Ethical Fashion in the Age of Austerity

Thursday 3 March 18.00-21.00

This looks set to be a fantastic evening.   The Papered Parlour host an ethical mini-festival at the V & A Museum of Childhood.

There will be lots of  workshops, live music, performance, panel discussion and craft stalls set amongst the Museum's childhood collections. London's leading eco-journalists, green stylists and ethical campaigners come together to discuss the key issues surrounding the growing social movement.

Fashion designer Betty Jackson and the Guardian's 'Ethical Living' columnist Lucy Siegle, who will be speaking about her forthcoming book 'To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing out the World?'.
Stylist Jocelyn Whipple will be running a unique workshop on green styling, plus eco-campaigners Labour Behind the Label and Love Fashion Hate Sweat Shops will be offering top tips on how to be sustainable with style.
The Papered Parlour will also be running Make Do and Mend workshops with Piney Gir.

I am really looking forward to going to this event. There are two workshops in particular that I will be making sure I fit into my visit.
Firstly,the lovely Sarah McCartney from 5 Degree Woolly will be running a knitting workshop. Being a amatuer knitter myself, I am very excited about this workshop. Heres a few details about 5 Degree Woolly and Sarah's workshop.

A 5 Degree Woolly gets its name from being 5 degrees Centrigrade warmer on the inside than the outside. It's easy to knit one, and as it grows really quickly you've got a statement work of eco-fashion in days. Essentially, it's knitting with up to 10 yarns to make a thick, warm, cosy extra layer to wear instead of putting the heating on. The important part is to get the mix of colours right and balance the thickness of the bunch of yarns so you end up with a garment you're proud to wear.
Sarah McCartney will be supplying patterns for two simple projects, the Original 5 Degree Woolly and the 5 Degree Woolly Socks. All you need are your biggest pair of needles plus a bag of your leftover yarns and the ones that have been sitting in your stash for months (or years) waiting for a project. This is that project.
If you don't ahve your own yarn stash (yet) raid your relatives' cupboards or come to the 4.30 materials swap before the event gets going; there'll be some yarn and needles to buy too, and funds will go towards spreading the word and encouraing more people to save on energy bills by wearing a 5 Degree Woolly.

The second workshop that I am really looking forward to taking part in is Heart Zeena and Craft Guerilla's Plushie Fox workshop.
You can create a cute little plushie from recycled and upcycled materials...Print, sew and stuff your very own little fox! A lovely accessory or toy hand made by you with some expert help. 
I have been a fan of Zeenas work for a while now. 

Heart Zeena has been a exhibitor at our last few fairs, we are always proud to see her work amoungst the amazing designers. 
So I am really excited about seeing how this little fellow is made. 

Ok, so lets hope thats tempted you to go along.... I might even see you there

Come Up in 2011

Happy New year to everyone!

After our superb Christmas Craft Wonderland in December, we are working on some new events for the coming year. We are in discussion with various groups to collaborate with, so its all very exciting...keep popping back her to see what we are up to. It's never been a better time for small creative businesses to flourish so we want to embrace this to give designer makers the chance to shine.

We Make is formed of a small group of creative folk, and we are always looking for new people to come join us in our craft revolution and new places to use for shows and fairs. Do you have an idea for an event? Pop Up shop? A venue you think we could use? Please do get in touch as we are in our planning stage and would love to hear from you!

If you'd like to be added to our mailing list please check our blog, you can join it through the link on the blog and we will keep you in the loop.

Toodle Pip!

The We Make Team

Happy Christmas From the We Make London Team

We would like to take this chance to wish you all a very very happy Christmas and thank you all for your fantastic support in 2010.
Look forward to 2011

Happy Christmas

From

Mary, Jo, Donna, Julie, Lisa, Laura and Karin

Here Today:

Come and see at and our fabulous 80 designer/ makers at our Christmas Craft Wonderland at Chelsea Town Hall, Kings Road 11am - 5pm

There are some exciting things happening throughout the day.

