In the last few years you may have noticed how the global recession has impacted upon our collective psyche.  Whilst the nineties and noughties witnessed a throw-away society and mass consumerism recently a new consciousness has emerged – a ‘make-do-and-mend’ mentality and a return to frugality, dubbed ‘austerity chic’.  These phenomena have heralded a new popularity of old skills like sewing on buttons, darning socks and growing your own vegetables.

Media and celebrities have caught onto the trend through programmes like Kirstie Allsopp’s ‘Handmade Britain’ and ‘Homemade Home’ which extol the virtues of domesticity and show viewers how to make items such as decoupage tea lights and clay-baked gift tags.  The Duchess of Cambridge is a key exponent of this trend, recycling her hats and outfits and even swapping them with her mum. Read more »