Eclectic Mix

Stitch and Craft 2012

2012-03-15T10:40:00.001-07:00

15th - 18th March

Olympia 11, London

The ONLY craft show of the Spring!

Open 10am to 5.30pm daily (closes 5pm Sunday)
Stitch & Craft is the only Spring craft show in London. The exhibition brings together knitting, embroidery, cross stitch and papercraft spread over 3 floors of London's Olympia. It's a great day out for three generations of crafty people - children, parents and grandparents enjoy the fun and inspirational activities on offer. Stitch & Craft is staged in conjunction with Future Publishing, whose magazines include Simply Knitting, The Knitter, Cross Stitcher, Papercraft Inspirations and Mollie Makes.

Knitted Textile Awards 2012

2012-02-15T07:15:00.000-08:00

As detailed on the UK Handknitting Website:

1st prize £1,000, 3 further prizes of £350 each!

Sponsored by UK Hand Knitting Association, GMC Publishing's Knitting magazine and Twisted Thread (Creative Exhibitions).

Open to all undergraduates and those graduating in 2012.

For further information click here...

Advertise Your Handmade Arts & Crafts Products to Craftgawker For Free

2011-11-30T07:47:00.000-08:00

In their own words: 'Craftgawker is a photo gallery that allows you to visually search and discover handmade arts and crafts to inspire your own projects. We publish photography submitted by craft bloggers from around the world. Our editors review submissions daily and choose the highest quality, coolest images to showcase.'

MY KNIT, CROCHET & CRAFT STITCH GRAPH FOR CRAFT PROJECTS

Mark Fast Knitwear Designer

2011-10-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Just a sample of this talented designers two collections over 2011/12

Spr/Sum 2012

Aut/Win 2011

Source: London Fashion Week

Picture Credit: www.catwalking.com

Where Can Designers Find Free Quality Fashion & Textile Trend Reports

2011-07-06T06:07:00.000-07:00

As a new freelance designer or micro-brand operating within the fashion and textile industry, you may not have a budget to pay the annual fees for trend reports or to travel to global tradeshows. The key is to pick up on trends that are likely to be in demand across multiple seasons, this way you can access and utilise free trend reports effectively. I have found in particular, that at times, Knitting Industry's promotion of various companies reports can infact be published at least a year in advance, Mudpie publish backcopies of their reports and Patternpeople also publish snippets of upcoming trends. All this info can be very useful to a sole designer or small brand as both set-ups, are small enough to be able to adpat and produce designs in a shorter period of time than a larger brand with multiple design teams.

Source: Eclectic Mix Knitwear

The Benefits of Continuing Professional Development for a Micro-Business

2011-06-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

What is CPD:
One of my main business activities, alongside knitwear design, within my own micro-business is teaching and writing about business related subjects, particularly business start-up, management and adminstration within the public and private sectors of business education. Particularly in the case of public sector education, you are required to be a member of a professional institute in order to record what is known as CPD or Continuing Professional Development, which keeps track of any independant research or formal study you have undertaken, within your specialist subject fields.

How and where can you access courses:
When I teach or mentor start-up entrepreneurs and business students, I always make it a point to encourage them to ensure that they are up to date with current trends within their specialist fields, as this can be of significant benefit to the continuing success of your small business or self-employed career. An excellent way to keep a false sense of business security at bay, is to regularly take short refresher courses in business or part-time formal study. If time is an issue, then the solution would be to seek online offerings, which are becoming extremely popular. The Open University, in particular offer a range of flexible, free and chargeable short and longer certified and accredited business courses. If they do not offer what you need, then search for other suitable subject areas at Hotcourses. The beauty of online study is flexibility of learning your chosen subject, from anywhere in the world.

How to Create a Sustainable Business Model for your Fashion Knitwear Label or Creative Business

2011-03-04T03:59:00.000-08:00

This two part tutorial, was inspired, by my personal and business challenges, when setting up my knitwear label, Eclectic Mix back in 2006. I was amazed and puzzled by the lack of information available. Thankfully, I was blessed with a fantastic Business Adviser at Hackney Business Venture, who had access to a few pages of specialised information about the knitwear industry that I could at least use as a starting point!

