Author

Ismay Ozga

Patchwork Perspective

New Business Shower: Kimberley Williamson of Birkim Bags

by Ismay Ozga
written by Ismay Ozga

All new businesses start with a good idea – but what comes after that? To launch our brand new business shower templates (the perfect way to start and celebrate a new business, we think, though we are a bit biased) we’re doing a series of interviews with brilliant entrepeneurial women, finding out more about how their journeys began. You’ll have no doubt seen a Birkim Bag on your social media feed or, if you’ve been lucky enough, in a friend’s house in a fleeting visit in-between lockdown periods perhaps – and today we’re talking to the brilliant brain behind the cult ceramics, Kim Williamson, about how it began!

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Kimberley Williamson, I’m a ceramicist and the founder of Birkim Bags. I design and make ceramics styled around plastic bags and tote bags. I occasionally throw in other bags to mix it up.

Tell us about the start of your business journey!

My business started as air dry products. I came up with my name and doodled my logo pretty early on. I would work out of a tiny space in our bedroom as it was the only place I had. It was a friend (shoutout to Nicola Fernandes) that saw my bags at home and asked where I got them. She very quickly told me to start a business with it. I’d flirted with several side hustles, waiting for a solid idea, so this felt like it was falling into place. I released in small batches so that it would work around my own schedule and other jobs that I had at the time.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

I wish I’d known more about the financial side of things. Stuff like getting a business account, what support is out there. Setting up the tax side of the business and keeping records of everything. I managed to get a BBL just before the deadlines thanks to the advice of a friend, I wouldn’t have had a clue otherwise.

What’s the one (physical) thing you wish you’d had when you started out?

A good worktop. My desk is great but the main thing I use as the studio I’m currently part of, is a huge wooden worktop. It’s great to have the space but also something that’s made well and supports the work I do. I still use the same basic materials that I used with air dry clay, that I do with my earthstone clay. A sewing needle, a cuticle pusher and a rubber tipped paint brush thing.

What’s the one thing you wished you’d asked for help with?

I could’ve asked for help earlier with production. It’s always hard to let someone into your world, especially when you’ve been doing it alone for a few years. It’s a huge trust factor and it can be really hard to find good help. Fortunately, I’ve a wonderful woman named TJ from our studio that is currently my personal hero. She just gets me, which makes it a million times easier. It blows my mind with how much easier it’s been and it’s only been a few shifts so far!

What’s helped you run a successful business? What’s hindered you?

I’ve been hugely supported with my business, especially from other businesses and it’s a big part of its success. The creative community is a wonderful world to be a part of as everyone tends to lift each other up and also offer advice. I try to pay it forward and help when other small businesses approach me.

I’m mainly hindered by myself. Whether it’s the inability to schedule myself properly, putting myself out there and getting slapped in the face by imposter syndrome. It’s a constant effort but totally rewarding, I just need to get out of my own way. I also need to get better at asking for help with the technical side of things, such as my website and merging my email systems.

What’s your next business milestone coming up and how will you be celebrating?

I’ve had a couple of things recently that have been great and I need to set aside time to celebrate and appreciate that they happened. One was being selected and exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy. I’ve also had some great collaborations happen which I need to take a moment with.

My next milestone that’s upcoming will be my first big business investment, my own kiln. It’s a big deal and I’m getting two for my new home studio that I’m setting up when we move in the next 6 weeks.

If you’d like to grab your own BirKim, then head to Kim’s website here. Make sure you’re following her on instagram @birkimbags too, where she updates her launch dates. And if you fancy making a new business shower patchwork, you can either start with our new ceramics business template especially inspired by Kim, one of our other templates – or create your own from scratch here!

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Patchwork Perspective

New Business Shower: Fiona Thomas’ new business journey

by Ismay Ozga
written by Ismay Ozga

To celebrate the launch of our brand new new business shower templates on Patchwork, we’ve asked some of our favourite women in business about what starting self-employment was like for them. First up in our series is the wonderful writer and podcaster Fiona Thomas! As the author of Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss, which is a guide to side hustling and freelancing, she was the perfect person for us to ask: what was your new business journey like? And if you could do it over again, what would you want at the start of your new business journey now?

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Fiona Thomas and I’m a freelance writer. I’ve written two books, the most recent is called Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss and it’s a guide to side hustling and getting into freelancing. I also host virtual workshops and courses to inspire people to follow their writerly dreams!

Tell us about the start of your business journey.

