An interview with With Betty and Violet.....

 Beauty is whatever gives joy.

 Edna St. Vincent Millay

I have been lucky enough to persuade Alison, who owns Betty and Violet, to talk to us about how, why and what she does.  This is an extremely talented lady who makes the most wonderful and beautiful things.  Alison has such a wonderful nature and a passion for vintage, which shines through in what she does and loves to do...... This is what she had to say. 

Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamt of having my own shop, selling beautiful things and creating lovely displays.  I can remember collecting bits of fabric, colour paint charts and cutting out pictures of rooms at a really young age enjoying putting collages together to create interior schemes!

 

I studied Interior Design & History of Art, not really knowing where it might take me but after leaving college landed a great first job at the famous Warner Fabrics company in London and although was a lowly ‘showroom girl’ I worked in a huge room stacked with shelves full of fabric samples ~ I had found my true home!  I was privileged enough to view the company’s historical archives of fabrics including the purple silk velvet woven especially for the Queen’s Coronation amongst others.  From there my passion for researching and collecting was borne and started me on my journey with textiles!

 

I have worked for myself since the mid 1990’s (showing my age!) working freelance in PR and marketing for textile and interior related companies and for six years had a small business styling and organising weddings.  I took a break to have my gorgeous girl, then in 2008 I started Betty & Violet (named after my grandmothers).

 

Since then I have participated in many, many antique & vintage fairs, set up my own website and sell a range of goods that I am truly passionate about.  I make unique one off small pillows and decorations using antique textiles and trims ~ all those little treasures I love to collect such as sparkly buckles, buttons, ribbons, embroidered and beadwork appliqués ~ you name it, I collect it!  I collect and sell

anything sewing and fashion related ~ I have an addiction to vintage handbags in particular ~ especially those made from beadwork and embroidery.  In addition, I offer for sale a select range of handmade items from Scandinavia ~ I love the vintage French Nordic style!  I am also a distributor in the UK for the Vintage by Nina books. 

 

My style is continuously evolving although I am naturally drawn to a soft pastel colour palette and feminine pretty things , but will always remain faithful to my roots which are firmly grounded in textiles.

I would like to thank Alison for sharing with us and I think you will agree her style and her work is stunning.  I love Ali's hanging lavender manikins which are always dressed exquisitly.  They take a great deal of care and work  - Alison's love of what she makes lives in her products and I am the proud owner of a few of her makes....

If you would like to see more or ask Alison a question she has kindly sent us her link to her web page.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and of course HAPPY STITCHING!

 

Website:  www.bettyandviolet.com

All images belong to Betty and Violet.