Who are these articles for?
I state at the beginning of the article, that whether you are a knitwear designer, crafter or some other type of creative, these articles will be useful to you and include information on a vast range of subjects, including the following; Resources for a Fashion Knitwear Business, Unique Selling Proposition, The Relationships you need to survive in business, how to present your business proposal within a brief document, made up of creative visuals, as an alternative to a traditional business plan. Last but not least, in part two of the article, some essential useful contacts specific to the knitwear and creative industries, including manufacturing sources. I hope, that reading these articles will contribute in some way to the setting up or growth of your creative business.

Knitted Textile Awards 2010

2011-02-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

Emma Philpot, Award: Hand Knitting

The Knitted Textile Awards, created and facilitated by the UK Handknitting Association and sponsorship partners, were held towards the end of 2010.


Deryn Ralph, Award: Overall Winner

Every year, these awards showcase the best of Uk Graduate Design Talent, specific to all areas of textile design. These pictures are of some of the winning designs which really stood out for me.

Orawee Choedamphai: Debbie Bliss Award

Sources: Uk Handknitting Association, 'Knitting' Magazine

"Staff = Overhead : Customers = Profit!":

2011-01-14T11:50:00.000-08:00

Wise quote: "Staff = Overhead, Customers = Profit!":
You can sell the best quality, best priced products in the world, but if you do not train yourself and your staff to provide good quality customer service alongside products that your market needs and wants, guess what will happen? Eventually, your nice customers will walk away without complaining to you, the majority of people do this, whilst the minority will complain to you and both types will complain to as much people as they can!

How to keep customers at the heart of your business:
My first range of articles explain how to keep your customers at the heart of your business, by focusing on solutions, rather than products. Bear in mind, around 20% of your customers provide 80% of your business, so keep your marketing activities simple by spending more time getting to know your current clientele, find out what they need and want and create product solutions accordingly. In my series of tutorials on 'The art of opening and closing a sale, 6 steps to successful selling ' I teach you some of the key techniques for selling solutions and creating effective online product descriptions, and direct you to interesting links, click here for further reading.

Source: Sonji Clayton

How to expand on your blog posts by writing articles for Hubpages

2011-01-14T11:25:00.000-08:00

I love writing posts for my blog, but at times I would like to expand my micro articles and I have finally found a way to do this, by publishing articles at Hubpages and Suite101. It's a great way to share my own personal experience and knowledge of business and enterprise, in a creative forum. Please feel free to suggest topics for articles that maybe of interest to you, within the areas of creative enterprise and business management.

Source: Sonji Clayton

What is the most important social network for your small business?

2011-01-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

I read this interesting post via Etsy's advice for sellers page. It gives insight into small businesses and their

most popular online marketing tools, here are some of the statistics; Twitter: 45%, Facebook: 33%, Linkedin: 14%, Other: 7%, Youtube: 2%, 4sq/Bebo/MySpace: 0%.

Please bear in mind, when assessing which marketing tools would be best for your own online marketing strategy, these figures merely outline the most popular. The statistics above do not necessarily translate into being the most effective marketing tool, for your own business. In my experience good old fashioned trial and error is usually the best way to evaluate the best options available to you.

Try focusing on 2 types of network, i.e. your blog/website and a social network site which facilitates links back to your main site. Remember to add google analytics or some type of statistical tool to analyse and monitor the 'who and where' of your customer base.

Statistical Source: Etsy

CNN, PROMOTING AFRICA POSITIVELY

2010-12-11T03:23:00.000-08:00

Designers of African origin, talk to CNN about representing fashion from the UK, via online boutique, Agnes and Lola.

Source: CNN

DESIGN & SELL YOUR OWN KNITWEAR

2010-12-11T03:02:00.000-08:00

Knitwear fans, have been designing their own cashmere sweaters, scarves, dresses, baby clothes and more via the user-friendly design software of French online boutique, Trendy Workshop, designs are made-to-order. As another unique twist, users can also sell their designs, based on a commission basis of 5-10%!

Source: Trendwatching

AN EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT?