Browse and buy from over 80 fantastic designer/ makers. Find some unique Christmas presents. To have a sneaky peak who will be there check out our list here http://wemakelondon.blogspot.com/p/summer-fair-exhibitors.html

Panto Time:

The theme for the fair is pantomime, we have heard rumours that Sow White and Peter Pan will be paying a visit with some other panto friends. We are running a fancy dress competition. Arrive in fancy dress and you will be given free entry. You will also have your picture taken by our lovely photographer Sibell Barrowclough. Check out details of the fancy dress competition here: http://wemakelondon.blogspot.com/2010/11/panto-season-is-coming-to-townfancy.html

Choir:

We have a lovely choir The Jubilee Singers, they will be preforming at 11.30 til 12.00 and 12.30 til 1.00. They will be collecting money for charity.

Cafe:




To escape from the cold on saturday we are sure you will be tempted by the yummy menu on offer from our cafe at the town hall. Mince pies, yule log, festive sandwiches, and mulled wine, plus lots more. The cafe will be open all day.

Workshops:






Throughout the day we have 3 fun, festive workshops.
Check out the full schedule here:

http://wemakelondon.blogspot.com/2010/11/fun-workshops-at-we-make-london.html

Sponsors:



Our Main sponsors, Etsy.com will be there with an amazing raffle. Win yourself a £100 shopping spree. £100 worth of Moo products and a bag of handmade goodies from well know artist Rob Ryan
More info here: http://wemakelondon.blogspot.com/2010/12/etsy-are-coming-to-town.html

So its going to be a fun packed, festive day.

See you there today

We Make London

Christmas Prize Draw Winners:

We are please to announce the Christmas prize draw winners.

There was a huge amount of entries... over 340

The winners are:

1st Gidders1 (entry on twitter)
2nd Mandy 'Roberts' James (entry on facebook)
3rd Always Andri blog (entry by blogging)

A huge thank you to everyone that entered and we hope to see lots of you tomorrow at the fair

Christmas Gift Guide:

It's that time of year again...ohhh yes it is!!! If you haven't done your Christmas shopping yet, then get yourself down to Chelsea Town Hall tomorrow (4th) and you will not be stuck for ideas!!

The 'We Make Christmas Craft Wonderland' is once again showcasing some of the UKs most talented handmade designers. With unique and hand finished gifts, you will never been stuck for ideas for that perfect present. Here are some of my favourites from the 2010 Christmas exhibitors.

'Shoes' pashmina £61 by Candice Wren

'Candice Wren is a bespoke pashmina label which creates unique designs that are printed onto cashmere and silk pashminas.'

These Pashminas are stunning. I particularly love the 'shoes' print... quite fitting for me, as my shoe collection seems to be taking over my bedroom! The shoes have been silk screen printed onto both sides of the edging of the pashmina. The inner shoe is a lilac shade and each shoe has been hand beaded. Beautiful.

Jelly Fruit Earrings - £21 by Creme Nouveau

Don't these look good enough to eat? They would make a great gift for sweet fans- a change from another box of sweets, and better for their teeth too! I can see these being a hot with teens too! I love them!

Maureen Cushion - £37 by Crumpet and Skirt

I adore the 50's era, especially the Pin up style. These cushion by Crumpet and Skirt are simply stunning and capture their cheeky yet civilised style. 'Maureen' here is my favourite,-a gorgeous, fiesty redhead!

Sparrow Necklace - £18.50 by Custom Made

'A pretty silver birdie charm with a lovely little pinkish vintage flower and a tiny sterling silver heart charm hang on a sterling silver chain.' I am a big fan of the vintage look and I love this fabulous necklace. So pretty.

How fun is this Lips necklace by Mockinghorse? (£10)

Mockinghorse specialises in handcrafted acrylic silhouette jewellery, and this is my favourite! Maybe you'll have to buy some mistletoe to go with this!

Crochet Headband with Bow Pin - Cupid Pink by Pixielated approx £9.20

Cute and funky, I love these headbands. I particularly love this ditsy floral bow!

