Anna meets Alison

Last month while I was away in Harrogate I happened to meet three fabulous fashionistas. See these lovely women here. These were all chance meetings, two of them on railway stations, giving us no time to stop and chat unfortunately. On my trip back home, I scrolled through my camera and was delighted with the images I'd captured, but one thing came to mind - I knew nothing about the women who had put these fab outfits together. It sparked my imagination. If only I'd had time to ask them some questions, to find out more about them, how much more interesting that would be. Even though I'd given them my contact details, none had been in touch. The photos of each of these women had gained a great response on my Instagram feed. I like that, and would love to continue with this theme. So today's post features another woman with her very own sense of style. Alison is married to a local man who grew up on the Isles of Scilly, but latterly moved away. She and her husband return here on holiday every year as many times as they can. Alison and I met up the other day for a photo shoot in the rain (it was still fun) and afterwards I posed some questions. Here's how it all went...


With her pink gamine haircut and fabulous red dungarees, Alison immediately looks like a woman who knows her own mind. And she does. So much so, that Alison would rather make her own clothes than compromise her standards by spending money on something that's not quite the perfect fit. So let's hear from the lady herself.

Anna: How long have you been gripped by the sewing bug?
Alison: I started sewing two years ago. Up until I was well into my teens, my Nana made clothes for me – I remember sending her fabric when I was away at college and a few days later a maxi skirt would arrive in the post. Because she was so good at sewing, I hadn't really bothered to learn, happy to watch her create things for me. When she died, I inherited her sewing box, and now, many years after her death, her haberdashery items have come back to life.




Anna: What got you started?
Alison: A little spark of creativity got me started – I went on a day course to make a  bag and loved everything about  it. By the next day I had bought a sewing machine and a week later I had made my first dress. And now I make all my clothes – with the exception of underwear (the learning process has begun though), knitwear (knitting takes too long) coats (one day I will make a coat, I have bought the pattern) and shoes (not even going there). It's been a whole year since I have bought clothes and in that time I have learnt a lot about the factory production of clothes and the ‘sweat shop’ conditions so it feels right to be making my own for all sorts of reasons.





Anna: How would you describe your style?
Alison: My style …. Not sure I have one! Wacky, quirky and colourful are words I have heard to describe me! I am a casual dresser but like to still look smart and well put together. For my work I wear a uniform, so out of work I like to mix and match colours and patterns with brightly coloured tights.  This spring, I made quite a few skirts and I love wearing a spotty skirt with a striped top, pink tights and a pair of my beloved Chelsea boots. I guess that's my style – uncategorised!




Anna: Where's your favourite place to shop?
Alison: My favourite place to shop is any fabric shop or haberdashery! I particularly adore Guthrie and Ghani in Moseley where I can spend hours looking through patterns, fabrics and notions.




Anna: Flats or heels?
Alison: Mainly flats out of choice. I am all about comfort and a poorly knee has meant that heels can be tricky. I wear heels for work but am always glad to take them off and get back in my ballet pumps, Chelsea boots or Superga sneakers.





Anna: How long have you been sporting this fab pink hairstyle?
Alison: My hair ….. for many years I have wanted to have my hair like Annie Lennox but never been brave enough. It's always been cropped short but to go blonde would have been a huge step from dark mouse colour. However, coming up to my 60th birthday I thought ‘what the hell’ and I spoke to my (also wacky) hairdresser and she agreed to have a go. So 9 months ago I got bleached big time and discovered pastel conditioners by Bleach London. Some days I am blue or silver but most days I am various shades of pink – as the mood takes me. I feel more me with pink hair.






Anna: What's the day job?
Alison: I work as a Peripatetic Registrar. I travel to  hotels and wedding venues conducting marriage ceremonies. It's my perfect job. I adore it – wedding days are magical and joyful and they have the added bonus that I get to see lots of beautiful outfits. I am also a funeral celebrant - it's a huge honour to conduct a perfect farewell for someone and to make a difference to a grieving family. I take great pride in both my jobs. 




Anna: Any other passions?
Alison: I like the simple things in life –  quality time with my family, good times with my special friends, preparing good clean food grown on our allotment, listening to Motown, and lazy days doing very little.




