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?