Tinker and Stitch

Our lovely little town, Leek, is bursting with independent shops, bars and cafes.  In fact it's so good it came runner up in The Telegraph high street awards in 2014, which was kind of a big deal.  Over the years the town has really transformed itself and most of this is down to local business owners pulling together, arranging events and putting Leek back on the map.

One of the key events was the introduction of a new market on the first Sunday of every month.  A Makers & Artisans market bursting with over 30 stalls of locally produced food and crafts.  An opportunity to purchase something unique and original which hasn't been mass produced, not to mention an excellent way for new designers to showcase their goods.

I try and pop along each month as there's always something new to be found and as usual I wasn't disappointed.

A stall which really caught my eye was the curiously quirky Tinker & Stitch.  Specialising in handmade apparel for little tinkers, shop owner Sarah Williams decided to start making baby clothes after having her little girl earlier this year.  If you love a rainbow print, cloud, star, fox or unicorn, YES I SAID UNICORN then Tinker and Stitch's bright clothes are perfect for your babes.   The clothes are super soft and I love the fact they're made from bright quirky fabric.  In fact I kinda wished she did them in adult sizes too.

I can't wait until our baby is born and I can start buying cute stuff like this.  Have you got a favourite shop for children's clothes?

Home Is In The North

I love to support independent designers and shops but realised lately I don't blog about them as often as I tweet about them!

Although your big high street stores seemingly create a lot of jobs which in turn supports the economy, what about the little guys?  The ones who work endlessly designing those perfect pieces only to watch a high street store then produce the same thing for a fraction of cost and sell for half the price.  Being the little guy can be tough but they do what they do because they're passionate about their work!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti super stores.  They're convenient, you know what you're getting and they're usually affordable, but it's good to mix it up. And, by shopping in an independent outlet you're not only supporting that business owner, you're helping to support all the other businesses they deal with.  In fact if we all spent a fiver a week with our local independent shops we'd put £4.1 million per year back into our local economy! That's something to think about!

Am I going somewhere with this? Yes!  Because I've been invited to the Home Is In The North event at Halle.St Peters, Manchester.  A unique collective of independent designer-makers and boutique homeware brands from across the North.  An opportunity for 30 independent talented designers, who specialise in modernising traditional crafts, to exhibit their work.

Inspired by the industrial North exhibitors range from surface pattern designers, ceramics, textiles, upcycled lighting and illustrators.

Charlotte Nash

Natalie Laura Ellen

Annabel Perrin

Ink Inc

As well as the chance to meet with inspirational designers there are also interactive workshops, demos and seminars taking place throughout the day. Highlights include a ‘Create Your Own Art’ workshop with interiors blogger, Kimberley Hughes of Swoonworthy, who will also be sharing her trend predictions for 2014 during a 30 minute seminar.  I really looking forward to seeing what trends she forecasts and hearing her tips on decorating on a small budget.

How does this help independent designers?

Home Is In The North will also be launching ‘The Future Design Showcase’ in partnership with Manchester Craft and Design Centre, concept store Fig & Sparrow and online market place What I Always Wanted.  The area has been created as a support network to give emerging artists and makers the unique opportunity to meet potential stockists in person and seek advice and guidance about building their brand.

Stella Photography

So if you live in the North and would like to support some homegrown talent and independent businesses why not pop along on Saturday 26th April, 11 - 4pm.  

Teacups of Design

I love a good cup and saucer - No, that's not a filthy innuendo, obviously I mean the ceramic kind! Somehow tea tastes even nicer from a special cup. Which is kinda lucky seeing as they're everywhere at the moment.  The older it is the better.  There's something special about the uniqueness that comes with a vintage tea cup.  However there are also some really good modern designs out there which might tickle your fancy.

Here are a few of my favourites...

Mrs Moores Vintage Store

Mrs M has a passion for vintage fashion and glamour of past times.  Not only does she have an amazing collection of pre-owned vintage tea sets, she also designs her own range of tea sets, textiles and stationary.  I love the simplicity and quirkiness behind her designs such as the Metamorphosis range below

Metamorphosis - Kestrel

Lisbeth Dahl

This Denmark based design team have a creative approach to quality, shape and quality and like to put their personal stamp onto each product

The vibrancy of this Florence range is effective without being garish.  What's even better is you can mix and match with other styles from different collections.

Florence

Pip Studio

Pips motto is 'Happy Products for Happy People'  She gets her inspiration from everyday incidents, that when scrutinised, are actually exceptionally beautiful.  Her collections range from duvet sets and stationary to bags and cushions.

PiP Love Birds

Anthropologie

Established 20 years ago Anthropologie describe themselves as a destination for those wanting a curated mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home decor.  They are fast becoming well known for their signature look and have recently opened their fourth store in the UK  

Do you know of any other designers out there? Let me know.

Two Little Birdies - Giveaway

As most of you know I love nothing more than championing independent designers and businesses.  I love anything crafty and unique and could literally spend all my time either on Pinterest or at vintage fairs and car boots.  This however is time consuming and as much as I'd love to spend my weekends perusing second hand wares or pinboards I sure as heck don't have the time!

Then all of a sudden, as if by magic or it could have been Twitter, Two Little Birdies appeared on my radar. Whilst browsing through their products, it felt like I'd come home, you know the feeling?  What I love most about their products is the combination of vintage finds and modern elements.  Some things are genuinely vintage, some are made with vintage materials whereas other items are brand new but have that vintage feel.

Here are a few of my favourite items from Two Little Birdies

If you like what you've seen so far then read on!

I've teamed up with Two Little Birdies and we're giving you the opportunity to win one of the following pieces of artwork worth £10.  Each design has been upcycled onto vintage pages from a book and incorporate original drawings and photography. Prints measure 15.5 x 26cms

Typewriter with Butterflies

Victorian Ghetto Blaster

If you want to be in with a chance of winning just enter using one of the options below.  Remember to leave a comment telling me which design you'd prefer and your email address in case you're the lucky winner.


a Rafflecopter giveaway