Meet the Maker – Sew n Sow

Tell us a little about you and your business.

I’m a mother to two beautiful girls and wife to ‘Mr Sow’, the gardener-by-day half of Sew n Sow. I have loved sewing ever since the age of 7, starting by my mothers side and on my Holly Hobbie sewing machine! Sew n Sow combines my love of sewing with our family love of being outdoors together. I make sun hats for all the family and other accessories for enjoying the outdoors.

What do you love about your creative business?

I love all aspects of sewing and adore working with bright and colourful quality fabrics. Seeing my creations being worn and enjoyed by others, especially seeing families protected from the sun in my hats is extremely gratifying.

What is your favourite thing to create?

My favourite thing to create is sunhats “ we all need them, and I love being able to provide the highest quality hats that wash and wear well, in designs that reflect the individuality of the wearers.

Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from family and friends and talking about what we do and dont like about the hats and other products that are available out there. Beautiful fabrics also inspire me, but that almost goes without saying!!!

Where can we find your work (online & offline)?

My work is available at sewnsow.com.au where you have the choice of shopping via my MadeIt or Etsy storefronts. During Spring and early Summer Sew n Sow attends a range of handmade markets in North Central Victoria and Melbourne¦to hear what markets we will be attending, you can become a newsletter subscriber here. Subscribers also receive a discount off Sew n Sow MadeIt purchases, are the first to see new releases and have the opportunity to enter giveaways or access special sales occasionally.

Let’s get to know you: 

Three things not many people know about me are:

1. In the career realm I find it hard to maintain my passion in one area over time ¦ I’ve had careers in primary teaching (my longest role), adult education, management, outside school hours care and even developing online training way back when no-one had heard of it!
2. My dream holiday is a week by myself in an exotic yoga and health retreat (the luxury kind!)
3. I love vintage fashion and got married in a green floral dress designed in the 50s.

What is your most favourite handmade item have you ever bought?

I love handmade, and have so many items from wonderful makers, but my favourite would have to be the stunning rainbow swirl skirts both my daughters have from B in My Bonnet. They also have matching hats made by me (of course!) and jewellery from Little Birdhouse Boutique that make for an amazing outfit together.

Do you listen to music or watch a movie while you are creating?

When I have the luxury of daytime creating, home alone, I love to crank the music up! Pop music on the radio gets me bopping along in a happy creative buzz.

Any business highlights over the past 12 months?

One of my most exciting achievements recently has been releasing our new Kids Fedoras. These are 100% handmade by me and have a lovely robust finish and a stylish band in a modern design. Theyre my dream of classic style with a modern twist and I love how they dress up an outfit for toddlers through to tweens¦.with plans for adult Fedoras to come!