I fell into a career in catering management when I left university and over time, it just became too much to handle. I had a mental breakdown in my mid-twenties and knew that to manage the ongoing symptoms of depression and anxiety that I would need a job that supported my mental health. I didn’t really consider setting up as self-employed, but after starting a blog to talk about my mental health struggles it reignited a passion for writing, and I found that people were actively seeking me out to write for them on a freelance basis. It all took off from there really, and I gradually moved down to part-time in my waitressing job to make time for the paid work that was coming in. In 2018 I got my first book deal and made the leap into full-time freelancing and haven’t looked back since!

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

I wish I’d known about the importance of scheduling in time to work on moving the business forward. I thought that freelancing was all about having every day filled with client work and that being ‘fully booked’ was a sign of success. But I did that for so long and realised I was stagnating, growth was impossible because I was only ever thinking a few days ahead, never thinking strategically about building my audience and attracting future clients. Now I have a better sense of how I want my business to look in a year or so and how I want to spend my time, and I have lots of ‘hands off’ days where I focus on planning and marketing and it’s been a real game-changer for me. It can feel scary to step away from paid work in the beginning but the longterm results have been great for me.

What’s the one physical thing you wish you’d had when you started out?

A podcasting mic and stand would have been great. It took me a while to figure out which one was right and I’ve gone through a few now to get the best one, but now that I have it my podcast content is really good quality and needs minimal editing which is such a time-saver! I have to say, a coffee machine would have been great too. Purely because I spent a lot of time swanning around coffee shops in the early days when I should have been working…

(If you also dream of a swanky coffee machine, we’ve got a template for one here…)

What’s the one thing you wish you’d asked for help with?

I think having a clearer strategy, in the beginning, would have helped, so having a business coach in the early days would have been amazing! It’s so hard to find the money to invest in your business when you’re struggling to get clients in the beginning, so having that guidance would have been incredibly valuable to me. More specifically, I think having some help with building my offerings and setting my rates would have had a huge impact on my income.

What’s helped you run a successful business? What’s held you back?

Social media has been a core part of my business success. Having the ability to connect with potential clients directly on Instagram is such a godsend, even if it can feel a bit overwhelming at times! Being able to work from the comfort of my own home and do all my work online is the thing that helps me manage my depression and anxiety symptoms, so having that flexibility means that I show up to work feeling my best which has been the key to business success for me. The thing that has held me back the most is probably my own insecurities! I go through terrible bouts of anxiety where I just compare myself to everyone else instead of focusing on my own stuff. Thankfully I’m getting better at it now, and having a close group of freelance pals has really helped with that.

Who are the people that helped you most in the early days?

People on the internet were my absolute saviours in the beginning. I got my first newspaper byeline thanks to a fellow blogger who tagged me on Twitter. Metro Online was a huge supporter of my mental health writing too, and my publisher Trigger believed in me from the get-go which was a massive seal of approval. Having people engage with my writing and want to publish it has been a big motivator for me because ultimately I want to share my writing with as many people as possible!

What’s your next business milestone and how will you be celebrating?

Such a good question!! I think learning to celebrate your business wins is so important and something that a lot of us avoid completely. I’m working on my next book at the moment, so I’m looking forward to celebrating if/when that gets picked up by a publisher and I can start the writing process. I’ve just moved house and finally have my own office, so I’m going to buy a new piece of art to congratulate myself!

Thank you so much Fiona for your wisdom! If you’ve been inspired to make a new business shower patchwork, you can see our template for freelance writers inspired by Fiona here – you can also find Fiona’s website here, and if you want to grab a copy of Out Of Office, you can get it from Bookshop.org here!

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Honeymoon Inspiration

Faraway’s Top 5 adventure honeymoon destinations

by Ismay Ozga
written by Ismay Ozga

Did you know SE4 is a hotbed for honeymoon fanatics? Fellow Brockley residents Al and Helen are the founders of Faraway, a travel company that specialises in giving busy people – especially newlyweds – bespoke and unforgettable honeymoons and escapes.

As a recently married couple in their thirties who love to travel, they get how important your honeymoon is. They also know that most of us don’t have the time to do all the research and legwork required to make it the extraordinary adventure we dream of (especially on top of organising a wedding!) – which is where Faraway comes in.

Helen and Al dropped in to the Patchwork studio for a cuppa earlier this week. Whilst they were here, they shared their top 5 honeymoon destinations for a unique honeymoon that is equal parts romance and adventure:

Colombia

If you’re dreaming of the sunshine and swaying palms of the Caribbean but with something a little “extra” (because, hey – it’s your honeymoon!), we suggest taking a look at Colombia.

