Taking the hot seat

Hi everyone,

And thank you again for your support and positive feedback on April’s issue. It’s wonderful to know that we’re having an impact on your sewing and your confidence!

Next month’s issue

Already, of course, we’re working on something even more spectacular for May, and a theme is already emerging. Let’s just say that if you’ve ever thought about going into business, or you’re just trying to get one off the ground, this issue’s just for you.

Meanwhile, those of you for whom sewing and costuming are “just for fun” will love May too, since we’re making sure we contrast the talk of work with some frivolity, some details, some trifles… (no recipes, that’s not what I meant!)

Ask the Experts

I’m throwing myself upon your mercy – I’m taking the hot seat for Ask the Experts myself this month! I’m inviting your questions on anything you’d like to ask. Don’t hold back – we’re still a small magazine and your question will be read, with a hefty chance that it’ll appear on the page! Use a false name if you feel the need, of course. “Zelda, Timbuktu” is fine – make it creative – I know you’re good at that!

Reading my bio on the magazine I realise that I haven’t actually told you much about myself, so for those of you who don’t know me, here’s a little more detail.

***

I’m an English maker of bespoke clothing. I taught myself to sew at University whilst I studied for a degree in Mathematics and Education in the early 90s, making dresses for the evening functions we had twice a year (remind me to show you photos of the general awfulness that ensued. lol) Before long people were asking me to make their ballgowns – I would take them to the store where they’d buy the fabric and a commercial pattern, and then I’d charge them the princely sum of £15 (US$30) for my trouble. I was about 18.

Teaching in the traditional sense was not for me, and I knew I’d rather be sewing, so with a fiance willing to support me, I graduated and began making wedding dresses. I made sure I met some makers I admired, asking them as many cheeky questions as I dared. I also hooked up with someone who wanted to start her own fashion label wherein I’d be “her designer,” but much drama followed and the whole thing quickly crumbled.

This was when I discovered historical costume, through movies. Being the “different” type, I wasn’t likely to make the same old ivory dresses as everyone else, and seized upon the fashions of the past as an alternative source of inspiration.

I was married myself in 1997 and took full advantage of the opportunity. We had a ten-colour theme and I made seven costumes (look here). This was when I really began to get taken seriously.

A year later I began travelling in the north-eastern US, thanks to a generous benefactor who was willing to give me a base to explore what possibilities lay there. I worked for private clients, bridal stores, a puppet theatre, a sex toy store (where I discovered the many applications of Victorian corsetry) and a vintage clothing store, gaining a lot of variety, a lot of confidence and much wider horizons.

The American adventure had to end eventually, and when it did I returned to England to continue making alternative wedding fashions and corsetry – the quality had improved considerably during my time away. I continue to make these clothes, in addition to my work for YWU, although I do limit the number of brides I take on. I find that a good command of Maths, a penchant for spending too much on books and a willingness to court potential disaster at every stitch has got me where I am today.

***

So, any questions? Go on, ask me something awkward or cheeky. Feel free either to comment or to use the Ask a Question form on the site. Thank you! Let’s make this the most fun, cheeky, in-depth Ask the Experts yet!

Best wishes,

Cathy Hay