Yes, it’s only August. But if you are:

a) a fashion editor
b) related to or sleeping with a Saudi oil baron
c) supremely anal

you’d have your autumn/winter ’05 wardrobe planned by now. You’d have done the rounds with every personal shopper in town, and Balenciaga’s military jacket would be on your back before anyone else’s.

None of the above? (You’re probably very happy anyway). Why not revamp the clothes that are already in your closet?

If you don’t know your pins from your needles, check out the Fashion and Textile Museum’s Stitch-On workshops and let embroidery expert Kate Sinton teach you the tricks of the trade in a matter of hours. You bring the item, she’ll supply the buttons, beads and threads, and together you can turn a high street caterpillar into a Bond Street butterfly.

Transform a plain cashmere pullover into a where-did-you-get-that show-stopper — or add bold brass buttons and regal epaulettes to a favourite coat. Très chic for next season. Très cheap, too.

And you’ll avoid unnecessary stress, affairs and bitchy backstage back-stabbing in the process.


Stitch-On workshops, 6, 13, 20 and 27 August, 2-6 p.m. Cost: £20 per session or £60 for the full course. FTM Learning Centre, 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1 (020 7407 8664 or ftmlondon.org).