Behind the Duds

So! This morning I am genuinely excited and I make no apologies for it.

Two industrial sewing machines have arrived at RVS Duds HQ. Second hand — obviously. New to me — absolutely. And honestly long overdue.

It's been over twenty years since I've had access to industrial machines. Back in my Deborah Jayne Design days I had a proper setup — a whole room dedicated to creating, cutting, making. Wedding dresses, bespoke pieces, the kind of work that requires the right tools and the right space. It was my happy place and I knew it even then.

When we moved to the smallholding those machines got quietly relocated to what we generously call temporary storage in the barn. Temporary. Twenty years ago. You know how it goes.

When RVS Duds started taking shape in my head I knew immediately that my little domestic machine wasn't going to cut it. The deadstock and repurposed fabrics I plan to work with are tough. Seriously tough. I'd spend more time replacing needles than actually sewing and the quality would never be what I need it to be. No. 001 deserves better than that.

So I stamped my feet a bit. I'll own that.

Here's the thing about living and working with a family of mechanics. If it doesn't have an engine, four wheels and a practical application they can get their hands on, the urgency of acquiring it can be — how shall I put this — interpreted differently than you might hope. A truck? Sorted by Tuesday. A pair of industrial sewing machines critical to the launch of a clothing brand? Fascinating. We'll have a look at that.

I made my case. Repeatedly. With feeling. Eventually the sewing machines were deemed worthy of the same logistical enthusiasm usually reserved for anything with a gearbox.

They're here now. Both of them. Sitting in my little creative lair waiting for the tetris session that's going to make the space actually workable. There's some reorganising to do before I can really get my teeth into things.

But watch this space. No. 001 is coming. 🔧

What's your creative happy place? Tell us below. 👇

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#Behindtheduds