Author: Arch Copy
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Rescue mission
A 1930s jacket. It’s made of a patchwork of silk-stitched shapes in icy blue, olive green and two purples. At first glance, in great shape. However, we have several holes, some of which I think are cigarette burns. Some mending required. But the biggest challenge: laundering. It usually is. Handwash She smelled quite musty, so…
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A thrifting roundup
I’ve been on QUITE the charity shop crawl, but interspersed with antique shops and vintage boutiques. Very treat for little old island me. I’m in Somerset for a week, cat-sitting an amiable little baby boy. I was feeling a bit daunted by a week away from home but it turns out I’d be happy as…
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Real bodies
I learned to sketch bodies for clothes in college. But I learned to sketch bodies that do not exist. Last year, I got a Remarkable tablet to help with my brain and the unexpected outcome is that I started sketching clothes again. I began with the body I’d learned, the body that doesn’t exist –…
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What is THIS?
To walk into a slightly grimy charity shop in a West Country market town and find the THIS I am referring to – it’s in the top-10 thrifting moments of my life. And it’s ranking pretty high. It’s a peacock-blue shot silk coat with knife-pleat panels in other jewel colours. It has a giant fuchsia…
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A very practical magic
My mother’s mother was the most centred, practical, measured woman I’ve ever known. She was a midwife and when she was district, she’d go around on her bicycle. I can recall a bike lock chain with a blue plastic coating – probably the same bike, years later. I dream of her house. I still have…
Arch Creative 