Michelle Rowley

Many of us dream of upping sticks and creating a new life. We talk to two women who have done just that

A decade on from losing her son to a drug overdose,
Fiona Spargo-Mabbs shares how she’s honouring his legacy

Looking back on her teenage years, 74-year-old Ruth Lowe recalls with great fondness the fabulous nightlife of the swinging sixties. Dressed in their latest Mary Quant inspired homemade outfits, Ruth and her older sister Lys, now 76, regularly visited the clubs in their home city of Birmingham to watch the latest bands perform. Those happy times, centred around music and fashion, were to have a lifelong lasting effect on Ruth and would eventually lead her to a new and rewarding career at the age of 60.

With The Great British Sewing Bee back later this month, three women share their love of stitching

Discover the history behind some of our nation's favourite Stoke -on Trent pottery names

We dive into the fascinating history behind some of our favourite festive confectionery

The Royal Warrant Holders Association has been recognising purveyors of fine craftmanship and personal service of the highest order since 1840. We take a look at some of the nation’s long-standing clothing and accessories companies who were granted a Royal Warrant by appointment to HRH The Price of Wales - now King Charles III.

Discover how some surprising items of clothing started their life in the British Isles

Discover the mills where our tradition of crafting fine textiles is flourishing. They heyday of British weaving may have peaked back in the 19th century, but there are still some fabulous mills, weavers and craftspeople dedicated to the traditional skills of yesteryear.

Meet the women making a living from their nifty needles

As The Royal School of Needlework celebrates its 150-year anniversary, we take an admiring look at Britain’s contribution to the intricate art of embroidery

Take a woolly tour across Britain as we explore how the nation’s sheep have shaped our iconic contribution to knitwear.
When you picture the British countryside, what do you see? Chances are the picturesque image includes some sheep dotted amongst rolling green hills. Across our valleys, hills, plains and mountains, Britain is home to over 33 million sheep. No wonder it’s hard to imagine our landscape without them. Whilst Britain’s landscape is undeniably beautiful, the same can’t often be said for the weather. The need to wrap up warm has had Britons wearing sheep fleece since the Stone Age. Immigration and industry have further shaped our knitted heritage, with different areas of Britain producing their own distinctive knitwear.

With a rich and fascinating history, Scotland’s iconic checked cloth is central to celebrating Burns Night in style.
No Burns Night festivity is complete without haggis, tatties, whisky … and tartan. Whether celebrating at an organised supper or staying home, what better way to give a nod to Robert Burns & Scotland’s heritage than to incorporate some terrific tartan into the occasion?

What image does the word ballerina conjure in your mind? For most of us, it’s like the opening of a musical jewellery box: an elegant dancer on pointe, with arms aloft and dressed in a beautiful tutu. It’s hard to think of ballet without this iconic garment. Swan Lake wouldn’t be Swan Lake without an abundance of white tulle. For whilst the most important aspect of ballet is the dance, the role of the tutu should not be underestimated, and nobody knows that better than leading costume maker Amanda Hall.

Looking back on her teenage years, 74-year-old Ruth Lowe recalls with great fondness the fabulous nightlife of the swinging sixties. Dressed in their latest Mary Quant inspired homemade outfits, Ruth and her older sister Lys, now 76, regularly visited the clubs in their home city of Birmingham to watch the latest bands perform. Those happy times, centred around music and fashion, were to have a lifelong lasting effect on Ruth and would eventually lead her to a new and rewarding career at the age of 60.

Michelle Rowley chats with pantomime costume maker Dan Smith to discover the secrets of sewing the biggest boldest costumes on stage

If you’ve experienced the fun of a pantomime in the last few years, there’s a very strong chance you’ve witnessed the incredible work of Dan Smith and his colleagues at D & S Costumes.

Rebecca Cole, Sewing Producer on Channel 4's TV show Unique Boutique, reveals how the show empowered both herself and the participants...

Unearth London’s sewing past with mudlarker & author Lara Maiklam

Lara Maiklem has spent twenty years mudlarking, which is the practice of scouring rivers for objects that have been lost, dropped or dumped. She searches the Thames at low tide and always returns with something beautiful, weird or fascinating. We caught up with her to discuss her favourite sewing finds.

