How are we doing?

Nearly a month of the year has disappeared already. I’m actually really enjoying January( I know it can be quite a tough month for some people!)

I did a wedding fayre at Hornby Institute last weekend. The first wedding fayre for me this season. I wasn’t concerned with pushing the business this particular day, I was interested in  the gowns I have been working on, and how they looked. Basically, I was really happy and proud of how my creations looked, and that was a really great feeling.

  Now I am settled into the new studio, I can  reflect on everything and i’m smiling!

I used to work constantly, like a hamster on a wheel, non-stop for 15 years!,and not enjoying things because I was so consumed with all the different aspects of running a businessetc,etc!

Now I take a bit more time to my self, I walk 4 miles every morning, I’m producing the best work ever and I feel more creative. Its been great taking charge of my work life and changing it, I now work to live, not the other way round.

A friend said to me yesterday that ‘ life isn’t about working all the time’, and she’s right. So now I’m creating my gowns and im really proud of them, and I can appreciate what I do instead of running around like a crazy person!

 And that feels great! see you soon xxx

A New Year!! Bring on 2012

I had a crazy later part of 2011. In my professional life, I was heading in one direction, and all of a sudden due to fate , I was heading in a completely different direction! At the time, it was really scary, making more decisions, moving my studio again, more new directions!!

In October, I got on a plane again and flew to Amsterdam, after being terrified of flying for the last five years, and travelling instead by Eurostar!! I had an amazing time, with my fantastic husband and some of our best friends.It’s great watching the world at 30,000 Feet!

Since October, I have moved my studio back to our home, finished my teaching job, been on a plane(4 times!:) We have transformed our home to accommodate my business, turned 40! Stood on the Promenade in Nice and watch the sun come up! Had a 5th wedding anniversary, painted another lounge and laid a carpet, moved MORE furniture!, watched Duran Duran in concert! Had Christmas, got drunk, chilled out. As well as looking after my lovely Brides, creating the beautiful dresses which they will wear on what will be one of the best days of their life!

And now its January 2012. I’m sat here in my FANTASTIC new studio watching the sun rise again, and its great!! I’m feeling more creative than  ever, and looking forward to working on my new designs and promotion!

We are currently working on our 2012/2013 wedding gowns and also creating a new online Christening gown company, which is going to be brilliant!! So maybe looking back, the moral of today’s blog is….get stuck in, enjoy life, don’t be scared if something is out of your control, fate deals its cards and change can be the best thing in the world!…(except my husband, who is brill!)

Happy New year, and here’s to 2012! xxx

Our new Address is:

The Studio,8 Rossmoyne Road,Scotforth,Lancaster,LA1 4SN

Tel: 01524 380226         By Appointment Only.

LAST CHANCE – Advanced Fashion Design and Construction

If you have ever fancied making your own clothes, starting this Wednesday, is a short course for you. The 30 hour, 10 week intensive Fashion course covers the more advanced Fashion design, Pattern cutting techniques and garment construction. This ten week course is an opportunity to experience all the processes used in Fashion design from initial design and illustration through to pattern cutting and creating garments. Starting with the design and inspiration, the student will develop personal ideas with the guidance of the tutor which will be carried through into patterns and a final constructed outfit. This course is more advanced and some prior experience is required. Total course cost: £150 per student. Please note: Fabric and other materials excluded – a full list of materials required will be supplied with booking confirmation.

The classes will be held at the Storey , Lancaster and will be taught personally by award winning fashion designer, Jennifer Pritchard Couchman.

view more details here jpc_shortcourses_programme

To reserve your place, email jenniferpritchardbridal@googlemail.com or call 01524 849936.

Anniversary profile in The Visitor

I was delighted to be the focus of a two page profile in the local Visitor newspaper last week. Covering my 15 years in the bridal business, from the post-graduate business to the forming of Jennifer Pritchard Couchman, the successful boutique and working studio at The Storey in Lancaster.

Interviewed by Holly Blackwell, the article discusses my early days, my career, my inspirations and how I design and create the bespoke couture bridal gowns. Of course, it also describes my own bridal gown, and the story of my engagement! You can the read the article below:

Last chance to book – Introduction to Fashion Design Short Course

Monday 16th May see’s the first of Jennifer Pritchard Couchman’s short courses series start with an Introduction to Fashion Design.

The two 2.5 hour beginner’s classes will be a primer on Fashion design, covering inspiration, illustration and mood boards. The fundamentals of Fashion design are taught in this introductory course. We will cover the basics of fashion design, inspiration, illustration and mood boards.

??This course is suitable for beginners and those with some previous experience. Students may go on to study our more intensive ?Fashion courses.

Dates : Monday 16th May & Monday 23rd May
Time : 6pm – 8.30pm
Level : Beginners
Location : The Storey Creative Industries Centre, Lancaster, LA1 1TH

The last few places are available now – Total course cost: £35 per student.

