HOME HELP: 21 March
Q Would you be able to help me to repair the clasp on a Chanel handbag? It should have a twist clasp but I have lost it.
SK, by email
A The Handbag Spa is the rescue remedy for tired designer handbags. The best thing to do is to email photos to get an estimate. The Spa repairs scuffs and can re-colour quite quickly but it might take a month or so to source the clasp. There is a fast-growing network of dry cleaners that will take in a bag and pass it on, or alternatively you can post it.
The Handbag Spa: 01423-881027, www.thehandbagspa.com
Q I have found a beautiful vintage lamp that needs rewiring, but I am told that only a horrible plastic white flex can be used. I remember you used to be able to get beautiful twisted fabric or silk flex. Is this still available and where can I find some?
PS, by email
A You can still buy fabric-covered flex, and it is becoming fashionable again. Heal’s department store sells it in black and bright colours, like pink and orange, at £5 per metre. Urban Cottage Industries sells it in traditional burgundy, gold and white: £4.90 per metre.
Heal’s: 020-7636 1666, www.heals.co.uk
Urban Cottage Industries: 020-7193 2119, www.urbancottageindustries.com
Q My neighbours can see into my firstfloor bathroom window. At the moment there is a horrible cheap net curtain left by the last owners. I am looking to replace it with something pretty that lets light in. Can you advise where to look?
JN, by email
A Romo fabric has a beautiful collection of voile fabrics in a linen mix that allows privacy but lets light come through. The range, £67 per metre, is called Cirrus and patterns include stripes and leaf motifs.
Romo: 01623-750005, www.romo.com
Send your queries to the usual Bedford Street address or email Hugh St Clair at hughstclair@googlemail.com
SK, by email
A The Handbag Spa is the rescue remedy for tired designer handbags. The best thing to do is to email photos to get an estimate. The Spa repairs scuffs and can re-colour quite quickly but it might take a month or so to source the clasp. There is a fast-growing network of dry cleaners that will take in a bag and pass it on, or alternatively you can post it.
The Handbag Spa: 01423-881027, www.thehandbagspa.com
Q I have found a beautiful vintage lamp that needs rewiring, but I am told that only a horrible plastic white flex can be used. I remember you used to be able to get beautiful twisted fabric or silk flex. Is this still available and where can I find some?
PS, by email
A You can still buy fabric-covered flex, and it is becoming fashionable again. Heal’s department store sells it in black and bright colours, like pink and orange, at £5 per metre. Urban Cottage Industries sells it in traditional burgundy, gold and white: £4.90 per metre.
Heal’s: 020-7636 1666, www.heals.co.uk
Urban Cottage Industries: 020-7193 2119, www.urbancottageindustries.com
Q My neighbours can see into my firstfloor bathroom window. At the moment there is a horrible cheap net curtain left by the last owners. I am looking to replace it with something pretty that lets light in. Can you advise where to look?
JN, by email
A Romo fabric has a beautiful collection of voile fabrics in a linen mix that allows privacy but lets light come through. The range, £67 per metre, is called Cirrus and patterns include stripes and leaf motifs.
Romo: 01623-750005, www.romo.com
Send your queries to the usual Bedford Street address or email Hugh St Clair at hughstclair@googlemail.com