It's skilled, soothing & satisfying all at once; so it's no wonder so many of us are threading up our needles and stitching once again...

Silk, lace and satin may be the more obvious choice for brides to wear on their big day. But not for these women...

Sudbury in Suffolk has been the centre of weaving in the UK since the arrival of the Huguenot weavers in the 19th Century. Gainsborough Weaving, based in Sudbury, have been producing some of the world’s finest furnishing fabrics since 1903. Specialists in historical reproductions of interior fabrics, they have woven fabrics for the productions of Downtown Abbey and Pride and Prejudice amidst an impressive portfolio of high-profile clients such as the British Royal Family and Bentley Motors. Michelle Rowley explores the company’s fascinating history, complex weaving processes and incredible archive of other 7000 sumptuous fabrics.

From Jack Nicholson’s ties to the swans in Matthew Bourne’s ground-breaking Swan Lake, Amanda Hall has been sewing incredible costumes for the stars of film and stage for over thirty years. Having loved opera and sewing from an early age, Amanda currently has her dream role as head of the costume revivals department at the Royal Opera House. She spoke with Michelle Rowley about her fascinating career and its unique creative challenges.

Lucy Bishop has the fascinating role of auctioneer and specialist at Kerry-Taylor Auctions in London, the world’s leading auction house of exceptional fashion. Accepting only the very best of vintage and contemporary fashion, haute couture, celebrity wardrobe pieces and rare antique costumes for their sales, the auction house has sold thousands of beautifully sewn garments at eye-watering prices. Michelle Rowley chatted to Lucy to discuss her enviable work and some of the incredible pieces she has been fortunate to work with.

Sewing strides for the rich and famous is all in a (few) day’s work for star trouser tailor Daniel Kozyra. His perfectionist work ethic combined with a real passion for bespoke tailoring means Daniel is recognised as one of the UK’s best trouser makers. His work is highly sought-after from a number of Saville Row tailors, such as Benson & Clegg, Malcolm Plews, Meyer & Mortimer and Huntsman & Sons to name a few. “Daniel is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and the sheer quality of his work is unrivalled.” says Benson & Clegg’s Managing Director, Mark Gordon.
His journey from a young boy designing football kits to an acclaimed bespoke tailor, is one of hard work, dedication and perseverance. Michelle Rowley caught up with him to discover what it takes to be a Saville Row tailor and to get sewing advice from the man who sews trousers for HRH Prince Charles!

Michelle Rowley dives into the history of a garment making a splash

Whether it’s to wear for simply lazing in the sun (in my case) or for getting in the lengths at your local pool, most of us have worn a swimming costume of some description in our lifetime.

Dearest Gentle Reader,

It may have come to your attention that a much-loved Netflix series, which encapsulates the beauty of Georgian and Regency fashion, has captivated a legion of enraptured fans and contributed to the revival in puff sleeves, square necklines and empire line dresses. We are of course referring to the phenomenal success of Bridgerton, which is set to grace our screens again with the release of series 3 this May.

MICHELLE ROWLEY takes a look back at some of the movies' most memorable fashion moments

Michelle Rowley explores what shaped the styles of her favourite fashion decade

Michelle Obama, Audrey Hepburn, Meghan Markle and Kate Moss are amongst the legion of women who have recognised the trench coat’s ability to add sophistication, style and an air of authority to an outfit in an instant. When Meghan Markle wore hers to announce her engagement to Prince Harry in 2017, it was likely a sartorial statement to be taken seriously. Throwing on a trench coat can take an outfit from basic to business in seconds, simply through our association of the iconic coat with compet

Discover how some surprising items of clothing started their life in the British Isles

Michelle Rowley explores the history of an iconic stripey staple

Chances are there’s already a Breton top or two amongst your collection of handmade garments. If there isn’t, you’re missing out on a quick and easy way to add some timeless French chic to your wardrobe. If there is, I’d guess they’re some of your most worn me-made items thanks to their ease to sew, wear and style.

Knowing how much us Brits love a good old cup of tea, it’s no wonder we have a popular style of dress named after the nation’s favourite beverage. The Tea Dress, with its elegant feminine aesthetic, has been an enduring go-to dress style for decades and remains a top selling dress style in stores such as John Lewis and M&S today.

