Label of Love: Sewing Label Design with Victoria from Little Rosy Cheeks

In this episode of The Sewing Social Podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Victoria Nutt, the creative force behind Little Rosy Cheeks. 

Discover how Victoria transformed her passion for sewing into a thriving business, creating woven labels and children's sewing patterns. 

From her early influences of a crafty family to the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, Victoria shares her story of resilience and creativity. 

Tune in to learn how Little Rosy Cheeks became a beacon of positivity and empowerment in the sewing community.

Key Takeaways: 

• Victoria Nutt is the owner of Little Rosy Cheeks, producing woven labels and children's patterns.
• Her love for sewing was inspired by her grandmother and mother.
• Victoria studied fashion business at university, blending business and design.
• Little Rosy Cheeks was born from an idea related to the inspirational notes that Victoria used to give to her children.
• Sewing labels serve as positive affirmations and add a professional touch to garments.
• Victoria emphasises the importance of community support in the sewing industry.
• She balances her business with family life, often involving her family in her work.
• Victoria's children's patterns aim to fill a gap in the market for older kids' clothing.
• She enjoys technical sewing and often replicates high street styles in her personal projects.
• Future plans include expanding her product line and continuing to engage with the sewing community at shows.

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Guest details:

Instagram: @little.rosy.cheeks

Website: www.littlerosycheeks.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Victoria Nutt and Little Rosy Cheeks

02:57 Victoria's Journey into Sewing and Business

05:39 The Birth of Little Rosy Cheeks

08:47 Designing Labels: Inspiration and Trends

11:24 The Value of Sewing Labels in the Community

14:16 Challenges in Running a Sewing Business

19:07 Balancing Business and Family Life

23:12 Expanding Product Lines: Children's Patterns

27:05 Personal Sewing Preferences and Style

30:37 Future Plans and Community Support

Transcript

Speaker 2 (00:10.222)

Hi Victoria, how are you? Hi, I'm good thank you. Welcome to the Sewing Social Podcast.

Thank you so much. Thanks for having me. You're welcome.

I wondered if you could introduce yourself to the listeners?

So my name is Victoria Nutt and I am the owner and the face behind Little Rosy Cheeks. So my business produces woven sewing labels and also more recently children's sewing patterns that go from age 3-4 up to 13-14. So quite a mix of products in the business. But yes, that's what I do.

And I'd love to know a little bit more about your background, Victoria. Where did your love of sewing and things come from?

Speaker 1 (00:53.494)

Yeah, so, well, I was surrounded by my gran who sewed when I was younger and my mum was very crafty so my mum did lot of sewing, dressmaking when she was younger. My gran did do things with me but I think they mostly, as a parent myself now, enjoyed that time on their own, know, sewing for themselves. So my gran did do knitting and things with me and she mostly did dressmaking for herself, as did my mum. It's kind of...

As a mum now I kind of see sewing as much as I obviously have the children's patterns. It is very much a like me time moment. So yeah, so I was surrounded by my gran and mum sewing when I was younger and I was always quite creative. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do when I left school so I went on to study fashion business at university in Glasgow and it was a really brilliant course so I did half business half.

fashion design and manufacturing. So we would start from the very beginning, designing a sort capsule collection or whatever the brief was. And then we would do the designs after all the patterns from scratch and then produce them on industrial machines. And I absolutely loved the technical aspects of that. And then after uni, I don't know if you want me to go as far back. Yeah, yeah, please Giving you like my full life story. Met my husband at uni and...

So, yeah, after uni, I had actually met my husband. So was working in retail and working as a manager in H&M So my sewing kind of stopped at that point. I did like crafty sewing more because I just didn't, I got clothes for so cheap. This is like before Primark days. So it was like when H&M was like the first sort of like cheap shop on the high street or affordable shop on high street.

So I used buy a lot of clothes and I was really into fashion and what was coming out in the shops. then after working there, I went traveling, did a bit of traveling on my own and worked in head offices after that. So I worked in shoe and worked in urban outfitters down in London and I worked as a merchandiser. Again, my sewing, I was dipping in and out of doing things. And then when I moved back to Scotland to have my children, I really got into sewing in a big way.

