I have the best job. I’m a wine scientist and I get to go to wine conferences all around the world. And usually in very nice places.
Like Brighton, England.
Brighton Pier, from the perspective of a merry-go-round horse
Who knew that English sparkling wine had become so good? Not all the consequences of climate change are bad!
The Pier at night, and the beach early one weekend morning
The conference itself was terrific, and a lot of thought went into the social events too.
We had a welcome reception at the Brighton Pavilion Museum, wine tasting at the Aquarium (suitably lit with rainbow colours, and fortunately the wine was not accompanied by sushi as initially planned… I kid you not), and a very British themed gala dinner in the Hilton Metropole’s ball room (wine options, a quiz show, a charity raffle then a Beatles tribute band).
Lots of fun.
Brighton itself is full of life, and full of lots of interesting shops. I showed remarkable restraint. That restraint was very much aided by me having a very small amount of free time and a very specific shopping list.
Dïtto Fabrics delivered!
What a great shop. Had the best conversation with a fellow sewist and Gill, the owner. Sewing peeps are the best!
I came home with two suitings (one wool, one linen, both reversible) and a boiled wool with an pastel overprinted pattern.
So what’s happening now I’m home? Apart from petting those new fabrics?!
It’s all about IKEA home decorating fabrics at the moment.
IKEA project #1
I’m making as summer weight coat from this upholstery fabric. And I’m very pleased with how the pattern matching is going. That’s a side seam and a horizontal pocket you’re looking at.
I’d love to get this done before I fly out again in a few days time to go to another wine conference . This time it’s Switzerland. I know, I know, it really is a terrible job I have.
IKEA project #2
This project is still at the flat pack stage.
Felicity and I have a Sound of Music performance to attend in August. We have to have dresses made out of curtain fabric. Have to.
Shall I go all dirndl-y or should I treat this more like a toile and try out some new patterns?
He Cooks... She Sews! 
dirndl dirndl dirndl [ooh I feel all woozy!]
Why am I not surprised you say this?!
They’re so priddy!
Pattern matching like a boss. You do have the best job don’t you, I’m travelling vicariously through you, don’t stop showing me where you go or I’ll have sad face.
Noted. Will do my best not to let you have sad face.
Is oenologist a term for wine scientist?
We’re no scientists, but my husband and I make some pretty good cabernet sauvignon ourselves.
It is indeed. Sounds like you’re winemakers, and since you are Australian winemakers, you’re one of my stakeholders!
You’re so authentic – dresses from curtains. Can’t wait to see them.
They are going to be great, even if they’re terrible. I hope…
Oh cool, you are going to my home country! Where exactly are you going?
Fabric shopping might be very disappointing and /or expensive depending on location. We also don’t have many famous fabrics you could look at as a souvenir. Except of course the St. Gallen lace.
The conference is at Nyon. I don’t think I’ll have much free time to shop though (and this is a work trip, so that’s fair enough!). I arrive on Sunday afternoon into Geneva then the conference runs Monday though to Thursday. I’m off again late Thursday afternoon.
I’d love some St Gallen lace, but I suspect my budget and lifestyle could not justify purchasing some.
Ditto fabrics is the best! glad you enjoyed your trip
I’ve long admired your fabrics from Ditto ( and the garments you make from them, that should go without saying!). Now I’ve been to the source.
My sister lives in Geneva and only once I pestered her until she brought me to a fabric shop. The fabrics were top choice but the prices were out of this world. Then she told me lots of uber rich Saudis spend their summers in Geneva. No kidding…
I am leaving Switzerland in an hour or so, and have not been near a fabric shop, or any shops of any sort. But thats okay. I’m in Paris on the weekend…