Carys Cooper

Hello! (many apologies for the belated update) Just a quick update for everyone to say that I gave birth to a baby girl on the 7th July! We named her Carys and she weighed a petite 6lb 13oz. We are both doing well- just doing a lot of adjusting! The labour lasted just under 4 hours which a lot less than with Coniah (18 hours!) so I was really thankful for that. (The photo above was taken a couple of weeks ago)

My shop is temporarily closed until further notice. I hope I'll be able to get a few items out for this winter season, even if it's just accessories, but we'll have to see. There seems to be a lot less time for sewing when you've got two children under 2! Hope everyone else had a good summer!

Unravel- Beautiful new haberdashery shop..

I just had to do a post about Unravel- the brand new haberdashery shop which has just opened in Denby Dale.

There are so few good wool and sewing shops opening especially up here in West Yorkshire so it's quite a treat to have one open your doorstep!

As well as having some of your usual acrylic knitting wools, Unravel also stocks lovely unusual wools which contain other natural fibres such as linen, silk and cotton, these are available in a great range of natural shades. Some of the wool brands stocked are Shilasdair, Debbie Bliss, Louisa Harding, Artesano, Elvincraft yarns and many more.

Towards the back of the store there are sewing notions and beautiful Indian trims and tassels.

On the first floor there is a charming room called The Shawl Room which houses vibrant scarves, cushions, fabrics and much more from India.

There's also a smaller room next door which contains a nice little range of quilting fabrics. The owner Mary, has also utilised the top and ground floors. The top floor being a gallery space for local designers and artists to exhibit in, while various craft classes will be held on the ground floor. Unravel's website should be up and running this week you can check it out here (there may also be an opportunity to buy from the website in the not so distant future).

Mary has gone for a clean look and layout for the store which I really like, and I think enhances the warming colours of all the wools, threads and trims she stocks in the main area of the shop.

Just seeing all the lovely wools in this shop makes me want to take up hand knitting again, I'll definitely have to try out some of their wools on my knitting machine when the winter comes...I can't wait!

Long time no post! general update...

Long time no post! Sorry for the time it has taken to update the blog. We've been in the process of moving house and preparing for baby number two which is due in a couple weeks! I had mentioned beforehand that I was hoping to get a spring/summer collection out for 2011 but it's looking very unlikely. I have designs ready and waiting to be sewn up and photographed but with all that's been going on it hasn't been possible to commit the time needed to the work. Hopefully I can work on a few pieces for autumn/winter 2011.

On another note I was pleased to receive an update on the Burdastyle Sewing Handbook which I was able to contribute to last year. It's due to be released on November 1st 2011 and I noticed that my bag features on the front cover! I'm really looking forward to seeing all the great projects that the members of the burdastyle website have worked on.

3D Type Book

Today I received my copy of the 3D Type Book by FL@33! Last year some of my Graphic design work was chosen to be included in this book published by Laurence King. It features lots of interesting ways various designers have constructed handmade typefaces and letter forms and it is described as "the most comprehensive showcase of three-dimensional letter forms ever written, featuring over 1,300 images of more than 300 projects by more than 160 emerging talents and established individuals and studios".



I designed a typeface using cress plants I had grown in paper I handmade. I then screen printed them onto cardboard cards and made other recycled pieces which all went towards trying to promote and bring awareness to the recycling of paper.


Even though most of the work I do now is sewing based it's still nice to see design work I made a while back, shown in such a way. Oh, how I would love to do some screen printing on fabric someday soon!

Spring Archive Sale continues...

I've just set up a new facebook page for the shop here http://www.facebook.com/Bolaclothing and i've continued the spring sale there with many spring/summer archive skirts there starting from £10! (2010 winter items are also featured there) Please do check it out if you can and also follow the shop there too, latest news/info will be posted there first!

Spring Heart Giveaway! - Winner!

Thank you all for your great comments! The websites and blogs that were mentioned were really interesting sources for inspiration and ideas. The winner of the heart was chosen at random yesterday, and the winner is Anna! Well done Anna, the navy spotted heart will be in the post today! Stay tuned, as I'll be having another giveaway in the not so distance future...

Spring Heart Giveaway!

I have only but a few of these hearts for home left in stock and I would love to give one away for this spring! This is a lovely cotton/linen navy heart with a removable cover, so you can pour scented oils on the main heart piece- a perfect mother's day present or something for yourself!
All you need to do is leave a comment below with the website or blog which you draw inspiration from for your creative projects (and also your own email address). You have until Tuesday 29th March, 11.59pm GMT!