Bohemian handkerchief hem dress with mixed print tattered ribbons Item ID: 2677805103

Welcome to my store.

I’m a British-American living in the beautiful Ozarks of southwest Missouri. I emigrated here in 2009 and have truly grown to love the quiet, simple life I’ve built.

In 2014 I returned to England for my eldest daughter’s wedding. Giving her away was one of the very best days of my life. While I was there, I had a vivid dream of a little girl in a tattered rainbow dress. The image was so clear and stayed with me long after I woke. It kept gently returning to my mind, and when I came home, I decided to start playing with clothing. I’ve always preferred pieces that feel different and rarely find mainstream garments I truly enjoy wearing.

I began with a simple mid-length red cotton dress. I cut into the skirt, added pieces of colored fabric, and finished it with a sparkly top and a cute belt. I loved wearing it so much. Everywhere I went, women stopped me to ask where I had bought it. That was the beginning, and I haven’t looked back since.

In January 2015 I opened my Etsy shop. At the time I was volunteering at a large thrift store, where unsellable clothes and fabrics regularly came in. I was able to gather a wonderful collection of materials to work with. I never set out to make wedding dresses, yet many women chose them for their special day, which has always meant a great deal to me. Since then, I’ve made more than 600 dresses that have found homes and been worn around the world.

Every dress is created in the same careful, quiet way. I begin with a lightly worn “starter” garment—a top, camisole, dress, or light jacket—and place it on a dressmaker’s form. Then I pin compatible second-hand fabrics onto it, often spending many peaceful hours adjusting and playing until it feels just right. Once I’m happy, I tack everything together on the form using an upholsterer’s needle. After removing it, I begin the long, meditative process of hand-stitching, usually going over each seam twice so it stays secure and strong. The finished dress is then gently laundered and hung outside to dry in the fresh air, ready for its special occasion

Some dresses have fabrics that are unfinished with raw edges that may increase with wear and laundering.