STITCHERS STORY
A stitching SUCCESS
From intricate stitches to timeless designs, the Sussex Seamstress shares her journey, inspirations and the secrets behind her beautifully crafted creations – discover the face behind your new paper pattern
How did you start your business?
I’ve had a long career in clothing construction and costume, so Sussex Seamstress was really a next step, and an opportunity for me to strike out on my own. Though it actually happened due to some extraordinary circumstances...
To give some background, I started my formal training by studying at the London College of Fashion and from there I went on to work for Zandra Rhodes, famous for her fabric printing using silk screens and being a British fashion designer. She had been a key player in many areas, from Punk to creating clothing and costumes for people like Diana, Princess of Wales, Freddie Mercury and David Bowie.
Portsmouth Pinafore
Photo Credit: Nikki Goodeve Photography and Sarah Fitzgerald
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Working for Zandra was my first big break, I’d make up a lot of garments for her runway shows – I’d literally be given bags with lots of fabric pieces in, with no instructions, and be asked to make it up. I’d also make special made-to-measure orders for her to take back to America at very short notice, maybe given to me at 9am to be sent at midday. It was pretty intense, but very exciting to be a part of.