Jan Knibbs Atelier19 Cheltenham - Award Winning Designer

I had the pleasure of meeting Jan two weeks ago when my girlfriend and I popped into her shop in my old hometown of Cheltenham. I took a few photo's but some did not turn out as I had hoped, still the two I got were good enough to use to show you her fabulous work. A truly charming lady with immense talent, and when I discovered her on Etsy well I could not resisit showing of her work. In her own words below I agree with all she has said and I am hoping that my girlfriend takes her wedding dress in and lets Jan loose on it.  You can see more of Jan's creations here, just follow the link which will take you into her shop... Atelier19Cheltenham enjoy.

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I have always been a complete magpie and hoarder and collected vintage clothing, lace and anything sparkly from a very early age. I love all forms of surface embellishment and have specialised in Embroidery all my adult life, constantly learning new couture skills to add to my repertoire of skills . I now combine all these techniques often incorporating vintage treasures which has become my signature style. i will basically make anything from a pair of earrings to a wedding dress as long as I can add some embroidery to it and have won many awards including the British Bridal Awards and the Hand and Lock Prize for Embroidery in recognition of my skills.

I devote the utmost care and attention to detail to all my creations, making each piece a unique, one-off work of art that will be treasured for years to come. They appeal to fashion aficionados and collectors of fine craftwork and indeed anyone looking for something distinctive to make them stand out from the crowd. My creative flair, imagination and fine craftsmanship lend everything I create an air of fantasy and romance.

a-pair-of-delicately-embroidered-white wedding shoes

a-cream-satin-and-gold-lace-floral embroidered necklace

These beauties were in the shop window display, are they not just gorgeous

Another beautiful display

The detail on this is stunning

New window display entitled "When Doves Cry"

A trip to see a fellow Crafter

 I have spoken with Lynne for a few years now on Face Book and a few weeks ago said  we must meet. A date was set and hubby and I set of and decided to make a holiday of it, first stop La Creuse.

Spent two days with Lynne and we had great fun, why does time fly when you are having so much fun 

 The amount of creations in Lynne's workshop is real eye candy

She creates fabulous cushions using her Embroidery machine

 Lynne is a true lover of owls which becomes obvious when you start looking on the shelves

Stunning door hangers for any occasion

 The machine that does what it's told, and when, a real treat to watch it in action

 

Just a few of her lavender sachets all so beautifully finished and the smell is intoxicating 

A variety of lace bracelets, love the Ying & Yang

Wine Bottle Holders in French & English

Lynne's latest Chucks

 And lets not forget Shades who  has to know everything that's going on. All in all a fabulous trip and if it wasn't for face book we would never have met. Thank you Lynne for sharing your home and showing me your beautiful workmanship and atelier. Lynne is on Etsy and her Face Book page if you want to pop over and say hello and see what else she has been making.

xxxxx

Keep Raining I am Happy

This has been an interesting week so far as I have had my second custom order from South Korea, a sale to Japan and thanks to continual rain this week I don't have to worry about having to get out there and weed, which right now suits me just fine. Oh is in the kitchen right now marinading some pork and is making a satay for dinner tonight. (can't wait) I have also decided that housework can go take a hike for today. How has your week been so far?

Pair of  monogrammed cushion covers

 Chinoiserie Eye Glass case

Winter Songbird embroidery, not finished as I have not decided what to make with it yet. Thinking of a book cover.

Now these  lace earrings were real fun to make, especially after mastering the technique and have now made several colours

thread catchers and wrist pin cushions

Musee de la Mode - Albi

I spent another fabulous day at the Musee de La Mode in Albi with my friend Sue. Each year a new theme is displayed from April to December and this was our 3rd visit. We are looking forward to the next and we do not even know what it will be. We were both left in awe of such a stunning collection and display of lace work and the most exquisite embroidery. So if you are going to be in Albi I highly recommend a visit and the entry fee is only €6.

 Je passais une autre journée fabuleuse au Musée de la Mode à Albi avec mon ami Sue. Chaque année un nouveau thème est affiché à partir d’Avril à Décembre et ce fut notre 3ème visite. Nous attendons avec impatience la prochaine exposition  même si nous ne savons  pas ce qu'elle sera. Nous sommes partis tous les deux pleines d’admiration d'une telle collection renversante et l'affichage du travail de la dentelle et de la broderie la plus exquise. Donc, si vous allez être à Albi Je recommande fortement une visite et le tarif d'entrée n’est que 6€.

Personalised Monogram Cushion Cover Giveaway

Ever fancied your own personalised cushion cover to lay nonchalantly on your bed or favourite chair? then here's your chance. This giveaway is for a 40cm x 40cm 16" x 16" ( I can make a smaller one if preferred) cushion cover in white linen, you can choose from several colours for the monogram and I will discuss this with the winner. I have the full A-Z in this style with the rose so you can  choose any initial. Easy entry so are you ready... go and good luck. xx Value of giveaway €25 or approx $33 and is open worldwide and postage is also on me. If your not the winner this time then I am so sorry, but you can order your own, use this coupon code and you will recieve a 10% discount at checkout... Coupon Code " Monolove" 


We have a winner and it's Margot  and I will be in touch with you very soon. I had a problem with the rafflecopter displaying the winning  name, which has never happened before:( Thank you to all who entered and will be  doing another with a new design sometime soon. Congratulations Margot who has choosen the gorgeous sage green C for her cover.

Tulip Bouquet Bed Throw

I have been working on this bedspread throw for several months 10 minutes here and there and have just finished the centre piece. Have estimated by the time I am 94 it should be finished.