DIY City Blog

Shop: Foyles (W & G Foyle Ltd)
113-119 Charing Cross Road
London WC2H 0EB
Fax: 020 7434 1580
Email: webmaster@foyles.co.uk

Opening Hours - Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 9.00pm - Sundays: 11.30am* - 6.00pm

Public holidays: 11.00am - 8.00pm - (*11.30am - 12.00pm browsing only)

You can also find the company on-line at www.foyles.co.uk

Foyles is possible the largest London book store and with its flagship store based in Charing Cross Road, it is pretty easy to find. The thing I love about this store is not only can I find books on almost any topic including arts and crafts, but the staff are always friendly too and will often go out of their way to locate that special book you have been looking for. I have had some staff even searching sources to order something for me… can’t ask for more than that, right?!

by: Sara Millis

Deb and I recently discovered Eva Marie Elsie DeVore - a new emerging designer that handcrafts some gorgeous jackets. See the full story on our blog at Stylehive.

 Many of you know Alyse Radenovic - co-designer for Aelisheva. We interviewed Alyse and her partner Sanja in our last issue of DIY City Mag. I’m sure most did not know she is also an artist.

Her paintings are based on abstract themes - most are from photos that she has taken. Alyse’s paintings can also be found in the backdrop of her design work. If you look at the photos taken of her clothing designs you will see one or two hanging from the wall in most shots. You can also read more about Alyse’s artwork at flashfilm.com.

Check out our new Stylehive post about a new designer that we love - Eva Marie DeVore. We can’t wait to see more of her work. She really values hand crafting her fashion designs.

Deb - DIY City Mag

Curvy mustaches haven´t been in fashion for decades, but recently I´ve noticed them popping around everywhere. One of these places has been Etsy and a few of my favorite blogs. Tens of different Etsy shop keepers have listed mustache-items lately (currently 414 items). Not only does a carefully waxed and shaped mustache give you a classic 20´s look but it also gives you a humorous disguise. I bought mine from Paraphernalia a few months ago. When are you going to join this Poirot-movement? How about making your own and maybe hosting mustache theme party for your friends??? Who ever thought that the Bearded Lady would be a DIY trendsetter one day?

Felt mustaches and beards by Lupin at Etsy.

Strap on mustaches by NDechent at Etsy.

Faux facial hair by Born Lippy at Etsy.

Mustache envy kit and mustaches-on-a-stick by Some Things Hiding Here at Etsy.

Mustache pint glasses from Bread and Badger. Via Design Sponge interior blog.

by: Outi Pyy

The Craft of Natural Dyeing ‘Glowing Colours From the Plant World’

Author: Jenny Dean

ISBN: 085532744-8

Publisher: Search Press

Review by: Sara Millis of Sara’s Texture Crafts

I’ve often dyed fabrics at home and home-dyeing has saved a project on many an occasions where I couldn’t find perfect shade matches in bought fabrics. Over the years I’ve also become more ecologically aware of the effects chemicals have on the environment and so I needed a book that would take me through the stages of a more natural dyeing process. I also wanted a book that would inspire my more experimental creativity.

Jenny Dean is the author to help… Taking me step by step through materials and equipment, with environmental tips and safety measures, I am invited to try out a number of easy to follow, natural dyeing processes.

By the end of the book I am confident enough to try dying a skein of yarn. I carefully follow the instructions and I’m extremely happy with the results… it’s all about experimentation and although some natural chemicals and dye stuffs are slightly complicated to use, I’m quietly confident that I could easily do this again, unaided. I’ve even started my own scrapbook of test pieces!

Overall I have adored working with this book, not only does it give me choice for colour experimentation, but it is a great bible to keep by your workbench.

by: Sara Millis

Eva Marie Esie DeVore - emerging designer that we will be featuring on Stylehive later this week. So check our blog post on Stylehive later in the week to see her new Mama Wolf Jacket design that you are sure to fall in love with.

Interesting still as they go into part III of “The Death of Trends.” They talk about how the designers are cranking out designs every month to every 3 months instead of twice a year. And how the retailers are purchasing less because they are not sure where the trends or market is going.

One more reason to buy from your independent designer - you get new looks and styles daily - and you get to choose what you like. They talk about the new media - which is what DIY City Mag would be considered. How the new media has brought more of an independent approach to the market and how if gives the consumer more control over what they want and like.

Still interested in reading more - check out the JC Report for the whole story.

Step away from the crocheting and felting a moment - consider a different type of crafting, one that you would include technology in your design. Syuzi Pakhchyan has done just that, she is a writer, blogger, robotics instructor and User Experience designer.

 She just released a book titled “Fashioning Technology” - “Fashioning Technology is an introductory DIY book that brings technology and crafts together in a fun and unique way. You get jargon-free primers and lots of how-to projects that will have you making - and even wearing - functional works of art.”

You may also want to join her smart crafting community.

photo credits: fashioning technology and craftzine

Check out our latest post on Stylehive to see some indie looks with a plaid theme.