Latest News
Spring 2008 Update
Hello again to everyone. Lots had been happening at utani last year both locally and nationally. We attended more fairs and craft shows such as Kingston Lacey in Dorset and eco shows such as The Landmark Eco Fair, Richmond, London, networking and meeting some fantastic and inspiring people. This season is set to look even more promising as organisers of ethical living fashion shows and events from all around the country have already contacted me to include my utani-uk designer collection. Very exciting! I am also pleased to say we will be continuing to build relationships with Esnat Avon and Contessa a local charity in Bournemouth supporting AIDS and HIV victims in Zambia and are still looking forward to being actively involved in projects with them in the near future. Our Ethical Student/Shopping Bag available to buy on line was designed to support them. We have also been running more events, talks and House Gatherings and meeting such lovely friendly and supportive people. My new applique skirt designs are proving to be best sellers and are now available to order through my new updated website, as well as my new bedding and homeware range. If you have any specific requirements on details, colours or designs please dont hesitate to call me on 0791 905 1956 or e mail me joy@utani-uk.com I still have a fantastic range of colours in the 100% Organic /Fairtrade cottons in stock so I can continue to be really creative. Remember the natural fabric is ideal for skin allegies. The cottons is also available to purchase, please contact me for more details.
INDIVIDUAL / PRIVATE SEWING and DRESSMAKING TUITION. My sewing and dressmaking lessons are going really well and proving to be very popular. We are all enjoying ourselves. While I am passionate about passing on the craft of my trade and keeping the skills alive my students say my lessons are "friendly and fun,relaxing and therapeutic!" "So rewarding and satisfying to make clothes for yourself that fit and get you lots of compliments from your family and friends!" My students who's ages and abilities span across the spectrom, work on any sewing project of thier own individual chioce from fashions and tailoring to bridal and dance wear. Some students make soft furnishings, others bags and assessories. All under my professional guidance. So if this is something you would also like to do please contact me. There are good introductory offers on private and shared class rates which is limited to just 3 students per session so you can learn with members of your family or friends, as absolute beginners, intermediate and advanced learners, all abilities are individually catered for! Each lesson/session are 2 hrs long and need to be pre-booked onto my timetable, weekdays Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9.00am-11am, 11pm-1.00pm, 2.00pm-4.00pm, 4.00pm-6.00pm. On some Fridays and Saturdays Workshops are available on request between 10.00am - 4.00pm to also include those of you who live outside the local area to be able travel to Bournemouth to attend and possibly enjoy making a great weekend break of it! Gift Vouchers are also available and make a great present idea. Tell your friends and come and learn from my several years of experience in a real working designer studio.
To book in your lessons or for more details contact me on 0791 905 1956 or joy@utani-uk.com
Also from my studio in Charminster, Bournemouth you can see my 2008 ethical fashion collection that is featured on this website. Greetings cards, t shirts and various items that are handcrafted and unique. Hosts are needed for parties so if you live locally and are interested in hosting an utani-uk House Gathering, good rates of commission are payed but most importantly it's a really fun way of having a social with your friends, making friends, while spreading the message about, organic and ethical living and fairtrade issues. Please contact me for details. 0791 905 1956 or joy@utani-uk.com
With the very best of wishes to you all for now from Joy
Some Happy Customers Comments
"I have just returned from holiday to find the lovely (applique) skirt you made me and I just wanted to thank you so much. The design, colours and craftmanship are outstanding and just lovely. I am quite sure all my friends will want to know where I got it!. Many, many thanks and best wishes"
Nichola Taylor - Dorset, UK
"The package arrived yesterday, and I wanted to tell you that they are just perfect! The slacks and blouse are very stylish, the prettiest I have been able to find since I had to start wearing organic fabric. Normally styles I get to choose from look like sheepherder's clothes!"
Nancy Baird - Denver USA
"My trousers arrived in good time(for my holiday) and they fit well"
Anita France - West Lothian, Scotland
"Just to say, thanks so much for the dress, it arrived Wednesday, which was my birthday, so it was a really nice surprise as I didn't expect it to arrive so soon. It's goregeous, I'm so pleased"
Philippa Teal - Just Bazaar, Halifax UK
"I love my trousers ...they're the best I ever had!!!!!"
Karen Hale - Poole UK
"Thank you so very much for the care and attention you put into making my dress
it was perfect for my wedding day. Lots of admiration and praise for the fabric, design and detail from lots of people!!! It really is a stunning dress."
Anna Swerdlow - Bournemouth UK
"Just to say thankyou for the skirts they are a lovely fit and length. I like the way that the applique colours work with the skirt colours. I will no doubt be visiting you in the future".
Andrea Jones - Reading UK