Traditional Victorian Christmas Market - Gloucester's Quays

Traditional Victorian Christmas market, suits the setting of Gloucester's Historic Quays, with its beautiful waterfront surrounding, architecture and dazzling lighting.

Christmas music filling the crisp air, as visitors from far and wide; peruse the stalls filled with perfume, jewellery, knitwear, decorations, and artwork. Indulgent hot drinks, yuletide grub and baked goods; all crafted by each individual artisan concession stand, shown in the pictures. 

Here are some of our favourite stalls we visited.

Fly & Thimble - http://www.flyandthimble.co.uk/home/4586961012

Hand finished Clothing and Accessories, Cheltenham

http://www.theperfumedworkshop.co.uk/

Heavenly scented perfumes, organic essential made and distilled in France, produced in Stratford-Upon-Avon

Crystal Gems a hidden secret 

Jewellery and crystals from an exotic traveller

A fantastic day out, for all ages, wood craft workshop, Ferris wheel and Merry go round included.

Wild Wood Coppice Crafts - http://www.wildwoodcrafts.com/

Hand Crafted Wood work, figurines, flowers, chair & ornaments 

Ridge and Furrow - http://www.ridgeandfurrow.co.uk/

Woollen Blankets 

Traditional Gardening equipment

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

A little gift from Fourteen

A little gift from Fourteen

Recently opened gift shop in Stroud; a fascinating find for anyone who comes across it. With so many trinkets, cards, toys, babywear, paintings jewellery & candles. We just adore their kitch independent shop. 

Search for the perfect gift at Fourteen, you're bound to find something special

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fourteen-Lifestyle/1414729032118100

14 Kendrick Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire

Photography Copyright of Madia & Matilda 

 

In the entrance a small Banksy has popped up in the doorway of a mouse bouncing a ball beneath a 'no ball games' sign. 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Q&A with Amelia Orgill New Folk Singer /Songwriter

Q&A with Amelia Orgill New Folk Singer /Songwriter

   

Amelia Orgill shares her music with us for Madia & Matilda SS15 show. Therefore we want to share a little more about Amelia. As when we met Amelia Orgill at the start of the summer, on that sunny day in Bath, Somerset; we never imagined the collaboration would come this far. 

Madia & Matilda: Hi Amelia, Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, moving in to our new season Autumn Winter 14 we thought it would be nice if you could tell us about the piece you selected, as your Top Favourite sustainable pieces, from the Madia & Matilda collection?

Amelia:  Hello! Yes, this piece stood out to me firstly because of the colours. I love wearing navy blue and that with the pale chalky blue skirt seemed like a perfect combination. I’m also a fan of high waisted clothing and I thought this style would suit my figure.

Madia & Matilda: How long you have been singing? 

Amelia: I've been singing for a while and like most kids I sang in the mirror to pop songs and just for fun with my friends.

Madia & Matilda: What are your main influences?

Amelia: We always had music playing in our house which was mainly folk and bluegrass music and my Dad is a musician so I grew up around music. When I was about 16 or 17 my parents took me to the Cambridge Folk Festival and I think I realised there and then I wanted to be a folk singer. I was so inspired by the other artists there like Cara Dillon, Kate Rusby and Emmylou Harris. This is the first year I've started taking it seriously and am doing it full time. I'm working hard on my first new album, busking and playing at gigs and weddings. My dream would be to play on the stage at Cambridge Folk Festival one day! 

Madia & Matilda: Are you trend aware or more of a timeless classics kind of girl?

Amelia:  I like browsing through fashion magazines but I’m not consciously following a trend. I tend to shop in charity shops in Bath and I do find some timeless classics there. I like simple colours and designs.

Madia & Matilda: What do you do to relax in your spare time?

Amelia: Swimming, taking my dog for long walks and I love curling up and watching a box set-Homeland is my current series!

Madia & Matilda: Why does sustainable fashion appeal to you?

Amelia: Any effort to reduce the negative impact the fashion industry can have on the environment is great. I think sustainable clothes are also more unique and special.

Madia & Matilda: What do you consider about sustainable living?

Amelia: I think it is very important to use our Earth’s natural resources. More time should be spent using renewable energy and I think we ought to be making more conscious decisions about waste and the impact it is having on the environment.

