Alison Levick started her Nottinghamshire business Love Looly in 2014, hand making appealing and original textiles and selling online through Etsy and Folksy. After bringing up four children over 23 years, Alison decided to put her creative talents to good use and began creating make-up bags, pencil cases, glasses cases and other textile items with her own brand of hand crafted style and character. One of her most treasured possessions is a 1939 Singer sewing machine that she uses for all her creations.
“…I am absolutely loving this new venture and I enjoy all aspects – from initial sketch designs through to packaging and posting! But I think I’m at my happiest sewing on Betty Brown’s vintage sewing machine and creating something from nothing by the end of the day…”
Alison, we spotted your designs on Twitter and we were struck by their originality. What first gave you the idea for them?
These past few years, whenever I’ve had a chance I’ve been drawing and creating characters with a view to producing card designs. The little bird was taken from one of those designs, and it was a very natural progression from paper to fabric.
I had started creating original artwork using decorative card and old weathered papers from vintage magazines and newspapers, incorporating collage and stitch, but I felt I wanted my work to be functional. I was really enjoying sewing again, and decided to try my hand at creating simple make-up bags and pencil-cases, using the little birds as decoration using a ‘freehand embroidery’ technique.
I gleaned information, sewing tips and techniques from YouTube, learning the specifics of bag making to make my products the best I possibly could. Once I was satisfied with the construction of the bags, I was able to develop my designs and my embroidery skills and make each bag quirky and unique.
You make your work using a 1939 Singer sewing machine. Where did you get hold of this and what makes it so special?
I found the machine on eBay and fell in love with it instantly, learning from the sellers how it had been the prized possession of a seamstress called Betty Brown, who had actually worked for the Singer Sewing Machine Company in Birmingham. She had cared for it wonderfully, it was an incredible find. I loved the story behind the machine and this connection spurred me on to sew.
What made you decide to take the plunge and to start to sell online?
I feel the purchase of my Singer sewing machine marked a turning point in my life – with the daunting prospect of empty nest syndrome looming, it enabled me to get my teeth into a much needed, all-consuming creative project.
As my confidence grew (along with my stock!) I started to show friends and family my work and was delighted with their positive response and encouragement. So I decided to try selling them online through Etsy, opening my shop in November 2014.
What has the reaction been like?
Positive, supportive and liberating! I’d encourage anyone to have a go!
How did you learn about using social media to help promote your business?
I am about to turn 50 this year and am not at all computer-minded. I’ve had to have a crash course from my teenage son in social media, and though I am getting to grips with the basics, I rely on him to keep a check on me.
It’s a great way to promote my business online – it’s how Womanthology found me! It’s all very much a new world but I’m enjoying the challenge.
What are the biggest challenges when you’re starting off a business where you’re making all your own stock?
When I first went into production one of the biggest challenges was sourcing fabric and haberdashery at reasonable prices. My work is very labour-intensive, so to make a reasonable return on the work that goes in, I have to keep my costs as low as possible.
I don’t mass-produce, so my buying power isn’t great, but I’ve managed to find some sympathetic wholesalers who put up with my relatively small orders. However, fabric is always going to be a challenge as I don’t want to churn out the same thing day after day. I create with different patterns, designs and colours which means frequent trips to remnant bins, charity shops and eBay – I’m always looking for a bargain!
What are your favourite parts of running your own business?
I am absolutely loving this new venture and I enjoy all aspects – from initial sketch designs through to packaging and posting! But I think I’m at my happiest sewing on Betty Brown’s vintage sewing machine and creating something from nothing by the end of the day.
What is next for Love Looly?
It’s early days for Love Looly. I feel I’ve still got a lot to learn but I’m really looking forward to creating more characters, expanding my product range and gaining more happy customers!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveLooly
https://twitter.com/LoveLooly_
https://www.facebook.com/Alison.Love.Looly
