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Jenni Smith Ltd is born and Beyond Magazine Feature

A lot has been happening behind the scenes in recent weeks. I have opened my new studio space and started to fill up all of my classes for the Autumn. I have also registered as a Limited Company, put in several trademark applications and started working on my branding and packaging.    My first garment patterns are in production (yippee) and this is a stage which I worried I might never get to.  It's very easy to have an idea, but to make it become reality takes a lot of work and even more bravery.  I think everybody is afraid of failure, and also the unknown but I am trying to not get too distracted by fear! I have also...

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Meeting Polly Leonard at Selvedge Magazine

I have subscribed to Selvedge magazine for several years and love it for so many different reasons.  Every issue I learn stories about cloth, and the people who make it worldwide.  Textile histories and personal stories are told in detail and brought to life with breathtaking photography. The fashion is ethically produced and always has a fascinating backstory. Every magazine includes garments that would sit happily in my dream wardrobe.   So many artists and craftspeople across the globe have come to my attention in the pages of this bi-monthly publication, such as Celia Pym, Julie Arkel and Adrianna Torres.  I have also learned about local women with rich textile histories including Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth who lived at Gawthorpe Hall, and...

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The Jenni Smith Studio is open for business!

For the last few years I have packed up my car boot several times a week and carried 4 sewing machines and all of my other kit down to the local theatre. I once counted over 15 bags of fabric, wadding and sewing samples! I have taught over 300 classes at Ilkley Playhouse and gained so many loyal customers. The management were amazingly supportive to me as a new business and allowed me flexible times and low rental. I am very grateful, especially to the late Walter Swan who encouraged me to give it a go.  Joining the Entrepreneurial Spark programme in February this year was a big step forward for me. It made me realise that in order to...

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My Interview in Sew Magazine May 2016

Hello everybody,  Here is a link to my interview in this month's Sew Magazine. I was very excited to pop down to my local shop and pick up a copy this morning, though it cost me a small fortune once all of the kids had also picked a magazine each. I am also going to have a go at the free dress pattern with some linen for summer as I doodled something with a similar neckline in my notebook not long ago.  Coming up soon on the blog I have an interview with fabric designer and printmaker Karen Lewis so don't forget to sign up for updates. Please also stop by my shop whilst you are here - I am...

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My very first trade show - Stitches 2016

Last week I had my first experience of a craft-based trade show.  I took part in Stitches at the NEC in Birmingham, Europe's largest event of its kind.  My textile art, quilts and clothes were displayed on the Aurifil stand, the most popular thread on the market for quilters.  I used their products in all of my projects and had made work to showcase their different threads including Brillo (metallic), Lana (wool), Floss and other weights of Egyptian Mako cotton.  My aim was to validate my idea to sell products featuring my designs, as well as other "Beautiful Tools for Creative People". As soon as I arrived I knew that the creative world is where I want to be. I...

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