Wednesday 27 March 2013

Competition, win a necklace!

I'm currently running a competition on my Louise Dawson Design Facebook page to win one of my unique handmade necklaces, pictured below! All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is visit my Facebook page like my page and share my link!

I will draw a name at random in two weeks time on 9th April- best of luck!


Tuesday 19 March 2013

New collection in progress!

I'm currently making a new collection with a focus on my recycled fabric "sequin" idea as the main focus. I firstly came to the idea after having a move around in the studio and realizing how many materials I have that I never use, and forging a new determination to use them! I'm lucky that people know me as a bit of an avid recycling fan/hoarder (!) of wool and fabrics, so I get given lots of things and in that respect I'm never short of something "new."

The basis for the badge brooch is a self-cover button with the wire loop removed, and which I then cover with Tweed, Felt or Knit (I've tried using recycled Sari silk pieces, lace and other light weight fabrics but I find the heavier weight fabrics give a more substantial backing to be stitched onto).  I then hand cut all my little fabric sequins from any type of fabric that suits my colour way for that particular brooch, then coat them in fabric stiffener to prevent fraying. Once dry I can then stitch them onto the button.

It only makes a tiny dent in my fabric collection but I'm glad that I'm making good use of what I have, turning unwanted materials into something new to be kept and treasured! It's also been a good way to introduce more colour into my work- I'll always love and return to my white and cream but I'm pleased I've found a way I'm happy to use colour!




Some new colour ways (pre-stitching) using Harris Tweed off-cuts as the backing fabric

Sunday 17 March 2013

I do like to be beside the seaside...

I've just come back from a stay in Suffolk and I wanted to share with you some seaside views! I love being by the sea whatever the weather and we certainly had it all this week, sun, rain and snow!

Southwold Pier

Views from the pier
This was the view from our lodge on Monday! Luckily we got there ok in the Blizzards




Sunday 10 March 2013

Knitting and Rag Doll making!

I just wanted to share with you what I've been making outside of my work making, starting with my latest knitting project! I've finished this just in time for the snow that's falling outside, a very warm short sleeved cardigan in beautiful Rowan Big Wool. The pattern is from one of the Rowan magazines and due to the fact that it was made all in one piece (LOTS of stitches!) I knitted it on circular needles. As a result I'm now converted to circulars, I found them so much lighter and easier to use than regular straight needles. Looking forward to wearing this!



Another project I've been working on is a Rag Doll for my Nieces first birthday later this week, made using a pattern from Mollie Makes magazine. I wanted to make her something special that hopefully she will want to keep, in the same way that I have kept special toys that I had when I was small.

 I've always used my sewing machine for experimental work with just the occasional bit of dress making, but I've made a resolution to use it more, so I thought a toy would be a good place to start! She is a true Rag Doll, being made from scraps of fabric that I already have, with the exception of her trousers, the fabric for which I couldn't resist and I bought from work (hopefully later in the year I'll make myself a dress in it). Working in an Art and Craft shop means I'm always inspired to make new things, and I've got a waiting list of things I want to make!



Thursday 7 March 2013

Lovely new Tweed!

I'm trying out some new colours for my Harris Tweed and recycled fabric brooches...

Beautiful off-cuts of Harris Tweed that I received last week!


I have so much fabric so I tend to try out various colour combinations before I get stitching! I'll keep you posted on the results. If there are particular colours you would like a brooch in, please get in touch!