To book email jenniferpritchardbridal@googlemail.com or call T.01524 849936 or download a full prospectus and booking form here. JPC_shortcourses_programme

This is the first in a series of short courses in fashion design, pattern cutting and garment construction, designed by award winning fashion designer, Jennifer Pritchard Couchman.

These short fashion courses have been designed for everybody to come and enjoy, gain new skills and improve your dress making and pattern cutting skills.

Courses will run from May until December 2011 and have been designed to cater for everybody who is interested in fashion design, from beginners to advanced levels.

All classes will be held at the Storey, Lancaster and will be taught personally by fashion designer, Jennifer Pritchard Couchman

Congratulations to HRH Prince William and Kate

Jennifer Pritchard Couchman joins the rest of the World in congratulating HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton on their very special day – our boutique window has been decked out with a special commemorative Union Jack Gown. We’ll be glued to the television this morning with a glass of Champers to toast the happy couple, see the ceremony, and check out her dress – were sure it’ll be stunning. Congratulations to you both…

INTRODUCING SHORT COURSES IN FASHION WITH JENNIFER PRITCHARD COUCHMAN

Jennifer in her bridal boutique at The Storey, Lancaster

Jennifer Pritchard  Couchman is delighted to announce the introduction of a series of short courses in fashion design, pattern cutting and garment construction. These short fashion courses have been designed for everybody to come and enjoy, gain new skills and improve your dress making and pattern cutting skills. These courses will commence in May with ‘An introduction to Fashion Design’ and will then follow a full programme for all levels, running until December 2011.

The courses, which will all be based at The Storey, Lancaster have been designed to cater for everyone who is interested in fashion design, from beginners to advanced levels.

All classes will be held  at the Storey, Lancaster and will be taught personally by award winning fashion designer, Jennifer Pritchard  Couchman.

Download the full prospectus, featuring course details, timetables and costs along with a booking form is available to download by clicking here jpc_shortcourses_programme

For more information, and to register your interest, please telephone 01524 849936 or email jenniferpritchardbridal@googlemail.com

Jennifer Pritchard Couchman Bridal at Harvey Nichols, Manchester this Monday

Jennifer Pritchard Couchman Bridal Couture

This Monday is a great chance to come and chat to Jennifer at the exclusive Confetti Queens Wedding Fayre at the glamorous surrounding of Harvey Nichols in central Manchester.

Jennifer Pritchard Couchman Bridal will be showcasing some of her made-to-measure couture bridal gowns, as well as providing advice and suggestions to realising your dream bridal gown, that is totally unique. From traditional to contemporary ideas, you will find lots of inspiration for your special day. Admission is free, and starts at 5pm till 9pm. Harvey Nichols can be found in central Manchester, at 21 New Cathedral Street next to Selfridges.

If you can’t make it to Manchester this Sunday, come and visit Jennifer Pritchard Couchman in her luxury bridal boutique at The Storey, Lancaster. For more information, and to book a complementary appointment, please contact Jennifer on 01524 849936 or email jenniferpritchardbridal@googlemail.com.

Save 10% off all Jennifer Pritchard Couchman made-to-measure orders in March

Jennifer Pritchard Couchman is considered one of Lancashire’s finest couture bridal designers. With over 15 years experience as a bridal gown designer, Jennifer has a passion for romance and all things bridal, with an expert eye for detail. Jennifer’s signature style is elegance, sophistication, and romance using exquisite fabrics and exclusive finishing. Jennifer works personally with each bride, every step of the way to discuss, guide and visualise your dream dress, creating a one-off bridal gown that is totally unique, reflecting each brides own personality, ensuring they look as beautiful and perfect on their special day as possible.

To celebrate 15 years in business, Jennifer is offering a discount of 10% off all made-to-measure orders, on production of this blog article. This offer is only valid till 31st March 2011.

Terms and conditions: Valid only on any made-to-measure order booking with Jennifer Pritchard Couchman before 31st March 2011. 10% discount is applied to Jennifer Pritchard Couchman Made-to-measure gowns only, and does not apply to any accessories, or other items ordered alongside the garment. We reserve the right to change the terms of the promotion or cancel such promotions at anytime at our discretion. We will let you know of any changes on our website. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion.

 

Fashion Drawing with Jennifer Pritchard Couchman for Blackburn College.

In addition to my bridal business in Lancaster, I also teach fashion design and garment construction for the Foundation Degree Award at the University Centre at Blackburn College. To aid the students in their techniques, the college has been filming me showcasing fashion illustration, any my techniques. I hope to be adding further videos in the future – perhaps I can become the new Tony Hart (Where’s my Morph!)

Coming soon!  I will be offering an exciting range of private short courses in fashion where I’ll be showing small groups how to create fantastic dresses of their own! To register your interest, please email me at jenniferpritchardbridal@googlemail.com