Monday 21 February 2011

Feeling SEW low

Well I have now had a cold and cough since November 2010.
Went to the doctors and was put on a weeks course of antibiotics, now finished but still have the cold/cough. Another visit to the doctors Weds morning, let's see what they say this time.
The up side to being ill is I have had time off work (most of it spent in bed) which means when I feel up to it I can sew. Although all I have managed to sew so far is a plastic protector for the dogs bed LOL.
But while I have been off 2 customers have contacted me for dressmaking work.
The 1st customer didn't end up using my services as she wanted me to make bridesmaid dresses from scratch for £80, this was also to include the cost of fabrics. When I told her how much I would charge she decided to go elsewhere.
The 2nd customer wanted a zip inserted into a top as it is slightly to small (talking mere millimetres here) so came for a fitting and is happy for me to do the work for her.

Hopefully will be fitting fit again soon so that I can get back to normal and do more sewing.
Also back to the full time job on Weds so need my energy levels back.

Sunday 13 February 2011

Introducing Sirinadesigns

My last post was about me so I thought I would now introduce my company Sirinadesigns.
Sirinadesigns was started in January 2010. I have been talking about starting a business for about 5 years but never felt confident in my own sewing abilities.
I was taught to sew by my Nan when I was about 7 years old and have been sewing ever since. I then went on to do a GNVQ in art & design at college followed by two NVQ's in pattern cutting but still didn't feel my work was good enough to sell.
I made my best friends wedding dress in 2005 and had lots of lovely compliments about it on the day and I was happy with the results but then life got in the way and the business plans were put on hold.
Just after christmas 2009 my Nan fell ill and was taken into hospital at the end of January 2009. Sadly on Febuary 9th 2009 she passed away (the doctors informed us afterwards that she was riddled with cancer) and I couldn't face going into my sewing room as that was the space I shared with Nan.
Eventually towards the end of 2009 I had some sewing that just couldn't wait any longer which forced me back into sewing, which was actually a good thing. I have been sewing regularly ever since and feel close to my Nan when I am in the room.
In January 2010 I decided that I had been talking the talk for long enough and it was time to walk the walk so I launched Sirinadesigns. It is named after my Nan and my Mum (Iris and Tina)
I have got a lot more confidence in my own sewing abilities now and know that I have got what it takes to make beautiful clothes. I hope now that people also like my items and start to buy.
I am primarily a dressmaker but also do alterations and handmade cards.
Sorry for the long post but that is Sirinadesigns introduced.

Kelly (AKA Sirinadesigns)

Friday 4 February 2011

New blog - 1st step

Hi everyone and thank you for visiting my blog.

I have been meaning to start a blog for a while now but kept putting it off as I didn't know what to say (which is unusual for me.) Now I have decided to finally take the plunge so here is my very first blog post.

I am in the process of turning my hobby and love of sewing into a business offering dressmaking and alterations in the Bristol, UK area. This blog is going to be tracking my journey in this process.

I will try to blog at least every other week but promise to try not to make it all business and boring.

So there is my 1st post done and dusted.

Please call back.