I dream in pattern: Meet 'Punto Belle'

If you had the chance to make your own print and design your dream pattern - would it be light and airy, small and pretty or bold and fun? 'Punto Belle' aka Lois would most certainly be described as the latter - bold, fun - with a little bit of aztec, crazy and beautiful all thrown in. Only 24, and with a degree in textile design Lois dreams of opening her own shop and designs beautifully handcrafted accessories out of her own patterned fabrics;

'Since I began Punto Belle I have dreamed about designing my own fabrics, as I did study textile design at university I know that my skills of pattern making couldn't go to waste so, I cracked on and began designing. I can't tell you how much happier I am now I have my own fabrics, I believe that this is a whole new chapter of Punto Belle and I believe that good things will come from this decision. My first ever fabric collection, called Go Geometric is just the start as I plan to release new fabrics every season correlating with new colour trends and seasons patterns. 

You can read all about Lois' exploits and designs on her lovely blog here, or come and chat to her at reetsweet on Dec 7th.

 

 

Feb fair preview: Print making heaven...

We seem to be building up teams of makers here at reetsweet who are also best friends, or shall we simply say, two for the price of one? Two other awesome ladies will be hitting us up with some handmade goodness on saturday...

Kirstie Williams 
Kirstie is a practising designer and printmaker. Her current practice focuses on screen and relief printing and she makes cards, gift wrap, gift boxes and limited edition prints. She has an MA in Textile Design from Chelsea College of Art, where she specialised in resist dyeing techniques. She currently works part time as a print technician at Leeds College of Art and is studying for a PGCE in Further and Higher Education. www.kirstiewilliams.com.

Mintprint by Miriam Trent
Miriam’s surface patterns and print designs concentrate on good colour, shape and form. References to the decorative arts from the 1920’s until the 1970’s can be seen in her work. Her stylish, contemporary art prints (monotype, linocut prints and screenprints) function to decorate walls, in home interiors and commercial premises. She has a new range of hand screen printed lampshades and kitchen textiles under her brand Mintprint. www.mintprint.org. 

the brilliant lives of reetsweeters continues...

At reetsweet our aim is to promote handmade shopping - providing you the public with a cool and local alternative to mainstream high street shopping - why buy something mass made abroad when you can support british handmade by coming to an ace fair? Exactly. You'd rather get something one of a kind and super cool - some of the best makers in britain are part of our network, just look at some of the press they've been getting - well done to all!

See some of these makers and more at our next fairs - feb in leeds, march in sheffield and april in leeds...go to www.reetsweet.com for deets...

Fenton have been the darling of the blog scene of late - featured here on the print & fabric blog, and also on the beautifully designed first2print blog.

Kim of Finest Imaginary is going from strength to strength also, she has been part of a number of big fairs last season, and has secured some great press with this sunday mirror feature - her 'golden' necklace:




In more jewellery news Rowan of Kitschensink had a piece on the telly box!! On none other than Mr Rusell Kane wore her POW brooch. Nice. And to top it all off her Jezebel necklace was worn by Eliza Doolittle!

oct fair preview: new friends!

Here at reetsweet we are always looking for new crafty talents, and are proud to introduce to you Natasha Kidd - aka 'theknittingkidd' knitter extraordinaire!

'I am a knitter with a serious case of the 'knitting bug' interested in creating, making, colour, texture and all things handmade.

I design and hand-knit unique and quirky felted bags. My bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours, with embellishments including knitted toadstools, mushrooms, flowers and other flora, fauna and buttons. Alongside bags I make knitted and felted purses, brooches, pencil and laptop cases. Most recently I have started to develop a range of small knitted toys. All products are made with high quality wool.

I have been knitting for about a year and a half after a random knitting lesson with my mum one Christmas. Since then I haven't stopped knitting and I have been selling my wares for about a year, first to friends and family and since April 2011 I have started selling at craft and handmade fairs.

I studied an Art and Design degree at Leeds Metropolitan from which I graduated in 2003. I have always been interested in making work including sculpture, model making, animation and drawing and painting. I have found my passion in knitting and textiles.'

http://www.knittingkidd.co.uk/

October's reetsweet on the 1st and 2nd will also showcase the work of Memelou - Michelle Gemmel! Her charming designs are the perfect antidote to the nights drawing in...

'Michelle Gemmel has been a designer for many years. She studied textile design at York St john University. After graduating she worked for large companies designing Underwear, swimwear, nightwear and housewares but most recently became a freelance designer. Michelle has always been in love with surface pattern and decided to follow her dream and design patterns all day long! She also now has the time to be more creative and has decided to pursue her love of craft. She loves making quirky, fun purses and printed tote bags as well as cards and other nic naks. Everything is handmade and designed (with love) in Michelle's micro studio in Leeds- it's really that small!'

http://me-melou.blogspot.com/