Splash your way along the northern coastline, before going hiking or horse-riding into the coffee region, and getting off-grid in a remote jungle lodge deep in the Amazon rainforest. If you’re into cities, make time for Bogota, with its excellent museums and restaurant scene. Then the comeback city of Medellin, where you can hop in a cable car for less than a fiver and enjoy the best views of the city from high up in the hills. Finally, don’t miss the old town of Cartagena – where you’ll find beautiful hotels, cobbled streets and the perfect spot for sundowners up on the city walls.

With so much to see and do, Colombia definitely works on its own. But, our couples often head off on honeymoons of three weeks or so. Many choose to combine it with Ecuador’s volcanoes and cloudforests, or a tropical island or two off the coast of Panama.

Rwanda

For wildlife enthusiasts with the budget to splurge, there are few better options for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon than Rwanda. Begin with a day or two exploring Kigali (Africa’s cleanest – and perhaps calmest – city). Spend an afternoon at the genocide museum, which pays tribute to the victims and shares uplifting stories of how the country has overcome an intensely painful period.

Then head to Volcanoes National Park, where local guides will take you trekking deep into the jungle for an up-close, wild encounter with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Rwanda is a leader in combining conservation and community tourism, so you’ll receive a big warm welcome in the local villages too.

If you can’t imagine a honeymoon without a bit of beach time, we’re with you! Rwanda is relatively small – so, you should have plenty of time to hop across to Tanzania for a barefoot Indian Ocean escape. Choose between Zanzibar, Mafia, Pemba or even Fanjove – depending on how remote you want to go.

Argentina

The ultimate destination for active couples who adore wine, steak and un-be-lieve-able landscapes. Go horse-riding and wine-tasting in the foothills of the Andes, ice-trek across the glaciers of Patagonia, and go whale-watching at the coast. Then, head over to Buenos Aires and tango the night away in San Telmo before catching a football game at La Bombonera (it’s all about compromise, right?).

Argentina is vast and packed with different experiences, so you can easily spend a few weeks there. Otherwise, you might like to combine it with one of its neighbours – choose between Chile’s deserts and lakes, Uruguay’s windswept beaches, or hop over into Brazil to see the majestic Iguazu Falls from both sides.

Sri Lanka

If you haven’t been to Sri Lanka, your honeymoon could be the perfect opportunity to visit this popular and stunning island, just southeast of India. The list of options to explore is almost endless: lush waterfalls, abundant wildlife, endless beaches, temples and tea. Add to this friendly locals, fantastic food and beautiful places to stay – from luxurious retreats to cute b&bs – and it’s a pretty irresistible choice.

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry suffered a big blow with the terrorism attacks earlier this year. Now it’s beginning to bounce back, not only will you be showing your support to a destination that needs it, you may well find this gem without the crowds who had been flocking there in recent years (no promises, though!).

The Maldives are a relatively short hop away too – making them a popular add-on, if you’re dreaming about that quintessential honeymoon-villa-on-stilts experience.

Malawi

We’re particularly fond of helping couples discover places that encourage you to unplug and feel ‘far away’ from life at home together – and Malawi definitely ticks those boxes.

It might be an unusual choice for a honeymoon, but we think this landlocked African gem is pretty perfect for cool couples who are into sustainable luxury, friendly locals and an authentic, relaxed vibe. As a bonus, phone signal is almost non-existent so you can truly escape just the two of you. And what could be more romantic than that?

Combine a castaway island on shimmering Lake Malawi (as it’s your honeymoon – may we suggest Mumbo or Likoma) with a safari in an unspoilt wilderness reserve and some time exploring in the highlands. Time it right, and you can incorporate the award-winning Lake of Stars festival too.

Think you’d like some help with your honeymoon? At Faraway we create bespoke escapes you’ll never forget; so, you can enjoy your wedding celebrations knowing you have a life-changing honeymoon ahead of you.
We offer all couples a free call, so you can get to know us first.
Team Faraway x

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Ellie Kime - The Enthusiast - looking out of window in coffee shop
Patchwork Perspective

Why A New Business Shower Is a Great Idea

by Ismay Ozga
written by Ismay Ozga

You’ve probably seen the viral tweets and subsequent memes that do the rounds every so often, asking why don’t we throw a new business shower for people setting up on their own (“Instead of Baby Showers, let’s host Business Showers. When a friend starts a business, we all come together, congratulate them and bring resources for their business” suggested Ke Sharp. And the internet duly went WILD.)

