Every Jan Constantine piece begins as an idea long before it becomes part of a home.

My newest design, the Wildflower Heart cushion, was inspired by the wildflowers that bloom across Alpine meadows in spring and summer - light, delicate, and beautifully unstructured.  Hand-embroidered onto soft white linen-cotton fabric, it reflects the same craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines the rest of my collections.

Hearts have been part of my story from the very beginning, and this design quietly revisits that motif in a fresh, contemporary way.

The Design

Detail in progress

Almost complete...

Completed Wildflower Cushion

We are delighted to relaunch the blog with our historical posts listed below .......

It’s here that you’ll find everything from news updates and product recommendations, to Jan’s tips and adventures.

We’d love to hear your opinions on things posted on here, so please feel free to share your thoughts via email - as we love hearing what you have to say!

Who Writes for this Blog? Jan herself now writes this blog, but occasionally, someone else may write about a particular news topic or event.

Happy reading!

In conjunction with Staffordshire University and Factory Creative Industries, we are delighted to invite you to share an evening on the sofa with Jan, founder and creative director of Jan Constantine Ltd, an international success story, Jan is known for her bold and distinctive textiles and home interior products.

Your host for this evening will be Rachel Wallace, Head of Communications at Staffordshire University, who will ask Jan to share her experiences of building a successful design-led business and the pitfalls and challenges she encountered along the way.

This unique evening will run from 5:30 - 7:30pm at the iconic Middleport Pottery, home of Burleigh and more recently the BBC1’s Great Pottery Throw Down.

Before the event, we invite you to visit the creative studios and businesses operating from the site and view the visitor experience centre before joining us for light refreshments and putting your questions to Jan in a relaxed and creative environment.

Ever since my college days, when I first read about the renovated 1920’s and 30’s carriages of the Orient Express, I have dreamt of taking the journey aboard that iconic train from London to Venice. For years I visualised myself travelling in style on this magical train, dressed just like the flappers who took the train almost a century before.

Last summer David and I booked the last compartment available for our anniversary and earlier this month, we fulfilled our dream and journeyed from London to Venice on the Orient Express. It was just divine!

Happy Anniversary!

We boarded the Belmond British Pullman at London Victoria Station on a very sunny morning a couple of weeks ago and even though I was the only person in vintage costume, I didn’t feel out of place at all. In fact I felt incredibly in place as we stepped back in time and into another world - we were so excited to begin our celebration journey.I wanted to dress up for the occasion and travel in character, as if I was in an Agatha Christie novel. A couple of days before the journey, I had such fun trying on and selecting my 1920’s vintage costumes ready for this magical journey!

Our carriage was Cygnus - there’s a wonderful story to each and every carriage. This one was designed in 1938 as a first class parlour car but then put into storage until after the war and completed in 1951 to became part or the famous Golden Arrow which was refurbished for the Festival of Britain. Cygnus exudes a warmth and sophistication with its Australian walnut panels, mirrors and old prints. Even the floor in the loo has its original mosaic tiles depicting a beautiful swan. 

Swan mosaic floor tiles in Cygnus

The carriage has been used for travelling royalty and visiting heads of state but its most profound moment was in 1965 when it was used as part of Sir Winston Churchill’s funeral train. In 1976, while in service for a private Yorkshire steam service, Cygnus starred in the film ‘Agatha’ with Vanessa Redgrave and Dustin Hoffman. It was bought by Venice Simpson-Orient-Express in 1977 and restored to its former glory.

Luxury is the word - as soon as we boarded, we were given a Bellini to raise a toast to our special anniversary. We ate brunch as we chugged along, passing familiar south London stations and rolling deep into the Kent countryside. Other couples in the carriage were quietly celebrating too, in their own magical worlds. I was curious to know which celebrations had brought everybody aboard, so I walked around the carriage and asked the question. It was lovely! There were two sets of 80th, a 50th and a 40th birthday. There were two Ruby Weddings, an early retirement, a honeymoon, a bucket list tick from America and a celebration for the love of being on the train - all the way from Canada. The couple opposite were travelling to Paris and were hoping to have dinner the following day on a Seine river boat cruise - if the flood had subsided! Everybody was happy and enjoying this fabulous train journey.

Upon arrival at Folkestone, to join the Eurostar via luxury coach, there was a jazz quartet to welcome us and keep us in carnival mood.

We reached Calais and were greeted by a row of stewards lined up along the platform in front of the gleaming Orient Express. What a picture! We were shown to our compartment by our Venetian steward, Ricardo - it was just gorgeous! We all left our doors ajar as we sipped champagne and planned our next steps - the atmosphere was like ‘kids at Christmas’ as we chatted and laughed, passing one another and peeking into each others spaces. 

Massimo manages The Boutique aboard the Orient Express

Checking out L'Oriental Dining Car. 

We wandered down the train to explore the dining cars, boutique and bars and decided to have dinner in ‘Lalique’ in the first sitting at 7 o’clock.

The Lalique designed dining car.

The real name of the dining car is Cote d’Azur or Dining Car 4141. The story is this: Built in 1929 and decorated by Rene Lalique for the luxury Cote d’Azur Pullman Express, it later served on the Deauville Express and then the L’Oiseau Bleu. After the war it was part of the Etoile du Nord and finally the Flèche d’Or luxury boat train, meeting passengers from the Golden Arrow. It is cool and sophisticated with silver grey velvet upholstery. The Lalique panels are exquisite, with beautiful sculptured opaque glass decorated with nude figures.

Time to get ready for dinner. I wore my 1920’s tango and metallic flapper dress with matching silver shoes, fur stole and feather headband. David wore his tuxedo and we swaggered along to our favourite dining car - like a couple of swells!

Dressed for dinner in the Lalique dining car - Courcelles-le-Comte.

Bonne Appetite - Aubigny

The dinner was exceptional and we were completely spoiled - so much attention. Little groups around us were springing into song with ‘Happy Birthday’ and the rest of the carriage joining in. As the lady celebrating her 80th passed through, I asked the group behind us if they could to sing for her - she was thrilled!

The champagne bar was nearby so we sat a while, sipping champagne, savouring the atmosphere and the company. Later we moved to the cocktail bar where the piano was being played. We ordered ‘Guilty 12’ cocktails (named after the novel ‘Murder on the Orient Express’) and it was far too easy to drink so I had to have another. We all laughed and chatted and we even danced - it was just a fabulous time!

Our beds were bunks - but surprisingly comfortable and bigger than imagined. In the morning we awoke to the amazing sight of snow-capped Swiss Alps and glittering lakes. Continental breakfast was served in our compartment as we passed gracefully through the most beautiful landscapes. Everyone was mingling while watching the magnificent views.

Breakfast in our compartment - Fluelen.

