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Just had a super smashing weekend in the Steel city, centered around Warp Films 10th anniversary bash at Magna Science Centre in Sheffield, or just outside it near Rotherham. The cult film Dead Man's Shoes was screened with a live score. This was a really good way to watch a film, standing up, supping special edition Warp beer aswell, from the always tip top (real ale twat) Thornbridge. There must have been a thousand in there easy, amongst them several famous faces, most of which I managed to pester and have a photo taken with in my drunken state.
The highlight of the night was bumping into Shane Meadows himself en route from a quick slash, he was only wearing one of our own shirts! Plus was happy to endorse a forthcoming CC tee aswell, top man. Amongst others I met most of the Dead Man's Shoes cast, some lovely girls from This is England, Andrew Wetherall, Kayvan Novak and 'Chesney' from Coronation Street who were all sound despite getting mithered to fuck all night, and staying in our hotel by the looks of things.
My slight hangover was seen off with a breakie and a few hair of the dogs at the old fave Kelham Island and it's boozers.
The joy of seeing one of your own scribbles turned into a proper manufactured garment never ceases to amaze me. It's the fifth year we've done the bobble hat, a love-hate thing for many I know, when we first did it they were certainly not as trendy as they are today. It was certainly a bit of a gamble, now even their most vociferous critics are sporting them! It was late night/very early morning scouring for vintage goods on US eBay that led me to spot old American Ski hats from various sportswear brands and hiking labels, and we thought we'd have a bash ourselves. Then in turn I found myself watching old episodes of Weir's Way on youtube for some bobble hat action. Five years on as colour schemes become harder to pick you put even more imagination into it.
First up Twin Peaks has been referenced already, but so what? it's cool, it's crazy, it's a genuine classic. Doing the 'red room' or nightmarish extra-dimensional 'Black Lodge' seemed a cool idea (and a first too, as far as I can see) for a project like this. It looks fucking cool eh?
When I suggested doing that carpet from The Shining I wasn't taking the piss, a couple of months later and it arrived in the post, I was delighted, I've no real idea how it would be perceived or look when worn but it's one of the best things I've ever done.
Watching the film again on the big screen recently just confirmed this. 'The Overlook' hat was born. It's not really about bigging up my own stuff, but if you like 'em too then it's all good. These and several others, all made in England are out shortly via Connoisseur.
Recently came back to earth with a bounce after a great extended weekend in Stockholm, Sweden. This was a place I always wanted to tick off the list and now yearn to return to in the springtime. We stayed with great friends and took in the sights, sounds and strong beers of a very cold, very northern city.
My old Woolrich Kodiak snorkel parka saving the day, it really was that cold. Saturday saw a long pub crawl with a mix of lads from all over, not just the city itself, we were told it was an expensive place, a first round of four beers costing around £38 proved that, but fuck it! We're on our holidays, when in Rome as they say.
We took in one of the last games ever to be seen at the national stadium and home of AIK, the Råsunda, another victim of the modern game. It was fair to say not the biggest of fixtures, a draw against inferior opposition but the day itself was great, the atmosphere upon entering will stay with me for a while yet.
Shopping wasn't really my intentions as I crammed everything and anything into my one backpack, but a visit to the likes of Nitty Gritty, the Caliroots stores, flagship shops for localish Scandinavian outdoor brands, Our Legacy and a couple of really nice vintage stores were all worth a look.A lovely place with super company, all the best to our friends in the North.
