Transporting her fellow Townsville citizens to yesteryear, Bec’s nostalgic fascination with vintage fashion and furniture has manifested itself in the form of hair clips, hats and gorgeous wedding accessories – perfect last-minute stocking fillers.
Having always “enjoyed creating things”, Bec says it has been a dream of hers for some time to try and turn her passion into a viable business.
With Sew Vintage opening last year and A Vintage Wedding soon after, it seems she has done just that.
“The idea was that I would launch it at the beginning of this year, but it actually happened a bit sooner than that,” Bec says.
“A girlfriend of mine who is a photographer actually wanted me to make her a whole heap of props for her shoots and so it just evolved from that.”
With an eye for classic antique fabrics, buttons and patterns, Bec says it is the materials that choose her.
“I see materials I love and usually get my inspiration from that,” she says.
“I think it is definitely the colour palette and the textures of that era.
“There was lots of lace and pearls and beautiful soft pastels, creams and ivories.
“They are just so classic and never go out of date.”
With a hectic brood of youngsters at her feet, Bec says Sew Vintage partially blossomed out of necessity.
“I have four children – three of which are girls. So Sew Vintage was probably half-born out of my girls looking for hair accessories – and this business has certainly meant I always have some at the ready.”
Along with her wedding orders and bouquets, Bec is ensuring that her range includes something for everyone.
“Given it’s summer, I am currently doing a load of reversible sunhats. In this climate, every kid should have a hat on their head.”
Born and raised in Goondiwindi, Bec says she pretty well grew up at the helm of a sewing machine.
“My mum didn’t really sew that much, but my grandmother did.
“And as I grew up I started to do more and more - eventually making my sisters’ formal gowns and things like that.
“But after a while my mum decided I maybe needed a bit more guidance, so she sent me to spend a day with one of her good friends who was a great seamstress, and I have picked up some tips from her that I will probably take with me forever.
“Other than that I have pretty much been self-taught.”
When asked how her style has evolved over the years, Bec simply laughs and says "a lot".
"I wouldn't say that when I was younger I really had a style as such. I have always liked vintage things but I have probably never incorporated them into my sewing."
With four kids demanding her attention and a natural flair for creativity, a few hours crafting is all the therapy Bec needs in life.
"In the past I have scrapbooked and other things and have always done some sort of handcrafts.
"I find sewing really relaxes me and is my time out."
Previously a dietitian, Bec says when her youngest daughter started school this year, she toyed with the idea of returning to her "real profession", but in the end passion prevailed.
"The most perfect thing about it is I can work from my home studio.
"I work in and around the kids' school hours, which means I can be there if they have something on or take them to their after-school activities."
Experiencing quiet times like any new business, Bec says on the whole it is keeping her busy.
"I can definitely look back and see that as time went on the business has developed, and I've got a bigger client base this year than I did last year, which is exciting."
Living with her husband Chris and children on a 100-acre block outside of Townsville - running some Dorper sheep and shortly cattle - also gives Bec the inspiration she needs.
"I love it. My favourite thing is to just come back home to the peace and quiet, and just hear the birds and see the livestock. I really value and enjoy that time to just create."
For more information or to contact Bec, visit www.facebook.com/SewVintage1[1] , www.facebook.com/AVintageWedding1[2] , or phone (07) 4788 8398.
References
- ^ www.facebook.com/SewVintage1 (www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au)
- ^ www.facebook.com/AVintageWedding1 (www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au)
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