Some of you may be familiar with the work of Brenda Killigrew and her students at Inkberrow Design Centre in Holberrow Green, Redditch, Worcestershire . The courses run both privately and by the college are textile based - Fashion Illustration, Millinery, Theatre, Corsetry, Tailoring, Textiles and Interior Design and Soft Furnishings. Brenda puts on the amazing fashion shows at ICHF shows. If you have been to Sewing for Pleasure/Fashion, Embroidery and Stitch you can't help but be aware of the sensation they cause. In these increasingly troubled times in further education we all need to be grateful to people like Brenda who have the energy, foresight and downright dogged determination to carry on delivering top level courses. It is a thankless task sometimes and we seem to be heading for some dark days ahead!!!! Great samples from just playing with the products to see what they could do So - less of the doom and gloom and on with the fun and joy of teaching and torturing students.

Well - Ally Pally has come and gone . The show is always one of the highlights of the year and this year we were not disappointed . It was wonderful to see the retrospective of Juila Caprara's work, what an incredible artist and teacher she was. I also particularly enjoyed the work of Gizella K Warburton, her muted tones and layered textures were a feast for the eyes . It was great to see so many of my friends and customers at the show, thank you all for dropping by. I know it can be difficult to get to me sometimes when I am surrounded by hoards of lovely ladies but thanks to those who made the effort. I was assisted on the stand by Brenda and Lou from Inkberrow Design Centre and Castanea . Having a disgusting cold I was in ever more need of their tender care and energy. They were absolute superstars - supplying me with hot chocolate on demand and mopping my fevered brow when necessary. Having been so inspired by the show I have just been going through some of my photos - I a