Speaker 1 (03:13.262)

again, just like really ignited my passion and I was sewing all the time. Then I started teaching classes at a local sewing shop called Sew Yarn Crafty in Dunfermline, which is just near Edinburgh. And I absolutely loved teaching people and just entertaining the class. you know, and I was, my sewing was advancing as well at the same time. So that was in like 2015. I've just continually sewn for myself and taught at the same time. So

I just taught a class this morning and I'm hosting a sewing retreat this weekend. yeah, I love technical sewing, you know, drafting patterns. Yeah, so my sewing has really come a long way in sort of 10 years as in I'm doing lots more fit, you know, but it's something that I've done since I was 17. So yeah, bit of history.

I love that. I love finding out people's backstory because there's a lot of stuff woven into people's lives that we just don't know about.

I Well, I definitely feel like what I've done in my life, jobs, even jobs that I probably didn't feel were significant at the time, know, like even just things like Wheatston or working in all the head offices that I have done and like learning, teaching beginners how to sew has like all contributed massively to my business now because I understand, you know, about stock distribution, but also just how beginner sewers think and how...

to try and explain things to people. And I also understand what parts of a pattern people find confusing. And I feel like the patterns that do, the instructions themselves are well explained and that's all from that experience. yeah, all through tributes, doesn't it?

Speaker 2 (04:57.878)

Yeah, definitely. So tell us like how Little Rosy Cheeks was born as your woven label business.

So at the time, Little Rose Cheeks is a COVID baby. I created the brand prior to that and was like making things, which I think a lot of people do, you you think, well, I could maybe make a few bob on the side. So I was like making bits of children's sort of bebs, coven, toys, that kind of thing. And I decided not to do that anymore. And then when COVID hit, I obviously couldn't teach and I was on furlough. The sort of original concept was that

When the kids were going back to school, they were pretty anxious and I started putting like little notes in their pockets. And my daughter was at the time was only P1 and my son was just going into P2, primary, that's Scottish system. So they were like four, five. So I was putting little notes into their pockets and clothes and things. I thought it'd be nice to have a little message inside your clothes that only you knew was there if you wanted to as a little like reassurance.

So I looked into the first label which says, am smart, I kind, I am brave, I am me. So just a really positive affirmation that I had kind of done with the kids a little bit. And then I came up with a few different designs. And then also because I taught women, mostly women, how to sew, I think when someone first comes into the sewing room and they've only ever sort of sewn crafts or quilts or something, it can be quite intimidating.

getting measured in things, you know, people find it. But as you start to sew, you realise you're fitting for the body you have and your confidence in your own body is one of the joys of sewing. And I wanted to recognise that in labels as well. So I started doing designing more that were just really like confidence boosters and affirmation for adults as well. So best selling label that I've had says, I made this, I can do anything.

Speaker 1 (06:56.212)

or handmade, imagine what else I can do. Sort of building yourself up because I just think there's like no greater joy than making something and having it being a success and being able to wear it. So I wanted the labels to reflect that. So I started doing some designs and producing, but I've learned so much along the way since then. So that's how, that's when they initially started. And I always wanted to do some form of patterns because that was like my absolute favourite thing to do at uni. I love the technicality of pattern drafting and...

and just like the instructions and just enjoy like creating products. yeah, so that's kind of how, that's how the business started and how the plan was always to have the labels to sort of fund some sort of patterns, but actually the labels have been such an amazing part of the business, or the whole business really.

It's so lovely to hear how something has grown from a really personal little thing that you started with your kids. I love it.

Yeah, yeah. Well, at the time as well, Kylie and the Machine was around and she did a lot of like really classy, chic, minimal color labels. And then Pink Coat Club was around as well. And she did a lot of like sort of quirky character base.

think there was a sloth or a cat.

Speaker 1 (08:12.29)

Yeah, yeah. So and I think what I wanted the labels to look like was prints because a lot of the labels were plain. So I wanted to kind of think about like what kind of prints people like, so florals, ditzy florals or polka dots and try and make the labels become sort of a reflection of what fabrics we buy. So yeah, I think like I was kind of one of the first ones to really go really bold on sort of prints and color and things like that.

Yeah, I bet your animal print ones have been really popular.

