Stylist Magazine

I'm a little late posting this as the issue was out in September for London Fashion Week. I was asked by Alex Fullerton (fashion editor) at Stylist Magazine to create some furry creatures to feature in a fashion shoot. They were to help "model" handbags and shoes. We went along to the shoot which was a lot of fun. The photographs were taken by the brilliant Omer Knaz who was a pleasure to work with. I've also included a few photographs of the guys before they left me for their modelling assignment. Not all of them made it into the magazine but they all had a fun day.

The Sewists

I am pleased to announce I'm featured in the brilliant new book by fellow sewer Josephine Perry. It's called The Sewists (published by Laurence King ) and contains projects and interviews with 20 designers. The book has clear step by step instructions and comes with a CD with the templates and patterns. Pictured below is my contribution, a furry bug called Bertie. It's available now from all good book shops.

The Glorious Flock

This week we set up our exhibition "The Glorious Flock" at Sage Gateshead, a collection of 37 3D pieces and 27 framed pieces. We also have two display cabinets (guarded by Wilko). One contains a collection of Jonathan's original sketches and work-in-progress shots alongside other bits of FM paraphernalia and the second, to coincide with Gruff Rhys playing Gateshead in September, contains the work I recently did with Pete Fowler for Gruff's film, American Interior. Pete designed John Evans, the felt character I made for the film, and was kind enough to send some of his original working sketches and designs. These are displayed alongside work-in-progress photographs and an earlier version of John's head and arm. The show runs until the end of September. It's an amazing space to exhibit in and a great team to work with (thanks guys for all your help!). The Sage shop also has some signed copies of Creature Couture available as well as some other FM goodies. If you visit please post pics and use the hashtag #thegloriousflock I'd love to see the pics. You can also listen to The Glorious Flock playlist here
http://t.co/UyRRdxvsMJ

American Interior

For those of you who follow on me on any social media sites you've probably noticed me going on and on about my involvement in this film. Back in 2012 when I first received the email from Pete and Gruff asking if I'd be interested on working on this project I jumped at the chance. I've worked with Pete before and he's always a joy to collaborate with. His designs translate perfectly to felt. I'm also a huge fan of The Super Furry Animals and all of Gruff Rhys' solo work so it was a dream job.

There are no images of John Evans in existence so Pete and Gruff had to do some research and figure out what he might have looked like. I met up with Pete in Foyles' Cafe and a folder was handed over containing Pete's design of John Evans. Over the next couple of weeks I created John Evans in felt. He stands over 3ft tall. He was packaged up in a box (with air holes!) and posted to Cardiff.

After that I didn't see him for almost a year while he followed in the footsteps of his real life namesake. It was exciting to get various bulletins showing me his progress through the American interior. He has been home to visit once or twice for some much needed TLC and I must say he had much more experience behind the shiny plastic eyes than he did when he first left. I've even had friends calling round, while he was here, to have their photo taken with the film star!

Since then I've seen him up a mountain in a purpose built shrine designed by Pete Fowler (including hand appliqued flags I made from Pete's designs), in magazines, in an app, in a music video, on the front of an album cover and on the big screen. We went to the premiere in Cardiff a few weeks ago. This was the first time I had seen the film. I was blown away. It's an amazing story beautifully told (directed Dyl Goch, beautifully shot by Ryan Owen Eddleston, produced by Catryn Ramasut). I found the whole experience quite emotional. If it's in a cinema near you please go and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed. Also buy the album, read the book, download the app!

I'd like to thank Pete, Gruff, Cat and Dyl for letting me be part of such an amazing project. Diolch!