A Stitch Adventure

I started Betty Silk as a blog to document my sewing journey, but after taking part in the Great British Sewing Bee in 2023, I discovered a whole new love for designing my own patterns, so Betty Silk is also becoming a label, and the name under which I host retreats and workshops.

There are lots of reasons I sew, from sentimental to political, for nostalgia and for the future. It’s for my mental health and for the soul, and simply because I love learning to match how I feel on the inside with what I wrap myself in. Stitching has been a huge part of keeping my poorly head healthy at times when life was far from peaceful. Stitching myself happy.

And, taking time to craft a meaningful wardrobe I love, that looks good, is sewn beautifully and doesn't exploit anyone, that is magic. My journal helps me keep track of all this.

My mum taught me how to stitch when I was very young. She was a fantastic seamstress, but died when I was only 12 and since then, sewing and knitting has been a way to keep her close – I fondly remember her hands around mine, showing me how with so much love. I love that sewing reaches across generations this way.

Her maiden name was Silk, so my Betty Silk sewing alias is in memory of her.

Here's to plenty of slow, love-filled stitching and joy-bringing designs!

Betty / Lizzie x