make-do-and-mend

I was flattered this morning to be asked to talk to the Tideswell Business Start-Up group this morning about how I set up Peak Princess.

I also met Fiona Pocock (01629 813 197 / 07821 297 444) who's just started a new business from her home near Bakewell (home of the delicious pudding) doing alterations and repairs. It's a real skill. Despite most of my friends not being able to sew on a button or turn up a hem, they imagine repairs are easy-peasy. The truth is that starting afresh with a blank canvas of a roll of cloth is child's play compared to the dark-art of restoring a much-loved, often expensive, quality garment to its former glory.

Another dark-art is 'search engine optimisation' - aka getting ranked on page 1 of Google. For down-to-earth advice, I'd thoroughly recommend talking to Kathleen Rigg (07768-961971) from Gain Time IT. I followed her no-nonsense 10 step tips and Peak Princess shot up the rankings!

And last-but-not-least, for making you believe you can actually make a go of it, everyone should make their first call their local Business Link. Thanks to Sue Scholes who held my hand through the first year of business.

charity fashion show

I'd decided not to do any fairs or shows this year because I'm so busy making-to-order for my lovely customers, but I've made an exception for the Helen's Trust Fashion Show on March 25th at 6pm.

Helen's Trust is a wonderful local charity which helps people with incurable illnesses or cancer to stay in their own homes. And Thornbridge Hall is an stunning venue. As a privately owned stately home it's a rare chance to see the amazing restoration by owners Emma and Jim Harrison.

They're be food, fizz and fashion and great shopping - all in a good cause.

Call Mandy Brown on 07901 710767 for tickets (£40 per head)

new liberty print smock frock

Fresh from my sewing room - my new Liberty print smock frock with gathered ribbon & bead pockets - 3 samples (£10 off) available on my website now. Your choice of more than 30 Liberty prints. First come first served.

(This is the polka dot sample the little girl in the village who models for me tried on on Sunday.)

twirly whirly

These are the 3 little sisters in my village who model and product test for me dancing in my new Liberty print twirl skirt. Two half price preview samples available on my website now - first come first served.