Hi there

Just back from visiting the Editor of Sewing World magazine, Wendy Gardiner (see below!). Living in Devon, it tends to be a long journey to see anyone, so three and a half hours in the car each way gave me LOADS of time to catch up on my music collection, as well as admiring the gorgeous countryside all along the south coast of England.

Wendy was feeling a bit low with a winter bug when I arrived, but was still in good spirits when chatting about her favourite subject. Amongst lots of things, we talked about the logistics of photography for books and magazines - after all, all those lush projects have to be designed, made, then photographed. I was intrigued to discover that very often large sewing projects, such as floor length curtains, are made up at half size for the finished photo, as it's easier, faster and you can't tell the difference if they're hung against similarly scaled mock windows.

In David & Charles' project books, we need everything made to full scale as we often hire lovely locations and houses in which to shoot them where it's more difficult to 'mock up' scale. It also got me thinking about slipcovers - the designer needs to make them for a particular chair, and needs the furniture there when they make the project as there are so many detailed measurements to be taken. A director's chair would be no problem to then get to location for photography, but what about a sofa?!

As I was leaving, Wendy mentioned that she was writing an article on the upcoming fashion trends for summer - I won't divulge exactly what she told me (a girl's gotta have the edge sometimes) but I will say that no matter what your taste, budget and style, there will be something for everyone!

Chat again later

Jen

PS Wendy is also the co-founder of the website ISEW. Check out this info and inspiration packed site for yourself.