Author: Ruth Singer

Wow. I’m going to be busy! Couture EmbellishmentsFour Saturdays at Wimbledon College of Art, London17 January-7 February 2009This course takes customizing and decorating clothes to a new level inspired by historical costume, and in line with the embellished aesthetic on the catwalk. The course will teach a broad range of couture-inspired hand-sewing techniques to embellish…

Even when they use the wrong caption *and more than double the price!* I love the quote: “Surely a modern heirloom in the making.” Oh yes. The piece is still available here – at much less!

So did any of you spot the NEXT book details which appeared on my (partially) revamped website last week? No? tsk tsk. Sew Eco: sewing sustainable and re-used materials. (Though I clearly haven’t got the title *quite* fixed in my head as I now realise I got it wrong on the website. oops). to be…

I’m just back from Design Show Liverpool which was, as usual, more tiring than I expected. I don’t know why it surprises me each and every time. I’m finding shows less stressful now than in my first year or two. They are still hard work, but I know what has to be done and the…

A couple of weeks ago I did a day-course in reduction lino printing. It was great!It was such a treat to be at a course rather than teaching a course. It was really useful for giving me an insight into what its like for my day-course students. The course was run by Sarah Kirby, a…

The Barbican is hosting what looks to be a fantastic retrospective of the work of Dutch fashion designers Viktor and Rolf. I’m running two workshops as part of this exhibition – Craft Couture day workshop which is alas, already sold out, and a free drop-in workshop on the evening of September 4th, which is free…

A few weeks ago I visited the shop and studio of Margo Selby, a fellow textile designer-maker who I’ve met at a few shows. Her business is much more established than mine, and I follow her every move with interest! I’m seriously impressed with (and jealous of ) her latest venture – a gallery in…

Hand Constructed Fabrics for Fashion I’m running this course again at Wimbledon School of Art, London, 28-31st July 2008. This course is a specialist, intensive and enjoyable 4-day summer school for those with a love of fabric. It will be an in-depth exploration of the potential creative applications for pleating, folding and layering fabrics, structured…

Introducing the latest member of the Betty family: This is a big one, about 24″ x 30″ (from memory, she’s at the studio, I’m not). Made from hemp-silk satin and organic hemp. Betty is taking pride of place at Design Show Liverpool later this week. Edit: Yesterday I said that I don’t do subtle and…

I’ve had the colour proof to check in the last week or so. Its fabulous to see the pages in colour, properly printed and full-size. It really brings out how fantastic the photography is. Its a bit strange for me in that the colour proofs have old text in them – the images and the…