The Story of Bobbins and Buttons
My sewing story began long before Bobbins and Buttons. The first three parts of my story are already published. I started sewing at a young age, went on to work in the fashion industry, and spent time teaching sewing in South Africa.
When I returned from South Africa, I was lucky to step back into the job I had left nearly a year earlier. But things weren’t the same—business was slower, and my boss was looking to make big changes. Before long, he announced plans to close the company and offered myself and the other two heads of department the chance to start a smaller business with his backing.
We explored the idea but ultimately decided to go our own way. Together we launched a label we all loved, pooling our expertise to create the brand. For five years, it was exciting to design clothing and run our own business. But as time went on, cracks began to show, and the 2008 recession pushed us to close down completely. It was an unpleasant time, and I wasn’t sure what to do next.
The thought of returning to the fashion industry felt daunting. I searched job pages but nothing seemed quite right. During this time, I feel pregnant, I knew that turning up to interviews with a growing bump was unlikely to appeal to a prospective employer. I ultimately gave up and focused on being a mum. I loved it.
From First Birthday to First Pattern
As my daughter’s first birthday approached, I wanted to buy her a special dress. The shops were filled with pink, and while I love pink, I wanted something different. So I made her a green dress. With the leftover fabric I stitched her a little top and embellished another dress. Seeing her in clothes I had made was so exciting. When my son arrived I wanted to make his clothes too, I began designing patterns for practical, comfortable styles for kids that they could wear. This later became the foundation for my pattern range.
Motherhood was wonderful, but I knew I’d need to return to work. Yet nothing inspired me. The fashion industry didn’t appeal anymore, and I couldn’t picture myself in any other role.
The Lightbulb Moment
Then came the lightbulb moment. One night, pacing the dining room with my baby son in my arms, I remembered my husband once saying: “I didn’t think you’d ever come back from South Africa because you loved it so much.” I smiled, thinking how true that was—and how lucky I was now with my beautiful family. In that quiet moment, I realised maybe I could teach again. This time here in the UK, in the evenings while Barry was home and the children were asleep.
And so, in May 2013, Bobbins and Buttons was born. I started small, with no idea if it would work, but timing was on my side. Sewing was enjoying a revival—thanks perhaps to shows like The Great British Sewing Bee or a renewed appreciation for craft and handmade. Whatever the reason, people wanted to sew, and I was happy to teach them.
Looking back, my school years were focused on academia, with little value placed on craft or creativity. I left with just one art O’Level, feeling the future looked bleak—an idea reinforced by my experiences in the garment industry. But teaching sewing changed my perspective completely.
When I taught women in South Africa, I saw first hand how creativity and making could transform confidence and self-esteem. Even when language was a barrier, we connected through demonstrations, hands-on work, and the slow, rewarding process of building skills.
I believe everyone can sew. Some learn quickly, others take time; some aim for high precision, others for pure enjoyment. Sewing is as individual as the person behind the needle. And there is something truly special about making something with your own hands.
The future is unknown, but I hope it continues to be filled with sewing, creativity, and the joy of connecting with others who are discovering the same passion. Every stitch tells a story, and I look forward to many more.
