Hello Folks - I should have put this notice up several months ago, sorry! 

Just to say that I try to keep life simple by not having to update individual blogs / facebook pages / websites / instagram and twitter accounts (phew!) so consequently I don't use this blog now.
If you'd like to sign up for my Mailchimp emails on all aspects of my businesses - fashion, style, bespoke commissions, pattern cutting, sewing, art, exhibitions and generally lovely stuff, please just go to the contact page or email me on [email protected] with your full name and email address you'd like to use. 
I send these out periodically (I will never pester, I promise), probably not as often as I should! 
You can also see some activity on my business facebook pages, but the Mailchimp emails are more comprehensive, and personalised! 
Here's the FB links: 
www.facebook.com/weddingdressportraitpainting/

www.facebook.com/BobbiesAtelierClasses/

www.facebook.com/AtelierWeddingDresses/

https://www.facebook.com/AtelierNaturalHistory/​

And please sign up for the far more interesting emails (!), by just emailing me on the above pink link- [email protected] - saying 'yes please', and speak to you soon! 

Bobbie 


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I have a new student started recently, and I don't think I've ever had such an enthusiastic one - well, I tell a lie.... but she's not exactly the quietly confident / self effacing type!

I have had 'quietly bursting with excitement' kind of people, and people on a mission (to do what they want to achieve, project wise), and who then have the skills learned to do more, and are very happy when they can do that.

Anyway...between class 1 and class 2 - only two days apart (I can't possibly wait a week!) -  this lady had bought a pattern cutting book, and a pattern master, unprompted by me, although I did advise. 
We made pretty good progress, but realised that the draft we were using (not one I customarily use) wasn't exactly working out as it should, due to proportion issues i.e. most pattern cutting books drafts assume that if you have a large bust or hip measurement, the rest of you is proportionately GIANT, which of course just isn't the case. (My husband suffers not the same problem (!), but similar, in the fact that he is very tall with long arms, and so to get something simple like a t shirt or a casual shirt to be long enough in the body and sleeve length, he has to get XXXL sizes, whereas he isn't that size in horizontal measurements....)

 This lady then spent a great deal of a weekend apparently, making 3 different versions of the draft (children standing around asking what she was doing!), as if her life depended on it, but of course learned loads in the process, and even though some of her assumptions weren't exactly right, she had made a damn good guess. I am very admiring of this attitude, 'sheer determination' I think you'd call it! Where there's a will there's a way.....
So the next class we finished off the pattern so far, sewed the toile up, fitted it, and the lady concerned has sent me photos, but of course the proof is in the pudding, and I will have to see it on her. 

The only thing I can't understand is how come she doesn't have some big earning job as an engineer or some such?! She could do that kind of thing standing on her head. 

This is not to say that all my students are like this, or should be! I was just pleasantly surprised, amused and to be honest, it makes my job more fun! But no pressure, hey?!!

Anyway!!
My Skype classes continue with pretty good success. So, if you live a long way from me, but can come for 2 or 3  'in person' classes, you would be an ideal candidate.
Sign up, sign up!! Or phone me on 07941 619992, or email in reply here, or on [email protected]
I have also discovered that Apple's version of Skype, called 'Facetime' is loads better picture quality than Skype, so that detail of patterns etc., is easier to see. So if you have a mac device - laptop or ipad - it's even easier, but don't be put off if not - I've just been using Skype so far, and it is perfectly good.
Please see some photos of my last Skype class, below.  (Used by permission). 

Bobbie 

P.S. And by the way, I have a little feature of my wedding dress painting business, recently launched, Dressfresco, in the county Wedding magazine, 'Your Berk, Bucks and Oxon Wedding', so keep a look out at the end of this month in WH Smiths and other newsagents.

