Penelope Cameron

I am a seamstress by trade. Over the past half century I have made or repaired just about anything that can be put together with a sewing machine. Most of it has been marine work - sails and boat covers - but then I decided there was no need to be out in the rain all day and moved indoors to soft furnishings and clothing.

I have always had a love of handmade and vintage things and my focus now is on giving new purpose to those lovely embroidered and crocheted items that languish in bottom drawers everywhere - the stuff we hang on to because we can't bear to throw it away, but never actually use. It now adds a touch of the past, a little romance to everyday things - be it a denim skirt or a shopping bag.