I am a freelance costume maker working for theatre companies and private clients. My costume making combines years of experience in flagship theatre wardrobe departments; including Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Royal Shakespeare Company, Salisbury Playhouse and the dance troupe on Cunard's QM2. Private commissions include wedding dresses and bridesmaids outfits, bespoke tailoring and copies of favourite clothes. I have used my specialist needlework and embroidery skills in both private and theatrical work.

Freelance commissions

Wedding and private clients

see my picture gallery

Linda Haysman (designer)

Paterson Joseph
Kimie Nakano (designer)
Dream Hunter
First Family Entertainment
Julia Page as Cinderella, Peter Pan,

Snow White, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty

Derby Playhouse

Merlin, Company, Into the Woods,

Arabian Nights

Belinda King Productions

Dance troupe costumes

Harrogate Theatre

Dick Wittington

Previous employment

Royal Shakespeare Company
Skilled Costumier
Glyndebourne Festival Opera
Senior Assistant, Tailoring
Harrogate Theatre
Cutter
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Wardrobe Assistant
Salisbury Playhouse
Wardrobe Assistant

Qualifications

Royal School of Needlework
Eight week certificated course covering Jacobean crewel work, silk shading, canvas work and gold work.
Bournemouth College of Art & Design (now the Arts Institute)
B. A. (Hons.) Costume for the Screen and Stage
London College of Fashion
B. Tec. National Diploma, Fashion Design and Technology

Clothes are made to your needs: your design, fabric choice and measurements. Every item is made and finished to the highest standards and if you need advice on any aspect of the process I am happy and willing to help.

In today's age of mass production of badly fitting, poor quality, cheap clothing it is more important than ever to understand the benefits to be gained from a made-to-measure item. You get what you pay for, so buy the best clothing available. Since my clothes are made for the individual, they will fit perfectly, flatter you, last, and be a favourite item to be worn again and again. They are a long-term investment, a real alternative to the poor quality disposable clothing available on the high street.

When making wedding dresses, as well as creating beautiful traditional designs I am also aware that some people may not want white clothing, or may prefer to commission an item which can be worn on many occasions - each time reminding you of your perfect day.

I prefer to work with natural fibres, cotton, linen, silk, wool and, wherever possible, British fabrics are used, to keep supply miles low and to encourage the British textile industry.

I also specialise in hand embroidery, either as decoration on clothing or as stand alone items suitable for framing.