So if you know any bride, recent or a long time ago who would love her precious dress immortalised as a beautiful oil painting, or if you would like to give painting of the dress as a totally unique wedding present, please recommend her / have a look yourself  at the Dressfresco website. ​

Skype Classes

Well, lots going on as usual, including getting a bit more painting done of wedding dresses. 
Here's a 'work in progress' shot of the latest painting - a black wedding dress I designed and made a few years ago....it's nearly there.

But I digress.....!




The real reason for me talking to you right now is to let you know about Skype pattern cutting classes that I have just started doing, alongside the regular teaching in my studio.
I've been thinking about doing this for ages now, but in the last couple of weeks, due to force of circumstances for my student (who had been coming in person), I suggested Skyping until she's able to resume actual visits to the studio.

The advantage of course, is that there's no loss of continuity, and although progress is a little slower than if you were here in person, it's not a huge disadvantage.
For example, I might have to draw a little diagram to explain what I mean, which takes a minute or two longer, but that's not a big deal in the scheme of things, I hope you'd agree!

It seems to be very successful so far, but this is based upon the fact of my student having come for 'in person' classes initially. So I know her capabilities and can plan the class accordingly - or at least, know how to progress!

If of course, you had recently done a pattern cutting course elsewhere and needed a refresher, or to learn something specific that you didn't already know, but had basic knowledge, then you may not need to come in person first.

So if you live a long distance away from me in Oxfordshire, (I've had an enquiry from Texas, believe it or not!), but would love to learn pattern cutting and could manage a few 'in person' classes first off, this may be for you, or if you come regularly and then can't come for some reason - car breaks down, you are needed elsewhere soon after so travel time is difficult please just get in touch , and we can talk and get it sorted.

Here's a link to the classes page of my website describing the current classes, courses and workshops in pattern cutting / sewing / fitting so just email me or reply to this email as you would any other, tell me what you'd like to learn, and we can arrange days and times to suit.

And never forget that for your most 'out there' wedding dress or outfit, or for your next Hollywood premiere dress, you know where I am!
Have a look on the 'Bespoke Wedding Dresses' tab of this website. 

And just a word about 'Dressfresco', my parallel business providing individually commissioned oil paintings on canvas of wedding dresses - always to be displayed as a fabulous painting on the wall,  instead of packing the dress  away in a box! (Prints and cards of the painting available for an additional charge). This is such an original idea, though I do say it myself! And it doesn't matter where in the world you are, you can send the dress to me, and I will start the process and only need the dress for about a week from when I receive it, and it will then be returned by secure courier. 

Anyway, in the meantime, roll up, roll up for Skype!

Speak soon!

Bobbie 
                                                                              Studio interior 

Well, not really! 

I've been working pretty hard this week, but having had a holiday from teaching classes,  it's been great to have a bit of precious brain space, and some consecutive days in which to get on with a painting . The one above in fact....
I reckon about another 3 sessions should get it done.
​And why.....? And what has this got to do with my normal business of bespoke wedding dress commissions and teaching pattern cutting and sewing, you might ask?!

Well.....
Pretty sure  I've mentioned this before, but in case you've only just come across this blog and my website, I am soon launching a related, but new business which is closely linked to the wedding industry, and therefore my current work. But it's ART! That mysterious thing that many people seem to think is magical and want a piece of....

I have always loved drawing and painting, illustration and art and design, both contemporary and traditional.
As part of my commission work, I make fashion drawings to show the 'feel' and the construction details of any design, be that a wedding dress or a tweed jacket.

A while ago, a friend of mine suggested that I might put these two things together (the drawing / painting and the design / making of wedding dresses), and actually make oil paintings of women's wedding dresses and have this as an extension of my business. 

Consequently, I have also spent many hours in the the last few weeks writing about this new project for a website which I've been putting together, and which I will hopefully launch in the next couple of weeks, after I have assembled everything together in one place. And there's a lot of stuff!

So here's a little preview of what I've been up to this week, and several weeks prior to this as well! 

Speak soon!

