How did you first get into sewing?  

I can’t remember a time when sewing wasn’t part of my life. When I was a baby my favourite comfort toy was my ‘raggy’, a piece of muslin cloth. As a toddler I fondly remember my rag books made of cloth that use the texture of the cloth to describe the story. As a kid my dressing up box consisted of yards and yards of silky nightie fabric, rejects from my mums handmade lingerie making business. So, I’ve been surrounded and inspired by textiles and sewing from day one. My first stitches were at the age of 7 using my mothers’ scraps to make pin cushions and clothes for my Pippa dolls. 

What professional background do you have?  

In truth, my mum (and grandma and aunty!) taught me everything I know about sewing and making. Alongside her lingerie business she taught the City and Guilds Dressmaking and Pattern Cutting course and it all rubbed off on me! 

In classic ‘do my own thing’ I studied Graphics and Illustration to MA level (you’ll notice this in our branding by yours truly!) but never stopped sewing and creating in textiles!  

After a PGCE and a 10-year shift as a secondary school art teacher and the arrival of my 3 kids I began my professional time as a seamster in 2013 and launched DOLLY honing my own skills as a professional seamster, designer and sewing tutor.  

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What is your favourite spot in Lewes?

Fave spot in Lewes? That’s a tough one! Right now I’m loving the Railway Land Nature Reserve as a getaway into nature just a stone throw from the central Lewes!