Wassen UR

We chose to lunch in L’Oriental dining car. This carriage, no 4095, was actually built in Birmingham in 1927 as a kitchen car, in the ‘Etoile du Nord’ style. It was part of the Cote d’Azur Pullman Express which is synonymous with the Roaring Twenties. The walls are covered with black Chinese lacquer panels and the seats upholstered in sumptuous deep raspberry velvet, creating a rose pink glow in the sunlight.

Lunch was delicious and the view became the gorgeous Italian Lakes - we were almost there!

Lake Garda

Buona Sera Venezia!Our journey came to an end at Santa Lucia Railway Station - but we were in the city of dreams - so as one adventure ended, a new one began.

Arrivederci Orient Express!

'Make Home Accessories Your Business', Jan will be sharing her inspiration and experiences.

http://www.countryliving.co.uk/kitchen-table-talent/ktt-events/a467/make-the-dream-of-being-your-own-boss-a-reality/

Launching Jan Constantine at Spirit of Christmas 2002

My first Union Jack design 2004

I wrote my first book in 2008

My bestselling Pop Art Collection

Teaching sewing workshops at Liberty of London - make you own!

Throwing cushions with Lord Coe during our London 2012 phase!

Launch of 2nd book at Fortnum & Mason, with Jaqui Small (Publisher) and Rosalind Howells (Buyer).

Working in TV with Lawrence and Lland Michelle (editor of Elle Deco)

Discussions about export with HRH Prince Charles

After talking at the 'Wire Conference'

With Akiko from the British Embassy in Tokyo

And Japanese friends.

Having a laugh with Boris (Mayor of London) in Osaka, Japan in October.

Sewing in Selfridges, me, Jo and Lucy.

Today! On the 4th floor of Selfridges - for Mothers Day.Watch this space!

Love Jan X

January 2015. Launch of my new China Collection.

February - BAFTA Nomination for my sister's film. Elaine Constantine, writer and director.

March - working on new designs from beautiful Port Isaac.

April - nominated for Cheshire Woman of the Year!

April - speaker at 'Enterprising Women' seminar for 'Management Today'

May - Speaker for UKTI at Export Week Women in Business lunch event

June - Gained a new sister-in-law - Sylvia.

August - Sewing demo at Selfridges, London with Jo and Lucie.

August - With Mary upon Pooley Bridge at Ullswater - sadly, now washed away in the floods!

August - Concerts in my village! Amongst others - Tom Jones and Collabro - fabulous!

The beautiful spires of Oxford - dropping daughter Camille to begin her Creative Writing Masters Degree

October - with friends while exhibiting at Hankyu Department Store in Japan

Chatting with Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, in Osaka.

October. Judging and presenting awards at 'The Northern Design Awards', this year at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool

November - Camille's first poetry book launch - 'Malkin'

November - Exhibiting at the Country Living Fair, London.

Buyers from the best stores in London, Japan, the US and Europe, as well as the chicest boutiques in Britain all loved it.......

Our Snowflake Throw in Nordic Grey wool makes a fabulous Christmas table cloth - perfect with the Nordic Advent Calendar displayed above.

The Nordic Bunting is beautiful and makes a cool alternative to our classic Alpine Bunting. The faux fur trimming the edges of the cushions and stockings is 'Heaven' says Lucie ... maybe she's thinking of the Angel!

How lovely is this Nordic Grey Collection for a neutral background - so chic!

Bonne Annee 2015!

I'm delighted to see our Cornish cottage featured, in all its summer glory, with lots of embroidered cushions and china on display.

Here are a few 'behind the scene' snaps and a sneak peek of our new collection.....

The sea at St Leonards.

Jo & Lucie - working hard on the white floor!

Final touches - lighting the candles on the Classic Red Collection. Don't you just love that Advent Tree Calendar!

Jo - folding and smoothing.

Our new Nordic Grey Collection ... and a little bit more light! That Advent Tree Calendar again!

Hanging the bunting - more Nordic Grey with gorgeous cushions edged in fur.

Hope you like it
The Nordic Grey Christmas Table - we have all fallen in love with the Tree Advent Calendar. Wait till you see Caroline's proper photos - they are divine!

The new Christmas Collection will be launching on-line in September at www.janconstantine.com.

Liberty of London - a magical stag display - spot our Stag Christmas Stocking in the center.

More of our stockings at Liberty of London.

Our Crown Tea Cosy and Crown Zipper Purse in pride of place in Selfridges.

Noel Noel! Beautifully merchandised at Harrods

Skiers and Chalet Cushions in Harrods.

Harrods Love Christmas! Spot our Alpine Advent Calendar and Gypsy Heart cushion?

Beautiful Advent at Harrods.

Stockings and hearts at Harrods.

Merry Christmas!

Above, Flo, Mary, Lucie and Jo are proud to launch this lovely new Personalised Collection.

The girls were so inspired that they decided to make their own personalised cushions. Here they are pinning on their names.

Flo working on her red spot cushion.

Mary, almost there just a few stitches to go.

Keeping Lucie quiet - a skill for life!

Here - almost done, they just need a good press - et voila!

Here's a sneak peek into the world of JC HQ - here we have Jo, my design assistant and Flo on the right, who originally came to us when my girls were small, as an au pair from France. She's returned many times over the last 8 years and now works in the office with us.

Exclusive Christmas stockings created for Liberty of London with peacock feathers and crowns.

Don't forget these little beauties Mr Selfridge!

"And I Love the London taxi" says Lucie

Packing some of our favourite things for some of our favourite London stores

Lucie is an intern, also from France. If you phone and hear a lovely French accent - it may be Lucie or it could be Flo! Sometimes they forget they're in England and start to rabbit in French. It's nice to be a little bit international in our small English country village - the villagers don't know what's hit them - Ooh la la!

Flo will try anything to get to the London Room launch at Selfridges!

Selfridges and Liberty next stop - Harrods next week.All packed up and ready for DPD!

Will keep you posted on the launch and when we'll be in store at Selfridges.

Hope to see you there! X

I've been visiting Bath for many years and always admire the superb frontage of The Fine Cheese Co. Step inside to find the most delicious wines, cheeses and treats.

Again another old favourite of mine - Suzanna's antiques and textiles are exquisite. Her lace, crystals, and quilts are from a bygone era, so feminine, so French and so decadent - I love these gorgeous pieces.

In complete contrast, the Fig Store is only one year old. You must step inside to see and feel the full beauty and ambiance of the vintage, utility furnishings and simple, new accessories. A breath of fresh air!

Another new store on the block - Avenida Home belongs to my friend Isobelle, whom I know from meeting at various exhibitions in London, Paris and Tokyo. Her work is beautiful - modern trays, table mats and coasters with contemporary prints.

