Costume Making, Teaching & Theatre: My 2025 Highlights

2025 was an incredible year for my costume-making journey and I wanted to share my costume making highlights. From moving into my first creative studio to working on theatre productions and teaching future costume makers, it’s been a year full of exciting milestones.

My First Creative Studio at Coachworks Ashford

One of the biggest moments of the year was getting my very first studio space. Having a dedicated home for all my fabrics, machines, and costume projects has made such a difference to my work.

Being based at the Coachworks Ashford is fantastic. It’s a vibrant creative community filled with talented makers, artists, and small businesses. The atmosphere is incredibly supportive, and it’s inspiring to work alongside so many friendly and creative people.

For anyone interested in sewing, costume making, or creative workshops in Kent, it’s an amazing place to be.

The Ashford Sewing Bee

Last year we hosted the Ashford Sewing Bee, and it was a huge success. The event brought together talented local sewers and makers, showcasing the creativity and skill within the community.

Events like this remind me why I love working in sewing and costume — there’s so much talent out there, and it’s wonderful to celebrate it.

Teaching Costume Construction at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Another exciting step in 2025 was starting a permanent part-time role teaching Costume Construction on the Production Arts degree at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in the City of London.

Teaching future costume makers and theatre professionals is something I genuinely love. It’s incredibly rewarding to pass on traditional sewing skills, costume techniques, and industry knowledge to the next generation.

Creating Costumes for La Voix

I also had the pleasure of making pieces for my fabulous showbiz friend La Voix, who wowed audiences with their appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.

Working on performance costumes is always exciting — it’s all about creating garments that shine on stage and support the performer.

Pantomime Costumes for Sleeping Beauty at the Grand Theatre Wolverhampton

To round off the year, I worked on a large batch of costumes for the pantomime season — because what’s Christmas theatre without panto?

These costumes were for Sleeping Beauty at the Grand Theatre Wolverhampton, including designs for the Queen, played by the wonderful Debra Stephenson.

The production was designed by David Shields and the costume department was led by supervisor Pippa Batt. It was such a fun and rewarding project to finish the year with.

Looking Ahead to 2026

I’m really excited to see what 2026 will bring.

The year has already started with something very special — my first wedding dress commission, which I’ll be creating for an August wedding. Designing and making a bespoke wedding dress is such an honour, and I can’t wait to get started.