Madia & Matilda: What is your biggest style inspiration? 

Amelia: My biggest style inspiration is probably my sister. I borrow a lot of her things when she’s around and sometimes she helps me get ready for gigs.

Madia & Matilda: What inspires you?  

Amelia: I’m inspired when I go to concerts and live music from local musicians. Rainy days also inspire me because I get to stay in and write songs.

Madia & Matilda: Where can we find your music?

Amelia:  I’m just starting a new YouTube channel where I do a video a week so there should be plenty of things to see there!

Madia & Matilda: As, we met you in Bath and you usually sing in Bath, Somerset; what are your favourite haunts in Bath? Where can we find you singing?

Amelia: Local pubs, cafes and music nights around the city and in Somerset and I’m often busking in Bath too!

 Madia & Matilda: Thank you, for spending the time to talk with us, we look forward to hearing your new music

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

To find out more about Amelia, see: 

Follow Amelia on Facebook 

Subscribe to Amelia's page on Youtube

Watch Amelia Busking in Bath: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utWOUSfPjVc

Follow Amelia on Twitter

Photographer Shelley Morecroft 
Hair  Stylist - Stacey Johnson
Make Up Artist - Alison Richards

Madia & Matilda 

Sustainable Clothing 

Follow us on:

Twitter

Facebook

Tumblr

‪

Style Tips for a Pleated Skirt

Wear it with

With A Crop Top

Just showing a little skin, is flattering, with a high column shoe and a simple ponytail displaying a relaxed and casual look.


With either a buttoned front, or a cute zip back the pleated skirt is versatile but also a unique item to include to your summer wardrobe.  

... or Camisole 

For a minimalist style, opt for a plain top, with a wedged strappy sandal. Sophisticated tonal colours work best.
The simple white of the camisole, compliments the sheek vertical greys in the pleated split skirt. 
The Harriet pleated split skirt creates a unique outfit, for those who like to pair a sophisticated look with a cheeky bit of leg on show.

... Or even add a Splash of colour, with a vest, to illuminate that colourful summer look.
The outfit is cool in the summer sun, with the light shades but also suits that formal appearance for those who are busy bees and want a perfect versatile outfit.

... Maybe pair it with a complementary jersey top, for an effortless casual weekend look.  

Items available on www.madiamatilda.co.uk

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Upcycling a pleated skirt

You will need: 

Scissors

Pleated

Ruler

Pins

Tape measure

Iron 

To begin start with laying out your skirt, measure the distance you would like your side split to be. Mark with chalk your split point.

Place the skirt onto a Mannequin or willing model. Measure the distance up from the hem to your desired length. 

Once you have done both sides, lay your skirt on the table and unpick the hem & waistband to as far as u need.  Then cut vertically, from the hem to the waist. 

Turn inside out and sew to the point you marked with the chalk. 

Your skirt should still be inside out, sew down, each side of the split. 

Bar tack across the split opening on the right side up. 

Style as desired, for more details on how to style this skirt see our style tips, available on Tuesday 19.08.14. 

Skirts available on www.madiamatilda.co.uk

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

How to guide to Upcycling Denim Shorts

How to guide to Upcycling Denim Shorts

You will Need:

Pins

Fabric 

Scissors

Jeans/Shorts

1. Cut your denim shorts/jeans to desired length

2. taking the shape of the pocket, cut this from a chosen pattern fabric

3. pin patterned fabric, into shorts and sew into place

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Inspiration for a New Season - Fabric Florals

Inspiration for a New Season

Each season when we design for each collection, we tend to collect information from our everyday lives, ie. newspapers, objects, websites, colours.

I truley believe that inspiration is everywhere, so when I cam across this blog article on fabric flowers, http://www.flaxandtwine.com/2014/05/fabric-flower-tutorial/ this helped to inform our new designs for SS15.

Follow the step by step tutorial for your perfect fabric flowers.