2010-12-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

Since my last post, I feel as if I have just emerged from my own personal twilight zone. In this current economic climate, as a micro-business I have had to implement plans to diversify my products and services. Last week, I received via post, a Google Adwords promotional voucher from Vistaprint, the business stationery supplier. After ummming and ahhhing for over a week, I decided to ignore the catch in the small print and I endeavour to keep a close eye on events, to avoid exceeding the £75 @ 25p per click. Bearing in mind the UK's VAT is rising to 20% in Jan 2011, I won't turn up my button nose to a gift that is potentially effective PR. Stay posted and I'll let you know if it works for me.

Source: Sonji Clayton

Pringle of Scotland Animation...it's fab!

2010-03-04T06:51:00.000-08:00

Source: ChocoDisco

Shop Curious: 'Seriously Crafty Chair Covers'

2010-01-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

Feel Free to Sit Comfytably!

Wow, has it really been November since I last posted? The heavy snow in the Uk has been pretty consistently, inconsistent, I feel like I have been living in Narnia! I'm such a wimp, when it comes to extreme weather.
Happy New Year and all the best for the new decade to all!

A range of innovative knitted chair covers was brought to my attention by Shop Curious, last year..... click here or the title link, to see more examples of designers experimentations with various fibres and to view Shop Curious's lovely store, a treasure trove of seriously eclectic goodies, right up my creative street!

Source: Sonji Clayton

Take a break from knitting gifts

2009-11-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

Need a break from knitting all those Yuletide gifts? Uk based, Grannies Inc, allows you to design your own beanie hat that the company's team of veteran knitters will make for you.

Source: Lets Knit Magazine

'Well they say everything happens in 3's?'

2009-10-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

This month I was very flattered to be approached by Anna Blewett, Deputy Editor of Lets Knit Magazine, who wondered if I would be interested in an interview for their monthly feature on knitwear designers, for my knitwear label, Eclectic Mix. Of course I said a resounding

'Yes Please' without even blinking!

Well they say everything happens in three's, because lo and behold!, the next thing I knew, awarding winning hair & braid stylist, Angela Plummer, then informs me that she has used my 'Chameleon Shrug' from a previous collection in a shoot that was featured in Pride Magazine and will also be featured in Black Beauty & Hair Magazine next month.

Thanks to both ladies and magazines for their features, it's a pity my online boutique isn't ready, no matter, I am still counting my blessings and working diligently on my online boutique, why did no one tell me how much attention to detail and time it takes to set up a shop online? Who knew!

Source: Sonji Clayton

'It's a Family Affair'

2009-09-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

I'm not even sure my pronunciation of the name is correct! but I love the ethos of Abuelita Yarns a family run, yarn company. Specialising in producing a range of beautiful, 100% natural fiber yarns, which local artists in Uruguay, (where the Company is based), get creative by hand dying certain yarns in a kaleidescope of varying colours. The Spanish name 'Abuelita' means Granny and is reflective of their family values and respect for their culture. As an added testament to their certified commitment to the environment, they only produce yarn from healthy and well treated sheep. (Picture: Abuelita Organic Cotton: 212m: 4.5-5.5m Needle)
Source: Sonji Clayton

Upcycling Cashmere Sweaters into Baby Toys!

2009-07-06T05:19:00.000-07:00

TEDDYLUX: 'Turning waste materials into new products'

Teddylux, is yet another innovative Company contributing to the ethical trading ethos, in their very own unique style. Each plush bear, elephant and bunny made by the Georgia business is fashioned from a discarded cashmere sweater.

Cashmere animals can be purchased straight from the website for USD 50-60 each, with cashmere baby toys costing USD 15. For the same cost, customers can request the animal of their choice to be made from their own old cashmere sweater, which makes for a toy that’s both sustainably manufactured and highly personal. The site also accepts postal donations from kindhearted people clearing out their closets, reimbursing the postage for their offering.
Source: Trendwatching

Enterprise is Chic!

2009-05-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

In this era of worldwide recession, the need for creative financial management, has seen the increase in individuals setting up part-time side businesses, in order to generate extra cash and boost household monthly cashflow!

