backyagogo

Ramblin Rose

Well I finished the wall hanging that I’d started in my last blog, and it’s now in The Mill reception as part of August Craft month exhibition. You’ll see Stella Bluebell there as well. Now Stella hasn’t had an easy time of it. When she was living the hallway upstairs someone stole one of herContinue reading “Ramblin Rose”

I never went away, but I’m back!

That’s an Irish title for you – a bit like go ahead, back away. Since I finished working on the movie I’ve had a mix of work and play. I made a dress for my friend Grainne to wear to a ‘do’ and apparently on the night out a woman asked how long she’d hadContinue reading “I never went away, but I’m back!”

I Do Costumes

When people ask ‘what I do’, and I tell them I design and make costumes they think it sounds very glamorous. It’s not really, but I just go along with it to make myself sound more interesting. They ask what sort of costumes, so I tell them I’ve worked for theatre, carnival, TV and film,Continue reading “I Do Costumes”

Happy Sunday

I haven’t time to write a blog, but here’s quick one. I’ve been making costumes for a film, long days sewing til I’m cross-eyed. Can’t tell you what it is or where it is, and obviously I can’t take any pics. So while you’re all having a nice lazy Sunday I’ll be stitching away. I’mContinue reading “Happy Sunday”

Slow Spin

We all know about linen, what it is and where it comes from, don’t we? Apparently not. I was giving a tour of the mill today and showed a picture of flax plants growing in a field, blue flowers and all. One lady was astonished as she thought it was a synthetic fabric. Fair enough,Continue reading “Slow Spin”

Pins & Needles

I had Molly with me all day in the studio helping me finish off a wall-hanging made by a community group. In between we played, we walked and she slept. Although this isn’t as difficult as making costumes, it has its own challenges. Like getting nice straight edges, getting it good and square and ofContinue reading “Pins & Needles”

Just salt please

This one’s going to a bit random, but sure it wouldn’t be like me! I went to Rock the Frock vintage wedding fair in Belfast Castle today. I’ve no interest in weddings or anything to do with weddings, but I do like to socialise and have a natter with some of my exhibitor friends. FrockContinue reading “Just salt please”

Pink Overload

If you’re not fed up looking at the colour pink by now then you must be visually impaired, or living elsewhere. I think it’s fantastic to have something like the Giro d’Italia here in Belfast, I love my city and am so proud the world is seeing it in such a positive (pink) light. I’veContinue reading “Pink Overload”

Doggy Divas

My Mate Sandra used to dress her dog Paddy in doggy clothes and I used to scoff at the whole idea of it. Then it became acceptable, fashionable even, and I saw that lots of people were dressing their dogs in wee jumpers and coats. I picked up a ‘Knitting for Dogs’ book in aContinue reading “Doggy Divas”

The Singing Doffer

The Singing Doffer is the name of our museum in the mill. I was given the honour of naming it and originally thought Spinner’s Nook would be a cool name. Then Joe, Boss of The Mill, pointed out that people of a childish disposition might see it as a chance to practice their innuendo. (MuchContinue reading “The Singing Doffer”