If you haven’t worn a blazer since high school perhaps it’s time to take another look at this classic wardrobe staple. With a wealth of fantastic blazer sewing patterns available for the hobby dressmaker, now could be the time to take on the satisfying challenge of sewing this classic garment. A blazer is undoubtedly far from a quick sew but Michelle Rowley argues that its timeless appeal and versatility will be worth the extra time and effort. She explores the history and power of the blazer and offers some pattern, sewing and styling tips to get you sewing a garment you will reach for time and time again.

From its Scottish heritage to its now ubiquitous presence on the runways of major fashion houses such as Burberry and Alexander McQueen, tartan is a fabric with a rich and fascinating history. Michelle Rowley explores the history and popularity of this timeless textile and offers some handy guidelines to get you sewing with those famous criss-crossed stripes.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF: History of women’s trousers

Who wears the trousers? These days, they’re a wardrobe staple for most women. But travel back even a few decades and it was a very different story – an article originally written for Love Sewing Magazine by MICHELLE ROWLEY

Are you wearing a form of trousers as you read this? There is a strong chance. If so, did you question the message you would be sending to society when you got dressed this morning? There’s probably very little chance. Today ou

I’ve been sewing for 13 years, from altering existing pieces to crafting entire outfits. Learning to sew has numerous benefits. You’ll craft a bespoke clothing collection suited to your individual style, budget, and body measurements, but you also boost your mood while gaining cognitive skills and confidence. It’s nice when someone complements any outfit, but it feels great to say, “Thank you. I made it myself.” Knowing where to start, however, can feel daunting. Eventually, you’ll amass differe...

How much after care are you giving your memade garments?

Embrace the world of sewing with leather and elevate your craftsmanship to new heights! Our comprehensive guide is here to dismantle any doubts and guide you step-by-step through material selection, mastering seams, and creating exquisite, professional-looking leather garments. Unlock the secrets to working with this luxurious material and transform your sewing projects into standout pieces!

How to Choose a Suitable Pattern For Sewing With Leather

Keep things simple the first time you sew with

Add a splash of colour and some extra comfort to a room with a simple zipped cushion cover. With just a few supplies and 1-2 hours of your time, you can sew a removable cushion cover to match your current colour scheme or to inject a pop of new colour. When it comes to comfort and style you can never have too many cushions!

"With under two hours of your time, you can sew a removable cushion cover to match your current colour scheme or inject a new colour"

This quick project is suitable for beg

Learning how to make a tote bag is one of the best and most practical ways to get started in sewing. My step-by-step tutorial for a tote bag will take you through transforming a neglected bedsheet, duvet cover or tablecloth into a useful all-purpose tote bag. This is a great beginner sewing project as you don’t need to invest in fabric or a pattern and it is very easy to make.

All you need learn how to sew a tote bag is an hour or two of your time, a basic sewing machine, an old textile item su

I’ve put together a quick and handy guide to take you from setting up your machine to sewing some commonly occurring features in dressmaking; the basic sewing skills everyone should know.

Chances are there’s an old pillowcase going to waste in your airing cupboard, so why not put it to good use in a quick and satisfying sewing project that anyone can do!

With just a few supplies and one to two hours of your time, you can transform a neglected pillowcase into a much-loved dress. With no pattern or fabric to buy, this fun upcycle project is a great introduction to sewing and the satisfaction that it can bring.

"With just a few supplies, you can transform a neglected pillowcase in

If you're keen to learn how to start sewing then I can help. If you’re looking for a new hobby that’s useful, creative and rewarding, then this guide will get you started. Understanding the basics of how to sew for beginners I outline below, will get you up and running in no time at all.

Learning to sew gives you the power to create a wardrobe of beautiful, individual and (best of all) well-fitting clothes.

When choosing from the best sewing machines for quilting you need to consider a number of things, as whilst it’s true that any sewing machine can be used for quilting, there’s no denying that a machine designed with quilting in mind is going to offer a quilter some beneficial extra features.

