The Re-Launch

Hello and welcome back to the NOTHING NEW blog...

I'm feeling the need for a more articulate outlet, sometimes Instagram just doesn't hit the spot when talking about the issues I care about. And now more than ever, these issues are growing in popularity which is awesome!

Recent social movements such as Fashion Revolution and Plastic Free July have brought more awareness to everyone which is a great thing, as well as mainstream channels bringing informative programs right into our living rooms. I believe it is all about education. Alot of the bleakness in this world could be overcome with education, and I'm not just talking about schools putting climate change and yoga on the curriculum (however that would definitley help!) But at home, with our friends, our colleagues....learning happens everywhere, and I'd love to make this blog a bit of a resource you can dip into.

I definitely don't  have all the answers, but whilst I try and figure them out why not share it? It's what I intended to do in the first place! I'll be looking at the big stuff like; Why should I be a conscious consumer? (Because you're a Global Citizen) Will I lose all my friends if I bang on about single use plastic? (Maybe) What do natural/plastic free toothpastes taste like? (Some are gross)

So here we go, first post up next! Eeek I'm excited!

Eco Love Is In The Air!

Stuck for a thoughtful, eco-friendly Valentine's gift that has the wow factor?

Look no further than gift vouchers from Nothing New - Choose from a GreenSeam made-to-measure dress or Sewing Tuition by the hour...Click here to buy now and receive 10% off using the code VAL10, plus a FREE upcycled jewellery gift with every order!

Can be posted directly to the lucky recipient. The vouchers all feature a unique laser cut design, and will be wrapped up with your complementary gift all pretty as a vintage button using the finest pages of old Mills and Boon, just to get your love in the mood!

Don't be wasteful, just be thoughtful!

Don't Be A Wasteman!

In November last year I was asked to show off my skills at the TeamV Upcycling Fair  "Don't Be A Wasteman" at The MAC Birmingham. It was well received day,  put on by an inspiring and passionate group of young people. I put on mini workshops making Christmas decorations from upcycled fabrics, and rose to the ultimate upcycle challenge by raiding the donations area and transforming an old curtain into a dress, totally on the hoof, no pattern, a time limit of 2hrs! All good fun! One of the TeamV ladies, Ayesha, made this video of the day....take a look and see what it was all about! Watch it in its full glory HERE

The workshop area complete with some awesome TeamV volunteers!

Happy upcyclers, making gifts for loved ones

 

 

The curtain, soon to be dress!

The finished upcycled dress

Sustainable NYE Style

Happy 2014! I hope you all had joyful Christmas and have been packing away decorations for next year - no need to keep buying new every year (duh). And of course there is all the fun and frolics of bringing in the new year....in sustainable style of course!

I was a bit stuck for an outfit, so decided to tailor one of my GreenSeam samples for myself, the cut out shouldered Lucille. I was less than prepared for the 'Getting Wiggy With It' theme, so made do with a spare pair of bunny ears...which happened to work perfectly! I made this sample dress (now mine, mwahaha) from an old fancy dress outfit that someone was throwing away; a poorly constructed vampire cape, but unpicked and ironed it was a decent piece of material. You can find eco-friendly and sustainable fabrics everywhere if you look hard enough!

A great time was had by all, rolled into bed at 7am, and pub lunched it for most of new years day. I hope some of you may make some sustainable resolutions for the coming year, and just get in touch if you need any encouragement or advice!

Launch Party Time!

I am proud to introduce two brand new services to the NOTHING NEW family, and to celebrate we are having a party!

Goody bags and drinks will be dished out, and after a short showcase of the new services available, then you are free to browse the GreenSeam collection. I will be able to answer any questions or give advice on how to make the most of your wardrobe, what’s involved in the sewing tuition, measure you up and help finish off the free booze!

There will be a special prize for the best NOTHING NEW outfit, so don your most stylish and glamorous charity shop finds, hand me downs, vintage and upcycled pieces to be in with the chance of winning a FREE bespoke item up to the value of £200. I must be in a generous mood!

My New Services;
GreenSeam - A new fixed price made to measure service, offering a capsule collection of carefully curated styles and ethically sourced fabrics, ready to be handmade just for you.

Sewing Tuition - for those who want to learn how to make their own clothes, I am now taking on students! Professional and friendly one-to-one tuition by the hour. No block booking required, but lovely discounts if you do

You are free to drop by anytime, as this event is being held in my studio, you will need to call 07957983974 so that someone can let you in. Don't be shy now, come and check out the studio and have a free drink on me!

Same Dress Syndrome: The Facts

For 80% of women in the UK, Same Dress Syndrome (SDS) is a real and gripping fear, with one in four experiencing the full horror of turning up to the annual festivities all dolled up, only to find that b*tch from HR also found the bargain Topshop Unique (oh the irony) dress at the back of the rails. Research also finds that 18% of those affected took drastic measures to sabotage their rivals gowns, eeek!