Yeah, I know. then because I had an animal, I had an animal leopard print one, sorry, that said I am unique and that's been around since the very beginning. So I think I was right on the animal print trend straight away. the but I think I like that one with I am unique because a leopard spots are all different. So that's kind of where that slogan went with the leopard print. But since then, I've developed more animal print. Yeah. So they're all all the the florals are really popular. I think.

there's something for everybody in the range because not everyone's a very affirmational person or like repeating affirmation. So try and like have something for everybody. So.

Fantastic. And I suppose sort of listening to your degree, your training at uni, you probably had a little bit of insight maybe on where to get your labels produced or was that quite a trial and error process?

Speaker 1 (09:39.342)

It was. To be honest, didn't. Now, I studied in, my degree started in 1999 and so the world was quite a different place back then. I know it's not that long ago, but because I remember specifically a story at one of the collections that we had to do at the very end of our finals, so this is in 2003, we had to stand up and present in front of a board.

and I designed a range of clothing for working women and it was going to be sold only online, not in a shop. And I remember a lecturer completely tore me down, said, there's absolutely no way, when are these women going to buy shop? I was like, well, on their lunch breaks, no way. You would never, you have to have them in a shop, that would never happen. so, I always like, would love to see them again and say,

So, because I think most people shop online now. But so, yeah, so there wasn't as much access to suppliers and online and things like that. So I think finding suppliers has been definitely a trial and error. Yeah, I work with a really lovely supplier now and the concept of like when I come up with a new label, it's been hit and miss along the way because it's really hard to make sample labels. I don't know if you've ever seen like a woven label machine.

massive and there's hundreds, know, loads of threads that go through. some people think that woven labels start with a base colour and embroidered on top almost, but it's actually the threads are woven in and out of each other, just like you would with fabric. So bits obviously on a very small scale, so the machines are really noisy. So once you start a design off, it's difficult for the machine just to produce one or two. So usually I have to take a bit of a risk with a design in order for them to set up the machine. It's so much work.

just to do a sample or two. So yeah, so work with a really lovely supplier now, it's good, but I think it gives you the confidence to then for the other products, you know, look for new suppliers and you know what you're looking for. So you just learn so much along the way.

Speaker 2 (11:42.606)

And you obviously spoke about how your initial inspiration came about with your kids and everything like that. Do find your inspiration in other places as well?

Yeah, definitely. So I'm about to start working on autumn winter labels. So I've just released the new label packs, which went live at the weekend. But I do try and at various things. I usually create mood boards. So I look at what people are buying, what patterns people are picking up, what's really popular. So I know what garments are.

things I'll be getting sewn on to. I look at what's on the high street. I also look at catwalk trends. So I usually try and come up with a colour, a sort of block of what people will be, I try and predict what people will be buying for autumn, winter or spring, summer. And then I want the labels to be different to what else is out there. There's a lot more choice for woven labels now, from when I first started.

So I think I try and look at, for example, in the last winter, I just like a range of like textured labels. So they were all ribbed and I looked into, I brought in some velvet labels and suede. So just try and think about, I want the labels to really reflect the fabric, what my customers are looking for. And then I have a range as well where it says made by gran or made by mum. So try and like keep some of this sort of there.

standard labels of what you'd be adding to projects or gifts and then go for sort of popular colors and what's on trends. So yeah, I look at what other shops have, interiors, what's on the high street. So yeah, lots of different things all together. Sometimes it takes a while to design a label and sometimes it comes quite quickly.

Speaker 2 (13:34.51)

And your new ones that you've just released, they're cherry print, aren't they?

Yeah, the label with the cherry on it, it's a two-pack, so one of them says cherry on top, which I thought was really nice slogan for making garments. actually did originally when I did labels, I think it must have been a few years ago, I did a photo shoot where I needle felted a cupcake and then the label was the cherry on the top. just for the photo shoot, because I think that's how it feels when you add the label, especially at the end.

it's like that sort of celebration of a job well done and that you've made something for yourself. So I think that particular label is really nice because it kind of reflects that. And then the other one that just came out says, so you're on sunshine, again, it's like feel good. Because normally the sun is shining down south and around the rest of the world and in Scotland it's not always sunny, but we are getting sun at the moment. it's just, I think a lot of people sew bright colors, bright

fabrics and create their own sort of joy in what they're wearing. So yes, we try the labels to kind of reflect that.

you think, so you did touch on it a little bit there, but why do you think that sewing labels are so valued in the sewing community?