Well, the reason that new business showers resonated is because it really is a bloomin’ brilliant idea. And rather than consign them to the graveyard of Internet Ideas That Could Have Been, Patchwork have come up with a brilliant way to actually make them happen – so here’s 5 reasons you should have a new business shower:

Frankly, you deserve a new business shower

It’s easy to downplay it when you start a new business, and we don’t want to freak you out, but: going it alone is a big deal. It’s scary and exciting and nerve-wracking and incredible (and totally worth it!), and it’s a decision that justifies definite celebration. Add some ceremony to the occasion by throwing a new business shower, and giving it and you the moment you so richly deserve.

It’s a great way to tell people about your idea

We’re not saying use your business shower as a marketing campaign, but we are saying a new business shower is a great way to publicly let people know you’re actually doing this thing! It’s a big ol’ vibrant flare signalling to people that it’s happening: you’re going into business with your brilliant idea that you’ve kept to yourself for so long.

Because it’s a bit like having a baby

I’m going to caveat this by saying that obviously having a business is not the same as having a baby – I’ve had a few sleepless nights as a business owner, but as a child who didn’t sleep a full night til I was eight and a half years old (sorry Mum!), I know they’re not exactly comparable. But they are a bit comparable – both things you’ve created, that you feel incredibly proud of, that you’ve never done before, that you can read all the books in the world to prepare yourself for but ultimately still have to learn as you go. To really stretch this metaphor to its limit, a baby shower is a brilliant way to mark a momentous milestone and to welcome in a new chapter, and so a new business shower can too.

Your loved ones will be itching for ways to support you

A new business shower is a brilliant vehicle for your family and friends to support you and your new venture, in a way that isn’t by becoming your customers or clients. I mean, if they want to buy from you, who are we to stop them – but a lot of the time they won’t be a fit for your ideal customer base. And that’s ok! What they will be, though, is desperate to show their enthusiasm, and throw themselves behind you in a demonstrable way. A new business shower is a great way to get them involved, and to give them ways of being able to show their love and support for you that don’t see them buying stuff they don’t need.

Community is really important, even as a business of one

We’re pretty sure the Beatles were specifically singing about a New Business Shower when they penned (I Get By) With A Little Help From My Friends. Having a strong support network, be it 2 people or 20, is crucial – people you can lean on, rant to, and share your wins with, and who can do the same for you. Setting off on your business adventure knowing that you carry a bit of each of these important people with you in everything you do can be really encouraging.

And, because I love you and want you to succeed: here’s an extra reason why you should throw a new business shower with Patchwork:

It’s environmentally friendly

You may not have a fully formed idea of all of your business values yet, and that’s ok, but I think we can all agree that having a business that does good and minimises harm is something we should all be striving for. With Patchwork, your friends and family have the option to ‘do’ and ‘make’ some of the patches you provide as well as ‘fund’. This means that rather than buying you well-intentioned but ultimately useless stuff, they can make, find, and rehome items that deserve a second life, as well as contributing time or expertise that leaves its mark in your heart, but not on the earth. Clever, huh?

Are you thinking of hosting a new business shower? GOOD FOR YOU! You can look at some premade templates here, or read more about how to create them here. You can also read the story of the original New Business Shower, (yes the one that launched actual Patchwork itself!)

Best of luck with your new venture – you’re going to smash it!

Author: Ellie Kime – The Enthusiast

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Pink baby shower cake
Parent & BabyPatchwork Kids

Socially Distanced Baby Shower Ideas

by Ismay Ozga
written by Ismay Ozga

Although some aspects of life are gradually returning to normal, when it comes to baby showers, it still may not be possible to celebrate in the way we used to. If there’s a new mum-to-be in your life who deserves to be spoiled rotten, but you aren’t able to get together, we’ve got some ideas for socially distanced baby showers for you. It’s still totally possible to show her loads of love, from a distance. 

Organise a drive-by baby shower

Drive/walk/cycle-by baby showers are becoming a big hit in place of getting together for a bash. This is the perfect option if you all live near the parents-to-be. Just send out an invitation telling friends to pass by their house at a certain time, decorate your car or bike, and blast some favourite tunes out as you go! Arrange for the mama-to-be to sit by her front door as you all come past in your party parade to shower her with love. Everyone can drop off their gifts – from a safe distance. Pro tip: order pizza and cake to turn up at the same time. Pregnant people like food. 

socially distanced baby shower picnic

Host a garden extravaganza

If one of you has a nice big outside space and you’re all able to travel, it’s a lovely idea to get together for a socially distanced baby shower in the garden. Set the table with beautiful flowers and little games, and lay blankets and cushions on the grass so that everyone can sit comfortably (a meter apart!) and enjoy the afternoon. Just make sure the mum-to-be gets an extra comfortable seat with lots of cushions! Decorate with balloons and bunting and make (or order in!) some special treats. 

