Here’s a picture of a Norwegian jumper my dad bought for skiing in 1950-something.

Back in the 80’s, I whimsically added it to my ‘young fogey’ student wardrobe.
Now I’m getting closer towards becoming a genuine fogey, and into gardening, would you believe. So the jumper has recently been ‘retired’ into my ‘weekend-on-the-allotment’ collection.

Over time it’s become a favourite, if rather ragged, possession that I just can’t seem to part with.

My ever-dapper dad is now ’somewhere’ over 70…. but his spirit is as young as ever.

Dig you, dad!

Since publication, the facts in the above have been challenged: read comments below

I can’t quite believe it has been a couple of months since I last posted an entry into the Diary. Brought to my attention by an increasing number of queries as to where I’ve got to, and one yesterday that wondered if I was still in business!

Crikey. YES! YES! YES! I’ve just been so, well, busy.
I always thought I was good at coping with the busy-ness of business, but nothing quite prepares you for how ‘doing your own thing’ completely takes over your life.

So please forgive me while I get myself composed…

back in 5.

The upside of starting your own business is the freedom to do things your way. Every day is an adventure in possibility. There’s always an opportunity to follow or an improvement to be made or a new design to try out.
The downside is that you never find time to book a holiday and you rarely see your other half. (Unless, of course, you’re in it together).

Just as well, then, that G had booked us both onto a leather course sometime back in September. Of course, he knew I couldn’t resist. (quite canny, really).
As a result, we’ve just come back from a superb break. Although not quite the same as a week drinking gluvine in the Alps (sorry, G), it was at just the right time of year, when you’re feeling a bit jaded and worn down.

I absolutely love the courses that Val Michael and Neil McGregor hold in their workshop in Tetbury.
Val and Michael are the most inspiring leather craftspeople I’ve met in my 18 years in the leather industry.

As well as their courses, they have a healthy business making hand-stitched designs of their own, as well as commissions for rock-stars and royalty, restoring antiques, and providing knowledge and expertise to museums and shows. Modest to their roots, they don’t mention any of this on their website.

Their workshop is bliss. Not a machine -or computer, for that matter- in sight. Everything is hand-stitched and crafted. Peace. Calm. And lashings of tea and cake just when you need it.
As well as an education for the novice it is also a reminder for the experienced designer what leather, and honest, no-fuss quality, is all about. I came away inspired and full of renewed love for what I do (oh, and G, of course!)

I quite often get emailed from people wanting to know how to become a handbag designer, what’s the best fashion degree etc. My advice would be to get onto one of Val and Michael’s courses before you do anything else. You will learn more about leather, how things are made, and the endless possibilities that come not just from creative thought, but from the marriage of that with working with your hands. And for any die-hard designer like myself, it’s a wonderful tonic to start the new year. Plop,plop, fizz!

I’m getting quite a few questions about what colour to buy… people love the Rhubarb and Ginger colours, but are a bit new to goat skin and how it will wear.

To get an idea of how it looks with use, this is my Villa Tote and Extrovert’s Card Case, my original samples, which I’ve been using for the last seven months.

Goat is an incredibly hardwearing leather, whilst also being very lightweight to carry and beautifully soft. Even when stuffed to the brim, the handles are super-soft and comfortable.

It’s very rare to get a bag this size in goat, however, because the tannery has to find skins that are big enough and, because I also like the natural character of the leather to shine through, they also have to be really good quality (no spray-painted finishes here)…

A challenge but, I think, worth it. This style is made from two whole hides. The factory thought I was mad… I must admit, I’m not normally decadent but, hey, every once in a while…!