Birdbox - Great Tit £35 by London Clay Birds

Perhaps a more unusual choice for a gift, but we had a family of Great Tits make their home in our bird box last year, so I feel a great fondness towards this. Most of the males in our family are bird lovers, so this would make a fabulous gift for any of them. (Or women for that matter! )

Helter Skelter soap by Kushmoma (check shop for prices)

This black spiraled bar contains the distinctive scent of Teatree and Lavender essential oils. Activated charcoal known for its ability to draw out impurities has also been added creating a mildly exfoliating experience. Perfect for male or females! And very lucky recipients they will be too!

Mens slippers by Isolyn £40

Now, Christmas is not Christmas without Slippers in your stocking, right?! I love Isolyns slippers. There are some stunning ladies ones available too!

Handmade pocket wallet by Gosia Weber £8

Stunning compact wallet which is the perfect size for trouser pockets. Perfect for that stylish man in your life.

Retro robots blue cufflinks by Fluffstuffs approx £10.50

Really cool cufflinks. Very different and perfect for any retro fan! I think my hubby would love these!

Brown Squirrel Oyster Card Sleeve by Dee Hewitt approx £6.56

Beautifully crafted leather Oyster card holder. What better way to keep your oyster card nice and handy and looking swish than this funky holder?!

Teeny Friends T-Shirt by Toby Boo £6.00 each

Toddlers are always tricky to buy for. They usually haven't outgrown toys from birthdays and are too little for most trinkets, so original, funky clothing is a good alternative. The 'Teeny friends' on these tees are adorable.

I personally adore hand knitted items, and I am reather chuffed that over recent years it's become really trendy. I absolutely LOVE these hand knitted childrens scarves from Namolio!
They are approx £27.55. Look at the stunning colours used... love them!

Milk Two Bunnies is one of my most favourite designers. I LOVE this Bunny Tutu Organic Long Sleeve T-shirt and Tutu Knickers Gift Box at £50. Absolutely stunning!

Almost an Animal Alphabet. An A-Z Picture book, limited edition by Katie Viggers approx £11.81

This would make a really original gift for a child. Each book is signed and numbered and they are limited edition of just 1000. So really a gift to cherish. From Anteater to Zebra a collection of original illustrations, including the bears and other favourites.

Smug cat softie plush toy by Kate Garey £12

Kate has some really fab little characters for sale, but I adore this cute cat, designed in the image of her very own smug cat, Bella.

Wooden Wonderland boxes by ChickP Small £45 Large £65

Perfect for children to use as 'treasure' or memory boxes, these hand painted wooden boxes are just delightful. Available in 4 charming designs and can be personalised with your childs name for FREE.

So there we have some amazing gift ideas. But, I've only scratched the surface! Chelsea Town Hall will be adorned with treasures from these designers and so many more!

Don't miss out!

SATURDAY 4th December 2010 11.00am- 5pm

Chelsea Town Hall,
Kings Road, London, SW3 5EE

Nearest station: Sloane Square

Entrance: £2 per person, children free

New Talent Showcase:

We Make is a non for profit organisation. So for each of our fairs we rely on help from like minded people.
we advertise for helpers on Arts website as helping at our events and seeing how a big fair is set up is good experience for them.
This year when speaking to the people that applied to help we were amazed at the talent they all hold.

Artist, deisgners, illustrators. Their work was amazing. All of them have just graduated from university.

So we decide to creat a mini show just for them. They have curated it themselves and are currently working away at signs, banners, etc.

So come along tomorrow to the fair and take a look at their showcase.

Heres the new designers that are involved:

Anni www.incaseyoulikeit.com

Cody Lee www.strongandmilky.com

Rebecca http://www.artsthread.com/p/rebeccaabey

Emily www.emilyrosecollins.blogspot.com

Parmeet http://www.folksy.com/shops/hugsnkisses

Cat www.picapicamag.co.uk

Emma www.etsy.com/shop/emmacarpendale

Sophia www.facebook.com/heysosi

Chantelle Pulley