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Unexpected gifts for an unexpected year
Published 3 February 2021When it comes to Valentine’s Day, or any occasion really, I much prefer unexpected gifts. There’s something intrinsically enticing about an unexpected gift. Butterflies of anticipation dancing through curious fingers. A flickering trail of desire urging you to discover what lies within. Then that tiny frisson of delight sparked by an elusive something that you […]
Why the ethical fashion sector in the UK struggles to grow
Published 2 January 2020A recently published article in the Guardian celebrates ethical spending in the UK hitting a record high, swelling to reach over £41 billion. Consumables take the largest portion, with energy, home and personal products scooping up significant portions of the rest. The industry that has had the most tussles with ethical issues however, the one […]
Happy feet: Sustainable British-made shoes for children.
Published 9 May 2019I went shoe shopping the other day. I’m not much of a shoe person (hello nail polish, and dresses) but for some reason, my last three purchases have been shoes. Must be the changing weather. Goodbye boots, hello gorgeous, colourful, fun summer wear. Now we’ve just got to wait for those May showers to turn […]
What we learned from asking our fashion brands about sustainability.
Published 25 April 2019The 24th of April marked the 6th anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse, and the subsequent push towards greater transparency and sustainability in the fashion industry. This week, marked as Fashion Revolution Week encourages consumers to take action by asking brands #whomademyclothes? Blue Patch works with brands who make and manufacture in the UK, […]
At last (perhaps) autumn has arrived
Published 16 October 2018I’ve been away in sunny India for about 6 months (yes, a bit longer than expected), and I completely missed the British summer. Traded it in for the original Indian summer followed by monsoon which made for hot hot hot weather with torrential rain. The weather here is conflicted. Some days it’s autumn with those longer sleeves, […]
Beyond Fashion Revolution week: Practical actions for sustainable consumers and brands
Published 27 April 2018This week, the eyes of the ethical and sustainable world have been fixed on Fashion Revolution Week, a campaign and a movement created in order to promote greater transparency within the fashion industry. It brings awareness about the appalling conditions that fast fashion is made in, the poor compensation that is paid to workers and […]
The Fashion Revolution & What it Means for Sustainable Business
Published 18 April 2018It was some months ago while perusing my Facebook feed that I came across a very interesting discussion in a group. This particular thread was started by someone questioning whether a business planning to use sustainable leather and organic cotton could call themselves a sustainable business. There were comments on the meat and leather industries, […]
Something old, something new: A guest blog by Jan Knibbs
Published 13 February 2018Did anyone get engaged recently? Whether you are frantically planning your wedding, or simply keeping an eye out for ideas, here are a few ways in which you can incorporate some of your family history into your wedding dress. Intrigued? Read on. We live in an age of mass production, surrounded by a throw-away society. […]
The language of love
Published 6 February 2018Does you remember hearing about the 5 languages of love? It was something I heard about in university, that people understand love in 5 primary ways. That the way one person expresses love may not be how the other understands it. You may do something that you consider to be tiny for your significant other and it may […]
New year, new you.
Published 1 January 2018It’s that time of the year when making changes is on everyone’s mind. Perhaps you’d like to save more money this year, or grow your own veggies. Maybe you’d like to spend more time with family, or take a trip around the country. Or you might simply want to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Here are our top 5 […]
Meet the judges : Blue Patch Business Awards 2017
Published 16 May 2017The 2017 Blue Patch Business Awards are now closed for judging. Why not sign up for our newsletter and have a go in 2018! We’d like to introduce you to the fabulous and talented people who’ll be judging five out of the six categories. They are leaders and innovators from across different industries, people who contribute […]
Give green: Christmas gifts made in the UK
Published 29 November 2016Great gifts big & small Blue Patch works with small ethical and sustainable businesses in the UK, from paint-makers to toymakers to clothing designers. Online shopping giants are often seem cheaper and quicker, but our makers don’t mass-produce goods. Blue Patch presents a selection of high quality products at every time of the year but here’s […]
The very first Blue Patch Sustainable Department Store
Published 17 November 2016The UK’s first Pop Up Sustainable Department Store opened on a rather wet Saturday on October 1st 2016 – to 1000 visitors in a day! Many happy customers came to browse and buy from Blue Patch Members. The day passed in a blur of sales, newly formed friendships, collaborations, talks and cooking demos. Here’s […]
Sustainable Living: Business & pleasure
Published 3 November 2016Well wrapped Presentation is key in all walks of life. With numerous ways to alter appearances, here are some beautifully packaged options: for business and for pleasure. Whether you’re considering a seasonal rebrand for your product, a restyle for the new season or ways that we can care for our bodies… Upcycled with a small […]
Sustainable Living: Wool Campaign & more
Published 20 October 2016Catching October leaves As a child, it was considered lucky to chase and grasp a falling leaf from a tree this month. Not something I’ve done recently but worth remembering to make a wish for. Welcome Autumn! The trees have begun to change colour so thoughts are turning to indoor activities, fairs and workshops to […]
Amazing prizes from our free draw
Published 25 August 2016Register free at Eventbrite for #Bstore16 plus entry into an exclusive prize draw. Keep your eyes peeled in the coming weeks as there are some really special things to win such as this luxurious silk scarf by Mr Dulwich who will be launching a new range of womenswear at the pop up Department Store on October […]
The UK’s 1st Sustainable Department Store for a Day
Published 3 August 2016Head down to Dulwich Village on October 1st, 2016 for Britain’s first pop-up Sustainable Department Store, showcasing the best of Britain’s independent and ethical businesses. The Blue Patch Department Store will open its doors for the day on October 1st, giving customers the opportunity to browse and buy from a selection of innovative, sustainable and […]
The Confessions of a Non-Shopaholic
Published 26 July 2016Have you ever wondered why Jane Langley began Bluepatch.org? Jane Langley is an artist, environmentalist and founder of the social enterprise Blue Patch, Britain’s sustainable marketplace, brimming with beautiful things made by people who share a vision for a brighter world. Jane attended Camberwell, Royal College of Art, and taught at City and Guilds […]
Why I do what I do: Ethical upcycled fashion
Published 15 April 2016Fashion Revolution Week commences on the 18th April 2016, and people across the globe will be asking brands #whomademyclothes to show we as customers care about the people in all stages of the production line. With Hayley from Raggedy, you can be sure to receive clothing made with love, respect, and flair! Her timeless, seasonless […]
Why I do what I do: Lisa Watson
Published 6 November 2015We’re so happy to introduce the wonderful Quilts by Lisa Watson to our growing Blue Patch network. Lisa has been designing and stitching luxury quilts with a contemporary twist using fabulously British fabrics for a few years now. It’s time to get to know her… Why I do what I do: In my 20s I […]
A day out: Wise Creative
Published 31 May 2014Thursday 29th of May and ‘The Wise Creative’ landed. Everyone climbed aboard starship ethical and off we went for an evening of glorious indulgence, accompanied by fantastic UK designed, cut, stitched, hemmed, rolled and fizzed up brands. The Wise Creative are briefly gathered under one collaborative roof at no 10A Blandford Street, London W1, a […]
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