Picture source: http://www.flaxandtwine.com/2014/05/fabric-flower-tutorial/

SS15 coming soon, watch this space for more details

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Creating an Effortless Upcycled Crop Blouse

Inspired by This Old Thing, with Dawn O'Porter upcyling is highlighted, as a way to breath new life into unwanted and unworn clothing or textiles. We loved it so much that we thought we would share with you, our hints & tips to D.I.Y upcycling. Stay tuned for weekly upcycling posts  - Cropped Blouses. 
#upcycling #diy #hintsandtips

Creating an Effortless Upcycled Crop Blouse

You will need:

Blouse

Fabric Strip x2

Scissors

Tailors Chalk

Pins

Sewing Machine

How to upcycle a blouse into an effortless box crop top.

1. Firstly measure the top to the length you would like, including 1 cm hem. Lay the top flat on a clear surface ready to cut.

2. Using tailors chalk or pins to direct where you cut. Cut along the line you drew, with a good pair of scissors. 

3. Hem bottom edge with your sewing machine, with a seam allowance of 1cm.

3. Next fold the shirt in half, matching up both sleeves with a pin.

4. Doing the same as Step 2, only for the sleeves.

5. As for the edge of the sleeve, measure the length of the sleeve and times that by 2, as you will need two of these for each sleeve. Make each fabric strip a 5cm wide.

6. Fold strips in half and place to sleeve edge with 1cm seam allowance, straight stitch with your machine.

Where with high waisted jeans or a fitted skirt; to find out more of my upcycled pieces see here or for crop top styling tips, click here for summer styling. 

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Sustainable Co-Ordinates

Double up with the best two pieces, uniquely individual, yet party worthy crop tops & skirts or crop top & shorts. 

As seen on Amelia Orgill, a Brand New Up & Coming Artist. 

Get your Co-Ordinated looks from Madia & Matilda 

www.madiamatilda.co.uk 

What Sarah Wore..

A little something writen by Sarah Farrell from My Sentimental Heart: 24.05.2014- What I Wore Today #187

An essentials guide to summer sun outfits.

Madia & Matilda - Jane Cream Blouse

Available online at:

http://www.madiamatilda.co.uk/#!all--clothing/cqtv/!/~/product/category=7066265&id=34526682




#ASOS,Boden,Madia and Matilda,Olivia Burton,Outfits,River Island,What I Wore Today



Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Gingham Trend Check

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gingham Trend Check

Winter has finally gone and with the clouds clearing up, a key spring/summer trend has emerged. Gingham, we at Madia & Matilda have it covered, wear it as an all in one or style up this trend. Gingham is a trend that just keeps coming back, which has been around for centuries, yet in this elegant look it can also be very playful. After seeing this look at New York Fashion Week, it is definitely a great transitional look into Spring.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda

Photography
Derek Lam – Spring Summer 14 - Trends to Try Right Now - Gingham Trend
Shop this Look on Madia & Matilda Today - Spring Summer 14 - NEW IN

Bath a City Loved By Madia & Matilda

Bath a City Loved

By

Madia & Matilda

The Beautiful city of Bath is where you will find us whether it be shopping at Colonge & Cotton or Eating out at Made by Ben, a quaint little hidden gem of a cafe, tuck away on Walcot St. http://www.cologneandcotton.com/epages/CologneAndCotton.sf

http://www.madebyben.com/gallery

With so much do see and do in Bath, we have made a list of our favourite places to visit:

Guild hall

Situated near the river bank of Pulteney Bridge, the Guild Hall and Roman Baths are the main attraction for visitors around the world, with function rooms and the market.  The Guild hall is a real part of the heritage in Bath. To find out more visits:

http://www.bathvenues.co.uk/guildhall.aspx

http://romanbaths.co.uk/

Roman Bath Kitchen

A fantastic restaurant to sit, eat and let the music; in the street take your cares away. When Madia & Matilda visited the Roman Bath Kitchens, we sat outside for lunch, on what felt like a lovely summers day listening to new artists sing, and watching tourists walk by, enthralled by the atmosphere.

http://www.romanbaths.co.uk/visiting/roman_baths_kitchen.aspx

Fudge Kitchen

Sweet treat, in an assortment of Luxury fudge flavours. Made with fresh whipped cream; created in small batches. Definitely a great gift, if you are visiting Bath. You can even watch as they make the fudge. Location - Near the Roman Bath Kitchens in the Abbey Churchyard.