Post a big box of love 

Volunteer to put together a big box of treats from all the friends and family. Ask everyone to either send a homemade gift to you or choose something special which you can buy – then wrap everything up beautifully and package it all up together in one big box. This saves everyone making trips to the shops or post office and it creates a super special moment for the parents-to-be as they get to open all of the gifts for the new arrival at once. Organise a Zoom so that you can watch their faces as they dig into their box.

Chip in towards one big ticket item

If you know you can’t physically take your friends a gift at the moment, why not ask everyone to club together to help buy them a more expensive item – like a beautiful new cot? It’s a gift that will be loved, used and appreciated for years to come. Or maybe they’d rather a high chair, a bouncer, car seat or baby carrier? Whatever it is they really need, just make a patchwork to send to everyone, collect the money, and then buy the gift. 

Throw a virtual baby shower 

Zoom baby showers are a super fun way to get everyone together – albeit virtually – to show your mate lots of love. There are plenty of things you can do to make it a special call – from matching backgrounds and a gift delivery to the mum-to-be in time for the call, to coming up with lots of fun games to play. In fact we’ve got a whole post about virtual baby showers which tells you everything you need to know to make it a hit. 

So whichever route you decide to go down to show your friend and their new arrival some love, all you need to do is make a patchwork to let everyone know the plan – then they can choose how to get involved and you can keep track of the funds and who’s doing what. Then you can surprise your pal with a gorgeous treat that will definitely make them feel your love, even in this strange time. 

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postponed wedding day in bed
Wedding Planning

Five Unique Ways to Mark a Postponed Wedding Day

by Ismay Ozga
written by Ismay Ozga

If your plans are a little bit up in the air right now and this bloomin’ pandemic means you’re facing a postponed wedding day – we feel for you. And we think it’s a great idea to turn your original wedding date from what could be a sad day into a gorgeous celebration of your love. Why not cheer yourselves up with one of our ideas to mark your would-be wedding day? From zoom ceremonies and discos, audio guest books to un-wedding cakes and cute card games, there are all sorts of ways to turn your day around. 

Cards on the Table – the perfect game for nearly-weds

We designed a brand new card game as a cute little activity for your would-be wedding day. From questions on first impressions to essential hangover cures and where you want to live when you’re old and grey, it’s a lovely way for you to take time out, learn something new about each other and have a lot of fun too.

Our founder Olivia Knight came up with the idea: “Planning a wedding is such an intense experience in itself and facing a postponed wedding day has been heartbreaking for so many couples. So we wanted to do something that would mark the occasion and at the same time remind couples what really matters – which is their love for each other! A game of questions and reveals, it’s a chance for couples to sit down with a bottle of wine and discover new things about each other. It’s amazing to hear from couples about the insights and conversations that the cards are inspiring!”

Edible Piñata – a smashing idea for an ‘unwedding’ cake

Specialist biscuit bakery Maid of Gingerbread has designed a smashing showstopper for couples who are looking to mark a would-be wedding day in a fun, original and delightfully anarchistic way – with a fully edible gingerbread piñata. 

Founder Emily Garland says: “Imagine setting your phone to slo-mo, grabbing the mallet, starting a countdown with your guests via Zoom, then boom! A really memorable moment of pure joy and celebration that everyone can be part of. And the great thing is that you can then share the love by sending out shards of biscuit and sweet treats to all your friends and family to enjoy with a cuppa while everyone looks forward to the future celebrations together.” 

A super fun, sweet celebratory way to mark the occasion and give guests a flavour of what’s to come. Order here.

Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet – bringing disco to your living room

Perfect for couples who love disco and LOVE to dance – Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet’s virtual disco will shake any blues away. Plus you get to see all of your friends’ happy dancing faces – just as you would’ve done on your big day. Think of it as a practise disco.

Founder Nikki Spencer says “We offer virtual dance classes & parties and people have joined our events from all around the country & the globe. Dancing is a wonderful way to put a smile on everyone’s faces & bring everyone together even if we can’t all be together in real life. Our Haven’t Stopped Dancing dancers are great at getting everyone up and boogying and if you have a favourite song we can even choreograph a special dance routine for everyone to follow.”

