Hello,
Here’s a short video of my review of the new Great British Sewing Bee’s Sustainable Style sewing book. Hope you find it informative, don’t forget to leave your comments below.
Keep safe and well everyone.
Category: Arts & Crafts
The Garden Reflections Wooden Bird House – review | Champagne Twist
It’s arrived! I have been waiting an absolute age for this, and after weeks of internal self debate, I finally took the plunge and purchased the bird house and it arrived yesterday.
Of course, knowing my luck the delivery was twice delayed by the worse delivery service known to, well everyone, but still I’m so happy that my brand new, half price bird house has finally arrived.
It may not be the colour I wanted, sage green, but that was snapped up by faster shoppers, so I’m for the moment happy to make do with the grey.
Setting up the flat packed bird house wasn’t so challenging, the instruction sheet wasn’t the best, but I managed to muddle through the DIY process in about 40 minutes, only slowed down by taking photographs and the ridiculous lack of pilot holes. Honestly for an item that was originally priced as the best part of £40, you would have thought they could have drilled in the pilot holes. For the DIY novice, who may be a little heavy handed or over enthusiastic with a screw driver, this could prove disastrous. The wood used isn’t very dense, I suppose to ensure a lower end cost, however it means that it is quite easy to split the pieces, rendering the entire bird house unusable.
That said, the top is very heavy once assembled, and I wonder if the design could be further improved with a quadrapod rather than a tripod base – we shall see.
For the sale price of just under £20, I think I may have made a good deal. I certainly wasn’t going to purchase it for the original sale price of around £40, it simply isn’t worth it, considering the rather poor standard of the pieces. I’m glad that they included a couple of spare screws – at least I hope they are spare – but the paint finish looks like it will need retouching in only a matter of weeks. I have a sample pot of Wilko English sage green in standby.
The over all look of the bird house is pleasing, and which initially led me to this item. I’ve compared other bird houses in a few major DIY and garden stores, and shape wise, this is my favourite. Selling from £40 upwards, the quality varied from cheap and tacky to fairly robust but over priced. So for £20, I’m pleased with the end item, but it’s just a pity that more attention to detail and quality control, this could have been so much more.
Rating 3 out of 5
Bird House purchased from QVCUK.com – https://www.qvcuk.com/Garden-Reflections-Wooden-Bird-House.product.518199.html?sc=SRCH
Knitting and Stitching Show – Harrogate Convention Centre – 28th November – 1st December | Champagne Twist
The Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace is over for another year. But never fear, the next show will be held at Harrogate this winter on the 28th November to the 1st of December – just in time to grab supplies for all those Christmas makes and gifts.
And to help your fabric and yarn piggy banks stretch a little further, I have a ticket discount code. Just take a look at the video below to find out more.
Knitting and Stitching Show – Ticket Giveaway | Champagne Twist
Brand new Ticket Giveaway for the Knitting and Stitching Show held at London’s Alexandra Palace 10th -13th October 2019.
Watch the video to find out more –
Africa Fashion Week London – Ankara Fabric, featuring Fola Ogundare of Diligent Hands Fabrics (part 2) | Champagne Twist
In the second of the AFWL special posts, Fola Ogundare of Diligent Hand Fabrics, takes us through caring for Ankara fabric. Over to you Fola!
Ankara Fabric Care
As one who has owned lots of fabrics and clothing made from my collections, here are some of my tips;
- Hand washing / dry cleaning is best. If machine washing, do so at low a temperature, say 30 degrees.
- Do not soak for a long time before washing. Hand wash any soiled areas prior to machine wash.
- While most fabrics are colourfast, wash inside out using a mild laundry product. Dry using a cool heat and avoid hanging in direct sunlight for hours.
- Ironing would be easier if you use fabric conditioner and use spray starch to keep in shape.
Once again thanks go to Fola for her kindness and generosity in sharing such wonderful tips. The first article can be found here.
So there you go, there is no excuse now, try making something with Ankara fabric. Check out Fola’s range at http://www.diligenthandsfabrics.com.
There will be plenty of fabric shopping opportunities at AWFL, so why not make something fabulous now you’re armed with all of Fola’s tips.
In the next `AFWL post, I will be showcasing my own Ankara fabric makes, so subscribe to Champagne Twist to ensure you don’t miss out.
Tickets for AFWL are still available for purchase, just click here to find out more.
Africa Fashion Week London, Model Casting | Champagne Twist
Below, is a fascinating video of the AFWL model casting released yesterday on the Africa Fashion Week London YouTube channel. Take a look and don’t forget to book your tickets for the hottest event in town.
Tickets can be purchased here.
AFWL – 9 & 10 August 2019, Freemasons’ Hall, London
Festival of Quilts 2019 – Free Ticket Giveaway | Champagne Twist
Want a chance to win a pair of tickets for the Festival of Quilts this August? The are 5 pairs of tickets up for grabs. Watch the video below and follow the instructions.
Good luck!
The Festival of Quilts – https://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk
The Festival of Quilts – Giveaway | Champagne Twist
Hi,
Just a quick announcement for those in the UK who are planning to go to the Festival of Quilts next month at the NEC, Birmingham – there are 5 pairs of tickets up for grabs.
Watch the video below and stay tuned for more information.
#FOQ2019
Africa Fashion Week London, 2019 – The countdown continues … | Champagne Twist
Countdown to Africa Fashion Week London | Champagne Twist
Photo source/credit : AFWL
AFWL 2019
If you love fashion, then clear your designer diaries for Africa Fashion Week London, August 9-10, 2019.
SAVE THE DATE
9-10 August 2019
Freemasons’ Hall
60 Great Queen Street
London WC2B 5AZ
Doors open from 1pm for Exhibition browsing and entertainment
Friday Catwalk Shows: 5pm & 7pm
Saturday Catwalk Shows: 3pm, 5pm & 7pm
To purchase tickets, click the link here.
Champagne Twist 
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