http://www.fudgekitchen.co.uk/

Scarlet Vintage

Tucked away on the cobbled streets of Bath is a quirky little vintage shop, with a great selection of Vintage pieces. Scarlet Vintage is located on Queen Street, near Milsom St.

http://www.scarletvintage.co.uk/

Bora

Madia & Matilda love Bora for its casual, effortless style, feminine prints and ‘love me for the rest of your life’ ethics. Bora has captured our hearts, with most lavishing tweeds and cashmere. Once wrapped up in one of their pieces, it is instantiates love for the label.  Produced in Scottish mills; with an ethical and sustainable outlook, the Bora store in Bath is worth a visit. http://www.brora.co.uk/

Found

Concept store, full of carefully selected independent Designers, contemporary objects, Luxury accessories and jewellery; home and office goodies. Found is favourite of Madia & Matilda’s for the originality of the store and it selection of products.  Located in Argyle St, Found is a must see visit whilst in Bath.

http://foundbath.co.uk/

Amongst our favourite haunts, you'll find Madia & Matilda at Bath Artisan Market a real hub for creative and artisan people. Based at Green Park Station in Bath every fourth Sunday of the Month.

http://bathartisanmarket.com/

Spotlight on Stroud Town

 

Spotlight on Stroud Town

Home to Madia & Matilda HQ, Stroud town is a Beautiful market town, centred in the middle of five valleys. Madia & Matilda decided it was time to shine a light on favourite haunts and shops to visit.

Duffle Vintage outfitters
Offering menswear, womenswear and soft vintage furnishings. Duffle Vintage outfitters, is a part of Stroud’s vintage lovers community.

Withey’s yard and Mills Cafe
Withey’s Yard, hidden haunts with a small collection of shops and organic food cafe’s, like Mills Cafe serving delicious treats, or Yards Ahead for the avid sewer, stocks fabrics patterns and Curtains supplies.

Walkers Bakery
As one of Stroud’s longest standing Bakeries, established 53 years ago. Walkers, captures the historical spirit of Stroud town with fresh Bread, buns and sandwiches, the choice is vast and it’s no wonder people keep coming back.

Stroud Subscription Rooms
Stroud Subscription Rooms is a perfect outing destination, with the tourist information and regular events, classes being held at the Subscription Rooms. 
 
Kendrick St Gallery
For the crafty, a fantastic art supply shop, with everything from acrylic paints to canvases and oil paint. You'll never be in short supply.
Sincerely Madia & Matilda

“half-arsed ethics" Sustainable Fashion

“half-arsed ethics" Sustainable Fashion

Susanna Lau ‘Susie Bubble’ Style Bubble article on “half-arsed ethics" has stirred up feelings of why I started this label, Madia & Matilda. For so long practices within the industry, have been environmentally-unfriendly, unsavoury practices that simple do not look at the little person; primarily for monetary reasons.

Prompting me to design upcycled and sustainable clothing from unloved garments and left over remnants, using up things that people have disregarded as not beautiful or useful; due to a lack to knowledge or regard to the severity of consumption. I wished to conquer this by upcycling and making the garments in house; leading to a less wasteful world.

Having previously, worked for the high street retailers; suppliers and design houses. I felt like not enough was being done to stop our wasteful society, I wanted to branch out and design ethical fashion, which I knew where the chain started. I ran with the assumption that if one change could have a knock on effect, to how we view sustainability and ethics, perhaps there would be more change. Buying sustainable or vintage does not have to be buying worn hand me downs. If carefully selected and creatively made it can be something beautiful, precious; a unique piece to cherish and keep forever, making the longevity of a garment live on.

Finally someone in the industry has seen what the effects of labour practices in fashion production is doing, Change is coming and its coming now. Eco fashion has had a stigma for so long, however I completely agree with Susie view, ‘it’s the fashion houses that should be offering an eco collections. Not the eco-clothing offering fashion.’

To stop the problem, it has to be stopped at the source, though knowing where your clothes are made. However, that does not mean to stop shopping at high street shop all together, just to make better choices within the industry and from ethical retailers. Making better choices will lead to a more sustainable industry.

Through this ideology thus Madia & Matilda was born.

Sincerely Madia & Matilda