Studio Stories

Discover the beauty of slow-made design. At Mabel Green Studio, repurposed textiles become contemporary pieces crafted with care, intention and a deep respect for materials. From reworked garments to small‑batch accessories, every item is made to endure — in both story and style.

Betty Foster wasn’t just drafting patterns — she was engineering the future of home dressmaking. This post uncovers the metallurgist‑turned‑fashion‑pioneer whose 1980s logic still transforms how we upcycle, rework, and design today.

Three men’s shirts, three new silhouettes. From sourcing to reworking, this is a look at how each piece was transformed into something easier to wear, easier to style and made to last.

Inside the pages of a 1960s sewing book, I found the techniques and confidence that still guide my studio work now. A small piece of sewing history worth revisiting.

What began as a £7 charity‑shop find turned into a modern overshirt with a completely renewed purpose.

A glimpse behind the seams: the tools, materials, and small studio rituals that guide my making practice.

Thinking of buying a vintage Bernina? My experience with the Bernina 1130 — and a visit to Bamber Sewing Machines in Manchester — revealed the hidden risks of early computerised models and the safer alternatives worth considering. From the legendary mechanical 830 to the modern Bernina 325 with a 7‑year guarantee, here’s what every sewist should know before choosing a machine.