Virtual Audio Guest Book – feel love from a distance

One for the Wedding Crews or a Friend of Honour out there wanting to do something joyful and positive for a couple who have had to postpone their 2020 wedding. Friends and family can contribute towards this gift to make a postponed wedding day as full of love & mischief as the real thing. The Big Red Box will deliver a virtual audio guest book full of voicemail messages from would-be wedding guests via a link to a webpage made especially for them – they can log on and listen, wherever they are.

Founder Rebecca Uttley says: “As The Big Red Box can’t make it to any weddings this year, we’re going online! It’s so special to be able to hear the voices of loved ones sending messages. An audio guest book is such a unique way to express congratulations, share love & reminisce.”

‘We Still Do’ ceremony – thanks to Zoom, love is not cancelled

Wedding celebrant Zena Birch created her first  ‘We Still Do’ ceremony for Paula, Loc and their two children as a way to mark their would-be wedding date with 60 guests via Zoom. Zena is now offering the service to other couples.

Zena says: “Together we invented a new ritual which included placing the couple’s wedding rings in a jar and covering them with coloured rice so that the children could still be the ‘ring bearers’ and keep them safe until we use them in the proper ceremony next year. Public declarations are important and so are witnesses, which is why everyone was invited to be part of the ceremony.”

Zena pronounced Paula and Loc ’not quite, but almost’ married to a cacophony of popping corks, applause and confetti. And together the family now begin the countdown to their new wedding date when everyone will meet in the real world. 

It’s a postponed wedding, it’s still there to look forward to

So, our advice: don’t be too down in the dumps.

Keep on dreaming and take a look at our Patchwork honeymoon funds or Patchwork gift registry for something a little different!

And be sure to cheer each other up on your postponed wedding day and keep planning for what will eventually be the BEST DAY EVER.

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Collage of images for Instagram giveaway: biscuit, tea, t-shirt, bag, greetings card, book
Patchwork Perspective

Totes amazing giveaway

by Ismay Ozga
written by Ismay Ozga

To celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday Patchwork are giving away one of our screen printed tote bags packed full of treats for one lucky dad.

A ‘Caring is Cool’ t-shirt from The Enthusiast.

Daddy Long Legs, by Nadine Brun-Cosme.

Good & Proper’s Brockley Breakfast tea.

A whopper of a star shaped biscuit from Gingerbread Maid.

And the perfect card for the perfect dad from Aisle Studio.

Terms of the competition:

This competition runs from Thursday 18th June until Midnight Saturday 20th. To enter the competition you must follow Patchwork on Instagram, like the Patchwork competition post and sign up to the Patchwork LOVES newsletter here.

We will notify the winner via Instagram and the Patchwork tote bag will be sent to the winner in the post. Prizes can not be exchanged for cash.

We’re not planning to, but we do reserve the right to cancel or amend the promotion and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of our control. It all sounds very dramatic and you’d probably notice one of these events but we’ll let you know if/when anything changes.

If you have any questions, we can be found here:  [email protected]

GOOD LUCK!

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Patchwork Perspective

Win a set of ‘Cards On The Table’

by Ismay Ozga
written by Ismay Ozga

We made these fun cards earlier this year and have 10 sets to giveaway. For couples now stuck at home together these cards are a great way to connect, understand and celebrate each other.

From questions on first impressions, to your take on toilet talk, and where you want to be when you’re old and grey. After all, the couple that plays together, stays together!

To enter:

Head to our Instagram – tag your other half, or engaged friend in the comments and make sure you’re both following Patchwork to complete the entry.

The competition closes on Monday 30th March 2020 and winners will be contacted on 1st April.

Terms of the competition:

This competition runs from the morning of Tuesday 24th March until Midnight 30th March 2020. To enter the competition you must follow Patchwork on Instagram, like the Patchwork competition post, and Tag a friend on the Instagram post. We will notify the winner via Instagram and the Patchwork cards will be sent to the winners in the post. Prizes can not be exchanged for cash.

We will do our best to dispatch the cards straight away, sending at an appropriate time if further measures are introduced regarding postal services. We will take the necessary precautions to package the gift in a safe environment.

We’re not planning to, but we do reserve the right to cancel or amend the promotion and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of our control. It all sounds very dramatic and you’d probably notice one of these events but we’ll let you know if/when anything changes.
If you have any questions, we can be found here: [email protected]

GOOD LUCK!

