As an artist, inspiration is imperative to your practice. It fuels creativity and allows your work to grow and develop – but where do we find inspiration, exactly? You might look everywhere from nature to pop culture, but why not start at the very beginning (which, after all, is a very good place to start). […]
It’s no secret that showcasing your work in an exhibition can be a little bit daunting. Whilst exhibiting your pieces definitely opens up your art to a wider audience including collectors and potential buyers, there’s always the lingering worry of negative feedback. But it’s a risk worth taking; for emerging and established artists alike, the […]
How to Get Your Hands on Free Fabric Remnants At Contrado we strive for sustainability, opting for eco-friendly materials and practices wherever possible. One of the ways we try to reduce our impact on the environment is by decreasing waste, recycling or re-homing leftover textiles wherever we can. That’s why we’re offering bundles of free […]
What is Velour? Velour is an incredibly soft, plush textile which is very similar to velvet (albeit much less expensive). It’s characterised by a wonderfully soft-to-the-touch finish with cut fibres that follow the stroke of your hand, and drapes seamlessly. But what is velour, and how does it actually differ from velvet? Read our guide […]
If you’re only just embarking upon your sewing journey or you’re a well-seasoned stitcher, chances are your machine has more to offer than you think. Sewing machines can have anywhere from 8 to 100+ types of stitch settings alongside other tips and tricks, and the more elaborate your machine is, the more it will have. […]
5 Spring Trends Dominating The Catwalks Typically, Women’s Spring fashion tends to conjure up images of floaty floral styles and dusty tones across the board. Delicate laces and ditsy prints, with models dripping from head to toe in lashings of sugary sweet pastels. Although 2018 naturally featured a few of these classic looks in a […]
What is Mesh The world of fashion has seen the popularity of mesh garments soar within the last few years, but exactly what is mesh, and why are high-street stores and designers alike fawning over it? This sheer, soft fabric with tons of tiny holes has been loosely woven or knitted to create the signature […]
Gaining exposure for your art or design work can be incredibly difficult, particularly in such an over-saturated market. As well as having a strong online presence, attending live art events such as exhibitions or fairs will help open your work to a new audience and bring further exposure. We’ve compiled a list of the biggest […]
With the Oscars fast-approaching you’re bound to see some fabulous outfits hitting the red carpet. Stunning gowns, dapper suits and glamour from head to toe. Even if you’re not one of the lucky ones with an invite to the most prestigious award show in town, you can still look the part with the perfect suit. […]
What is Fleece? Fleece is a man-made wonder product, if there is such a thing. Despite being named after the ‘fleece’ coat on a sheep, it’s 100% synthetic and derived from plastic rather than a fluffy sheep’s coat – despite being fuzzy to the touch. The super soft, warm and breathable nature of this magic […]