My Story
Hello, my name is Natasha.
I am the seamstress behind Sew Heritage.
However you found your way here, I am so pleased that you have heard of Sew Heritage and visited my website. If you are keen to hear how all of this came about, then please read on.
Born in 1985, I vividly remember the mix of fashions throughout my childhood. As a child, I seemed my happiest when making a mess with paint or drawing in my work book,
usually to finish off a poem with a small illustration of sorts.
My teachers always said I had a good eye for details at an early age.
I studied fine art, then art and design, with my final study days at UCA (University of the Creative Arts) studying graphics and illustration.
I am married to the love of my life, Michael. We met at 15 and got married 8 years later. Michael has supported me throughout my endeavours and often lends a hand when needed. We have two wonderful boys. Loving and caring in nature, they are always full of laughs.
My clothing brand evolved quite naturally, since my early days at college, as I started to teach myself how to sew soft furnishings. Things like patchwork quilts, curtains and bags. There was an odd little dabble in simple dress patterns over the years, but with the arrival of our niece Amelia in June 2018, my love of making children's clothing really begun.
Amelia is by far my biggest fan and her favouriteSew Heritage piece to date, is probably my quilted gilet.
I grew up in a victorian style home, so my influences come from a love of victorian, early 19th century style and traditional children's clothing, flowers and nature. I have a love of textures, furnishings and decor of victorian children's spaces. I adore the use of florals on the walls and crisp white children's play clothes hanging in wardrobes.
Children's clothing back then would have been handcrafted heirlooms, with delicate trims or lace that could last many years. Worn and washed again and again, still suitable to be passed onto siblings and between families.
Something I encourage in my clothing today. Creating Heritage.
In the background I am always researching through smocking books and clothing history. I try to remain authentic and my latest research has been around the beginning of children's garments in retail.
I also have much influence from Kate Greenaway, her books are a very sweet read.
My ETHOS
To create heirloom quality pieces that are carefully considered in every aspect. From basic wardrobe essentials, to traditional hand-crafted smocked garments, I hope to make your little one feel "Extra Special".
I love to use seasonal Liberty print cotton and mixes of linen sourced locally. Our smock dresses and bishop garments are lined in fine breathable Egyptian cotton as standard.
All pieces are carefully researched, cut, sewn and produced by hand in my home sewing space, in extremely limited quantities to minimises my impact on the planet and creating something you can only get your hands on for a limited time.
None of my items are mass produced, something I am very passionate about. I hope my pieces bring warmth in your heart, knowing it has been hand made. Just like in the olden days and gives your little ones individual style.
Each piece is to be LOVED and WORN.
Due to the nature of these designs, they are not available forever and some styles will be limited editions.
ABOUT OUR SMOCKING
At Sew Heritage we are very proud to be one of the only uk small businesses to offer an exclusive collection of hand-smocked clothing that is solely designed and made all in the UK.
I myself enjoy creating every process from start to finish with each piece being carefully designed, sewn and hand-embroidered using traditional techniques.
Each smock design comes to life once the DMC threads have been selected. The thread colour is usually selected after a garment is made, as it helps me to envision the complete look. By letting the embroidery threads do the talking, laying all the complimentary shades of DMC treads on the pleats helps to paint a picture of the design and feel. Only then do I get to work and make the first cable or wave.
Garments are made in small batches or made to order and sewn to last, with rompers, dresses and blouse made with plenty of room to play and grown. I recommend hand washing garments in a gentle cleaner with very little agitation to the embroidery work.
All smock work is priced based on materials and hours spent making the piece, which allows me a fair wage for my work.
Smock designs are limited editions, I very rarely revisit a design or fabric, each piece is unique to Sew Heritage.
Made to last, designed to be cherished...
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.