​Bobbie 

Hi Everyone,

Well...... Cristóbal Balenciaga Eizaguirre (January 21, 1895 – March 23, 1972) was a Spanish Basque fashion designer and the founder of the Balenciaga fashion house. He was one of the top names in the 1950's and 60's fashion eras, and achieved acclaim with the New Look in 1947 alongside Christian Dior.
Dior said of Balenciaga:
"Haute couture is like an orchestra, for which only Balenciaga is the conductor. The rest of us are just the players."                                               
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I am sooooooo looking forward to the Balenciaga exhibition at the V & A starting in about 6 weeks, one reason being that there will be X raysof some of the garments! AND toiles, AND patterns.... 

I know that most people won't be as excited as I am (!), but the reason is that it's the closest I'll ever get to being in the studio when these were first being designed / created, in the ultra stylish 50s / 60's.
There  is ultra stylish designing going on right now of course, but there's something about this era, that I love - the sculptural shapes, the simplicity, fab use of fabrics and 'underpinnings' to get those shapes, and such a variety of fabrics that aren't available everywhere now....mainly due to cost.
But I do have an account with one of the best suppliers of all fabrics luxurious, exotic, wild and wonderful, and even if I don't ever get a client who's as fabric crazy as me, at least I know that I CAN get them if I wanted / needed them.
On a related topic, any ancient fashionistas (like me!) remember a fabric shop called Rubans de Paris, in London's west end? That was a treasure trove...

I blame my Mama for trailing me around fabric shops when I was a kid, for my love of such now, but thank you Mum, for the love, AND the music.....but that's another story.

Speak soon, and if you want something beautiful and seriously different to be married in, (or for any other special occasion), please contact me here: http://www.bobbiesroom.co.uk, and if you'd like to learn how to create patterns for things of beauty to fit perfectly, please look here for classes and courses.
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Bobbie 

For all interested in sewing, pattern making, clothing and craft generally, just telling you all about a workshop coming up soon. Dates TBC, according to numbers of students:

OVERLOCKER 2 HOUR WORKSHOP £35
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Do you have an overlocker sitting in a corner or a cupboard somewhere and feel too daunted to get it out and start using it?!
Maybe you just had it for Christmas, or have had it for years?! Well, it’s never too late to say hello to it, and you’ll be so glad you did….:-)

An overlocker gives a really professional finish to anything you make by cutting and finishing seam allowances, AND you should use it exclusively for the actual making of stretch garments - T shirts, sweatshirts, leggings, and joggers - anything made of similar knitted fabrics. And it’s easier to use than a regular sewing machine.

This will be the third one I’ve run here at my studio, (testimonials available from satisfied customers!), as many people don’t quite know where to start.

You can learn:
• Threading / tension adjustment
• The method for sewing up a t shirt or sweatshirt (including attaching rib, and the bound neck edge),
• How to do the hem on any stretch fabic
• Other hem finishes including a rolled edge hem - great for lightweight fabrics
• How to handle both very lightweight and heavy stretch fabrics
• How to get a really professional result.

Your projects will never look 'home made' again!!

Msg me or comment here, or email me at: [email protected] or phone 07941 619992

Sorry, no weekend slots, but please state your availability otherwise.

(I run many other classes and courses in pattern cutting & sewing from my ’Atelier’ studio on the edge of Cropredy, Oxon : http://www.bobbiesroom.co.uk/classes--courses.html. If you don’t see exactly what you are looking for, please email: [email protected], or phone 07941 619992 and ask away!

And look here http://www.bobbiesroom.co.uk/contact.html for the location.)

