Yes, October is long gone, we are behind, as usual. Let’s call it Newsletter 10 of 12 of 2012 and say no more about it. By the time you’ve reached the end you’ll be so entirely absorbed you’ll neither know nor care the day, week or month. For all the right reasons, of course. Read on.

Cherchbi Archive SALE

Pen was put to paper on the first Cherchbi collection in Spring 2007, samples began arriving soon after that. Almost everything has been kept, the earliest samples, the ones that seemed like a good idea on paper, the outright mistakes, they’re all here. The sample cupboard is creaking to say the least. Time for a clear out. Inside we have some near perfect pieces showing only the odd crease for their stay in the cupboard. There are various samples used for sales, PR, product development and even wear-testing. Also, leather wallets (never made it), silk scarves from Macclesfield (only a few), brass key fobs, a variety of handmade belts (in all sizes) and numerous bags of course. Important archive pieces will be kept, but the majority will be sold to the folk lucky enough to attend the CHERCHBI FIVE YEAR ARCHIVE SALE. Sunday 25th November, 28 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 4QE. 10am until 4pm. Oh, and as the festive season is drawing near it would be rude not to sample a sniff of the 2012 vintage Sloe Gin and Mrs A may be persuaded to rustle up some Yorkshire Parkin, or something similar. We hope to see you there.

Wales Part One: Pembrokeshire Weavers

A month ago we journeyed from London 250 miles west to Pembrokeshire, a trip to two of the best weavers in South Wales, Melin Tregwynt and Melin Teifi. Read our account of a long but hugely inspiring day immersed in the heritage of the Welsh woollen industry in Journal post ‘Wales Part One’, the first installment from the trip. Can’t wait for Part Two? Scroll down now.

Cherchbi | John Smedley bags – last chance

Our collaboration with John Smedley has proved popular. Of the three limited edition bags launched in October, two have sold out completely, only three remain of the third. Treat yourself, or a very dear friend, to a piece of John Smedley and Cherchbi history right here, but you will have act quickly to avoid disappointment.

Salon QP visit

Salon QP is the British fine watch show. It was our privilege to accept the invitation of our friends at the Schofield Watch Company and attend the opening at The Saatchi Gallery in London. We are currently in the midst of a collaborative project with Schofield, we are creating a new product which compliments the robust refinement of a Schofield watch. Giles Ellis created Schofield Watch Company out of a desire to make a watch that he himself would like to wear, one built to his meticulous standards and attention to detail. When we met and first discussed the project Giles showed some of these items as inspiration for the project, very fine they are too. It was a great pleasure to see Schofield putting on a great show alongside some of the most established names in watchmaking at Salon QP.

Wales Part Two: The Gower

Only a stones-throw from the M4 and Swansea, yet a wild coastline like this. Why had we not visited before? Read the full story of our weekend on the Gower peninsula here in the Journal.

Permanent Style

Simon Crompton is a journalist, author and consultant to many companies operating in the finer end of the menswear market. His blog Permanent Style is influential and very widely read. It was our mutual friend Davide Taub who suggested Simon should take a look at our bags, which he did during a visit to the Best of Britannia show. I spoke to Simon about our collection and use of British manufacture and materials, his interest isn’t restricted by region, only quality. Read what he made of Cherchbi here.

2012 Vintage Sloe Gin

In our September Newsletter we showed you the fruits, literally, of our blackthorn berry picking trip. This seasons batch has been bottled and now sits in a dark cupboard where it’s turned occasionally. All bodes well for the first tasting, probably during the Archive Sale on the 25th of this month. Another reason, should you need it, to pop in to see us if you’re in London that day.