These 'mini entrepreneurs' have inspired online sites such as Etsy and Asian retailers, Inqbox, which stands for 'incubation in a box' Inqbox operate 6 stores in Singapore & Malaysia, each stocked with flexible online units, which are rented out to Mini Entrepreneurs, taking care of the daily hassle of retail, by providing retail & gallery space.

Source: Trendwatching
Earn Money Online

A status story by Dutch knitwear brand 'Flocks'

2009-04-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Knitwear brand Flocks gives
customers details about the individual animal that provided the wool for their sweaters and mittens.
Every item in young Dutch designer,
Christien Meindertsmas collection can be traced back to its source. Since one sheep supplies exactly enough wool for one sweater, each sweater is tagged with a specific animals ID number, and comes with a certificate: the animal's passport. Information provided includes breed, weight, year,place of birth and a picture of the sheep.

Source: Trendwatching

.................PHAT KNITS.................

2009-04-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Created by Artist: BAUKE KNOTTNERUS

I love this interpretation of knit, what could possibly be a new trend in interiors, these exhibits certainly live up to their exhibition title, PHAT KNITS!

PHAT KNITS, is a series of giant threads used to create,
knitted or not, interior products......
according to the talented artist, Bauke Knottnerus.

Source: Etsy

In their own Words.....Sibling London Britsh fashion label

2009-03-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

"Born Out of a Desire to give Knitwear for Men a kick up the........!"
(go to website for further enlightenment!)

Sibling are Joe Bates, Sid Bryan and Cozette McCreery. I love their innovative and quirky knitwear for men,a mixture of sculptural animal prints, sequins and a dog in a cardigan! It has to be seen to be believed, and by the way they haven't left us girls out, as you can see from the pics!

Left: Erin O'Connor:

Wearing Sibling Cardigan & Top by Christopher Kane
Right: Male Model:
Wearing Sibling Top & CardigansEditorials: ID- MAGAZINE

Source: Eclectic Mix Knitwear

Is British Designer, Samantha Cole, The New Queen of Avant-Garde?

2009-03-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Since conquering the catwalks of New York Profile last September and winning the coveted prize of Best Newcomer, along with a contract with best selling on-line retailer, Asos.com. Samantha Cole has gone from strength to strength. Want to be inspired read her in-depth interview at:

Fashion Capital

(Picture: Editorial, Chew Magazine)

Japanese Street Fashion

2009-03-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

I found this site on the website of China based, Fairtrade, British knitwear designer and
manufacturer: Chunkichilli

Loads of photos, articles, online stores & articles all about quirky Japanese Fashion
Click on the photo or title to view!

Angela Plummer: Braid Sculptress and Costume Designer

2009-03-10T05:16:00.000-07:00

Looking at the pictures below you would think the hair and clothing were crochet not braids!

Award-winning Hairstylist, Angela Plummer as quoted by Spell Magazine ' was born to braid'. Not content with a regular head to style, she pushes the art of braiding way beyond familiar boundaries into the realms of intricate patterns, conceptual headpieces or even whole outfits!

Click on this blog title to view more of her amazing designs!

Source: Sonji Clayton

When I get home, I sadly am still aware of how I look from a fashion sense!

2009-03-10T05:12:00.001-07:00

Subconsciously, I am still aware of how I look from a fashion sense, in my own house! Even if I am putting on the oldest clothes that I own, I still got's to co-ordinate! Poor me!

I feel I can justify this: in the event of :

1.an emergency,
2.say a fire alarm going off,
3.a power cut,
4.an unexpected delivery.

May I add, 3. & 4. are particular events that have actually happened to me, and did cause embarrassment...............mmmmmm! Anyway, decent co-ordination, would be the one and only reason, you would get me through the front door, or maybe my balcony to call for help!

Yes, that is the essence of my foolishness! I'm only human......

Sculptural Knitwear Designer: Sandra Backlund

2009-02-27T11:04:00.000-08:00

I first saw this designer on accessfashiononline

Photographer: John Scarisbrick

To read more and see more pictures, go to my fashion business blog to find out more about this incredible designer, just click on the title for this blog!