When we set about imagining our first collection of patterns what we really longed for was one of these iconic, dressmaking mannequins. Kennett & Linsell was born in Clerkenwell, a now salubrious part of the East End of London in the late 1800's with descendants of the original family still involved. Now based further down the estuary in Essex, the longevity and success of the brand is down to the beautiful quality, design and look of the model itself. Each is hand covered in Irish linen then finished with handcrafted wooden necks and arm shields, before being stencilled by hand with the company logo and model code. So it's little wonder that these beauties come at a suitably hefty price tag certainly beyond the means of a small start up, independent sewing pattern company. But a girl can dream! Having a keen eye for all things thrift and circular economy we kept a watchful lookout on local second hand sights and the usual online auction sites. But it was Nextdoor.com that produced our treasure. One week later and £50 lighter, Deirdre (the name just seemed to fit) was collected from a retiring seamstress in Richmond, gently unscrewed and placed into the back of a friends car. She now has pride of place in our studio and despite her joyfully affordable price tag, we think her quality shines through! #mannequin #dressmaking #bargain #seamstress #sewingpatterns
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