Chapter 16 - An update

I must admit, it has taken me a few weeks to settle down again after my return from India.

What a productive trip! And….what a productive few weeks making big steps to progress on the building. The first floor has metamorphosed from a huge empty space with no walls, windows or back door to something closely resembling a very cosy little 2 bedroom flat with a terrace.

Meanwhile, back in India I was busy making new contacts, planning new collections of clothes and finding some wonderful collectable items for the shop that helps to makes it so unique. I was a little taken aback by the increase cost of all the hand crafted pieces though. As everywhere, the younger generation do not want to follow in the footsteps of their parents and learn the family heritage skills. Too much hard work.

Consequently, things are getting harder to find and much more costly. I don’t begrudge the right to progress at all but I do hope there will be a balance and we will still have a fruitful relationship with the wonderful, skilled masters of their historic crafts.

I am now concentrating on the finishing programme for the first Jaadu Travel, Magic of India tour planned for next March. This was an idea initially encouraged by my customers in Dulwich who were regularly asking me if I could take them on a trip to India. Me? India? Where to begin! I have teamed up with Sita Travel and with their help, advise and expertise and my own experience over the past 15 years, I have chosen a programme of site seeing, exploring, relaxing and of course…..shopping that promises to be a delightful and memorable time away. Maximum 12 guests because this is a gentle travel experience rather than a whirlwind tour. Details coming very shortly, meanwhile you can read more about Janine's past travels in our Travelogue.

The building work continues apace and it is possible that my shop and the gallery and coffee shop will be finished and ready for next March. I know it does seem miles away but there will be all sorts of events to plan for the future and that does take months to organize. Meanwhile, the shop will have to close again for disruptive building work from May 26th and open again on 6th of June. Very tedious. I apologise.

I do hope we will have a lovely hot, sunny Summer with some gentle rainfall. Nothing extreme, but enough for everyone to keep well and happy, and, of course, for the urgent need for a lovely summer frock or two from Jaadu! Come in and try on something from our irresistible collection of ethical, hand made cotton dresses and tops. Janine is more than happy to help with advise and styling if you would like it, and because we only have pieces made in small quantities there is less chance you will bump into anyone else wearing the same outfit!