The Beginning of Something New
I didn’t set out to build a business around repurposed textiles. It grew from becoming dissatisfied with my day job and deciding to follow what I genuinely loved. It all started with a small pouch I made from leftover fabric scraps. Friends quickly asked if I could make one for them too, and at the same time years of sewing had made me increasingly aware of just how much perfectly good fabric goes unused or is thrown away.
I've always been drawn to beautiful textiles. Perhaps it's because I'm a Taurean and appreciate quality, or perhaps it's my fascination with social history. I love imagining where a piece of fabric has been before it reaches my cutting table. I inherited vintage linen from family members, I've always lived in denim, and I rarely throw away even the smallest remnants. Now people often pass on forgotten fabric, sample books and treasured textiles that have been sitting in cupboards for years. I don't see them as leftovers, I see them as the beginning of another story.
What inspires me most is designing around what already exists. I often think that scarcity really is the mother of invention. Working within the limitations of a piece of fabric forces me to think more creatively than starting with something brand new. A worn patch, an old repair or an unexpected colour combination can become the detail that gives a bag its personality.
Colour is another obsession. I use a colour wheel when planning combinations and I'm fascinated by how colours influence mood. I love the subtle tones created by natural dyes such as cochineal and eucalyptus, and I'm endlessly interested in how colour works with different skin tones and personal style. Those details quietly influence every collection I make.
That way of thinking has shaped Brighton Stitch from the very beginning. I spend hours searching for beautiful remnants, deadstock linens and natural fibres, always asking what they could become rather than what they once were. Every project teaches me something new, whether that's refining the finish on a zip or finding a better construction method.
As my parents have grown older, I've also become more aware of how many cherished possessions eventually need to find new homes. That has reinforced my belief that good materials deserve more than one life. To me, sustainability has nothing to do with perfection. It's about making thoughtful choices, valuing quality and creating practical pieces that people will enjoy using for many years.