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Hammock over water with over water villas in background, The Maldives
Honeymoon Inspiration

Why choose a honeymoon in the Maldives?

by Ismay Ozga
written by Ismay Ozga

Grace from Turquoise Holidays has written this guest post to share her reasons why you just can’t beat the Maldives as a honeymoon destination. For complete relaxation, indulgence and getting-away-from-it-all, it can’t be topped. If you’re setting up a Patchwork honeymoon fund and asking guests to treat you to some once in a lifetime honeymoon experiences, read on for some inspiration to really bring your Maldives honeymoon patchwork to life…

Gin-clear waters. Cashmere-soft beaches. Rustic-chic overwater bungalows. Tropical island seclusion. The Maldives boasts all of the dreamy ingredients that feature in a honeymooner’s fantasy honeymoon and at Turquoise Holidays, we believe you can’t beat it as the ideal relaxing escape for newly weds to enjoy after a hectic few days getting married.

private sandbank picnic on white sand beach with turquoise water, the Maldives
Image courtesy of Turquoise Holidays

The perfect post-wedding recharge.

A honeymoon is a holiday you’ve probably been thinking about before you even got engaged. Of course, your wedding is one of the biggest single days of your life you’ll ever have to plan for and a Maldives honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to recharge and begin your married life with some romance in paradise. All of the wedding planning, menu tastings, music selections and endless ‘wedmin’ can seem stressful, but we’re sure your minds are also dreaming of white sands, turquoise waters and cocktails at the same time!

Image courtesy of Turquoise Holidays

Privacy, pampering and escape.

Who can blame you? Those tiny Maldivian islands are akin to gorgeous green droplets in an ocean of blue, places where you can lie in huge, luxurious beds draped in white linens listening to the sound of crystal-clear wavelets lapping the pristine beach. They’re accessible only by speedboats and tiny seaplanes so privacy is guaranteed – an essential part of any honeymoon. When you’re there, you can expect fabulous dining, dreamy overwater infinity pools and out-of-this-world bathrooms, some with glass-bottomed bathtubs for you to peer into the ocean below. Endless pampering by each resort’s attentive staff will make you feel like a celebrity, too.

View looking across shallow turquoise water to over water villas, the Maldives
Image courtesy of Turquoise Holidays
Living room of overwater villa in the Maldives
Image courtesy of Turquoise Holidays

Overwater villa or beach villa? Decisions, decisions…

There are two ways to honeymoon in the Maldives – beach villas and overwater villas. Each type can come with our without private pools and both have gorgeous bathrooms. Overwater villas, of course, have direct access to the lagoon and you can sit on your outside decking watching rays and sharks glide by quietly. It’s truly captivating! It goes without saying that the overwater bungalows are iconic but beach villas offer the edge when it comes to space and privacy. If you’re staying for a week or more, we’d recommend splitting your time across both room types, so you can get the best of both worlds. It also helps to not blow the budget out the water!

Sunset at Palm Beach, The Maldives
Image courtesy of Turquoise Holidays
Over water bar at sunset, the Maldives
Image courtesy of Turquoise Holidays

A feast for the senses.

Every day in the Maldives is like a feast for the senses and while you can easily just relax on its postcard-perfect beaches, the Maldives is also somewhere you can indulge in a variety of activities. There’s plenty of incredible snorkelling and diving, where you can swim alongside reef sharks, tropical fish and turtles, while cocktail classes, romantic sunset cruises, cookery lessons, yoga and beach picnics will all ensure boredom is never close to setting in. For the foodies who are needing to treat themselves after the pre-wedding diet, each hotel has an array of restaurants serving a multitude of cuisines – some even have underwater restaurants for the added ‘wow’ factor!

Table set for breakfast on beach, overlooking turquoise ocean, The Maldives
Image courtesy of Turquoise Holidays
Image courtesy of Turquoise Holidays

Where to stop off enroute to paradise.

The Maldives is also a great destination for twinning with other places, should you want to add another dimension to your honeymoon. Destinations in the Middle East like Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Oman, as well as Sri Lanka, Thailand and Singapore, all add colour and an exciting contrast, as well as being simple connections to the Maldives.
The Maldives is a truly beautiful collection of islands, which live up to the hype and what you see in the glossy brochures and on Instagram. It’s the perfect backdrop to any honeymoon and one which is no less than you deserve after a hectic wedding. It’s time to put your feet up in paradise!

