Learning from the bottom up
WITH both her mum and sister being seamstresses, it is of no surprise that Julie Davies developed the same skills and became a seamstress too!
As well as being able to do a wide range of alterations, Julie, who lives in Old Colwyn, loves to make items too, as she explains:
“My interest in sewing began when I was seven, and I entered into a school competition. I won with a felt squirrel and this is were my love for creating started.
“I began my working career on a YTS (Youth Training Scheme) in a local ● bridal shop called Sibrenker’s (initially in Mochdre, and then Rhos on Sea) with Sid and Brenda.
“I learnt from the bottom up, working on all bridal wear including veils, headdresses and silk bouquets.”
When her children were born, Julie put her career on hold for a few years, but still did alterations and gifts for family and friends, especially if they wanted items in a specific colour and style to match their other furnishings which they couldn’t buy off the shelf.
Once Julie’s children were older, and following a chat with a friend, Julie decided to start her own business doing alterations.
Julie has made a range of items from baby taggies and blankets, letter boards, curtains and bridal/prom dress alterations, but she does favour a particular alteration made for a little girl.
“I enjoyed making all my makes, but my favourite has to be the christening gown (plus hair bow and socks), made out of her grandmother’s wedding dress, and an additional keepsake cushion for the grandmother.
“I also enjoy making memory blankets and memory cushions, they are really quite personal and iindividual pieces.” You can see more of Julie’s makes, and prices for alterations, on her Facebook page at: Stylish Stitches by Jules She also has some of her makes on show at The Wool Room on Abergele Road, Old Colwyn.