Hayley's the new kid on the block

After four years of helping customers with their sewing needs Hayley Sansom has taken up needle and thread herself.

 

The 26-year old from Bristol has left behind her job in Fabric Land and embarked on her own bespoke children's wear line Bumble Tots.

 

In partnership with friend Nicky Manners her designs are on sale at the pair's new shop Our Baby Needs in Bedminster.

 

Her first range includes summer dresses, tops and bibs and nappy covers made from fun cotton fabrics, as well as beanbags and bunting.

 

Hayley says her interest in needlecraft started at a young age.

 

"My mum was always sewing when I was a child and I get a lot of my inspiration from her.

 

"I was fascinated how you can turn a simple piece of cloth into something really special that no-one else has got."

 

Hayley, a former Brislington School pupil, caught the baby clothes bug shortly after the birth of her sister Angela's two young sons.

 

"I couldn't believe how expensive it could be just for their clothes, especially when they grow so quickly, so I have created my own range that is handmade and exclusive but still affordable."

 

Hayley decided to take the plunge and launch her own designs when the opportunity became available at the new shop in St John's Lane.

 

"I've been sewing all my life and always had an interest in making things and was really itching to do my own thing.

 

"I had a wonderful four years at Fabric Land and made some brilliant friends but knew it was time to move on.

 

"Working there really helped encourage my interest in needlework and I was always kept on my toes helping customers with their queries."

 

Hayley will also be taking commissions for bespoke items so people can take away with something unique for their child.

 

"I take orders for items similar to those in my range and also welcome people talking through their own ideas and see if we can make them possible.

 

"I will soon have swatches showing my full range of fabric so people can pick exactly what they want and have something really special.

 

"New baby wear and accessories can cost an awful lot these days and I'm excited to be able to offer people quality, unique products that are fairly made and priced."

 

Our Baby Needs also stocks a range of new and quality used prams and car seats alongside baby and maternity clothes, feeding and bathing equipment, and bedding.

 

The shop is also hoping to offer buggy and pram repairs through an arrangement with the nearby workshops of disability specialists Access Able.

 

For further information visit: Our Baby Needs at 98 St Johns Lane, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 5AF, or call: 0117 971 7884.