Anna: Three things from your bucket list?
Alison:I don't have a bucket list! I have never been ambitious or wanted to do anything grand. I am really not interested in travelling, sky diving or bungee jumping. I live for the here and now and am more than happy and content with what I have. 




Anna: Describe your perfect day.
Alison: My perfect day ….. taking a trip to Surrey to see my two boys, their gorgeous girls and a pug  – we natter, chatter and laugh and walk to a lovely pub for food and drink. All is well in my world after a day like that.




Anna: Three words that best describe you?
Alison: After speaking to several of my girlfriends the three words that kept coming up are: loving, funny and creative.




Thanks Alison for stepping up as my first interviewee.  


Alison is wearing dungarees and top which she made herself. Coat: Hellweathers from Seasalt. Sneakers: Superga (TK Maxx). Bracelet: Fay Page.
Anna x

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19 comments

  1. What a fun interview! I'm always so impressed with people that manage to sew their own clothes.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. I find Alison inspiring. She spends all of her spare cash on fabrics now instead of clothes. I wish I could sew like that too. Glad you enjoyed this x
      Anna

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  2. Anna, it is so sweet of you to interview this lovely girl. Isn't it fun to meet our fashion kindred spirits? Gosh, if I ran into the two of you together I think I would fall flat on the ground. Too much wonderfulness.

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    1. Our love of clothes is a common bond, and we did have fun that day. Connie, I couldn't think of anything nicer than bumping into you too x
      Anna

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  3. What talent!! And I think her quirkiness makes her seem so youthful---I'd have never guessed her age (either that or she's found the fountain of youth!)
    Thanks for this Anna!
    jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. She's such a clever lady. Imagine being able to create your own clothes like this! And yes, she is incredibly youthful for her age. I should have asked her what the secret is.
      Anna x

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  4. What a lovely lady, Anna! I enjoyed reading the interview and have to agree with much of her outlook on life - but not the sewing.....

    Have a fab weekend

    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    1. Alison has a great outlook on life and I think that may well contribute to her carefree, youthful attitude. I, however, do have severe sewing envy. I do a bit of mending, and adapting clothes, but am not quite savy enough to make my own clothes, yet!
      Enjoy your weekend too x
      Anna

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  5. It's nice to meet Alison. She is very talented and a so lovely lady.!

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    1. Thank you for your feedback Dan. I was hoping this would be a successful feature today, and it seems to be x
      Anna

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  6. She's so cool!! I love her hair and clothes and she has really good reasons and responses!
    Plus, NICE beach huts!x

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    1. You're right, she IS cool! And her hair is totally fab. And what about those beach huts?! Thanks Kezzie x
      Anna

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  7. I really enjoyed the interview!

    I'm so impressed that Alison makes all of her own clothes. And it's especially special since her grandmother used to sew so much for her. It's nice that the tradition lives on...

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

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    1. Yes, it must be lovely for Alison to know that she's continuing her Nana's tradition. I love vintage clothes because they feel unique, but making your own is even one step better than that, which is what makes me more than a tad envious of her skills. I'm pleased that you enjoyed the interview x
      Anna

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  8. I have been a follower of Alison for a year or so and didn't know she was called Alison - she's Daisy to me! I like your approach too as a fellow mid century gal!

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    1. I'm sure you also know the other name she goes by is Melody Maker. Not one to be ordinary or boring is our Alison! Lovely to meet you too x
      Anna

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  9. I had the good fortune to meet Alison in 1974 on my first day at College. We hit it off immediately and have been close friends ever since. She reaches heights of excellency in all she does, from her work to leisure pursuits. For someone who has been sewing for 2 years her clothes are very professional. What is exceptional about her is the eye she has for what works, colours, styles, and accessories. she is a very grounded lady, so generous with her time and love. Through her work, and privately she gives friends and families constant support and is a very special lady. if you know Alison, your world is a better place.

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    1. Thank you for adding your voice to this lovely interview and giving us another personal insight into this wonderful lady. It seems that she does indeed leave her mark on everyone which is a huge accolade. I agree that I'm a better person for knowing her x
      Anna

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  10. Wow!!What a delightful tale of finding a new friend. I hope that the two of you made some plans to meet up again.
    Think of how much fun you could have creating something special together!! Maybe you could find a charity piece, say a simple top? and do some creative upscaling?? I wish I could join you!!

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