Wondering who on earth I am?! See my ‘Biography’ page here: http://www.bobbiesroom.co.uk/biography.html

Bobbie

PS Here's some testimonials from 2 students last year:
I recently took one of Bobbie's overlocker workshops which I found to be well prepared and organized.  Bobbie knows her way around a large variety of machines. 
I had the opportunity to play with my own machine under her expert guidance.  She demystified the overlocker, which had previously seemed like such a daunting piece of equipment.  After just two hours I left feeling inspired and filled with confidence to get stuck in and to have a go on my own.   Melanie Lissalour

'I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Bobbie’s courses and workshops, especially those at her beautiful home studio. She is a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and supportive tutor. I always leave her class feeling inspired by fresh ideas and keen to put into practice the new techniques that I had been shown.'  Mary Jane Barnes

Well....
I think I haven't been the only one to contract the horrible beasties....apparently the lurgy bugs have been 'sweeping the country', and whereas I normally escape such things (I don't get out much!), I got a hefty dose this time, good and proper....it wasn't fun at all, so it's hard to make jokes about it.
I was in bed for about a week (!), and this is me: 'Never get so much as a cold, and never have back pain....'
Well somehow, in the throes of coughing fits and violent sneezing, I managed to put my back out quite badly. So not only did I feel completely wiped out with the virus itself, but I also had a shooting pain across my lower back every time I coughed or sneezed! Aaarrgghhhhhhh!!
 So……it went away, then came back just as bad a few days later, but the doc said I could use the codeine I found in a drawer, and I feel so much better now the constant nagging pain has nearly gone! Amazing how your view on life changes when you’re not constantly preoccupied with how bad you feel :-) 
I’ve now had 3 days of feeling noticeably better, (apart from the back thing), so I’m hoping this is now my trajectory - up!! 
In other news, (as they say, whoever ‘they’ are?),  a few things are on the horizon for the start of 2017….
I’ve been doing some teaching in London for a friend of mine who I hadn’t seen for about 5 years , so nice to reconnect….and a good excuse to go down to my manor more often.
(Strange how I definitely feel that London’s my home ground, even though I haven’t lived there for about 35 (!!) years. But I grew up in north Kent / south London and my Mama took me shopping and to the theatre there, and I’ve worked, gone to school / university, and generally hung about there for a long time before that.  Seems like I’m talking about ancient history, but I AM pretty ancient, as anyone who is a Comus fan can work out!)

The Ravensbourne (Greenwich) Short Courses, as part of which my Japanese 3D Pattern Cutting course was to run, have had to be rescheduled due to technical problems at their end.....so, if you are interested in that, << Test First Name >>, please contact them to find out the new dates. They are currently being rescheduled, but I will of course let you know dates as soon as I do. 

I am also teaching a masterclass in 'Making a Japanese Kimono', at Warwick University Arts Centre, in April and if you live within travelling distance and fancy coming along, here's a link to a fantastic website called Fabric Tales that deals in all things authentically Japanese, including fabrics, haberdashery and more. 
 As is typical of Japanese companies, it’s very detailed, with great images, great testimonials from happy customers, and clear details for ordering. They even appear to do ‘COD’ or Cash on delivery, almost unheard of now, but I am about to order some fabric soon, so will let you know the outcome! 
The great advantage of COD is that their scary warnings about not being responsible for packets being lost, damaged and nothing being refundable in case of the above, is that it is what it says it is: ‘cash on delivery’, i.e they deliver and THEN you pay, so no worries about money being spent, only for the package to possibly disappear in transit, and unless you pay loads more for ‘special delivery’, your money has just effectively been wasted. Didn’t think any company did that these days…but it sounds good to me!
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I’ve had quite a few new students start in the last few weeks, so that’s encouraging, especially as one is travelling from Yorkshire for a course of day long workshops, so I’m assuming that I must be filling some kind of gap in the market! Two new students mentioned my website, so maybe that’s it…?
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And the painting….well, of course it’s been so frustrating, wanting to get on with something that I’ve only just got stuck into. Just before Christmas, I finally tracked down something I needed to finish the current one, borrowed the next dress to paint only to then be struck down by the virus……So I’ve certainly lost my flow, a pain when you only just start to feel confident with the way it’s going.
 So my plan now is to start the new one - get it set up how I want it, take some photos, print out and square up, transfer to the canvas, and get it all going before I hand back the actual dress. I HAVE to give the dress back quite quickly, simply because the petticoat is MASSIVE, and there’s not enough room here, even in our huge flat! So, that’s quite good discipline really, as a real commission may involve similar restrictions. When all’s going OK with that, I will then put the finishing bits onto painting no.1….so at least I can feel like I’m making progress again. 
One certainty is that this painting will be smaller than the first! People have to be able to envisage a painting of a certain size in their home, and the first is 5ft tall x 2.5 ft wide. 
After I've done the second one, I will finally be able to launch the idea, which everyone seems to think is great! Thank you Lindsay :-) I've never been good at being patient, but oh god, have I had to learn over the last few weeks! 
                                                          ***************************************
So my greatest achievement in 2017 so far has been to write this blog! I lost loads of it a couple of days ago, as it obviously (I realised too late!) wasn’t saving properly, so I just had to grit my teeth and almost start again.
But anyway, that’s how things stand. Sorry this has been a bit long and overloaded, but it’s kind of my way of seeing the way forward.
If you, or anyone you know are interested in any of my exploits - coming here for classes in pattern cutting or sewing, having a unique bespoke wedding dress or outfit designed and made by me, and even the 'wedding dress portrait' idea, please go to the contact page of my website and email or phone me from there. 

