What Are My Clothes Made Of?

Meet the Fabrics

This week, Madia & Matilda bring you their collective wisdom about fabrics, plus some cool stuff about being eco-friendly while you're being clothing friendly.

What d'you mean there's more ironing to do? Pass the wine Janice. 

Cotton: the Sturdy, Stand-By-Me Friend in the Squad

Cotton is pretty hardy, as fabrics go. Of the friendship group it's the dependable, wise friend you can always count on (who is also ultra-breathable and machine-washable). Cotton is a natural fibre which is lovely to wear next to the skin. 

Linen: the Comfy, Badass Grandma Who Has No Time for Your Rubbish

Another natural fibre, linen shares many of cotton's best qualities: it's breathable, durable and comfortable to wear. Linen's other great qualities are its amazing durability, non-stretchiness and keeps you cooler than cotton in the heat.

Silk: the Mind-Blowing, Ethereal, Emotionally Unstable Beauty Queen 

Silk is a natural fibre which is famously picky when it comes to care. However, it's such a beautiful fabric that many people just can't resist its charm. It's breathable, hypoallergenic and comfortable to wear, and that's just for starters! 

Wool: the Lovely Warm Grandad with the Scratchy Beard

Another natural, hypoallergenic fibre! Wool is incredible: cosy and comfy, both insulating and breathable, what's not to like?! (Unless you're vegan. Fair Play.) Wool is also dust-resistant (take that, dust allergies!). True, it can be scratchy, but nobody's perfect.

Polyester/Nylon: One Half of the Glam, Up-For-It Plastic Fantastics

Polyester and nylon are both man-made materials derived from plastic. They were invented in the '50s, and have enjoyed much fame since as a hardy material. Quick-drying and great at maintaining shape, polyester and nylon are good all-rounders. 

Acrylic: the Other Half of the Glam, Up-For-It Plastic Fantastics

Acrylic clothing is similar to polyester and nylon: versatile, easy to  wear and care for. Another synthetic plastic fibre, acrylic fibres were invented by the Germans in the '40s. If you're trying to buy less plastic, you may want to avoid buying acrylic clothing. 

Clothing Care and the Planet: Compatible?
Washing machines and electric dryers typically use lots of energy, but there are lots of ways you can cut down your energy consumption while giving your clothes great care. 

• Wash your clothes less, e.g. wash jeans every week or so rather than every couple of days. Really, it's that simple! 
• Use a biodegradable, petroleum-free washing detergent (see below!). Or you could use soap nuts, super cool little berries which are harvested largely from trees in India and Nepal. ("Chuck a few more nuts in the washing machine would you, honey?" Go on, you know you want an excuse to say that)
• Give your dryer a rest (or send it into retirement) by letting your washing dry naturally. On a sunny, breezy day your washing could be dry in an hour. Amazing!
• Make sure you're putting on full loads of washing instead of just a couple of items. This will save you money as well as reducing the amount of energy you use
• Hand wash silk or wool items. This also reduces risk of the fabric warping or shrinking. Use a special wool/silk detergent and be gentle!
• For other ways to make your clothing care greener, visit this link

Ecover and the Green Clean Crew

Ecover are champs of the green clean initiative. Created and based in Belgium, Ecover make effective cleaning products that smell amazing. You may have heard people saying that green cleaning products aren't as effective as mainstream, chemical-based ones, but it's just not true. Give it a go, and let us know what you think! Read more about the ethos of Ecover here.

Method also make beautiful clean products which clean beautifully well (try saying that three times fast!). Created by "former roommates" and fellow "superheroes" Adam and Eric, Method products are "gentler than a thousand puppy licks" and do a wonderful job of cleaning your home! How's that for endorsement?! For more about the Method method, click here.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Sustainable Christmas

Happy Sustainable Christmas!

It’s a well-known fact that we all enjoy indulging ourselves a little more than usual at Christmas – whether it be by buying our loved ones more gifts planned, treating yourself while Christmas shopping (cos that shizzle is exhausting!), or having to unzip your jeans after dinner. But spoiling ourselves this season does not mean we need to spoil our planet too.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a sustainable Christmas this year. Challenge accepted? 