The good news is there is time to eliminate SDS from your list of things to worry about, along with 'Be more eco friendly' and 'Support local businesses' - I offer a fully bespoke dressmaking service from my Birmingham studio, all handmade by myself.  Sourcing ethically made, industry 'waste' and vintage fabrics to keep environmental impact to a minimum. Just email with your requirements, lead time from 3 weeks and starting from just £50.00 depending on style and fabrics.

Browse these dress patterns for inspiration, I can make alterations and changes to the pattern to create your own, actually unique style, that is guaranteed to be the perfect fit.

Vogue       -        New Look        -        McCalls        -        Simplicity        -       Butterick

Keep an eye out soon for the new website and dressmaking gift vouchers that will be available in time for Christmas!

Customisation Services in Selfridges Department Stores

Myself and Laura Loves, after the success of our ReThinkReMakeReLove workshops, had been asked by Selfridges & Co. if we would run customisation services throughout their Manchester and Birmingham department stores as party of their Denim Lovers summer campaign - we jumped at the chance! Being able to spread the upcycling bug to unsuspecting shoppers, mwahaha! We have already completed three weeks, but check out the dates below for where we are next;

19th-21st July - Birmingham Bullring

26th-28th July - Manchester Trafford Centre

2nd-4th August - Manchester Trafford Centre

16th-18th August - Birmingham Bullring

Here are some pics of what we have been getting up to so far!

Our first set up in Manchester Exchange Square this weekend

Some of our beautiful vintage trims

We got our nails done by the super duper Amy at The Nail Lab

So you can figure out who we are - I made us a little uniform! charity shop tees with bleach painted logo.

Laura working hard on customer jobs!

This sweet Aztec print remnant materials got put to good use, no scrap is too small!

Love this combination of studs, leopard print, neon and chain!

We can do monogramming too - in studs or embroidery!

Pretty shorts with added vintage lace trim, beading and embroidery

Floral cuffs on a denim blazer

Some of our designs available for sale in the Bullring store

We Have Moved!

I have now finished moving from Mr Birds Emporium to a fabulous new private studio upstairs (don't worry - still inside the Custard Factory!). I decided to make the move as the business is growing I need more space. Being here also means I have my own private area for fittings and I hope to offer one-to-one sewing tuition in this space also. It's exciting times ahead and I look forward to you joining me! All details of opening times and how to contact me are on the poster below.

Here is a picture taken on Monday - just as I had finished moving everything in, just the long process of sorting it all out! Once I am properly settled and am up to date on commissions I will be holding an open evening/party - add yourself to the newsletter list to get your invite!

FANTASTIC MR + MRS FOX

It was fancy dress time once again last weekend for a friends birthday...oh I love it! Me and the boy went as Fantastic Mr Fox and I was obviously the equally fantastic and cunning Mrs Fox.

We searched the attic and found a striped waistcoat for Tom that just needed taking in a couple of inches, and I bought this yellow dress from one of my fellow traders at Mr Birds Emporium - the rest were just our normal clothes!  Oh apart from the ears of course - I made these from some scrap bits of leather and calico, just made an ear shape and cut out out of the leather leaving the folded edge still in tact, sewed up the edges of the ears, leaving an opening at the folded edge so they could be threaded onto old headbands - done!

We used face paint to complete that foxy look, which is much more sustainable than a plastic mask and you can use it again and again...plus it can't get stolen by a drunken stranger!

STOP PRESS!

Laura and I are pleased as punch to be featured in yesterday's Birmingham Mail...The lovely Emma came and had a go at making her own cushion cover from an old shirt and skirt. It was a great workshop! We now have cakes being provided each week by Chitty's Cakes, a local company also based in the Custard Factory, gotta support your own! For all the details and latest goings on (including a competition ending tonight!) head over to the dedicated ReThinkReMakeReLove facebook page.

UPCYCLING WORKSHOPS

Finally, after months of planning, I have managed to put together a programme of workshops all based around the NOTHING NEW concept! I will be running these workshops with Laura of Laura Loves, who is a fellow trader in Mr Birds Emporium. Check the timetable below and see if there is something that can tempt you into our world! All workshops are on a Thursday evenings in The Long Gallery (directly behind Mr Birds) between 6pm-8pm. Call or email to book you slot, spaces filling up as we speak!

Don't forget to Like us on Facebook and follow our Twitter + Instagram!

NOTHING NEW GUEST ROOM

My lovely parents took on thier own Nothing New challenge...to give the spare room/study/gym/dance studio a make over into a proper guest room, without buying anything new. 'm soo pleased they are taking a keen interest in my ideas, but I have a feeling they were just as keen on saving cash! Take a look at the before and afters...

BEFORE

 

 

AFTER

 A closer look at the items that really made it work -

Lloyd Loom wicker chair comes out from the attic, with a pretty vintage lace tablecloth

Vintage cupboard that was being used as garage storage! Revived with a lick of Annie Sloan chalk paint £24.00 from Green's near Coventry

Detail of the really pretty handles on this circa 1940 piece

Amazing carved finials £20, Brackets £21.11, Curtain rings £7.50 all from Ebay, Curtain pole £4.00 local tip shop

Making a feature of the blank wall using all the best watercolours hiding in the attic

Crochet cushion cover from a charity shop ages ago, mixing + matching old bedclothes into new combinations!

