Sewing, Fashion & Costume History
I’ve been sewing since I was very small. I started my first business in 2001, making a very eclectic mixture of jewellery, skirts, dresses, and hand-printed t-shirts. It’s important for me to work in an ethical and environmentally-friendly manner, so I try to use sustainable and recycled materials, and organic cottons.
I’ve always been interested in historical costume, and have researched several different periods. Regardless of the era, what interests me the most is not necessarily the high fashion pieces, but the everyday clothing that was worn by the majority of people. Unless I'm working on a project that requires particular historical accuracy, I much prefer interpreting period styles using modern techniques and fabrics.
My interest began initially in corsetry, so I learned to draft my own corset patterns to fit a more modern figure shape. I'm also very interested in how shoes were made before we began to rely on glues and machinery in their construction. I've learned how to make my own soft shoes and slippers, and would love to learn how to make a pair that could be worn outside!
I’m particularly interested in garments that were originally designed to be primarily functional and hard-wearing, but which are often also highly decorated and beautifully made. These are elements that I try to incorporate into my own dressmaking.
I’m currently working under the name of The Eternal Magpie, a reference to the fact that I’m constantly looking out for the next flash of inspiration.