Speaker 1 (14:55.054)

Well, I think, I do think it is just such a satisfying end to what you've made. Sewing labels aren't a new thing, they've been around for a very long time. I did try to do a bit of a deep dive for the fold line week-ender last year and so was looking into the history of sewing labels because as I you my gran sewed a lot for me and I remember her adding tape like ribbon.

So she would cut a length of ribbon that said like made with love and I'd add that in. But I think it just adds like such a professional touch to the garment or whatever you've made adding the label on. It makes me like sometimes when I go to a show people, so like the Knit and Stitch show where I sell twice a year to the Knit and Stitch show and the Stitch Festival. A lot of people say to me, oh, I've got some of your labels but the stuff that I'm making is not good enough to add on to it. And it makes me so sad because I just think

You should be, you know, don't wait for that moment. It is amazing what you've made. And yeah, I think the labels do reflect that joy of finishing. You know, I think I just hope people use them and feel that. And then I've also brought out the labels dash folders this year to try and help people remember to use the labels, which has been really good. So, cause I think people do forget people. I obviously have in a label business. do remember, I try and make a point of making sure my labels.

are sewn in and I have gone back on previous makes and added labels to it. But yeah, think having the label stash forders has been good because it's encouraged people to remind them what they've bought and things aren't just getting sort of put into a little tub and they sort of has them on display, which is nice.

Yeah, that's really nice. I think, haven't those folders been really successful as well?

Speaker 1 (16:42.51)

Yeah, well I got the idea from them because I was looking for something and I was chatting to a friend and it kind of reminded me of a Pokemon display card and I think a lot of people do collect the labels and enjoy.

having lots of variation and then sometimes when people come up to me and shows as well they'll say, oh it's my little tradition that I always have to get a pack of labels when I come to see you, which is so lovely. Yeah, so it's a reminder to use them but it's also like a nice little display as well of all the different labels that you have and then I've got my stash folder sitting next to my sewing machine that I can just dip into and see what I want to add on.

I was going to ask you about sort of exhibiting at these big shows because I imagine that takes a huge amount of prep. When and where do you begin with the prep?

Yeah, it's a really big amount of work to do the shows and they're really expensive as well, which, you know, to exhibit at, a stand and so it's quite a risk. I started going to the shows in 2021 with my friend Jen from Generates. We decided to go take a stand together so that we could travel down together, help each other if we needed to go to the loo and that kind of thing. But yeah, there's, so we've been doing, I've been doing the shows.

that I won at Alexandra Palace in October. And then at the moment I'm doing Belfast in November and then London I do Stitch Festival. So I usually try and, I like to try and launch a new product at the show as well, just to add that little extra like excitement around coming to the show. So usually the prep I'll start for the March show. I'll start just as soon as I get back after Christmas into the swing of things and start designing new labels or patterns. And then

Speaker 1 (18:33.774)

So it was quite difficult on the first time round because we just didn't have a clue what to expect at all. had been, and obviously because of the Covid effect as well, when I had been, I used go down to the Knit Ninch Ditching Show from Scotland, I used to take an empty suitcase and go down and fill it up and travel back. And I have been known to wrap fabric around my neck like a scarf to get on the plane. anyway, so, but it's quite different.

It was different before COVID because was so everything was like closer together and there was a lot of people packed in and then obviously they couldn't do that. But the first time around we didn't know what sales were going to be like. We didn't know. So we packed so much stock with us and we bought enough paper bags. I'm still using them now. So it was a bit, we just didn't know. Yeah. So it's, it is a lot of work. But we've started, as we've done it over the years, I kind of learn what I need to bring, you know, what.

how stock levels I need to take with me and sort of gather more and more information. it's so good going to the shows because it's such a lovely, I mean, you've been, Gemma, know, it's such a lovely sense of community. And it's so good for me because I get to meet my customers. I I only, I work on my own. I have a friend who comes in and helps me during school hours, a couple of days a week, packing orders. And she's just a general.

therapist for the business. But apart from that, don't have my sewing classes, I don't see customers regularly. So I try and just soak up as much as I can. At the shows, sometimes like it's such a good feeling when people like show me, they'll usually like pull at their back of their neck of their top and try and show me a label or, but I try and listen to what customers are asking for as well. You know, what there's demand for, what people like. So you get so much out of it.

