How to Fix Moth Holes with Scotch Darning (Firework Repair Style)
How to Fix Moth Holes in Cashmere with Scotch Darning (Firework Repair Style) with a workshop in London for Earth Day
sustainability
How to Keep Your House Cool in a Heatwave: 7 Simple Tips That Really Work
Mad hot We hit 35°C here in Wimbledon today, and if you’re wondering how to keep your house cool in a heatwave, I’ve got one tip that’s made a huge difference. Shut your curtains Seriously. And if you don’t have curtains? Hang a blanket over the window instead. It might sound odd, but wool is …
Organic Farming, Seasonal Eating and the Joy of Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
There is something deeply satisfying about cooking with vegetables that have been grown just a few miles from your kitchen, especially this Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Organic Leeks, Garlic and Feta. Supporting local organic farming means fresher food, fewer food miles, healthier soil and a stronger connection to the seasons. Farms like Sutton Community Farm …
How to Freeze Knitwear to Kill Moths (and Protect Your Favourite Jumpers)
There’s a very particular kind of disappointment that comes with spotting a tiny hole in a favourite jumper. (secretly I’m always quite pleased to see a small hole, as I love repairing knitwear!) Not dramatic. Not catastrophic. Just… quietly devastating. More often than not, it isn’t actually moths themselves doing the damage, it’s their larvae, …
The Integra Baby Carrier Harris Tweed Edition: Handmade in Somerset, UK
Ali Clifford writes: When my boys were little, I carried them everywhere with me, we didn’t much use a buggy – they were held close enough to kiss – and feed, and it gave me two free hands to get on with other stuff. As a working mum (Paul was the main stay at home …
About Ali Clifford
Ali Clifford is a mentor to small businesses with a focus on purpose-led brands, craftspeople, artists, and charitable organisations. Read mentoring testimonials here. Ali is also a film maker and story teller, for clients such as the National Gallery (as part of their 200 Creators programme), Woolwich Works, Harriet Riddell, Madeline Meckiffe, goJauntly walking app, …
World Refill Day
World Refill Day returns on June 16th – a Global Day of Action to spotlight reuse, refill, and return as real alternatives to single-use. I’m taking part in the #5DayChallenge from June 16th-20th: five days of simple swaps that show how reuse can fit into everyday life. Here’s how I am joining in: 🧴 Choose …
Jean Genie, reworked denim dungaree overalls
This month’s ‘meet the creative’ is Rebecca McNicol – Becky’s brand is The Jean Genie, reworked denim jeans, into super cute dungaree overalls. Becky writes: “I never set out to start a business.” Honestly? I just wanted to make my son something comfy to crawl, climb, and roll around in. Something that looked cute but …
Meet Brothers We Stand – Designed to please, Ethical production and Made to last
“In recent years, it’s been positive to see pre-loved given greater value. But I’m sorry to say that the consumption of new clothes in the UK is still rising. “ I met Brothers We Stand many years ago at a fashion pop-up that I worked on in London (doing the PR and marketing – it …
A stitch in time saves nine
No idea where this phrase comes from “A stitch in time saves nine” – probably should do some research. BUT it’s something that I say a lot in the visible mending workshops that I host, as we all know how much easier it is to repair a wornout pair of socks, or a hole in …
