Inspirations

We all wear clothes, everyday, and for some we wear them in nearly every moment of our lives. But how may of us get to fully choose what we wear?  To most the fashion industry dictate the kind of styles and garments available, some will wear vintage pieces.  But for a growing number of folks, we have full control of our wardrobes and that is my super power.  I am very proud that nearly all the garments I wear are made by my own hands.  I design them, draft the pattern and construct them with fabric I chose.  The realisation that once you get to a certain confidence and skill on a sewing machine you can create anything you can dream of, anything at all.  That is my super power.  This place takes a while to get to, many factors come into this play in your journey and there can be a number of false starts and set backs along the way.

The path I took into sewing took four decades to properly begin, but then it did start I was hooked straight away.  Thinking back to my own mother, she hated sewing and was a much more confident knitter.  She would only sew if she needed to and usually the caveat was that we had too thread the needle! But my Grandpa did sew and had a treadle Singer sewing machine that he would use regularly.  Again, this was only for necessary repairs and alterations, never for leisure.  We did a few small projects at primary school but only if we where good and finished all our other work.  As I always struggled academically all through school and college it was something I rarely got to do.  I never made a stuffed owl, or crocheted bag and I never was allowed to finish my pom-pom bird! On moving to secondary school we where allowed on a sewing machine in Home Economics, but it was brief and badly organised. We had to make a cushion from two squares of fabric with an appliqué design but with little of no instructions,  My cushion looked terrible as you might imagine but I did enjoy using the machines and playing with the haberdashery and fabrics. The ‘posh fabrics’ we where never allowed to use always fascinated me and why they needed to be locked up?

It wasn’t until I met my husband  that things changed.  Having failed to help him when he made our attendants dresses for the wedding, I eventually signed up for sewing lessons. Clive (my husband @wesewtoo) did try to teach me but we bickered too much. Once I’d had those four weeks of lessons I was set on my merry way with a new sewing machine in hand. But what could I make? What did I want to make and could I do it? Gradually I realised I could make anything I liked, in any style and fabric.  No longer was I restricted by High Street fashions or charity shop bargains but my own unique or inspired creations.

A huge influence in my whole life has been the BBC television series Doctor Who.  The bizarre time travel adventures have always included a vast array of designs, ideas and influences from every corner of history, literature and the imagination. My brother was a huge fan in the 1970’s and I watched because he did, so it seems it had no choice in becoming a fan. This was my starting point for my own me made wardrobe, 70’s style shirts, Norfolk Jacket and a Victorian style Cape Coat filled my early projects.  It made me me extraordinarily happy to be able to create and enjoy wearing these pieces, and if someone spots where the idea came from then thats great but most don’t.  I recall looking at vintage clothes in Camden Market and picking over their waistcoats and in that moment it occurred to me.  I need never pick from a clothes rail again if I don’t want too.  I can make any style, colour or fit of waistcoat I like, and still do.

My latest project has been making a frock coat, another commission led project for a Dr Who costume piece.  These types of coat where popular for a several hundred years before the twentieth century changed that and the nearest thing we have today are wool overcoats, but I hate the square boxy fit of the modern garments. The fit of the old frock coats is so much for fun with its princess seams and flared skirt, they suit everyone I feel.  This would be slightly out of my comfort zone, which is alway a fun and challenging space to be.  I loved it so much I made one for myself too, and yes it turns heads when I wear it but I don’t care.  I know it was influenced by, most wont, but I know what a cracking design it is and how happy it makes me to wear it.

I love the commissions I get of this nature, I always enjoy the research process very much and studying the fabrics, design and influences.  Does the original still exist and can I get to see it, were where the fabrics purchased from and how was it made.  Many of the series costume designers have gone on to be internationally successful costume designers. This also feeds into my sewing pattern designs that I have been developing and releasing since I left the Great British Sewing Bee in 2020.

Being honest and open about my loves and inspirations has been a freeing experience, and has brought me happiness and warmth.  I love the commissions coming in and bringing my own style and creativity to their wardrobe. What could be more satisfying than wearing a one off unique garment, that you have made yourself, in a style you love and fabrics that make you happy.