I'd love to talk to you!

Bobbie 

‘Yikes’, it sure has…(scroll down for a pic or two).
And the plan now is to buy a good daylight lamp (just done in fact), so that I’m not stopped by the British winter gloom in these winter months
Soooooo….stuff learned in the process of doing my first ever oil paintng:

• A BIG canvas takes  lot longer time than  a smaller one , not JUST because it’s bigger, but because it’s harder to take the whole thing in as you work on it, and really you should have about 10ft at least to back away to see what your doing/what you’ve done and I had about 2!!
• Oil pastel never dries! Well I kind of knew this from having worked a lot with it in the past, but of course oil paint does, and whether you’re supposed to use both together (probably not!), and what the long term effects might be…..who knows. Anyway, I was about to put on the final layer on Friday – the net veil, which of course had to be last, as it was overlaid on the whole dress in reality, but even as I mixed up the watery (white spirity) paint for the purpose, I suddenly thought ‘this will melt the oil pastel and result in horrible big streaks across everything’. Luckily I thought this before I put brush to canvas, but anyway……so after much researching myself and hanging on the phone to a certain art suppliers who I’m afraid to say were not much use after spending about 15 mins to get though in the first place, and then being left with a silent line and me thinking I’d been forgotten about, and then having no joy at all, I tried searching the website of another art suppliers for a certain kind of matt varnish which is apparently the best thing to use as a fixative for oil pastel, and hey presto – they have it! Cass Art are the people, and their website is VERY good – well organised and easy to find what you’re looking for quickly.
• NB, this varnish is actually only the ‘Satin’ finish, as they don’t do the matt, but see below, in ‘MORE lengthy research’…
• Atlantis Art are the cheapest, best and have the biggest selection of canvas sizes to choose from and delivery is reasonable. (I decided against struggling on to a crowded tube train and overground train with even a smallish canvas (3 x 4ft say?) – no, that just wouldn’t work…..:-/
• After even MORE lengthy research, I have tracked down the MTN 94 matt varnish – the only supplier I have found in the UK, and that’s ‘Suspect Package’ in Manchester. I am now down with the hood (!) of graffiti artists in one of the coolest cities in the country, to whom they obviously supply every single colour that the spray paint company produces, plus the varnishes and loads of other stuff. They don’t have a flashy website, and seem to operate through their facebook page, and are obviously doing very well. There’s some nice images on said page too…have a look here.           I’m good at tracking stuff down….

The daylight lamp has come really quickly – looks great, and very sturdy construction – photos of it below, and the latest image of the fabled dress.

Speak soon, and Merry Christmas  we’re almost there whether you like it or not!
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Bobbie