I first began sewing at primary school over 30 years ago, where it was one of my favourite subjects. Several years later, after hunting around and being unable to find a wedding dress which I liked, I made my own wedding dress, as well as dresses for all four of my bridesmaids. Two years later I made six bridesmaids dresses for my sisters wedding, and following that a bridesmaid and page boy outfit for my son and daughter to wear at my brothers wedding.

I continued to sew as a hobby before becoming employed as a seamstress in 1994, as well as making furnishings and clothing, and making alterations to clothes in my spare time for family and friends.

My daughter got married in May 2005, and we decided to do as much ourselves as possible so it was more personal. As well as making her wedding dress, I made the dresses for her four bridesmaids, as well as matching wraps, matching cravats for the six men in the bridal party and my own outfit. To further test my skills the wedding dress had to be made and altered at the last minute owing to my daughter being pregnant and needing to accommodate her growing bump! After my daughter moved into her new home, I made curtains for all of her rooms, including my grandsons nursery. These are all shown on my catwalk.

By word of mouth, I have been approached by more and more people to make clothing and furnishings, and so decided it was time to offer my services to more people, as well as being able to show a portfolio of my work by starting my own business. So far everyone has found my prices to be very reasonable after the prices they have been quoted in the shops to have things made or altered, and that I also offer a much more friendly and personal service.

Please feel free to contact me whatever your need — whether it is shown on my site or not — as I will consider all requests I receive.

Marie Attew
Founder of Sew You Designs.