A Long Story: Once upon a time, there was a girl who loved fairy tales. She had a vivid imagination and recreated her imagery world. She used to colour-pencil the black and white illustrations of her children's books, to dress in her mother’s old fancy attire and to play princesses with her friends. When she grew a little older, she discovered the historical books and her love for old-fashion clothes grew bigger. If she could not do for herself, she would then make miniature replicas for dolls! One day she saw Louise shining in a shop front window and dreamt of her doll. The doll cost a fortune and her parents could not afford it. She had to follow her dream on her own. She started recycling old papers for pennies and paid daily visits to the shop to check if Louise was patiently waiting for her there. And as every fairy tale, this had a happy end too. Finally, the doll of my dreams was in my arms and her first princess dresses were a true story.

The Products: I can hang all in one thread which makes my shop cohesive – the idea for the one is conceived from the other. I was thinking of making doll hangers for the historical clothing so connoisseurs who bought it could store it when the idea for padded hangers stepped into the spotlight. These are the two initial product lines in my Etsy shop so the name has reflected and commemorated it.

The Materials: Textile and thread are my basics. Museum-value costumes of 100% natural fabrics are cut out of authentic patterns for a recreated period of history. The rest are made from recycled clothes. Friendly-to-textile decoration and padding are used. Every fabric has its beauty and I can discover the best place for it in a product. When I look at a piece of clothing I instantly visualise the future costume out of it; or inspiration for a certain period dress can dictate the best choice and combination of available items.

The Process: My products are entirely handmade from scratch to final touch. Sewing machines are not involved in the techniques and it takes long to complete a costume. Sometimes an idea strikes first; other times the concept is conceived from brainstorming. It takes research and preliminary understanding of the historical context followed by choice and supply of materials, design and cutting of the patterns, sewing, lining, padding, trimming and decorating. Finally, my newborn baby is photographed and listed on Etsy.

The Effort: The process is time-consuming. I never know how long the conceptual part is going to take but it brings butterflies in the stomach. Each stitch and fabric have individual voices and can behave unexpectedly. Some materials work out fluently, others are tough by nature but there always comes a point when sewing turns to be a rhythmic melody. The technical part can also be pleasure with the organization. I love it all even the most difficult one – the price naming.

A Happy End: I believe all Etsyans create with love. The unique way I recreate mine in my works, and the special story behind is what make me different. Each of them is a piece of art and comes with history. You can see my first doll costumes in the photos above and read what they tell, either funny or sad, in my blog. I am happy when a new piece of me is born. I am satisfied when I share it with others. And when someone loves it, and wants to take it home or gift it to another I am rewarded.