1) Sustainable Christmas Trees

Christmas is a massive tree brushing the ceiling of your living room, adorned with glittery baubles and lights and memories of Christmases past, right? Doesn't have to be! Why not try an artificial tree for a more Sustainable Christmas – these can be bought from most shops and last on average up to 20 years.

Not only that, but they come in all shapes and sizes – for example, there is the classic artificial tree, but also more unconventional trees such as this stunning steel tree above. Stick it away in the loft when January rolls around and re-use every year!

Another option for a sustainable Christmas tree would be to rent one! Yes, you read that right. There are now companies all over the UK, such as Forever Green, Christmas Tree Rentals, or Living Christmas who specialise in growing Christmas trees in pots. You simply order yours, they deliver it and you water it every day. Then, come January, the company comes to pick it back up and look after it all year until it gets rented again the following Christmas. The benefit of this is that trees are not simply being planted to be chopped right down again come Christmas time. Here at M&M, we think renting Christmas trees is a pretty great idea and will certainly be renting ours from now on!

2) Eco-friendly decorations

There is nothing prettier than an autumnal wreath on the front door at Christmas time and our friends at Fleur de Rue in Stroud Town Centre are selling the most stunning wreaths that would look amazing in any home this winter!

Why not pop down to their stall and have a little nosey for yourself at their beautiful pieces?

3) Recycle your tree!

You do not have to rent a tree or buy a fake one to be sustainable this Christmas. Make sure to recycle your tree when Christmastime is over and ensure you're not contributing to the 90% that end up in a landfill. For advice on recycling your tree, simply call your local council.

4) Send e-cards

Not in the mood to handwrite hundreds of Christmas cards this year? No worries – check out how to create an e-card and then email them to your recipients. The process takes minutes and all your cards can be sent at the same time – saving you time and effort, which means more time to get into the Christmas spirit with your family and save trees in the process! Win-win! Or a voucher from us, now what's not to love! 

5) Why not try a Vegan Christmas dinner?

The Vegan Food and Living website has some incredible Christmas meals and snacks to try. What's to stop you from updating your Christmas dinner, whilst still allowing for tradition? Check them out now for stunning and simple recipes such as Vegan Christmas Pie and Vegan Tofu “Egg” Nog and enjoy a sustainable Christmas dinner.

6) Eat your leftovers!

Boxing Day's leftover-sandwiches are a great part of the season's culinary offerings. Ensure to make your Christmas leftovers last and avoid throwing away good food this Christmas instead of binning your food remains. Books such as Love Your Leftovers from Friends of The Earth are a great way of doing this, but failing that, it might be an idea to donate your leftovers to your local homeless shelter. For some, it may be the only Christmas dinner they will get this year and you will be helping to cut down on global food waste whilst making someone feel loved. Is that not what Christmas is all about?!

However you choose to spend Christmas this year, we hope this has been of some help to you in having a more sustainable Christmas! All of us at M&M would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year and thank you for all your support this year.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Home - Ed Sewing Classes

Blogger Feature

Meet Florence! The fairy-like blogger living in - we are totally obsessed with this little cutie's style and her amazing photos! We caught up with Florence to chat about her influences, beauty secrets and the inspirations behind the styles Florence has selected from the Madia & Matilda Summer 17 collection.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

I'm Flo, I'm a student, fashion addict and a total dessert-lover. I also have an adorable dog who's 10 years old so he's practically an old man.

How long have you been Blogging for? 

I started in 2010, so it has been over 7 years since I've started blogging. It's one of my passions because it helped me make friends when I'm down and lonely. Also it has brought me closer to many other bloggers out there. I've also learned a lot about fashion trends and what's good and bad. 

Is there anything specific that inspired your Madia & Matilda photoshoot?

I always take my shots against a white background, which fits the Madia & Matilda brand very well. Your style is simplistic, elegant and minimal, with a feminine, gentle twist. I tried to get this feeling across in my photos. 

Which is your favourite Madia & Matilda piece of our Summer 17 collection? 

I adore the Rache Denim Dress- it's so pretty and simplistic. It just screams "classy"! 

Beauty secrets... 

Sleep well, eat well and exercise! I also use lots of moisturizer as I have dry skin. Sunscreen helps! 

If you can take us to your hometown for a day, where will you take us to? 

I'd take you to the street markets down in the busiest parts of town, near Mong Kok. It has got the best street food you'll ever eat! 