Another little store that always catches my eye is The British Hatter. If you're after a panama - here it is!

There are so many more beautiful stores in Bath - watch this space for more.

Here I'm sitting next to the Host, Sara Williams.

My task was to tell the women about my export experiences and to inspire them to have a go!

The ladies on my left seemed to be enjoying the talk.

The ladies on my left were smiling too.

I talked about New York, Paris, Tokyo, Osaka and the Price of Wales!

Hopefully I made some impact!

This is one of the best of its type of event that I've been to, with it's very high standards, great mix of products, food and drink. The greatest thing was - the producers and creative artists all either came from, or worked within Cheshire.

A lovely sunny day!

Local Cider from Dunham Press

Lizzie Prestt with her beautiful line drawings and homewares.

With the local charity, The Joshua Tree.

Inspecting the stands in the Cruck Barn. So much to see and all such high quality, beautiful products.

Admiring the beautiful bespoke gloves by Humphrey's.

The winner of the 'Best in Show' is Lou from 'Ox Eye Daisy'. Her painted garden shed looked a treat in the cobbled courtyard of the Tudor Barn. Also here are Sally and Suzie, the organisers and Ben, fellow judge from Savills.

In 2nd place - Jam Industries - I thought that this sophisticated surf wear and strong branding were fantastic.

In 3rd place is Anna Flora, in conjunction with Tom Brown. Anna made a glorious display of flowers, intermingled with Tom's antiques and curiosities.

Well done Sally and Suzie, a wonderful event!

We raced ahead of the shots - plumping cushions, moving tables, arranging flowers, making tea.

All done, then a cup of tea and a lovely birthday cake. A 'grand finale' to a great day - I made a big wish and blew out the candles.

I love having my birthday at this time of year - such an abundance of beautiful flowers

I Love Birthdays!

My favourite stores are Liberty of London, Fortnum & Mason and Designers Guild. All were wonderful in their own fabulous, quirky and British way and all of them sparkling with Christmasness.

My final stop was The Conran Shop at the Bibendum building and I wished it had been my first! It was just amazing!

A Snowman Christmas Party in full swing in the windows - it looked so funny and inviting that the store was absolutely full!

I walked around in wonder and was completely dazzled by the theme, the light and the colour - a breath of fresh air! It was magical!

The magic continued throughout the store.

All the tables were ready for a party.

Well Done Jasper, this is beautiful!

Caroline's wonderful French and Swedish furniture add a certain 'Je ne sais quoi' to the proceedings.

While we were there we went to the beach at nearby Hastings and saw the amazing fishermens' black wooden huts. Here's Jo wearing one of our new T shirts beside one of the huts.Caroline's wonderful French and Swedish furniture add a certain 'Je ne sais quoi' to the proceedings.

Looking for the next location beside the sea in Hastings.Look out for our new T shirt collection - coming soon.

Hoping to have a bit more time to see the old towns and check out the famous vintage and antique shops next time we go down to shoot. A really lovely piece of the great British seaside.

Happy New Home Caroline and Bob.

It was the most beautiful summers day – blue sky, blue sea. Not bad for 12^th March!

Commissioned by Country Homes & Interiors magazine

My China Black Collection

I scurried around setting up china, plumping up cushions, making beds and creating little niches to catch the camera's eye!

The Eye is one of my favourite cushions - yet it didn't make it into the magazine!

The funky Vintage Tattoo Collection has travelled far since the shoot - now available in New York, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

It’s a wrap!

To see more - pop out to buy the magazine or check our press area here:

Press, Country Homes & Interiors.

While exhibiting in Tokyo in June – we met our friends again from HP Deco

We were invited to visit their store and after battling across Tokyo through heavy rain -

we entered an oasis of total and utter beauty, a mini department store....

....filled with wonder and delight.

We were mesmerised!

Look at these snaps ....

And then I spied my Seaside Collection, casually displayed upon a garden bench.

Then a photo opportunity with the staff .....

. ...and a lovely present of specially blended tea to take home.

Looking forward to our next visit to Japan.....

Jan and Jo were so excited this week when they met HRH Prince of Wales on Tuesday whilst he was visiting Middleport Pottery. His visit was to commemorate the completion of a £9 million project led by his charity, The Prince's Regeneration Trust, after they stepped in to save the UK's last working Victorian Pottery from closure in June 2011.

Jan Constantine was one of six creative companies brought together by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to explain their export activities in an exhibition of their products for the Prince.

Jan said "I was thrilled to speak with Prince Charles about my business. He was so interested in our products and how we export our Britishness overseas. We talked about the Highgrove Shop and his Dumfries House project for fashion and textiles".

"We gave him a navy blue British Isles cushion and when he admired the Jack Russell cushion, we gifted that too - possibly for Camilla who has several Jack Russells."

Jan and Jo, demonstrating an alternative function for our tea cosies...

Above is quite a silly one showing Jan and Jo on a photo shoot last week, wearing the bespoke Fortnum & Mason tea cosies we created for the store's 'Mad for Tea' exhibition. Below are a few of our favourite images sent in by customers in the past – we’re sure you’ll agree with us on how beautiful they are!

This is Baby Freya, our friend Dean's baby daughter, surrounded by Love.

Image sent to us by Jo Welch

Image contributed by Pinar Ozbey-Trottier - www.narinukimages.com

Get out that camera, and good luck! 

All entries will be displayed in the 'Send us Your Snaps’ gallery with the entrant's name and brief description. The winning entry will be chosen for its content, beauty and authenticity (note: it is not expected to be a professional photograph – even a mobile upload will do!) and the winner will be contacted via email or telephone. The winning image will be announced via email newsletter during October.

Diana and Charles with baby William outside St. Mary's. (img src The Telegraph)

Babymania:The media hype will reach its peak over the next couple of days, as the date approaches. There have already been instances of Royal Babymania, however…

* The Royal Baby made it onto The Times New Power List earlier this year, coming in at number 10 under the title ‘The Duchess of Cambridge’s Child’.

*An online shop, The Royal Nursery professes to sell items for ‘the baby that deserves everything’, including a $1499 solid gold feeding spoon.

"Not All Babies Are Born With a Silver Spoon in Their Mouth"- The Royal Nursery

Front cover of The Royal Nappy, by Nicholas Allan

* The Royal Nappy, a new book by Nicholas Allan, proposes to tell the history of the royal nappy from Henry VIII to the present, through the story of Nanny and the ‘Royal nappy cabinet’, and tells of the advantages of different nappies for different occasions (“parachuting nappies” and “shiny nappies for palace floors – whee!” are examples, according to The Guardian).

* The Royal Baby has been tweeting from three different parodic Twitter accounts, and already has a Wikipedia page, having been referred to by The Washington Post as “the world’s most famous baby”.

