Do you remember our lovely (blog)house guest zoë? You may recall she was the lucky one who went to the opening of the anthropologie store in London (Regent St) last year, and reported her experience right here for us with an exclusive post including photos of the store displays…
one of zoë’s fab photos taken inside anthropologie
You may also recall that zoë made a big decision last year to leave Amsterdam, bound for British Shores. Her new place of residence is beautiful Bath, and although I have yet to visit her there I’ve been keeping up to date with her adventures via email and skype.
The other day, zoë casually mentioned that she has been helping out at a little craft workshop in town called The Makery (pictured above). I said “oh, is that the fab place that susannah took that gorgeous polaroid of a little while ago and shared it on sfgirlbybay?” And she said, “that’s the one!” And I said, “oh oh! Next time you’re there, would you mind taking some photos and writing a little something about it for the (blog)house?” and she said, “no worries mate!”. Of course she didn’t say those exact words at the end, that’s just me being carefree with my poetic license. again.
So here in this post are some of the great pics zoë took at her recent visit to The Makery, and here is what she has to say about it. Take is away, zoë …
“Run by husband and wife team Kate and Nigel, The Makery is a creative workshop space housed in a lovely old shop in Bath. It’s a magical place – people’s faces light up when they walk in the door, and no one frowns, unless it’s in concentration! There’s inspiration to be found at every turn – old tee shirts become cuddle monsters, socks become little piggies, or funky pocket rabbits, pretty fabric remnants find new life as children’s outfits made from vintage patterns. There are jars of buttons, piles of ribbons, rolls of lace and glitz galore just waiting to embellish someone’s project.
“There are frilly knickers to be made, and furniture to revamp, and natural beauty products to be concocted. Even practical skills are packaged in fun – Basic Sewing starts with strips of cheerful bunting, or reversible tote bags, and moves on to curtains, cushions or patchwork as you master the techniques. Materials are re-used, recycled or revamped wherever possible, and the atmosphere is always relaxed, fun and welcoming. During the school holidays the kid’s club is full of fun and giggles, and twice a week the space is given over to the Makery Cafe – an “open door” session where you can get advice on those half-finished projects, make use of the machines and tools, or just enjoy a natter over tea and coffee and delicious cake.”
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Thank you dear zoë – perfect reporting, as usual. I’d love to see more places like The Makery and Papered Parlour, wouldn’t you? If you know of more places like these in your local areas, perhaps you can let us know in a comment below.
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Beside the handmade goodness of the whole place, I love the little garden The Makery have out the back, with all the special touches like the sweet make-shift strawberry patch on this old chair…
And check out the view over the wooden fence…
Ah Bath, it’s a beautiful place. And if The Makery and the landscape of Bath hasn’t charmed you enough, perhaps Rufus has your number…
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All photographs in this post by zoë yule.
So that’s where you disappeared to, Zoe! Hope you’re enjoying Bath. Thanks for this little peek into the delights.
September 13th, 2010 | #
*sigh*
Looks heavenly.
Thanks for the gorgeous photographs and lovely store round up. Bath seems like such a beautiful place.
September 13th, 2010 | #
It’s so lovely…and what a beautiful view to be close to everyday! It’s making me wish to be transported into a more delicate, simple space right now. Thanks for this post…very inspiring!
Julie xo
September 13th, 2010 | #
Simply gorgeous! I love this little treasure of a place. I wish I could go now! Great pictures…thanks so much for sharing! xo
September 13th, 2010 | #
Bath looks so beautiful. I hope to visit one day. And yes, Rufus definitely has my number.
September 14th, 2010 | #
I wish I could sew.
What breed of dog would dear Rufus be? How do I convince my cat he needs a puppy?
September 14th, 2010 | #
How serendipitous that you write about Bath, England today as I was just having a facebook conversation with two of my highschool friends about visiting Bath. One of whom lives in Bath with her three children and I will be sure to send her this link and the other one will be visiting Bath mid-April ’11 and is looking for a place to rent for her family. Thank you!
September 14th, 2010 | #
Oh, Zoe, it’ is so nice to hear of your where abouts… I still rememmber your guest post on a wonderful house in Amsterdam…
Great! And it seems you have found a wonderful spot in England!
What a charming place for things to be made…Lovely post!
Thank you! And thank you Pia!
XX
Victoria
September 14th, 2010 | #
Oh Pia, I so enjoyed this post and the beautiful photographs … love the little dog !!!
September 14th, 2010 | #
Ohh, I used to live in Bath! This has made me want to go back for a visit. No Makery when I was there (I would have set up camp in their back yard I think)…but Waterstone’s bookshop did a fantastic hot chocolate and marshmallow drink.
September 14th, 2010 | #
What a great venture! It sounds like a great place and the scenery is beautiful. Very inspiring to hear this story, thanks for sharing!
September 14th, 2010 | #
okay, that’s decided it – i’m going back to the Makery when i get back to Bath! and Zoe, we must finally organise that coffee! 🙂
September 14th, 2010 | #
Hi Tara and Victoria, it’s so great to be back here, even briefly! Yes, I’ve found a wonderful spot in Bath and enjoying it very much 🙂
MissHeliotrope, Rufus is a Working Cocker Spaniel, which means he is quite possibly the most well-behaved, well-trained, respectful Cocker Spaniel I certainly have ever met. Everyone at the Makery loves him to bits 🙂 (Oh, and he’s quite friendly around cats!)
Susannah, do come by sometime when you get back, we’d love to see you there! We will definitely catch up soon 😀
September 15th, 2010 | #
Hi Pia, thanks for sharing this. Wow, if we only had a Makery here in the Netherlands and preferably in my neighbourhood… inspiring and so encouraging to see that people follow their ideas and dreams…
September 16th, 2010 | #
Hi lovely Pia and Zoe – if you’re in London, you should check out The Make Lounge – not as pretty as the Makery but very similar! http://www.themakelounge.com/
September 16th, 2010 | #
This makes me want to take a bath and then go there.
September 18th, 2010 | #
Oh how heartbreaking (but lovely) to read this post- I went to the UK in June including a visit to Bath, and I’m desperate to return. Every image I see of England makes a thump in my throat…
I hope to echo Zoe’s move next year, only I will be leaving Australia- a much bigger puddle jump!
September 19th, 2010 | #
This is really inspiring! I love the text on the window! And loved your post today about the oil paintings! bisou Len
September 20th, 2010 | #
Hello Pia, again a fabulous post.
Also if you are in Spain, you should check out
http://news.bonitofabrica.com
humbly do our bit for inspiration.
Chau!
L.-
September 20th, 2010 | #
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October 4th, 2010 | #