Worthing's William Blake Mini Protest Banner

This afternoon I committed a small act of craftivism. I embroidered and hung a #minifashionprotest banner in Worthing town centre as part of Craftivist Collective's project for War On Want's Love Fashion Hate Sweatshops campaign. 

The Collective has asked people to stitch small banners with messages related to the exploitation of sweatshop workers in Bangladesh and hang them in a location that links to their embroidered message. Regular readers will know that I decided to stop buying clothes following the Rana Plaza clothing factory disaster, so taking part in Craftivist Collective's initiative was something I was keen to do and has strengthened my resolve to say 'no' to fast fashion. 

This week BBC Panorama's investigation into the working lives of factory workers in Bangladesh provided further food for thought and inspired me to make my mini banner in response to the allegations the programme broadcast concerning my mum's favourite clothes shop. A William Blake quote seemed apt. 

Here is my banner in situ! I hung it in the middle of a bench as Worthing has an abundance of poignant memorial plaques on its benches all the way along the seafront. 

I like the idea that someone may sit on this bench and contemplate the meaning of my embroidered message.

Ivy Arch at Mini Moderns REMIX

I am thrilled to be taking part in Mini Moderns REMIX at East London Design Store as part of the 2013 London Design Festival. The project sees Mini Moderns working with British based designers and artists who have been invited to reinterpret their iconic designs.

As a huge fan of their work I was delighted to be asked to contribute and have produced lavender bags cut from Mini Moderns C-60 and Stevie fabric as well as a limited edition range of coin purses.

 

I travelled to London for the launch last night and was completely bowled over to see my crafts exhibited alongside the stunning work of Benjamin Boyce, Brume, Leonhard Pfeifer, Rimmington Vian, Matt Sewell, Group Design and Urban Upholstery. Zoe Murphy's gorgeous Buddha of Suburbia Drawers are a real showstopper!

Ivy Arch lavender bags and purses at Mini Moderns REMIX 2013

Mini Moderns REMIX at East London Design Store opens on 14^th September and runs until 22^nd September 2013.

The Berlin Macaroon Dress: Simplicity pattern 2363

 
This patisserie design fabric was a surprise find at Brighton's Fabric Land and cost £4.75 a metre. It's a heavy cotton printed with vintage cake recipe illustrations and is available in two colourways: there's a pale pink and cream Paris Macaroon version, and this one, the Berlin version with strong greens and blues on a beige background.

 

Undaunted by the hideous illustration on the cover of Simplicity 2363 sewing pattern, I decided to use the fabric to make dress D. The cut of the bodice reminds me of Anna Maria Horner's gorgeous Painted Portrait Dress – a pattern I've dithered about buying as it's not available for sale in the UK (the price of international postage makes it a very expensive purchase for a single pattern). Simplicity 2363 will have to do for the time being.

The Simplicity pattern was straightforward to follow, I'd say the sizing is generous. The finished frock has a roomy fit, more like a tunic than the fitted dress on the illustrated packet but it's so comfortable to wear I think I'd probably make the same size if I use the pattern again. The fabric has a linen/canvas feel and is a little crumply after wearing it for the day but I've decided this adds to its olde worlde charm!

I intend to wear it to visit Cocoa Patisserie which has the most delicious display of macaroons in the window. I hope I won't be mistaken for the menu.