And meeting people that you've messaged or supported your business at the shows is just brilliant. So yeah, I really love it.

Speaker 2 (20:30.606)

It's lovely. And I was going to ask you, because you sound like a very busy person, how on earth do you manage like mom life and juggling your business and teaching and everything that you do?

Yeah, I know, I don't know. It's all of it. Yeah, do, there's a lot of facets to what I do and I'm not going to lie, like sometimes I do have moments where I'm just like a bit burnt out. I just love moving on to new things and having such variety in my job and I love working for myself. I think, like I mentioned, my friend Katie that comes and helps me now, that really helps me progress the business a lot in the last year because, you know, I've got someone to sound things off of.

So that really pushes me forward as well in the business because I've got more time to do. So she would tend to like pack orders and I can work on things at the same time creatively for the business. But yeah, sometimes it's hard because you do feel, I have moments where I feel like I'm not doing anything well, which is, which I think all parents feel a bit like that sometimes. I think that's one of the things about having like the affirmations on the labels. I think people sometimes think, I'm such a...

I think I am a positive person, but sometimes I don't feel like that and that's why it's nice having that little reminder. Come on, you can do it. But yeah, I just, I do stop in the evening. I'm getting good at like stopping. But yeah, I just create lists all the time. I'll have like a list for the house, a list for the business and try and tick things off. And I get a lot of help as well. So my mum helps me with the kids and she also packs most of my labels for me. She enjoys, she's retired. So she enjoys.

So she says, I keep saying to her, do you want to keep doing this mum? And then my husband helps me a lot as well in the business. with the kids, even just with the kids and yeah, so it's, there's huge pluses and negatives to doing what I do, but mostly pluses. And I think it's a really good demonstrations, a good example that I'm sending the kids to work hard.

Speaker 1 (22:37.166)

I try and make sure I have time off with them. So we're going on a holiday at the start of the summer holidays and just spending time together. But I think it's a good example for them to see a mum working and being at home. My job allows me the flexibility that I'll get to go and pick up my kids from school today. I can teach classes round about their schooling. So yeah, there's loads of positives and lots of positives.

And it sounds like it's quite a joint effort as well, which is really nice. Everybody's supporting each other.

Definitely. that's like, think one of the other things from the shows that has come about is support that I've got from other small businesses. So you meet so many different people and then, you know, I've got WhatsApp groups with friends that also have small businesses and, and Alina and Jen from Jenrates a lot, two of, both we do the sewing retreats together. So we talk regularly and, you know, I can talk to her about anything that's coming up in the business and she's the same with me. So we can.

sort of help each other out. And I've always been quite open with that side of the business because I think it's good to share with other people and help each other grow rather than sort of being quite guarded in what you're doing. So yeah, I think it's definitely a joint effort.

I think I'm gathering from talking to various people through the podcast and also the general feeling within the sewing community is that community is key. It's so supportive and it's such a nice place to be. I think people like to hear what it's like behind the scenes and support you wherever we can.

Speaker 1 (24:04.648)

Yeah, definitely.

Speaker 1 (24:15.95)

Yeah, it's nice. know. we always try not to keep talking about the shows all the time, but when we first started out, didn't have a clue. And Jen and I do try and share information with people that are just starting out. We'll let them know what it's like. Because we just want to see other businesses succeed as well and make it a good experience for our customers coming to shows, see lots of different new businesses there. So yeah, just...

to try and share as much experience as possible and with our customers as well, let them know what it's like for us running the business and that kind of thing.

Absolutely. So moving on to your sort of children's wear patterns, were they, you you said you always liked drafting and the technical side of producing things. Were they inspired by your children, like filling a gap in their wardrobe? How did they come about?

