SEWING & EMBROIDERY

Properly trained eventually — still figuring plenty out as I go.

Welcome to After Stilettos. If it's your first time here, I've sewn since I was a kid, stopped when I had my kids, and got brought back to it during Covid. I saw a video online and thought, oh, I could do that. One thing led to another and I ended up at fashion school. The name's got a story too, it's on the About page if you want the rest.

STEP INSIDE
  • Model wearing Midnight Cascade ivory brocade off-shoulder gown with cascading sculptural roses, outdoor editorial shoot by After Stilettos
  • Model wearing handmade multicolour chevron triangle bikini on the beach — After Stilettos original design

This is where I show the actual process, mess and all — the unpicked seams, the "why did I think this would work," the slow satisfying bit where it finally comes together. If you've ever looked at something handmade and thought 'I could never'', I'm hoping you're inspired to try.

MY CREATIVE WORLD

  • Handmade French couture jacket in ivory tweed with black braid trim, crafted by Nicola Grayling at After Stilettos — Italian workshop

    SEWING ORIGINALS

    My original designs — from the first pattern cut to the final hand-stitched detail.

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  • After Stilettos Ebb & Lace one piece swim-to-resort design flat illustration with ruffles neckline and tie up knee length sarong

    SWIM COLLECTION

    Sketch, screen, fabric — the process behind designing custom swimwear.

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  • Pattern cutting in progress with teal fabric pieces and sewing notions on the atelier table — After Stilettos behind the seams

    BEHIND THE SEAMS

    The unfiltered side of garment making — current challenges, fabric hunts, the lot.

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Sashiko Japanese Embroidery Sampler with pink thread and scissors on a dark blue background

CURRENTLY CREATING

Here’s a look at what’s on my work table right now—a technical sashiko sampler. It’s traditional Japanese hand-stitching technique that is all about geometric precision and patience.

It’s a slow, rhythmic process of building patterns thread by thread. I'm eventually turning this piece into a custom cushion.

IF YOU WANT MORE

This is where the real stuff lives — fabric finds, pattern experiments, the half-finished bits. Dig into the journal for my time at fashion school, the French jacket I made from scratch.

Want even more of this in real time? Come find me on Instagram.

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