I have now been sewing for 60 years. My mother made our clothes when we were children, but by the time I was about 12 she became a bit too busy, so I learned to sew myself. I remember Mum taking me to buy fabric and a pattern.
Her idea of teaching me to sew involved opening the pattern and telling me to follow the instructions. She said she would help me if I got stuck. I got stuck on the zip, so she put that in for me. My first dress was made.
I made most of my clothes when I was a teenager and made things for my friends too. A dress would be made on Saturday morning to be worn out that night. I made all of my son’s clothes until he was old enough to want things from the shop like the other boys.
I sewed most of the clothes I sold in the shop I had in the Brisbane Arcade for 20 years. Now I am lucky that my friend Savva lets me use space in his shop to sell the things I make. I have a room full of fabric to work through and I like to make things, so I am still sewing.
Here are some of the things I have made lately. I make clothes that are easy to wear and suit our sub tropical climate. I only work in cotton and linen for summer. I also make tablecloths, napkins, tote bags, cushions and other small things.
I am slowly working through the mountain of fabric I have collected over the years. The mountain doesn’t seem to be decreasing, possibly because I keep finding new pieces. I only make a few things in each fabric, sometimes a one off. New things appear in the shop each day.
Sarva is at 239 Boundary St, West End, Brisbane. (cnr Corbett St) I will be in the shop from Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 – 1.30 until I go back to Italy. Drop in if you are nearby. Savva does excellent made to measure and alterations, another reason to come to see us.
I am a major sewist as well. Loved the post.
By: Diane Sabo on November 20, 2025
at 9:47 pm
Thank you! Collecting fabric becomes an addiction.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 20, 2025
at 11:11 pm
You have just described my exact childhood and resultant sewing life since then! Except for running a shop of course- became an art teacher instead. Still happily sewing for myself and adult daughter- my happy place!
Your summer pieces look lovely ❤️
By: Paula on November 20, 2025
at 10:04 pm
Thank you. My mother was an excellent sewer. Her mother taught her. She worked at Finneys, now David Jones in the tailoring department before she was married. I still have my original sewing machine. I hope it lasts as long as I do.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 20, 2025
at 11:13 pm
I love your sewing and get very inspired. Where do you get your patterns from? Wish I lived in Oz and could purchase them.
By: Gale R. Bates on November 20, 2025
at 10:19 pm
I make my own patterns and Savva helps me sometimes, but they are simple designs. Vogue or Butterick patterns are good.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 29, 2025
at 6:28 am
I just love your sewing skills and follow you all over the world-especially Italia. I live in Sydney so don’t get to visit your amazing shop.
Keep up travelling and sewing, I do go to Italia each year, just love the people, food and history.
Maxene
By: Maxene Page on November 21, 2025
at 12:58 am
I love Italy too. I went there the first time in 1972. Once Italy gets into your blood there is no way out. Buying our apartment there 22 years ago is the best thing we have done.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 21, 2025
at 8:51 am
You really are amazing such great clothes & your eye for materials (must confess I love the sunglasses) 🕶️ cheers Helen
By: Helen close on November 21, 2025
at 2:10 am
Yes, my glasses are excellent! I have several pairs, but these are my favourites.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 21, 2025
at 8:52 am
Such lovely things, Deb. It must be so lovely to see them take shape
By: Jan Trounce on November 22, 2025
at 9:51 pm
I like making things. I must world through my mountain of fabric.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 25, 2025
at 9:14 pm
So lovely. I grew up in Red Hill, Brisbane and must have wandered through the arcade hundreds of times and possibly through your shop!
By: Garden Bliss on November 23, 2025
at 12:03 am
I was in the Brisbane Arcade for 20 years. It was mostly a fun time, hard work, but fun.
By: Debra Kolkka on November 25, 2025
at 9:15 pm