As stitching quilts can involve working on very large pieces of material, it’s worth finding a specialist sewing machine that can provide a larger work space, known as long arm quilting machines.

There is a lot of choice when it comes to the best sewing machines for beginners, from the simplest sewing machines to ones that do a little more. Deciding on the right sewing machine for you is the first step towards a fun and rewarding hobby that can provide you with a beautiful wardrobe of unique and perfectly fitting clothes, stylish individual home furnishings and creative projects of all kinds.

Street parties aren't just for royal occasions, you can throw one any time of year. Here's how to start a trend

Considering sewing your own dress for Revival? Dressmaking teacher and vintage fashion enthusiast Michelle Rowley offers some advice for ensuring your handmade dress of dreams fits both you and the decade of your choice.

When Michelle inherited some money from her grandmother, she knew she could tuck it away in an interest-earning savings account or take a gamble on some high-performing stocks. Or, or, OR she could spend it on an adventure of a lifetime.


My husband sits cross-legged in the playground, brushing talcum powder out of his hair, his face lit up with a broad smile. We’ve just played a fun game that involved passing a talc-loaded paper plate over our heads to our teammates. Those teammates were our...

My phone pinged again with the familiar sound of another Whatsapp message landing in the group chat. Sure enough, it was another friendly and excited message filled with hearts, sunshine, drinks and smiley emojis. “Can’t wait to see you all tomorrow!” The ‘Spain 24’ WhatsApp group consisted of 15 members, most of which had never met before. The two group admins were friends Deb Day, owner and founder of Deb Day Sewing Room in Birmingham, and Brenda Killigrew, Director of Inkberrow Design Centre in Worcestershire. Deb and Brenda, “with nearly eighty years of sewing experience between them”, had not only set up the group but more excitingly the 5-night sewing retreat in Spain years we were all eagerly awaiting.

We share our favourite novels threaded with dressmaking, history and drama

Michelle Rowley chatted with dress historian Dr Kate Strasdin about her fascinating new book exploring an 18th Century dress diary.

Michelle Rowley caught up with author Victoria Finlay to hear about her incredible adventure in search of the stories behind our fabrics.

Michelle Rowley explores the hidden sewing history of Auschwitz with author and historian Lucy Adlington.

When your appetite for sewing needs feeding, but time, space or mood doesn’t permit, there’s a number of great contemporary novels to provide a healthy dose of dressmaking sustenance. Michelle Rowley recommends five novels for next time you need to unwind, but without a bobbin insight. With titles such as The Dressmaker, The Seamstress and The Dressmaker’s Gift, how can we resist?

Discover how the fabric colours you choose can boost your mood and confidence

We’ve all been there; standing in the fabric shop, staring in wonder at rolls up on rolls of enticing fabrics and feeling slightly giddy at all the possible options for our next make. So many exciting possibilities can, however, not only be thrilling but also somewhat overwhelming. Who hasn’t felt a little bit fraught when trying to reach a decision with limited time and money to spend but a wealth of tempting fabrics to choose from?

Discover the amazing cognitive benefits of our creative hobby

As sewists, we all already know that sewing makes us feel good. It’s long been recognised that engaging in a creative hobby brings great benefits to our mental health. However, did you know that whilst sewing you’re not only boosting your mood but also your brain power?

One intensive weekend course was all it took for me to fall in love with sewing my own clothes. Although I knew instantly that I loved creating my own wardrobe, little did I realise then how important sewing would become in my life.

At 5′ 1″, I’d spent most of my life struggling to find clothes that fit me properly, in which I felt good in and truly myself. Wearing blazers which swamp you in a professional environment does not do much for the self-confidence. After having three children in the

Review of McCalls pattern M830 - the Josie Dress

This week sees Ben Wheatley’s adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca premiere on Netflix.

Based on the classic romantic Gothic thriller, Netflix’s new movie stars Armie Hammer (Call Me By Your Name), Lily James (Downton Abbey), Kristin Scott Thomas (Four Weddings and a Funeral), and Keeley Hawes (The Durrells).

We couldn’t be any more excited and here are our guest writer Michelle Rowley‘s top 10 reasons why…

1. It’s Rebecca. Need we say more? Since its publication in 1938, this internatio