Learning to Mend

I've a new addiction.

Last year my 92 year old Grandmother, knowing my love for clothes, gave me two beautiful classic Salvatore Ferragamo cardigans that she had loved wearing but no longer wanted. When I got them home, I found they were very badly eaten by moths, which she hadn't realised. Unsure of what to do, but unable to part with the cardigans, I washed them and put them away in the depths of my sewing box. A couple of weeks ago I came across the trend for 'visible mending' (essentially darning with bright yarn) and was instantly hooked. My love of second hand clothing means I have many things that have been worn to... literal bits. Still very much learning - but it is a deeply satisfying way to revive clothes, adding a bit of individuality to them. For anyone interested in learning more, 'Mend! A Refashioning Manual and Manifesto' by Kate Sekules is a great book I've enjoyed reading. And I am greatly inspired by Celia Pym, an artist who keeps embroidery and sewing at the heart of her practice.

Fabric

 More fabric and sewing related endeavours... spent a few days in Shepherd's Bush recently, getting the step count up incredibly high pacing up and down the market. My favourite place! 

On Set Details

Love the colour and print combination from a shoot I styled last year 

DLR

Taken on the DLR at Stratford, way before public transport triggered a world of anxiety. It's one of the best places for people watching... I love these ladies' saris, and their big bags and coats thrown on for the commute.

Uplifting colour palettes for Autumn

Summer

Sofa

So many things to moan about with a huge white leather sofa (it came with my furnished flat), but at least it's big enough for me to cover with various thrifted and homemade throws and cushions. My recent granny square blanket is a favourite charity shop purchase.

Drill

Drill, 2008

Plaster, Pigment, Steel and Rubber

Rachel Whiteread

Bonnard

Dining Room in the Country, 1931

Stairs in the Artist's Garden, 1942-4

Nude in the Interior, c.1935

Nude in the Bath, 1936

Paintings taken from the Pierre Bonnard exhibition at the Tate Modern, which closes on 6th May. Beautiful landscapes as well as interiors - I love all the wallpapers, tiles and fabrics. 

Neon

Hot, late nights on holiday last summer... Taking inspiration from these colours on a grey day in London

New Work

New Year, New Work

Loved styling this Woodland story - really let the imagination run wild!

Full story here: www.josie-harris.com

My work has been very inspired by the colour and vibrancy of recent travel - pictured here are Latvian flowers in the central market. Managed to smuggle some back in our suitcases...

Bit of Everything

My favourite kind of clothing rail in my living room last week while prepping for a shoot. A bit of everything - bright, clashing patterns and textures - so uplifting! Can't waiting to see the published editorial.

Of a theme

Painted oyster shells used as markers at fisherman shacks at Leucate Port, puffed up meringues in the market and early morning shadows in nearby Narbonne - the French know how to run with a theme.

++++ MARKS THE SPOT ++++

+ Peeling paint and brick work in Liverpool +

Some like it hot

Chillis and vegetables on sale in Inca, Majorca 2016

Spring?

Counting down the days to the bank holiday weekend, when I am heading to Cornwall for a few days over Easter. Crossing fingers for sun!

Marbled

At the studio recently 

Whitechapel Pastels

Wembley

Colour and sparkle galore last month - a birthday trip to Wembley with Mum