* Betting shops are expecting baby-related bets to reach £300k by the time the baby is born. At the moment, the most popular possible names are Alexandra and Victoria (the majority of bets are expecting a girl), or George if the child is male.

*A recent Vogue article described the Duchess of Cambridge on a skiing trip, teaching a child to toboggan; the description ends with the ridiculous statement “after that she went inside and ate a bowl of pasta for tea”.

So why is there such a hilarious fuss about the Royal Baby? Apart from the obvious – everybody loves babies, and the British public have an endless fascination with the lifestyles of the monarchy - there is perhaps another reason.

The Duke and Duchess of York with their daughter, later to become
Queen Elizabeth II.

(img src The Mirror)Babies or children in important positions are no anomaly historically (Edward VI is an example from English history, having ascended to the throne at the age of nine), and apart from the Royal Baby, there are possibilities of similar changes to tradition elsewhere in coming years – the Dalai Lama has recently suggested that, for the first time in history, his selected successor may be female.Following the Succession to the Crown Bill, male heirs will no longer take precedence over women in line to the throne. According to Francesca Rice in Marie Claire, the birth of a female child could be “a seminal moment in the fight for female equality”, in that whether the child is female or male, it will become third in line to the throne. Rice also points out that the Equality (Titles) Bill, which would allow female heirs to inherit hereditary titles, is scheduled a second reading in parliament – if the Royal Baby should turn out to be a girl, a huge overhaul of tradition is a possibility, hugely affecting the lineage of the British aristocracy.

Painting of Edward VI as Prince Edward in 1539, by Hans Holbein the Younger.

And so, in the spirit of royal textiles and Royal Babymania… we would like to announce the arrival of our Royal Baby cushion, to be released upon the birth of the Royal Baby. All members of the royal family were, of course, babies at one stage. An exhibition at the Museum of London, ‘A Royal Arrival’, presents a collection of baby clothes to the public – baby clothes owned by the monarchs of the past. Items include a cap worn by Charles I, a vest and mitten worn by George III and a nursing apron thought to have belonged to Queen Victoria.

A few weeks ago, Jan and (her design assistant) Jo took a trip to Japan for several days to meet with buyers. The photographs below were all taken during their time there, and are accompanied by some of Jan’s comments on the trip and the people encountered along the way; it was, according to her, “a magical time” for them both. They were given an incredibly warm welcome everywhere they went, from the British Embassy to the shopping malls and restaurants, and Jan is already excited to be visiting again in October.

Jan: "This lovely baby, Nene, was fast asleep in the shopping mall, still clutching her biscuit."

On the Japanese people she encountered, Jan stated that “The biggest impression I had while we were there was how overwhelmingly lovely the people were. They were so humble, shy, charming and helpful… in fact, they went out of their way to be helpful. If we ever got lost, they would actually take us to where we wanted to go. They are also very precise and orderly, in the nicest way.”

“They all seemed to really love the British, and they say this is partly because of our similarities: we are both islands; we have our Queen, and they have their Emperor; we are reserved people (most of us are, anyway!).”

Jan: “This is Mayumi, our beautiful interpreter. She lived in Britain for several years as a garden designer and loves Britain – as you can tell from her sleeve!”

*Jan and Jo with beautiful graduates in Tokyo on graduation day (their graduation attire is much more interesting and colourful than our simple black robe).

One of the most interesting aspects of the Japanese aesthetic is the concept of ‘wabi-sabi’. Founded on Buddhist ideas of transience and impermanence, this could be summarised as the belief that there is great beauty and perfection to be found in imperfection. Intrinsic to wabi-sabi are appreciation of natural objects and the natural world, modesty in style, irregularity and asymmetry; these are combined with sabi‘s connotations of beauty gained with age. In terms of aesthetics in manufacture, wabi-sabi might refer to the beautiful inconsistencies of certain production methods; the hand-embroidered cushions for which Jan Constantine has become known are all sewn individually, and all have their own tiny unique flaws and idiosyncrasies as a result. In this sense, they could certainly be said to exhibit the qualities of the Japanese aesthetic.

Jun'ichirō Tanizaki’s extended essay, In Praise of Shadows*, discusses briefly the Japanese appreciation of “the elegance of age” (p. 19), something that can be easily likened to the British love of history and high culture. Tanizaki writes that “we do not dislike everything that shines, but we do prefer a pensive luster to a shallow brilliance, a murky light that, whether in a stone or in an artefact, bespeaks a sheen of antiquity” (19-20). Bright lights, video games and J-pop, though important to (stereotypical) modern Japanese culture, do not epitomise the ideals at its heart any more than fish and chips, the Grand National and Britpop epitomise the oldest values of the British: the real heart of Japanese culture is a love of the natural order and a patina of quiet dignity on all aspects of life.
Kimono from Jan and Jo’s retail tour in Ginza, Tokyo.

The following is a haiku penned by Jack Kerouac (not a British writer, but nonetheless a great example of a meeting of Eastern and Western culture). Again, the transience and imperfection of wabi-sabi is in evidence here:

“Snap your finger stop the world – rain falls harder.”

Jan loved this stylishly understated black kimono.

Jan Constantine’s products come bearing the tagline “hand-embroidered heirlooms of the future”. It is easy to understand how this might also relate to the Japanese love of antiquity and tradition. All in all, the British and Japanese concepts of vintage heirlooms and wabi-sabi are quite similar, in their modern meaning.All of these ideas go some way toward explaining the subdued grace of the Japanese artisan. We British will always adore our cloisters, cathedrals and the smell of cold stone – much like the Japanese, “we love the colours and the sheen that call to mind the past that made them” (Tanizaki, 20).

More happy graduates.

Jan found her visit to Japan absolutely fascinating – as should be clear from her comments on the visit! – and compared the experience to her first visit to New York in her early twenties. She was so excited that jet lag didn’t affect her in the slightest, though she found it difficult to go to bed (never mind go to sleep!)

Next week, Jan Constantine’s agents will be showing her products at Hotel Okura in Tokyo in an event lasting for at least five days.

*Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, In Praise of Shadows (Vintage, London, 2001; English translation first published by Leete's Island Books, Inc. 1977; Japanese original published 1933)
.

Jan is very excited about the show and the effect it might have on the British public, so we decided to ask her some questions about her own Sewing Bee (her past) and what she thinks the future might be for sewing.

Contestants and hosts on the show. Photo copyright the BBC

Interview

Q) Who first introduced you to sewing? At what age did you start?