Follow you at... florathefish 

on Instagram! Or check out my website at

http://www.fantailflo.com/2017/06/luxury-sustainable-fashion-madia.html

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Why Madia & Matilda have an epic Sale

We are Sustainable British Fashion.

Made and created in the Cotswolds Gloucestershire, in Great Britain. At the end of each season (2 per year - being that we only design in a slow fashion manner) and for special events, Madia & Matilda has a sale. It is important to us, as an ethical fashion business, to find ways to encourage more conscious way of shopping, and supporting the work and livelihood of our producers. The Madia & Matilda sale is much more than a chance to clear out the rails, but also away of  Helping to reduce waste; plus you can always grab a great bargain, even if we do say so our selves.

 Find out more about our processes, ethos and care information 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

NEWS - Red Nose Day 2017

In support of Red Nose Day 2017, Madia & Matilda are happy to announce we will be giving a £1 donation to the charity for every sale made until the end of the month.

Look as Ab-Fab as Jo this Red Nose Day and support children in the UK and Africa suffering from poverty and injustice.

Adele Cream Shirt

Why not try out our Adele Cream Shirt and Eurora Pleated Skirt for a combo perfect for giggling in this Red Nose Day?

Eurora Pleated Skirt

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

#InternationalWomensDay

With International Women's Day being yesterday, we thought we would take the time to celebrate all things Female. Here at Madia & Matilda, we believe women should relish in the achievements of each other and celebrate our beauty and uniqueness as individual women and our clothes are designed to celebrate that.

Alicia Mini Skirt

Each lovely lady in your life - be it your gal pals, your mum, a sister or aunt, or even a celeb you look up to - is important in shaping who you are, and we want to celebrate YOU! To do this, women should support each others strengths and weakness and relish in our individuality and unique beauty.

Love Your Body. 

Why not try some of our Lola's Apothecary scented candles to make loving your body just a little sweeter? A beauty label Loved by Emma Watson our Girl Crush and inspirational ethical advocate.

Another option would be to treat yourself, or a lovely lady in your life, to something from our new collection, available today. Can't choose? Why not pick up a voucher and choose later?

Phoebe Skirt

We are all about the good vibes! 

Lets keep it going! Help us celebrate International Womens Day today by posting a selfie on Instagram with the hashtag #madiamatildababes #InternationalWomensDay and tagging @madiamatilda_insider for a chance to be featured on our Insider Instagram later this week!

Be proud of who you are!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

AREA CODE - Curious in Cardiff

Today we want to celebrate the lovely city that is Cardiff, which is where our showcase is taking us next! Why not join us on the 10^th and take the time to enjoy some of these awesome opportunities at the same time?

1)    Cardiff Bay

Cardiff’s waterfront offers loads to do for all ages and interests. Not only is it home to various eateries, boat trips and cultural attractions, but it is enough to keep you occupied all day, and night. The Cardiff Bay barrage holds a wicked kids’ playground to entertain any little ones you might have with you, and boat trips are available if you prefer to see the Bay from a little closer up. Our particular favourite has to be Mermaid Quay bars and amusements though, so keep an eye out for those!

2)    National Museum Cardiff and St Fagans National History Museum

The National Museum Cardiff is one that’s fun for all the family, as it is home to the likes of Impressionist paintings and dinosaurs and the world’s largest Leatherback Turtle and a skeleton of a Humpback Whale! They even offer a Guided Tour daily from 12.30pm that last approximately 35 minutes.

St Fagans Museum is also another top 10. Not only is it one of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction, but admission is also free! The Museum has been open since 1948 and is still going strong, with various events taking place on site throughout the year. Check out what they have to offer here.

3)    Cardiff Castle



A must-see for any history buff you are bringing along with you! Explore the stunning blast-to-the-past and history within the castles walls.

4)    Farmers Market

This is perhaps our number one on our list of Cardiff to-dos! Not only is the food all locally sourced, something we here at Madia and Matilda are very passionate about, but they also support local businesses. The Market is celebrating its 19^th year this year and is sure to be another incredible year. Check it out here.

