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Hi, I'm Vicky!
I have over 25 years' experience in bridal alterations, having started as a bridal seamstress in 2001, but I have been sewing for more than 45 years!
My Mum taught me to sew at the age of 8, and I remember falling totally in love with the whole process. I adored watching a garment come to life, from choosing the fabric, to the finished product!
One of my first Saturday jobs, at the ripe old age of 15, was in a haberdashery and wool shop, and I remember going into the shop and showing the ladies who owned it, a denim jacket I had made for myself. I like to think they were so impressed, it's what got me the job, but it was probably just my enthusiasm for all things creative!
My Mum also taught me to knit, and for a while I spent my time with sheets of graph paper planning out designs to knit into jumpers. My best design was an owl, which I modelled off of a china ornament! I think there's a photo of my Mum wearing it, knocking about somewhere...
When I left school, I started a BTEC in Fashion and Design, which I absolutely loved! Unfortunately, I contracted Glandular Fever and had to leave the course, so I never achieved the qualification.
Fast forward a few years, and I spent some time making bridesmaid dresses for my parents' friends and colleagues, and my own wedding dress in 1993. (It was shell pink moire taffeta (I never wear pink, what was I thinking?!), and it had leg o' mutton sleeves, fabric flowers, and lace appliques - very "of the times!")
Canter forward a few more years, and a spell of making runway samples for Vera Wang, and a few more special occasion outfits, and we reach 2001 - the year I moved from Hertfordshire to Lowestoft, and bagged my first job as a bridal seamstress.
I spent the next 4 years working for a lovely bridal shop in Beccles, learning the ins and outs of a bridal gown - it was a steep learning curve!
In 2012 I decided it was about time I went back to college to prove I could achieve a qualification in sewing, so I took a Level 3 City and Guilds in Dressmaking, which I passed with a Distinction (go me!)
The City and Guilds included learning pattern drafting, and while I was taking these lessons I got a commission to design and make a prom dress, which of course I said yes to. (I do like a challenge!) It was made in a teal satin and had pleating detail and a corset tie back. (You can see the results in the photos on the Gallery page.)
Since then, I have drafted bridesmaid dresses, wedding dresses, theatre costumes, shift dresses, various sleeves, and numerous other items.
It has now been over 45 years' since I first started sewing, and I have never lost my love of it.
I will be forever grateful to my Mum for giving me this gift, and I look forward to many more years of helping your visions come to life.
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