A) My mother and Grandma Constantine introduced me to sewing when I was around 4 years old. There was always sewing going on in the house – my mother made everything we ever wore and Grandma was always visiting, bringing her knitting with her, making clothes and working on her projects. Whenever I visited grandma she would show me how to do things. After a while I started making dolls’ clothes, and I was given a red sewing machine for children, one that actually worked. From there, I made my first skirt for myself when I was about 10 – it was in a dog tooth check with a zip in the back and a pleat in the front, and I wore it often. Slowly I started to make more and more clothes; I went every Saturday to the Bury market to a stall called Ada’s where they sold fabric remnants, which I would buy to make something new to wear to the discoteque each week. I absolutely loved it and couldn’t wait to start my next garment.

A) I think the Sewing Bee is going to be incredibly successful and is likely to kick-start an array of new sewing programmes. I think it might be even more successful than the Bake Off, because of what it’s going to start – it’s definitely time for a sewing revolution. Also, there are a lot of cooking programmes on television already, and many famous television chefs… so it’s a welcome relief to see a hands-on show that’s focussing on something different. This is the kind of programme that’s been long-awaited, really: in the olden days sewing was very high on the list of pastimes/tasks along with cooking, and every woman used to sew, but this is rarely the case now.Q) Do you think The Great British Sewing Bee is likely to be as successful as The Great British Bake Off?

Q) Going on from that question – there are a number of male contestants in the Great British Sewing Bee. What do you think of that?

A) I think that’s fantastic. More men should be encouraged to get stuck in and make their own clothing.

Q) Why? Do you think there’s maybe something lacking in men’s fashion currently?

A) I do, actually, and I think there has been for a long time. I think it’s time the peacock returned. Maybe the Bowie exhibition at the V&A will give some inspiration to the male population – male fashion has been sober for far too long. It's been sober since the seventies, basically!

Q) What about fashion generally? Do you think there’s more room for originality in today’s clothing?

A) Yes. To make your own clothes is to make an individual, one-off garment – a lot of people are seeking that kind of originality by wearing vintage at the moment but they might find more kudos in wearing something completely of their own. Really, who wants to go to a wedding or a party and see somebody else wearing the same high-street dress?!

Q) The Great British Sewing Bee appears to be primarily a tailoring/dressmaking contest. Do you think there’s room for a revival of other sewing projects, too?

A) Absolutely. This is only the start – everything will be looked at differently once people realise that it only takes a little time-investment to make these things themselves.

A) Yes, I do. Possibly because everything vintage is very popular at the moment, and as is the ‘make do and mend’ ethos – because of the recession that we’re in, people want to find a way to save money while also creating their very own wonderful projects.Q) Do you think there is a revival of hands-on creativity generally at the moment, and why?

Q) Considering cuts to arts funding and the pressure on young people today to take a ‘financially viable’ route into work – resulting in declining numbers of young people studying subjects like art, textiles and design – what do you think the future is for creative endeavours like these? How do you think young people might be encouraged to continue on a path like this? And how could somebody who was really passionate about sewing find a way to make a career from it?

A) There has always been a future for art and design, and there always will be. I believe that if you’re strong and willing enough, and you love it enough, then you will find a way of doing it. When I was at school, I remember being advised not to take the route I wanted; but I went on and did it anyway, and it’s turned out to be a very fulfilling career, right through from being a fashion designer in London to interior styling and design to now, running my own company.

I think more programmes like this might be encouraging, for a start. Following the careers of flourishing creatives might also encourage young people, as perhaps what’s lacking at the moment is belief in the possibility of success in this area. It’s a shame, because as a nation we are incredibly creative; even London Fashion Week this year has surpassed those of Milan and Paris. This country is a huge creative force to be reckoned with and this should be nurtured and promoted.

Somebody who wanted to make a career of it could take the route of studying their craft at school or university, or alternatively, they might start their own project and pursue it alone, by perhaps hiring a market stall and then going on from there. Everybody has to start somewhere and the chances are, if you have the talent, the passion and the enthusiasm, you should win through: once you set your mind on something and you aim for quality, it can happen.

Q) What tips do you have for people who might be interested in starting to sew?

A) Find a mentor! Somebody who can sew… and get some books out of the library. Programmes like this are great, as I’ve already said. But I’d also recommend getting together with a friend or a circle of friends with a similar passion, because it’s always more fun to work on projects with others. There are sewing courses available in every part of the country if you care to look – if you’re interested, maybe just find one in your area. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it!

Tune in to The Great British Sewing Bee each Tuesday (BBC 2, 8pm)! And if this sounded interesting to you, perhaps check out Jan’s books Heirloom Embroidery and Love Stitching, within which you’ll find instructions and guidance on how to make wonderful sewing projects all of your own.

The pretty follies that themselves commit…”

- William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice (Act II Scene VI, 41-2)

Jan visited Venice a few weeks ago. While she was there, she was struck by the constant presence of a certain motif around the city: the heart. Decorating bridges, door handles and hundreds of windows, the heart proved itself to be as intrinsic to the character of Venice as it is to Jan’s work.Venice is a city in love with its own history – a city of doges and dungeons, gondolas and gondoliers, mystique, intrigue and celebration. But it is also a city with a history of lovers, and as the birthplace of Giacomo Casanova, its reputation as Italy’s lovers’ hub can hardly be doubted.

Other beautiful patterns also featured, but the heart was certainly the city's most prominent icon.

Scroll heart bridge

Venice is its own heart afloat on the past; its ventricles, atriums are hewn in centuries of sand and muscled with water, its streets and bridges strung with heartbeats.

Speaking of the visit, Jan commented:

“It was the windows of Venice that fascinated me. The wrought iron grilles on the ground floor windows in Venice are there for security as well as being beautiful and romantic – many of them incorporate hearts within the design. I was particularly attracted to them as I've just finished a new collection that looks as though it's been inspired by them.”

Leaving Venice

If you liked the impressions of Venice in this post, keep an eye out for Jan’s new collection, arriving Summer 2013!

Amidst heavy snow, long delays and lost tempers, we travelled to Paris to see beautiful home interiors at the gathering of the finest companies in the world.

Here are a just few of my favourite things – with food and flower inspirations.

The trend area displayed a “back to basics” theme:

Give us our daily bread…

“Somewhere between overproduction and a quest for the essential, between virtualities and materialities, our contemporary society is seeking the roots of it’s origins and, simply, the primal source of living things. Over-abundance can lead to scarcity, excess feeds impoverishment, and having too much drowns desire.”

Le pain, le lait, la viande, les legumes… “dis-mois ce que tu manges et je te dirai que tu penses”

In the city, even the little red car has a vegetable rack.

“Let there be light…”

Vegetable Chandelier - not bad for a nation of non-veggies!

Meat and milk were also portrayed at Maison but they were spartan and cold in comparison.

Stalactite Chandelier – so beautiful!

Spring bulbs break through the darkness...

