Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

Hello ... I’m first and foremost a bit of a second hand addict in general. I find it near on impossible to get excited about new clothes, accessories, furniture (though I draw the line at undergarments). I source vintage clothes and accessories for shops, individuals, for myself! When I lived in London I worked as stylist. I dressed dancers, musicians, worked and worked with Robbie Williams’ clothing company and organised outfits for programs such as the Apprentice. I have ‘semi retired’ to the south coast where I can normally be found nose deep in a charity shop. I get such a thrill from it. I also organise large themed sales with my friend and renowned clothes historian, Liz Tregenza. My knowledge is not particularly academic but I do have a very good eye, if I may so say myself.

Tell us a bit about the book?

Well SMV a series of books by Anova Books. I wrote SMV Clothes which is a guide to sourcing and replicating accurate period looks from the 20s to the 80s plus lots of handy guides for caring, dating and buying clothes and accessories.

What was the inspiration behind it?

You will have to ask my Editor Emily, who commissioned it! I was lucky to be asked to make the book, which really was a dream come true. She liked my blog and it went from there.

Which is your favourite project?

It’s not really a ‘project’ book, per say; more a guide. I like writing the shopping part the most. The aim of the book is to make vintage buying/styling easy, affordable and accurate.

What is your craft space like?

Full of inspiration. And flowers. I love flowers! I also have to have plenty of natural light. I try to keep it fairly clear of clutter but this can be difficult. I always like to have the sound of ticking clock. It’s like a metronome for my brain.

Have you always been creative?

I like to think so. I guess my creativity comes from pulling an outfit or a look together. And writing is creative of course. I’m not a ‘maker’ though.

When did you first start crafting?

I remember making billowing chintzy skirts as a child and little bits of knitting for my dolls house. When I was young though my favourite thing was to come up with outlandish outfits using anything I could find in the house.

Who are your crafty heroes?

Well I’m slightly in awe of anyone who can make a decent hat. My craft hero is probably Perri Lewis, who wrote Material World: The Modern Craft Bible. I also love the soft toys made by Oo La Lapin. She also writes a mean craft blog http://oohlalapin.co.uk/

Where do you find inspiration?

Everywhere. I love colour, I love travel. I love personal style. I can easily just sit and people watch. My home town of Portsmouth had a strong naval history which inspires me no end.

What's next for you?

More books hopefully. I will be riding a tandem and judging the best dressed attendees at the next Velo Vintage ride in Devon on June 15th and I will also be talking and styling at Caroline Zoob’s Decorative Living Fair in Eridge Park in Kent on the 16th May, in association with Homes and Antiques Magazine.