Meet the Maker: Vicky Brown of This is Lullaby

How cute is this little number? It kind of makes you want to see more of same doesn't it? I think we should meet the maker and find out where we can see more. 

Firstly, two very important questions. 

Tea or coffee? 

Coffee with milk, but only before lunchtime or I can’t sleep! (decaff tea in the afternoon, or normal tea if I’m outrageously tired). 

Biscuit or cake? 

Hmmm I’d say biscuits as cakes often look great but are sometimes disappointing. You are rarely disappointed in a biscuit. 

So, tell us a bit about yourself. 

I’m Vicky Brown from This is Lullaby, my handmade business selling baby clothes created with vintage and upcycled fabrics. I live in Manchester with my husband, Dan, and my daughter, Lucie who is nearly two. I divide my time between chasing after her, maintaining my Etsy shop, www.thisislullaby.etsy.com, and selling at fairs and markets. 

...and what about the item that you are sharing with us? 

This is one of my most popular items, the baby waistcoat onesie. It’s quite a simple idea, but it’s one you don’t often see, and looks great for those special occasions such as weddings, christenings, parties etc. Personally I don’t think it’s practical putting a small baby in a proper suit, so this is my alternative.I’ve designed this with sustainability in mind too. The waistcoat and lining on these are made from upcycled men’s shirts, or suits, giving them a sense of history I think, and stopping old garments going to waste. 

How long have you been sewing and how did you learn? 

I loved sewing as a child, and then declared I hated it at the age of about 15. It was only a few years ago that I ventured into sewing territory again and after getting a sewing machine, there was no stopping me! I haven’t had any formal training, just learnt from experience (including my mistakes), plus having a sewing obsessed mum helps!I don’t really have time at the moment to take up a new craft, but I’d love to have a go at some upholstery in the future. 

When did you start 'This is Lullaby' and why? 

June 2012. I’d been making clothes for my daughter and spurred on by encouragement from my friends (and the lack of any other income!) I decided to give it a whirl. I’ve always wanted to run my own business, and while I never expected that it’d be something like this, it’s really great! 

What inspires you? 

As nearly all my creations use vintage or upcycled fabric, I spend a long time browsing round my favourite spots and trawling the internet waiting for that bargain or special piece to jump out at me. When I’ve found the perfect piece of fabric I can’t wait to make something out of it. 

Any crafting heroes? 

Can I say Pinterest? I know it’s not a person but I’ve got so much information and inspiration there and discovered some amazing and creative bloggers out there.

Do you have a crafting space? 

My crafting space is one end of my dining room table and a few shelves and boxes for storage. It would be my dream to have a crafting room, but for the moment that’s a luxury dream! When it happens though, it’ll be full of beautiful vintage finds, storage, ideas boards, and lots of natural light. 

Any big plans for 2013? 

I can see lots of avenues I want to go down, but my first project is really to work on branding. I want to get that right before exploring other retail/expansion options. It’s a bit daunting as the practical side of creating and doing it is something I need to learn about, but I know it’s so key to my business. 

So can we join you in your virtual world? 

Oh yes, I love social media, do come and say hello

www.thisislullaby.etsy.com

www.twitter.com/thisislullaby

www.facebook.com/thisislullaby

www.pinterest.com/thisislullaby 

Finally, some quick fire questions that we are dying to know the answers to. 

Favourite colour? 

Turquoise… it’s always the colour that draws me in when I see it on a display and I think it’s so versatile. 

The best season? 

Summer weather, but autumn colours 

Your favourite food? 

I love so much, I couldn’t say… but I’m more of a savoury than sweet fan 

The best day of the week? 

Both me and my husband work really random hours, so all weeks are different. When we coordinate a family day, then that’s the best. 

 What is the best word? 

……….. no, I really don’t have one!

Favourite place? 

Anywhere I can feel the sun on my face

Your biggest achievement? 

It has to be my daughter… 21 months into her life, and she’s changed my life immeasureably. She’s learning to talk and do all sorts of things, and it’s amazing to think that I’ve been instrumental in helping a little person do all that.

I love this item even more now I know how it is made. I a bit fan of upcycling, especially when the result is something like this. Thanks so much to the lovely Vicky. You know where to find her.

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