The scent takes your breath away…

White grape hyacinths forging through to the light.

Keeping the best inspiration until last! – These glorious anemones - the flower of the show in the colour of the show on the stand of the show.

Au revoir Paris 

The Queen’s Diamond JubileeThe company celebrated its 10^th birthday earlier this year (just one more excuse for an office party!) and now 2012 is coming to a close, we’d like to look back over what has been a successful and thoroughly inspirational year. Below are a selection of our favourite memories from 2012.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee not only inspired a beautiful all-new Jan Constantine collection, but rekindled patriotism in its most regal form across the country. Harrumble!

Jan travelled to London on the diamond day with her daughter, Mary, and together they watched the fleet of royal boats glide by on the Thames, enjoying the atmosphere despite the British weather's best efforts.

The Queen appeared to enjoy the event too, though we’ve yet to hear of any Jubilee cushions taking a new home at Buckingham, Windsor or Balmoral.

Olympics and Paralympics

2012 will be remembered in decades to come as the year that saw the London 2012 Olympic Games. This was of not just national but international importance, and Jan Constantine provided a contribution to the Great British summer of sport in her Olympic collection, sold across the country and in the official merchandise shop in the Olympic Park.

Getting thoroughly into the spirit of the games, Jan attended both the opening and (“golden ticket”!) closing ceremonies, and the majority of staff members also attended various events, from the horse jumping at Greenwich to the finals at Wimbledon, athletics on Super Saturday and the finals of Paralympic wheelchair basketball.

Exhibitions

The Jan Constantine Alpine Christmas collection has been the most successful collection yet, and enjoyed particular success at the most recent Top Drawer exhibition.

Fantastic Press!

Jan Constantine has had an increased level of attention from the press over the past 12 months, which is largely down to her involvement in merchandising the Olympic Games and further promoting her own brand of patriotism, and has shown itself in both local and national headlines.

Northern Design Awards

At the 2012 Northern Design Awards – the biggest ever held according to the post-event press release – Jan Constantine was a judge for the third year running, alongside host Wayne Hemingway (Red or Dead founder) and fellow judges Linda Barker, Geoff Alsop (RIBA Chairman), Nick Munro, Sir Terence Conran, the Living Etc. editors and Diarmuid Gavin. Jan also presented the awards for Best Retail Display and Best Interior Design Practice.

More than 300 celebrities and special guests enjoyed the awards ceremony and gala dinner at Manchester Central, and the night was a highly-praised, glamorous success, and a strong testament to the wide-ranging talents of designers from the North.

The Office Christmas Party

To coincide with the release of 007’s most recent adventure, Skyfall, the office Christmas party this year followed a James Bond theme.

The night began with one agent entering through the French doors in a colourful disguise, bearing MI6 case files and a box of Black Magic; he passed these on to Jan (‘M’, for the night’s purposes) and rolled out of sight to change into his gadget-strapped tux. The other guests agents assembled around the buffet table as M revealed for the fifth time this year exactly what she’s been spending the SIS budget on: prosecco.

Northern Soul, the film

One final highlight of Jan's year has been the opportunity to explore the set of the film her sister (Elaine Constantine) has written and actualised over the past 10 years.

Now in the editing stage, Northern Soul, the film is set to influence a new generation of young people – in the manner of Quadrophenia or This is England – to reignite a youth culture originating in the North of England in the 1970s.

Already massively popular pre-release, the film looks set to be a huge cinematic success and a cult favourite for years to come. With its authentically 70s atmosphere, its illustration of the salvative power of music from Edwin Starr to Tobi Legend to Frankie Valli and its background of gritty Northern resolve, this film is the one to watch in 2013. After experiencing the set for herself, Jan is as excited as any Northern Soul enthusiast and recommends that everybody rush to grab tickets on the release date.

All in all, it's been a fantastic year for Jan Constantine. Happy New Year to everybody reading - we'll be back in the office on January 2nd!

The destination was the London 2012 Olympic Megastore at the Olympic Park - Hooray!

To get to this point in time we had attended meetings and presentations, prepared cash flows and plans, made a bid and won an Olympic licence (a huge deal for our small company). I designed the collection, raised a huge loan, employed new staff, submitted our samples, upgraded the warehouse, exhibited at trade fairs, produced the stock - all just to be a part of the wonderful British Olympic Games.

We struck a deal with Grocontinental to use their 40 ton artic truck and driver, Brian, to deliver our Olympic booty and we borrowed a fork lift from the neighbours and all the husbands helped to despatch. This was one huge order!

On the day, Nikki baked a patriotic cake and Diane organised the fizz. Even our children came to watch - and eat cake.

The BBC TV news team arrived earlier than everyone else!

The local press and the marketing & PR representative for Grocontinental, Hazel, came too and we hired photographer, Helen Cotton, to document the day. Linda Grocott and I posed for press with the Union Jack flag, sitting on the sofa on the back of the truck!

We all wore patriotic red, white and blue and proudly waved off the lorry with our Union Jack flags.

It was a wonderful event that we’ll always remember.

Of course, I was delighted, agreed and got busy drawing up the elements that Emma and her team suggested I should add and the rest is history …

… it’s a slightly bigger version of my original British Isles wall hanging but more rounded, with the addition of the full Emerald Isle (my grandmother was Irish – so that feels good!) and several meaningful national mottos. I’ve also added the ubiquitous blanket stitched, red Jan Constantine heart that brands my work loud and clear!

This unique piece is now up for auction to help raise funds for Centre Point, a UK charity that works to change the lives of homeless young people.

If you would like to help a very worthy cause and fancy owning a piece of literary history and an heirloom of the future as well, visit the House to Home website for more information. Please dig deep and email your closed bid to idealhomeevents@ipcmedia.com

Bidding starts at £200 and closes at midnight on 6th May. The winner will be notified shortly after the closing date and will need to pay by PayPal.

Designing my collection for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was a dream project for me. During times of great national celebrations such as a Royal Wedding or a Jubilee the Queen very generously grants designers like me the freedom to use Her Majesty's royal symbols. Being renowned for my iconic British designs, I couldn’t wait to start stitching the Royal Insignia. 

I love the whole Royal Business and think we’re incredibly lucky as a nation to have our beloved Queen, a shining beacon of solidarity in these economically tough times. Hopefully I’ve captured the love of the nation in my designs by embellishing everything with my ubiquitous red heart along with other symbols such as the crown and the flowers of the realm signifying England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The Diamond Jubilee will kick off a truly remarkable summer for Britain and elevate us above all other countries while we celebrate how great it is to be British – nobody does it better!

