A blog post about posting blog posts...

HEY! It's been a while! And what do I have after all this time? A blog post about posting blog posts of course! 

I'll start from the begining... It's been a while because this summer has been jam packed full of super fun things! I've traveled here there and everywhere, taught some really cool lessons, had a handful of really exciting commissions and to top it all off I went to some really beautiful weddings... I've been full of so much inspiration... But also a ton of writers block (they always say getting started is the hardest part). 

I took to Twitter a few weeks ago to try and find a starting point and found I wasn't alone...

I decided it was going to take a lot more than just one blog post to explore everything that I've done this summer... And so we have come to this, a blog post about all the blog posts I plan to write in the next few weeks! 

Blogpost 1 - Travel

This summer I've managed to see all the lovely sights in Copenhagen, rediscovered my love for Brighton, found crafters to die for in Lecistershire and walked historic old Portsmouth - and I'm not even done yet! I'm ending summer on a high in Iceland (everyone should keep their fingers crossed for the northern lights!) 

Blogpost 2 - Wedding season

I LOVE wedding season - mainly because well, I love... Love ❤️ but also because I get so excited about seeing all the amazing craft work and imagination that goes in to the day. The food, the setting, the handmade pretty details... It's what makes the day... And the best bit? So much of it is handmade! 

Blogpost 3 - Projects, Lessons and Comissions

Because it wouldn't be a REtrose blog without knowing what's been going on with REtrose! I've planned some really cool projects for the new year, and I've used this summer to try my hand at teaching some textiles techniques as well as getting on with some awesome commissions! 

So... That's a blog post about posting blog posts...see you on the other side of Iceland! 

REtrose

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Project stitch

It's been a while! But only because I've been super busy filling my time with crafting and thrifting joy! 

I've set myself a challenge to do more sewing this year, and get back to the basics I'm a bit rusty at...I set myself this challenge back at Christmas time when I got the greatest all you need to know about sewing book ever - the merchant and mills sewing book. 

This book starts you off with the very basics of pattern cutting and sewing, and gives you a range of projects to complete varying in difficulty.... It's been a slowly but surely labour of love for me, but I'm currently finishing up the ironing board cover (project 3) and I'm determined to finish all the projects and get my sewing back up to scratch! 

I've also fallen back in love with thrifting and re-making... And as its only a week until fashion revolution day...I've decided it's more important than ever to make sure I not only try and buy my summer wardrobe consciously, but I've set myself a little project to remake my wardrobe... Be it re-vamping my own clothes, or re-inventing 'ugly vintage' (I'm very fond of ugly vintage!) found while scouring charity and vintage shops. 

This ugly vintage dress I bought from the relief rail at blue honey. (if you haven't been to blue honey and you're in the Cardiff area, check it out, they've got a great vintage stash!) it's got a bit of work to go, but I loved working on this and making it a summer staple, and because I bought it from the relief rail, all the money I paid for it goes to charity. It's a win win! 

Re-making and re-vamping my wardrobe from 2nd hand finds and old clothes can be a great deal of effort, but money can't buy you the satisfaction of knowing you've made your clothes and you won't bump into anyone wearing the same thing...so give it a go! 

Fashion revolution day is on April 24th. 

Who made my clothes? Me! 

REtrose 

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Crafty Cardiff

I love how crafty Cardiff is becoming. It's a great thing to see communities get involved in new activities, trying new things, and meeting new people. I recently got asked about my favourite crafty places in Cardiff for a piece in Cwtch magazine. http://www.cpshomes.co.uk/cwtch

The piece explored what Cardiff has to offer for complete beginners, and from MADE Cardiff, Chapter and even crafty beginner workshops in interior shops such as Betti Biggs, it's great to see how crafting is not only widely accessible in the city, but growing, with more and more people getting involved and having a go. 

I love learning new crafts, and have recently given myself the challenge of learning how to knit. 

Taking on something new, and from a beginner perspective has made me do a lot of research, particularly as this is a craft I have aimed to teach myself, and along the way I've found some great crafting help from a wider community. 

Wool and the gang has some great products, patterns and start up kits for complete beginners. They also have some great social media campaigns that encourage anyone to #shareyourknits I still use their YouTube tutorials to learn new techniques and love their chunky wool! 

I've also gone back to basics and found some great books that have helped me master the tricks of the trade! This beauty gave me some great tips about casting off-

My own crafting experiences have let me in on some great online crafting communities, as well as the more local ones down the road. It's easier than ever to try something new, so GET CRAFTING! 

Happy making! 

REtrose

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

It's only bloody 2015! 

Here's hoping you had a wonderfully festive christmas and a super duper new year! 

We've been taking some time off, and have been filling it with festive bakes and makes, drinking too much and catching up with friends and family....

it's been great fun, but we're now ready to hit the ground running, with some cool new projects, and get our teeth sunk into some new challenges! 

Keep your eyes peeled for all our new bits and pieces! They'll be some cool special editions hitting our etsy shop for spring! And don't forget to check out etsy and big cartel this January! There's 15% off our range all month with the code 'jan15' just because... 😁

New year, new stuff... Let's get cracking! 

REtrose 

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Birthday treats.

We've turned 1! 

And to celebrate we wanted to give all our lovely customers a special treat! 

That's right. Whether you've bought from us here in the UK or even abroad, a little THANK YOU is on its way...and just in time for Christmas! 

Just discovered that revamping is awesome? Well you're in luck too! We've decided our next 10 customers need a thankyou treat too! HAPPY FACES EVERYWHERE! 

If you're one of the lucky 10, a lovely thank you treat will be included in your order! 

Birthday love for everyone! 

REtrose 

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Made in Roath 2014 - Roath open

This year, we've been lucky enough to be exhibiting at made in Roath's open exhibition at The Sho Gallery just off Albany road. 

Firstly, if you've never been to the Sho Gallery...GET DOWN THERE! it's an incredible shop and gallery that's constantly showcasing new, local artists, and is a great stop if your looking for something new and alternative. 

 This year saw so many exciting entries, from embroidary, to video, this exhibition has it all, and celebrates all the exciting emerging artists Cardiff has to offer. 

The exhibition runs until the end of next week, it's a great chance to see some new and exciting material, and if your a lover of art it's a great place to explore. Pop in this weekend! 

REtrose 

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Shine on.

With autumn upon us, we've not just seen a change in the weather, but a change in our wardrobe! 

One thing that's helping us beat our grey day blues is our shiny tees!  Perfect layered under a snug knit and a cosy scarf these tees brighten up any gloomy day... Layer over leggings for a laid back look or tuck in to high waisted jeans for edgy chic. 

These t-shirts are 100% recycled, and hand made to order...we've got tons of different styles, but if your looking for a one off design just for you, we can certainly do just that! 

Keep your eyes peeled for new autumn/winter foiled faves coming soon! 

REtrose 

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