Yeah, so I wanted to do the children's patterns because I wanted there to be things out there for me to make for my kids. So my children are quite tall and I think a lot of children are much bigger now, nowadays. So a lot of children's patterns only go up to age nine. So I wanted to try and have a range of patterns that go up to age 13 to 14. And I wanted to make things for my children that were

quick to make. I actually just really enjoy, mostly enjoy sewing for myself. I enjoy, I get a lot of making things for the kids, but I want them to be comfortable for them and be able to adapt a little as they grow. So, you know, deep hems on the trousers or have them slightly oversized so that they'll get maybe more than just a year. They might get two years out of something. But I want them to be cool styles, comfortable and easy for me to sort of whip up and potentially use a remnant.

Speaker 1 (26:10.19)

or something that I've made that's left over. So yeah, that's the sort of idea behind them. And I'm just trying to build a range so that there's various different things. So I started off with a pair of trousers called Hopper and a t-shirt and a dress called Mizzle. And then I've since gone on to do another dress, a jumpsuit and another pair of trousers. So I'm always thinking about jersey fabrics, woven fabrics.

So and then in the autumn, I'm going to be bringing out some pajamas for autumn winter. So just trying to expand the range as well. And yeah, and so continues to have that wider size range. So because it does get trickier as children get older, especially with my children are nine and 11 and the high street, I hate it so much for them because there's...

The choice when they get to that age is terrible. At the moment, my son has just sort grown out of that younger age group. That younger age group is so colourful and fun. And then he's moved into this older age group, which is just like beige, black and denim. then to be able to quickly sew up a few t-shirts for him in bright colours, I love doing stuff like that.

I agree. And I think it's especially in boys clothing, because I have a little boy as well. I loved it. He's only six, but I loved it when he was little because there's so much choice. And now it's like, you can even see it now edging into that boring dark colour.

I know it's like game, they think it's gaming. It's like gaming related or sports or and then it's like really young. So it's just nice to have a print for kids. Yeah, it's a tricky age and then the patterns go up to 13 to 14. So I'm sort of experiencing that time my daughter is starting to develop at the age of 11. So it's thinking trying to make the patterns.

Speaker 1 (28:08.568)

suit her changing body as well. So it's quite an interest in having children in that age bracket now and just looking at what suits them and what kind of things that they'll be wearing and want to wear. So it's quite good fun. But then having the styles that are nice for little ones as well. So yeah, so we've got, I've got another pattern which I'm hoping to get out for the summer, which is based on a baseball shirt, you know, like the traditional American baseball studs down the front. So which is

looking really nice, we're just developing that at moment. So yeah, so that'll be nice to have like that for boys and girls. Bit of a fun shape.

Yeah, that's exciting. And do you think you've faced any particular challenges, Victoria, in running your business?

that's a good question. I think the challenge is just time, like having time to do everything. then if there's not ever been a particular thing, event or situation, I mean, you know, there's lots of little things along the way. So keep making sure customers are happy if things, you know, like small challenges like that. But I always just try and deal with these things with as much honesty and.

trying to keep everyone happy. So there's all those little challenges. But I think the biggest challenge that I face in the business is probably time. Like my little boy is really into Marvel and he always like, and we watched a lot of the Marvel movies together. And then, and he always asked me what my superpower would be. And he's like, I would be like the Hulk, like he's the strongest. And then, and I'm like, I say I would like to be able to stop time. Just like press pause and then I could just.

Speaker 2 (29:47.201)

Yes.

get on with everything and then start it again and have an extra couple of hours or have sleep. But yeah, no, there's been lots of little challenges and you know, I think Brexit has been a massive challenge in the business actually thinking about that. Just things that you don't realise sometimes that you just, you've got a plan for the week and then you fake that something small comes along and it ends up, you know, you've got to spend a lot of time on the website or something that's changed in the website. But I think I've always known.

what I want the business to be when I first started out and that was probably because of my experience in retail and what I studied and everything. So I've always known I wanted to have a strong wholesale business and that kind of thing. there's been lots of little challenges making sure that that's right, but all those things I've definitely overcome. But yeah, I still wish we'd never left the EU. That's definitely got continuous challenges, unfortunately.

Yeah.

Speaker 2 (30:44.174)

Tell us a little bit about your personal sewing and things that you like to make for yourself. Are there any particular garments that you love or do you like to try a range of things?