5)    The Cardiff Story

The Cardiff Story is a good way to start your own Cardiff story of explorations! It is housed in the beautiful Old Library Building in the middle of the city and, quite literally, tells the story of Cardiff! This includes the transformation of Cardiff from a small market town to the cosmopolitan city we know and love nowadays. Find out more here.

Don’t just listen to me, take a sneak peek at what these Cardiff bloggers have to say about the EPIC city here.

Have a great trip!

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

AREA CODE - Dreaming of Durham

Following the success of our little excursion to Chelsea last month, we will be heading to the lovely town of Durham shortly and wanted to give you guys some ideas of what you can get up to in Durham when the shows finished!

Go Stargazing at Hamsterley Forest

Why not join local amateur astronomer Neill Sanders, former volunteer at Kielder Observatory and member of the Go Stargazing team, between 28th March until 30th March for an evening of fun for all the family stargazing at Hamsterley Forest through large telescopes.

Open Treasure - Beasts

Who needs a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter when Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral exists?! This is an exhibition of the weird and wonderful beasts and monsters which have fascinated people from earliest times and is sure to amaze any HP fans in your life, big or small!

Available now until 10th June with various opening times (see website for more details).

Durham Castle: Family Fun Tour

Bring the whole family to Durham Castle Tours on 31st March and enjoy a family-focused tour around Durham Castle, with activities for children throughout the tour.

Please note that charges do apply for this.

Bishop Auckland Food Festival

For the foodie's, Bishop Auckland Food Festival taking place 1st April to 2nd April is the obvious choice. Not only is it the region’s biggest food event, growing year on year hosting a whole programme of events and activities including celebrity chefs, cookery demo’s, street entertainment and a demonstration kitchen, it is also hosted in Auckland Castle - stunning food, stunning venue, what more could you possibly want?!

North Pennines Observatory Open Evening: Jupiter and its Moons

For something a little more romantic, join experienced astronomer Graham Relf on 7th April (Open 19:00 - 22:00) at North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Ireshopeburn where he will lead a talk about the planet Jupiter, and if the skies are clear you may be lucky enough to see it yourself through a telescope!

After a giggle? Why not hit The Gala Theatre on Friday 14th April for their Funny Bones Comedy Club! A monthly dose of funnies with a mix of seasoned stand-ups and new comedic talents ready to have you laughing your socks off.

Beamish Museum

Throughout the year, Beamish hosts lots of interesting events for all the family to enjoy, including The Great North Festival of Transport, a Georgian Fair, The Great North Festival of Agriculture and much more. They even host a whole season of events just for Christmas!

Experience a real sense of your past at Beamish, and discover what life was like in North East England in the 1820s,1910s and 1940s .

Why we love it at Madia & Matilda: Beamish is a living, working museum, set in 300 acres of beautiful Durham countryside. Costumed folk bring to life the Town, Pit Village, Home Farm and Pockerley Old Hall.

You are also able to experience first-hand how the Industrial Revolution transformed agricultural life in the region as the buildings you see at Beamish are not replicas, but have been brought, brick by brick, from around the region and rebuilt to give visitors a real sense of history.

Also note: Tickets to Beamish are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase for an unlimited number of daytime visits to the Museum. Visit the website for full details.

Events at Beamish Museum March-April:

Great North Festival of Transport

This hugely popular festival gets bigger and better every year. Therefore, we think it is a must for enthusiasts and  a fantastic family activity for all to get involved in!

29th March – 23rd April (Open 10:00 - 17:00).

Old Kind Coal

This five-day celebration of the rich mining heritage of North East England is a definite must-have for any history buffs you may have joining you. Not only can you join in in the banner parades, but also have the chance to enjoy performances by local brass bands.

29 March to 2 April (Open 10:00 - 17:00).

Great North Steam Fair

This is an annual steam fair with an amazing line-up of visiting vehicles and Beamish Transport, in action and on view for all to see! Please the little ones or the boys that refuse to grow up with the likes of motorcycles, lorries and much more.

6th – 9th April (Open 10:00 - 17:00).

Horses at Work

More into animals? No worries! See magnificent horses at work around Beamish museum throughout April, including ponies, carriage horses and heavy horses. We also recommend staying to watch the incredible cavalry display.

22nd - 23rd April (Open 10:00 - 17:00).

Whatever you get up to in Durham, make sure to pop along to our event! Further details to be released later this week.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda