clifford's show. It was great to be able to speak about the work I do and gave me a great sense of pride in what I have managed to achieve over the last 7 months.

Since the beginning of July I have completed several other projects, business is taking off and life couldn't get much better!

Promise I'll update more often.

BIG LOVE
cycles and spoons

Article on Bridge & Stitch: Menswear Buyer Online

Menswear Buyer Online

Finally getting Bridge & Stitch some coverage. Click the link to read the article.

Very proud of this :)

BIG LOVE
cycles and spoons
xxx

Kelly Benjafield - The Weaver

Currently working between Nottingham and Worcester means I unfortunately miss a lot that goes on with my friends which can get really frustrating. Last week however I was able to spend a little more time in Nottingham which also meant I was able to attend my friends exhibition.

This blog is going to be my attempt at translating to you everything that I learnt from what Kelly told us on Thursday. Kelly is a weaver, which apparently is a dying skill. It is definitely something you don't see often and if you have never seen any weaves, put it on your life's 'to do list' as weave's are definitely something that need to be seen to be appreciated.

Kelly studied BA Hons Textiles at Nottingham Trent University where she first learnt the art of weaving, fell in love with it and chose to specialise as a weaver in her final year of uni. Kelly was lucky enough to experiment with large scale weaves, enjoying the challenges that she set her self. These weaves would range between 6 - 8 foot high and combined the techniques of weaving, free-style stitching on the sewing machine and hand stitching. Kelly also produces smaller pieces though it is the larger ones that get her really excited!

Close up of Weave

Exhibition at Antenna, Nottingham

The method of weaving begins in a similar method to most creative skills. You start off with an idea or inspiration and go on to draw, paint, and research further in to your ideas. After going through a whole development stage you start thinking about your final piece. For Kelly these would often be self portraits. She would then scan her drawings and paintings on to the computer where she could manipulate them on special design programs, reducing the colours and creating a suitable design ready to be woven.

Ink and Pen Portrait

Now as I understand it, the process becomes a bit of trial and error to work out the proportions of the image, as the weave can shrink the images. It is a very skilful process and after Kelly explained all the techniques and the whole process you begin to really appreciate the weaves and the time and dedication that has gone in to each one.

Large Weaving Machine

Since leaving university Kelly attended The Hive, which is a hub for entrepreneurs looking to start up their own businesses. She is hoping to continue weaving, specialising in portraits and is also looking to do commissions, so please check out her website and why not buy yourself a weave of your own!

Kelly is a loveable, energetic girl which is clearly reflected in the work she produces and it would be great to get some support behind Kelly and bring the spot light back to weaving to ensure that it is not a skill that is lost in years to come.

Kelly Weaving

BIG LOVE,

cycles and spoons

Branding to the max!

So not only have I purchased a stamp ( yep I've forgotten to buy ink so can't show you that yet) but I've also got an embossing machine!! Check it out:

Looks pretty damn cool doesn't it!!

So hurry up and do some business with me and you'll get an embossed letter thrown in for free!! Lucky you!!

BIG LOVE
cycles and spoons

Please vote for me!

I have entered in to a funding draw to try and get £200 to help towards travel costs etc that I incur through visiting factories with Bridge & Stitch. All I need is 200 votes and the money is mine! I would really appreciate it if you could take just two minutes to vote for me please. It does ask for your email address but I promise you, if you uncheck the boxes you will not receive any spam!

Thank you so much for your vote! It is gratefully appreciated.

http://www.enterprisenation.com/funding-applications/bridge-stitch/#comments

BIG LOVE

cycles and spoons

David Thorne

I love this man so much that I actually think it is worth dedicating a whole blog to him.

David, as far as I can tell works as a graphic designer and very quickly you realise the mundane ways of the world are not enough to amuse David. He therefore finds other ways to entertain his days and this normally comes in the form of infuriating colleagues or acquaintances. Now I must warn you that these are only funny if you have an open mind and admittedly if you were on the end of his emails it is likely that you too would have a huge dislike for this man!

All of the articles are worth a read however the following are my personal favourites:

10 formal complaints
Missing Missy
Overdue Account
Simon's Pie Charts
Party in Apartment 3
Lesley the Lesbian

Enjoy!

Cycles and Spoons

Stitch Trade Show

So last Saturday I packed my bags in Worcester, drove to Nottingham to pick up Simeon from Bantum Clothing, then the two of us road tripped it down to Stitch Trade Show at The Business Design Centre in Islington. As usual Simeon tends to be on the slightly unorganised side so the plan to leave at 12pm turned in to leaving at 4.15pm. Arriving in London at 7.15pm we only had 45 minutes to set up the Bantum stand but I think we did good!

Bantum Clothing Stand

Sunday 12th and the first day of Stitch.. also the day my body decides to be so ill that I end up not leaving my bed. Unfortunately for Simeon's parents this meant a whole day of looking after a girl they had only ever met once before, spreading my germs throughout their house (sorry!!!). The rumours I heard back from the show though was that Simeon had found a free bar, and hearing him return home in the early hours of Monday morning confirmed that these rumours had definitely been true! I lay in bed feeling slightly envious of all the free drinks I missed out on.. though not the hang over Simeon had the next day!

So Monday morning came and I managed to drag myself to the show. Now I will be the first to admit I was in a foul mood and spent most my time sat at the Bantum stand (probably scaring away customers) feeling sorry for myself as I was still so ill and had a very scabby nose! I did however manage to build up enough energy to spend about an hour walking around the show talking to the exhibitors and promoting Bridge & Stitch. I met some great people including Art Junkie, Fizzy Milk and Dan from Dmds Enterprises. Hopefully in the near future Bridge & Stitch will be able to work with some of these guys and make the most of UK Manufacturing.

I also managed to pick up some freebies from Bjorg which put a rare smile on my face that day! Monday evening Simeon and I returned to Nottingham and for the rest of the week I have been bombarded with enquiry after enquiry! I literally can't believe how many people have got in touch! It is extremely positive and now I just need to turn these enquiries into customers as customers = money and money is one thing I do not have right now!!

So all in all, a successful week.... until I received a congestion charge fine this morning :( :( :( what a nightmare!!!!

BIG LOVE
cycles and spoons xxx