Stay in Devon!

Lots of good things came out of my Wedding Fair last Sunday....

Tomorrow, I have a lovely new customer coming to see me, so I must tidy up and prepare!

I also met two fun, energetic and gorgeous ladies , Claire Mathers http://www.creativeweddinghair.co.uk/ and Josie Lock http://www.joiselock.co.uk/ .

Together, we have decided that the Wedding Industry in Devon needs help. In particular women in business. It is so important to keep business here and not to lose out to London and the cities around, which is so easily done without a thought.

For my business in particular,there are very few designers who offer the service that I offer my Brides. My prices are competitive when compared to the bridal shops. For, I design, pattern cut and make one-off gowns to the highest quality, with many fittings and endless tips and advice for the price of, or less than you can buy a gown "off the peg". Remember, bridal shops charge exorbitant fees for alterations, and when you add up the travel costs to and from London etc buying a dress out of Devon can become a very costly affair. Would you not rather spend that money saved on your trousseau or honeymoon?

Buy British, Buy in Devon!

Use the talent that is in your area. Help us, to help each other, in these tricky times.

Next week I will be going to help promote this idea, with the organisation skills of my new friend Claire, the help of my good friends Susannah and Tracey from Pickwell Manor http://www.pickwellmanor.com/ and Wed magazine http://www.wedmagazine.com/ and a few other ladies too!

A lovely day!

Thankyou Northcote Manor, for the Wedding Fair yesterday. It was a lovely day with lots of interesting people to talk to and share ideas.
I met some lovely propective brides and there families, and I even got a couple of bookings to come and see me this week!
I came away with a buzz....long may it last!
If you missed the Wedding Fair, or if you are just in need of time away, do go and look at Northcote Manor, it is charming, relaxing and just perfect!

Designing!

I was far too busy to blog last week. It was half term, so that didn't help matters. Although Alice was amazing and drew with me all week, in between making cupcakes, biscuits and seeing my wonderful friends, Marie and her family from Canada.

Here are a few of my sketches that I have been designing this week.I have been asked by South West Brides magazine for my take on the Royal Wedding. No pressure, but I do feel, I have been, in my mind, in Westminster Abbey all week! It will be fantastic advertising for me when it comes out in April.

I have just been to Northcote Manor, where I am showing at their Wedding Fair on Sunday the 6th of March 1pm until 5pm. What a beautiful place set in the rolling hills and over looking the Taw Valley near Burrington. It is so warm and welcoming, with delightful interiors and roaring log fires.Its just the perfect place to get married. Do come along and check it out. http://www.northcotemanor.co.uk/

Northcote Manor.

I have a busy day finishing off various sewing jobs.

If you have a minute please click on my husbands new travel blog http://www.loveuktravel.blogspot.com/ from now on he will be crossing over from his old site to promote this one. He will be blogging away, about amazing things to see and do, when traveling around the UK. Keep reading, its going to be so informative and the best out there! Thank you Flora for all your help, your a star!

I am showing my Wedding Gowns at Northcote Manor on the 6th of March from 11am- 5pm, This is a most amazing venue, just take a look http://www.northcotemanor.co.uk/ better still go along!

Alteration!

An exciting weekend awaits, with the arrival of my great friend Marie and her lovely family and friends from Canada. I can not wait to show her all my gowns, and pretty things I have made over the last year. Marie is always so positive and 100% encouraging, so safe journey!

I have been busy redesigning a back to a gown, bought to me by a lovely bride, who wanted a little bit more. I find it rather interesting altering gowns, as you can find out how different designers make. Some well and some not! With Couture you can always learn more, and so its been an interesting exercise. Although what you think will be an easy job never is. Its far easier and cheaper in the long run to start from scratch!

Happy Valentine's Day

I thought it would be nice to find out a bit about Valentine's day and the meaning behind it...

One legend goes that the Romans threw a priest named Valentine in prison for his teachings. On February 14th, Valentine was beheaded not only because he was Christian, but also because he had supposedly cured the jailer's daughter of her blindness. The night before he was executed he wrote her a farewell letter, signing it "From Your Valentine" It is traditionally a day where lovers express their love for one another by presenting flowers, chocolates, and cards.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

♥

Family!

Izy's Textile Art.....Ink on paper!

This week has flown by, lots has happened in the Fricker family.

Harry has arrived safely in Canada, where he sang last night at my great friend, Marie's, saloon bar, The Powder Horn, Bragg Creek. As I thought, he loves the place and as always, Marie is the greatest host....Please come home Harry!

I sent off another collection of handmade cards, to a shop in Clifton Village, Bristol. The drive is on to make many more, when there is a free moment from my gowns.

Izy has been busy with her work, and has had several pieces of her textiles chosen to go to Indigo in Paris and New York, the international textile fairs. And, she was offered a job with a card company. So proud of you, Izy - keep on going!

Flora has also been on a photo shoot with her Lamb, which I have already written about,early on in my blog.

Things are starting to get going on the Wedding front, albeit, slowly, but Rome wasn't built in a day!

I have been asked to show at Northcote Manor Wedding Fair. Invites only, so very honoured. I will blog more about this next week.