Here is my celebratory Diamond Jubilee collection which has already been featured on ITV's Alan Titchmarsh Show, ITV's This Morning, the star of the Sunday Times Home Section, a big spread in our local Cheshire Life and the subject of countless trade articles - make your Diamond Jubilee a year to remember with my hand-embroidered heirlooms of the future... Which one do you like best?

Hello again! The past two weeks have been a little empty in the way of blog posts because Jan has been away on holiday to Venice and Paris, but now she's back we have plenty to tell you! First up, we have a little information for you on what Jan did on her last day away.
Brasserie Julien in Paris is a relic from the glorious age of Art Nouveau. Jan says, "It's always a toss-up, on a brief visit to Paris, as to which brasserie to go to - either Julien's or Flo's - as both jewels are in the same area of rue de Fauborg St-Denis. For sheer aesthetics, Julien's wins hands down.

"For Art A-Level, I studied the woman in Art Nouveau, and I wrote about the wonderful paintings of ladies depicting spring, summer, autumn and winter in the style of Alfonse Muncha by a Parisian artist of the day that graced the walls of Julien's in Paris."

Photographs taken of the paintings on Brasserie Julien's walls

"I ate there very regularly when I was in Paris as a young fashion designer visiting the shows and exhibitions. The food and atmosphere are still wonderful today, but the fresh flowers and the lady who used to bustle up and take my hat and coat are gone, and sadly it isn't as busy as it once was - maybe a sign of the times we are in. The surrounding streets are still the same - filled with eastern smells, smoke and prostitutes - which makes it all the more sublime when you go inside, taste the aperitif of the day and try to decide which exquisitely traditional Parisian dish to have."

Julien's was first opened in 1787, though it that time it was known as Le Cheval Blanc, and was converted into a brasserie in 1903. Aside from the paintings shown above, Julien's also has a floral stained glass roof made by the Guenne company in 1925, which highlights the famous Gismonda, depicting Sarah Bernhardt, as well as Arnaud Jean-Baptiste Segaud's peacocks.

If you're looking for a spot of history and a delightful place to eat next time you're in Paris, Jan thoroughly recommends Julien's as the place to go!

As it says on the back of the menu, "The elegance of the Belle Epoque lives on at Julien."

Jan has to raise a minimum of £3000 (she paid for the Trek itself on her own, and all of the money raised went directly to charity), most of which was raised at a charity dinner with raffle and auction in which a number of donated items, including a signed JLS shirt, helped boost funds on the night.

The Trek spans an intimidating 85km and Jan will be on it for 6 days out of 8. She will be traversing approximately 12km per day. The Trek is known for being both physically and mentally challenging, even to experienced hikers.

And yet, she still hasn’t started her training. She won a session with a personal trainer at a raffle a while ago, and recently bought a pair of walking boots (pictured below)… also, she believes that because she walks the streets of London regularly, she won’t have any problem walking the Wall. We have our doubts about this.

…It would appear that we’re all a little too domesticated here. So, any suggestions for how we can help Jan survive for 8 days without her being carried around would be very welcome.Recently, suggestions have been flying around the office as to how to make the experience as comfortable as possible for her, considering how underprepared she may be when she leaves. We suggested that she should wear her walking boots around the office; her response was to tell us that she would need to embellish the boots in some way beforehand, in order for them to be “credible in her world”. She’ll probably start working on her boots as soon as she can find the time. We’ll let you know how she gets on – watch this space for a photograph of her improvements!

Also, Jan is continuing to raise funds for Elise for Life – largely by producing and selling the beautiful sunflower cushion pictured below

1.Upon Westminster Bridge – William Wordsworth

Sept. 3, 1802

Earth has not anything to show more fair:

Dull would he be of soul who could pass by

A sight so touching in its majesty:

This City now doth like a garment wear

The beauty of the morning: silent, bare,

Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie

Open unto the fields, and to the sky,

All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.

Never did sun more beautifully steep

In his first splendour valley, rock, or hill;

Ne'er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!

The river glideth at his own sweet will:

Dear God! the very houses seem asleep;

And all that mighty heart is lying still!

Some of you might have noticed the presence of Mr Wordsworth in Jan’s brochures, and also on her “I Love London” wall hanging.Jan adores London, and this is the main reason for her love of the poem; she says that she often stands on Westminster Bridge and, while there, reads Wordsworth’s poem from the brass plaque placed there, enjoying the rush of the water beneath her and feeling a swelling pride – almost a sense of numinous – as she admires London’s principal landmarks.

2.The Lady of Shalott – Alfred Lord Tennyson

“…There she weaves by night and day
A magic web with colours gay.
She has heard a whisper say,
A curse is on her if she stay
To look down to Camelot.
She knows not what the curse may be,
And so she weaveth steadily,
And little other care heat she,
The Lady of Shalott”.

(The rest of the poem can be found at http://www.angelos.demon.co.uk/clare/literature/shalott.html )

Jan has loved this beautiful and romantic poem for a very long time. She first fell under its charm when she was an art student studying the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, and since then has only become more attached to it – the image below is a photograph taken in Jan’s house this morning, of a mirror she painted herself with the addition of two lines from the poem (“From the lake and from the river / He flashed into the crystal mirror”).

Below we have a musical version of Tennyson’s piece, sung by Loreen McKennit and accompanied by some beautiful Arthurian images. We enjoyed taking time out to relax and listen to it, and hope that you will too!

3.He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven - William Butler Yeats

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

Again, this is a poem that Jan has been enamoured with for some time. The presentation of the embroidered cloths as belonging to the heavens is something that has affected her work to some extent – Jan said, when I asked her about it, that this poem is almost a summary of her business in that, after all these years, the dream is finally starting to come true. Jan also finds the word “embroidered” in itself very poetic, and believes that there is poetry in the sewing of a proficient artisan.

Below we have a lovely reading for you in which Antony Hopkins, the legendary British actor, famously recites Yeats’ poem in the 1987 film ‘84 Charing Cross Road’. Incidentally, this is also one of Jan’s favourite films, and so is doubly as important in terms of inspiration.

4.Like Beautiful Embroidery – Carolyn Phillips

By delicate stitching we are joined

Is it machine or handmade?

As a bow our hands are tied

Sealed by sparkling ribbon
Beautiful, but easily undone
Are we only for decoration?

An anchored flipped coin

Weighed down by the seal of a kiss
I am convinced

An inflatable beach ball

Fuelled by the fulfilment of dreams.

A more modern poem than those of the old Romantics (this one’s from 2010 – not long ago at all!). Jan finds Phillips’ free verse piece inspiring because, like her own creations, it is a more modern form of an archaic craft. The poem is applicable to her and to her life and viewpoints. Also – on a different note – she says that “Is it machine or handmade?” is one of the FAQs she often receives about her products.

