In the beginning…..
Originally, I wanted to be a fashion designer. I learnt to sew at from my grandmother and mother, and was all about designing and making clothing. But I somehow talked myself into learning the business side of textiles and fashion at the Melbourne Institute of Textiles (now RMIT).
I took this learning and worked in retail, then later in a large textiles company. After a few years, I decided to take a break from office work – I get it, but it’s not my thing.
Fortunately, the travel epiphany came – I went to build houses in Vanuatu, worked on a Chinese Junk in Portugal, I lived in Liverpool, (it’s always a good day when the Beatles play). I stayed with artists in Morocco, slept in a caravan in the Swiss forrests, worked on a herb farm in Kerry, and more… ultimately, when I arrived home, I decided I wanted to make things. For a living.
My passion is sewing, whether it be my own designs, or for other independent designers. I have spent the last 10 years building up the business from part time to full time freelance sewing. The majority of my work is sampling and small manufacturing runs. I love to keep learning – I still take sewing lessons from an accomplished tailor, and take regular short courses and classes. I have also spent time in several factories, and in small design studios, both paid and volunteer. I now work full time as a seamstress from my studio in the Brunswick Business Incubator.
Ultimately, my main passion is with sustainable and ethical use of textiles. I try to find better ways of doing things in the modern world – I love clothing , but I believe we could manage things better.
As I work independently, it doesn’t make sense to compete with larger manufacturers. Thus, I focus on personal, specialised service to my customers.
Collaboration is my thing- many minds make awesome work.
