About me
From a young age, I developed a passion for dressmaking, inspired by watching my family create exquisite garments for their children. Witnessing the intricate work involved sparked a deep fascination within me, propelling my desire to pursue dressmaking as a career and pass this on to future generations. The ability of transforming a single sheet of fabric to impeccably fit various body types has continuously intrigued me, driving my dedication to self-teach sewing skills and pattern development during any available free time.
During school breaks, I dedicated my time to crafting costumes in support of charitable causes, often experimenting with unconventional materials to push the boundaries of traditional garment making. This exploration naturally evolved into a fusion of fashion and art, shaping the trajectory of my career.
My craftsmanship earned me recognition at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery for my recreation of my late grandmother's bridal gown. Drawing solely from my grandfather's recollections, I infused the design with a blend of traditional ethnic prints imbued with a contemporary flair. I was also runner up in the Birmingham Made Me awards for my innovative interpretation of the city using embroidery and print through clothing.
Over the course of my degree, I refined my crafting abilities by becoming adept at taking precise body measurements and developing my expertise in both hand and machine stitching, as well as fittings and alterations. I often experimented with sculptural pieces, incorporating this into my costume work. This led to an exhibition of my collection of hats including a 1820's straw bonnet, a 1920's felt cloche and baker boy cap within my final year of my degree.
At Herbert Johnson, I honed my millinery skills and demonstrated my collaborative and adaptive nature. As someone responsible for organising and conducting training sessions for new hat makers, I successfully fostered a positive and productive working environment. This experience has not only enhanced my team-working skills but also provided me with the ability to discover innovative approaches to leveraging individual strengths. I was also entrusted with designing and creating a range of hats, which were widely praised within the company for their design and innovation.
Skills
Domestic and industrial sewing machine and overlocker, Embellishment, FITTING, Pattern Cutting, Printing, Tailoring