Small side table (one of a nest of 3) £15 from a local furniture sale, Laura Ashley lampshade £9.00 incl postage off Ebay, marble/stone lamp base £1.00, Action 21, Leamington Spa

Metal framed bed from the garage and storage basket from the attic once again

Curtains that used to hang in my parents bedroom, were dry cleaned, made a little smaller and some tie backs made from the remnants.

Frosted glass ceiling light £30 Portobello Market, London

Clothes horse from the attic once again, also given the chalk paint treatment

Bedside lamp £35.00, Laura Ashley wallpaper £59.00 both from Ebay, Oriental Willow pattern jug + bowl from the attic

There were 6 items that were bought brand new but these could not really be avoided; paint, wood + webbing for bed slats, beading around edge of floor, electric cable to wire up bedside lamp and a mattress. Overall I am so proud at how much they stuck to it and the lesson really is to not throw anything you love away, as all the pieces that really made it came from either the garage or the attic! ...and the total bill came in at just over £400 for the lot which is brilliant value too. Two very happy Nothing Newers with a guest room now fit for the Queen!

MY SHOP IN MR BIRDS!

So Mr Birds Emporium; NOTHING NEW's HQ has been open for just over a month now! It's all been a bit hectic, but I have finally had the chance to sort through the pictures and show you how I made the shop from 100% NOTHING NEW items!

Here it is! Follow Gibb Street into the heart of the Custard Factory and it's the big green building!

It costs nothing to do your own sign writing!

1950's wardrobe keeps all my customers items safe and separate from items for sale, only £15.00 from Action 21  in Leamington. Dresser was £20 from The Sue Ryder shop at Princes Drive Recycling Centre again in Leam. It was white, but after a sand, clean, paint + varnish it came out better than expected!

 

 

 

 

Secondhand retail display unit £50 off ebay, picked up from Newport Pagnell so including petrol more like £65, but still a bargain! With loads of cubby hole storage + a nice big rail.

My shelving + workspace area where all the important stuff will happen. Shelving off ebay (picked up from Whitnash) for only £92, assembled all by myself! Table + mini drawers from my parents loft, tubs + boxes all existing things that were stacked up in my old tiny home office

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I brought along my vintage radio + some of my camera collection to add interest, but now lots of you want to buy them; I am going to try and get some cameras + radios in as they seem to be in demand!

 

Recyled Denim Holdall

Well this was one experiment that turned out better than expected! it is now my favourite weekend bag and is lovely and HUGE. I also added a couple of internal pockets for little bits + pieces.The denim was from donated/found jeans and the zip from an old leather jacket, the rest of which got made into a bag also...I think I have found my fetish! i will be  making more of these to sell in my wonderful new retail space at Mr. Birds Emporium FO SHO.

Mr Birds Emporium

As soon as I stepped inside the warehouse style space at The Custard Factory, Birmingham, I kind of already knew that something special was going to be going on here....Sabina (one half of Sutton Vintage) + her team have landed and are hard at work to get Mr Birds Emporium looking fabulous for the Grand Opening on the 13th October. AND the best news is...NOTHING NEW has bagged a permanent space! Alongside more up + coming brands in vintage + crafts, I will be offering a unique experience of while-u-wait alteration + repair services (all the lovely vintage on offer - size will never be a problem again!), fashion + jewellery lines (all 100% recycled of course) and advice on how to live a life NOTHING NEW.

With a packed launch party, student lock-ins and a weekly vintage fair planned already I cannot wait to get settled in my new home :)

ALL MINE

Portobello Market

Last weekend I re-discovered this area of west London on a busy Saturday afternoon in the blazing hot sun...It was amazing, I actually forgot how wonderfully inspirational a place it is to be...as well as SHOP! We walked the whole way down Portobello Rd (nearly 2 miles) dipping in and out of the mini shopping arcades where folk rent teeny spaces to show off their great eye for that something special. You can spend a whole day here and the food stalls have been handily placed about halfway. After a chomp on a very reasonable priced (+huge) falafel wrap, there was the fashion market; sprawling out under the Westway - a great mix of jumble sale type stalls, old school vintage traders and new designers. Unsurprisingly, this is where we spent most of our time!

Things I liked; working Polaroid cameras, crocodile handbag (including head + limbs), old road signs, vintage lace, wooden ink stamps, super-long fringed lampshades, champagne mirrors, vintage fur, chandeliers.....

Part of the fashion market, the prettiest vintage wedding dress + Stef modelling one of her purchases.

What I bought - Peterpan collar, button up the back embroidered shirt £2.00 (made from deadstock fabric), Vintage green lace print tie waist dress £10.00. I've come over all decadent!

 I am "the best type of friend ever" as one of the traders said as Stef + I were discussing the possibilities of a vintage dress...that makes me feel nice + useful. If anyone wants help spending thier money down Potobello way just give me a bell!