Rosa Andrew, Exquisite Christening Gowns from Anglesey
Keen to carry on her mother's ability in fine hand smocking rather than see the skill disappear, Anglesey resident Rosa Andrew took up the craft a number of years ago.
She has since started her own business creating exquisite
christening gowns and special occasion wear for children.
Rosa dabbled in sewing throughout her childhood and the interest has never waned, prompting her to pick up her smocking skills in adult life.
She takes meticulous care in sourcing her fabrics although this is becoming increasingly difficult due to manufacturing moving away from the UK.
She uses
hand-loomed silk dupion from a firm in London, fine Swiss cotton and French
lace.
You can now catch on the latest local news and articles by getting your free copy of Anglesey Today Newsletter. Just complete the simple form here, it's as easy as 1-2-3! The finished product is exquisite in the true sense of the word, from the tiny rosebuds individually hand embroidered onto the garment to the perfect pin-tucking, lace insertion and fine scalloping.
Her christening gowns take a minimum of a week to complete and the basic style starts at £170. Her main sales are to Ireland and America as well as UK, but she has also sold to Japan and Hong Kong.
Much of her business is conducted through her website on www dot rosana dot info. The garments can be individually tailored to your requirements and Rosa recalls one christening gown she made using tiny mother of pearl beads from the mother's wedding dress.
"As long as they are cared for properly, dry-cleaned before they are put away, protected in a cotton bag and in acid-free tissue and kept away from sunlight, there is no reason why they shouldn't be passed from generation to generation."
In our technologically advanced world where computers and television compete for our time, it seems to me greatly regrettable that fine skills such as this are in danger of dying out.
Rosa's mother, at 82, still sews and makes some of her own clothes, fitting this in between time spent studying for a Masters degree in History. There must be few people around working in this craft to such exacting standards and it is to be hoped that the intricate skill Rosa learnt from her ers of the next generation who are prepared to devote the time and patience to creating these exquisite hand-worked pieces.
Rosa Andrew may be contacted on 01407 720651, or by visiting the website on www dot rosana dot info.
Return to Anglesey Informer from Rosa Andrew
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Her grandmother and great grandmother had dressmaking businesses and her mother
in turn sold her smocked garments to Liberty and The White House in London.