Romantic outdoor jacuzzi on deck of over water villa, the Maldives
Image courtesy of Turquoise Holidays

Feeling inspired to go to the Maldives?

If this post has inspired you to plan a trip to the Maldives, Patchwork can help! Instead of traditional wedding gifts, invite friends and family to help fund a night in an over water villa or cocktails for two! Then once you’re ready to book your trip, contact The Turquoise Holiday Company. With 18 years’ experience and specialists in the Maldives, the team can help you craft your perfect tailor-made holiday to paradise. Visit Turquoise Holidays to book, or call 01494 678400.

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Patchwork LovesWedding Planning

The women positive media, events and wedding inspiration

by Ismay Ozga
written by Ismay Ozga

The wedding industry is, more often than not, targeted at women as the ones with the purchasing power. However, a lot of it is done in really archaic stereotypical ways. The assumptions that you’ll be dieting for your wedding dress, or that you’re wearing a dress in the first place! The assumption that you’ll be taking your partner’s name, or that you can only propose to your partner on one specific day every 4 years…the list goes on. If all you see is the mainstream wedding coverage, it can seem a pretty alienating place. BUT DON’T WORRY! That isn’t the whole of the industry. Of course with five feminist women running Patchwork alternative wedding registry we can promise you that you’ll only find positive posts that celebrate and empower women on our blog and across our social media. But today we thought we’d share a few of our favourite independent media and events brands that will make you feel good and fill your wedding planning journey with love and power every step of the way.

Catalyst Wedding Co.

Catalyst Wedding Co. offer wedding inspiration and advice, all – most importantly – with an intersectional feminist lens. Their entire MO is to increase the representation of diverse couples in the media, and to ‘engage in critical dialogue about love, marriage, and weddings.’ Those critical conversations don’t mean anything unless they bring in race, religion, gender, sexuality, class, body size, and more into the frame, and the team do so in such an incredible way. We love every single one of their posts!

Dancing With Her

Dancing With Her is a magazine, directory and blog celebrating LGBTQ+ women in love. Though they ship worldwide, they’re an Australian-founded outlet – and you know what they say about those Aussies and their impeccable style! They’ve created a community of ‘women who love women to celebrate their love the way they’ve dreamt of doing’ – and that is what it’s all about, is it not?

Nu Bride

Nu Bride is the brainchild of diversity campaigner Nova Reid. As a black woman, she found it really hard to find representation in the mainstream media when she got engaged – and so she created her own. Nu Bride is multi-award-winning – and rightly so! – and is one of our favourite resources for truly representative inspiration and advice. Last year Nova launched Nu Bride: The Show, the ground-breaking first inclusive wedding show, and this year she’s gone on stage as a TedX speaker. We’re in awe.

Rock n Roll Bride

Kat’s been championing alternative weddings since 2007, when she founded her blog based on her own experience as a bride planning a wedding that was anything but cookie cutter. Whilst still sharing extraordinary and unique wedding inspiration – and now with a bimonthly magazine under her belt too – she also uses her platform to call out the bull**** diatribe that a lot of the big platforms blurt out.

The Un-Wedding

The clue is in the name! Whereas nowadays weddings are a firm focus on love and a celebration of equality, their roots are in the patriarchy. This still filters through sometimes in terms of traditions, which is why Mel’s motto is to make new ones. We love this approach – picking only the ones that mean something to you, and creating new ones that resonate too. (They have a wedding show coming up too, which we’ll be at – grab your tickets here!)

A Most Curious Wedding Fair

A Most Curious Wedding Fair are all about supporting the indie businesses: the artisans, the makers, the movers and the shakers. They’ve the go-to wedding fair for couples looking for something different; a curation of suppliers who are pushing boundaries to create alternative weddings that really feel like you, and who want to work with you to create magic. We regularly refer to them for exceptional inspiration, know-how and know-who. Plus, they promise never to put diet shakes in their goody bag!

The Wedding Collective

We’re proud members of The Wedding Collective, a directory connecting couples with modern, creative suppliers who revel in creating authentic wedding days. We love that they don’t buy in to the usual tropes, instead focussing on what really matters: excellent design and an excellent spouse. What else do you even need, really?

Restless Magazine

Restless Magazine are relatively new, but the waves they’ve made in that short time are sizable and seismic. Curating articles focused at ‘women who give a damn’ (errr, that’s us!) they cover loads of really interesting topics. In particular, we’ve loved a load of great pieces from Alice Snape on her thoughts on marriage as a modern woman. We’re looking forward to more with this modern lens!

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