The Sewing Basket

About The Sewing Basket Ltd

 

I have enjoyed making and stitching for as long as I can remember. This quote sums up my feelings, ‘I cannot count my day complete ‘til needle, thread and fabric meet’.

 

Both my Mother and Aunt’s, who were always sewing and knitting inspired me and handed down their sewing skills. Whether making clothes for their families or curtains for their homes, they always enjoyed what they were doing and were proud of the results. As children we treasured the toys they made to raise money for local charities. A firm favourite was a family of rabbits each with their own outfit.

 

I studied Home Economics-Dress at school and fashion design at art                                             school. My career as a designer included working for an M&S supplier,                                       Conran Design Group and Laura Ashley. Over seventeen years my                                                 design work was varied and included men’s, women’s, children’s                                                     clothes and accessories.  

 

I really enjoyed designing for Laura Ashley. At the beginning of the                                                 design process I researched vintage clothes and textiles for inspiration.                                              The fabrics were good quality natural fibre fabrics and included                                               beautiful signature prints. Key to the brand was attention to details                                                          such as pin-tucks, embroidery, unique buttons and trims.

 

After working for Laura Ashley I gained further experience working freelance for several UK high street retailers before returning to university to complete an MA in Art & Design- Fashion. It was a chance for academic investigation and to be creative without commercial constraints. In a change of career direction I also taught Design & Technology-textiles at a girl’s school.

 

I set up The Sewing Basket Ltd to enable me to design, produce and sell a range of small textile items. These are made in the UK using natural fibres including cotton, linen mixes and silk.  New or recycled textiles and trims are also used. They are sewn by machine or beautifully hand stitched. Gifts can be customised with personalised details and will become treasured textile pieces.

 

Julie Drury