Yeah, so well, so I suppose I like technical garments, so I like a challenge, something that's going to challenge me. So I have a lot of like the Merchant Mills patterns, like harleys and dungarees and that kind of thing. But I'm quite tall, nearly 5'11", and I've got quite long legs. So I like a lot of jumpsuits and that kind of thing because I can fit them and adapt the pattern to suit me.

I like jumpsuits because you can throw something on and have a full look without having to put too many things together. So I'm a bit of a batch cutter. Again, like I do with the labels, I usually tend to look at what's on the high street, which I know a lot of people don't do that when they're sewers because I think they prefer, they don't like the high street. That's why they tend to sew for themselves because the high street doesn't suit them. But I like to look and see what's in the high street and see if I can replicate it anyway.

I'll quite often, well, as much as I can, nip over to maybe Edinburgh and have a look and see what's in the shops. And sometimes as well, I kind of encourage my ladies that come to my sewing classes to try different shapes on that they wouldn't normally go for and to try and sort of see if there's a style that they really like. So I was shopping with my mum last week and we went for afternoon tea in Edinburgh for her 70th, which was last year. We went to the shops and I was trying on some things in Zara, which is quite funny.

because my mum was cracking up about a bodycon dress, but I thought I would just try it and see if the style suited me. I think it's quite nice to do that. So yes, I tend to, I've always got something on the machine that I'm for myself, even though I'll still be sewing samples for the business and developing patterns for the business, but I always have something for myself in the machine. So at the moment I did sort of a wee batch cutting session.

Speaker 1 (32:47.758)

cut out a few things and have them in project bags. So I'll usually be working on something like that. But at the moment, it's me-made me. So when we're recording, I'm not sure when this is going to go out. So that actually got me thinking about my own personal style and what I like to wear and make. So I have been reorganizing my wardrobe. And I don't know how you have your wardrobe, Gemma, but I, before I had it, all my trousers, all my dungarees together, all my trousers together, all my blouses together, and jumpsuits, dresses.

And I've decided to put everything into outfits. instead of have a, so a blouse, but I'll try and put a pair of trousers next to it that I can wear with it. So I am, or maybe like two or three blouses that go with a certain pair of jeans. And then that's kind of letting me see, actually I'd probably wear that blouse more if I had a skirt or trousers or something. So it's been quite interesting. That's really cool.

I've never thought of doing that before.

Speaker 2 (34:47.277)

Great tips, Victoria. Thank you.

Speaker 2 (36:14.2)

That's another really good tip.

Speaker 2 (36:22.83)

So welcome.

Have you got any other sort of exciting plans coming up this year? You've spoke about, you know, you've got a couple of patterns launching and you're going to be at the shows. Is there anything else amongst that busy schedule?

Speaker 2 (37:50.894)

That's really exciting.

Speaker 2 (38:10.574)

So to sort of round off the interview, Victoria, I like to do a little game of this or that.

Prints or solids?

Speaker 2 (38:31.17)

Good choice, good choice. Designing labels or designing sewing patterns?

Speaker 2 (38:42.678)

If you can't choose, that's fine. That's fine.

Speaker 2 (38:48.526)

Organised stash or creative chaos.

Speaker 2 (39:00.194)

Take away or a meal out. One project on the go or multiple.

You've already given this one away actually, sewing for yourself or others.

Wovens or net?

Yeah, scissors or a rotary cutter?

Speaker 2 (39:35.284)

haven't tried those are they good?

Speaker 2 (39:49.87)

Tea or coffee?

Speaker 2 (39:59.295)

And spring, summer or autumn, winter?

Speaker 2 (40:23.862)

Ooh, nice. I suppose that suits where you are in the world, doesn't it?

So where can people find you Victoria?

Speaker 2 (41:11.83)

You've been fantastic Victoria, thank you so much. Thanks for joining me on The Sewing Social.

Speaker 2 (41:24.558)

Take care, bye! Thanks so much for listening. If you do just one thing today, don't forget to share the show with a friend. I'd really appreciate it. Also, if you do want to get in touch, you can always email. Our email is thesewingsocialpod at gmail.com. Until next time, happy sewing!