Jan Constantine believes wholeheartedly in the preservation of all forms of art, especially those – like embroidery and, to some extent, poetry – which are no longer practiced or appreciated by so large a crowd. It’s important that we recognise the potential of all the arts to change dominant views and brighten the lives of others, and it’s partially for this reason that Jan has been weaving her tapestry of dreams for the past nine years.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our brief excursion into the realm of the literati. We’ll be updating this blog every other day from now on, so stay tuned if you don’t want to miss anything!

Yes, many times but the biggest thing I ever bid for was my house – I needed nerves of steel for that one, as it was only the second auction I’d been to in my life – I’d only won a glass-fronted cupboard before that! Then it became a habit!Have you been to many auctions before? If so, what did you bid for?

Which Auction Party auction item was your favourite and why?

I loved the Lloyd Loom table and chairs, with a lovely floral theme, that my opposing team in Richmond upcycled with the help of their expert Michelle Ogundehin – it was beautiful but sadly didn’t fetch half its value on the night.

Also, in the Alderley Edge auction, I loved the giant basket crammed with hand-made chocolates, donated by local chocolatier Simon Dunn. It was actually auctioned as 12 baskets of chocolate – and the lucky winner got to choose his own bespoke chocolate basket every single month for a year! That was amazingly generous.

What did you think of the teams you worked with while on the show?

All of them were great – so enthusiastic because they were all on a mission to make money for their charities. I’d say the most successful auctions were the ones where the charities were well connected and were able to muster up a good crowd for the night. I think the Manchester crowd was very generous - donating items, allowing huge discounts on our purchases and also in the auction room where they really got behind the girls creating a big celebration.

Jan (centre) with the Alderly Edge team (5 Stars Children's Charity) 

Do I? I didn’t realise that! I suppose I just like to find a bargain that can be transformed into a profit for the charity.Why do you get so excitable about furniture?

What was it like working with Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen? Have you worked together before?

It was great – you never know what he’s going to say next – so funny, he had the team and the crew in stitches most of the time. He’s on the ball, very articulate, very knowledgeable – you can’t get away with anything when he’s around! I haven’t worked with him before but I have worked with Jackie, his wife – she buys from me for her shops sometimes.

What do you think of your new nickname?

A bit naff – I’m hoping it doesn’t stick!

I'll do everything in my power to make sure it does. Should I buy you a van for Christmas?

No thanks; a sports car would suit me better.

Finally - how would you like to give blog readers some tips on upcycling sometime next week?

If I have time… I’m going away for a few days, but I’m sure I could give you a few simple tips!

Unless the office syndicate wins the lottery sometime in the next few months, it seems pretty doubtful that Jan will get a new sports car for Christmas... but she can dream.

Thanks for reading, and make sure you’re back for more on Friday – we have another special treat on its way for you, and we think you’re sure to enjoy it!

This post is recommendation more from me than from anybody else. In a box in the back of the office this morning, I discovered the new Blueprint Stationery. I already own enough pens to sink an ocean liner, but word has it that John Lewis have ordered in quite a few of the pens bearing the classic “Love” design, so this already looks set to be a popular collection. I recommend you check it out – though the collection isn’t in stock just yet, it is possible to pre-order some items on the website. I‘m especially fond of the Union Jack writing set; if, like me, you’re among the top ten candidates for the ‘Worst Handwriting in the World’ award, you might want something like this to make your letters more… acceptable. Or else risk being judged by the recipient forever and ever.

I’m possibly being a little overdramatic. But in an environment so set in emails (and blogs), beautiful writing sets like this are hard to come by. Jan agrees:

... And adding to all that, they're also quite a bit cheaper than many of Jan's other products. I imagine they'd make fantastic presents (hint hint - somebody please buy me a nice pen).

A heads up: sometime very soon, Jan herself will be making an appearance on the blog to share her thoughts with you (get ready to throw out the virtual red carpet). Also coming up we have an interview with her concerning her role as an expert in ITV’s Auction Party. We want to tell you things you’re interested in, so if you have any questions for ‘Jan in the van’, we’d love to hear them.

From 15^th August, you will be able to take a look at the wonderful new Team GB collection. More traditional in style than those already on the website and produced in beautiful royal colours with a majestic spot of gold, this upcoming collection is both quintessentially British and perfectly suited to be heirlooms of the future: by July next year, no sofa will be complete without one of these must-have collector's items. You won’t be able to order the products until September 1^st (we just love teasing you), but there’ll be plenty of photographs up soon for you to drool over until then!

Jan has been flying around the office with excitement recently. Her meeting with Jonathan Edwards, world-record holding Olympic athlete, can’t have helped; and nor can getting her hands on the Olympic Torch, if only temporarily. We thought we’d share this photo with you, just to show how happy she is:

Just for the record – Jan informs us that Jonathan Edwards is lovely, and that the Olympic torch feels like a lightsaber.

Don’t forget to catch “Jan in the van” and her happy face on ITV’s Auction Party again on Thursday!

Love Stitching is a fabulous new collection of 21 decorative appliqué and hand-embroidery projects from Jan Constantine, featuring some of her bestselling designs.Alongside her signature cushions are a selection of bags, aprons and other home accessories such as a throw, quilt, needle case and tablemats.With clear step by step instructions, Jan guides the reader through the various stitches and simple sewing methods required for each item.

Love Stitching.Iconic appliqué & hand-embroidery designs by Jan Constantine with photography by Caroline Arber.

Available to order from the website.To have your book signed and personalised by Jan, just add your message into the comments box at checkout.

Jan launched her first book in 2008.

‘Heirloom Embroidery’ is an exquisite collection of 30 beautiful hand-embroidery projects all designed by Jan Constantine, suitable for beginners and established embroiderers alike. As an antidote to the throwaway lifestyle of today, it reminds us of the way past generations lived, appreciating, preserving and passing down the wonderful hand worked textiles embroidered by family members. With clear step by step instructions, Jan guides the reader through the various stitches and simple sewing methods required for each item.

With beautiful photography by Caroline Arber, who is renowned for her superb use of natural light, this book is a visual masterpiece in its own right.

Signed and personalised copies are available to order from the web site or by telephone.

To have your book personalised by Jan just add your message into the comments box at checkout.

It’s for this reason that we decided to finally set up the long-awaited Jan Constantine blog.

So, welcome to our world! It’s here that you’ll find everything from interviews and news updates to product recommendations from Jan herself, and possibly even a bit of office chit-chat. We want to hear your opinions on everything posted on here, so please feel free to share your thoughts via the comment boxes – we love hearing what you have to say!

Coming up soon on this blog, we have not only interviews with Jan on her experiences but also some special style tips Jan has stored up for you, and some recommendations for other products you might want to check out.

Watch this space – and if you’re really keen, you can subscribe to our posts so you'll never miss a thing. Happy reading!