The Jessalli Story
Hi, I’m Sophia. I’m the proprietor and creator of Jessalli. Here’s me with my Mum, Alli, aged 3. She and my Nana taught me how to sew from a young age. They both made clothes, bags, cushions, gifts, fixed all our clothes and stitched our buttons back on. It was normal to me to hear the whirr of my mum’s sewing machine whilst we watched cartoons on the telly.
Because of this I naturally gravitated towards sewing and crafts when I was young, in fact from the age of about 4 my mum used to give me little sewing kits and cross stitch art to do on rainy days. I made all three of my prom dresses (yes 3 proms!) and numerous costumes over the years.
I started Jessalli full time in 2011. After school I took a year out in Australia, working with the most amazing woman who spurred me on to fulfil my dreams. I worked with her in Sydney making small handmade garments for children in her dreamy little shop. Which I then helped her to turn into a sewing school for the local community. Her passion and excitement for teaching people how to sew will never be lost on me.
When I came home I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I started Jessalli (Jess and Alli) making handmade soft furnishings and gifts. Personalisation was my speciality. I worked two part time jobs and went to craft fairs at the weekends. It was A LOT. I got so busy I took over my Parents’ living room with stock, sewing tables and supplies. So after a year they ‘gently’ encouraged me to find a workshop. So I found a workshop before I moved out! Priorities!
Jessalli Handmade is my collection of personalised art and gifts. I love making every single one and each item is totally handmade, from scratch, by us. If you’re looking for a truly unique gift, you’re sure to find a keepsake HERE.
With an increase in my freelance tutoring, I realised I needed a base to work from. Somewhere which would also double as a meeting place for local sewists to all meet each other. I came up with the idea of a Sewing School and community hub of creativity, for like-minded people to come together and have fun with craft. We created Sew Jessalli in 2018. It took us almost a year to finish the premises and open up. But the hard work was all worth it. We’d love you to come visit us, join a club, take part in a class, learn and have fun.
I’ve learnt a lot over the years and am so proud of how far Jessalli has come. From growing Jessalli Handmade to creating the Sew Jessalli Sewing School & Shop. My family has been there every step of the way and I couldn’t have done it without them. My Mum and Mum-in-law now work with me full time and we have a lot of fun together.
Love Sophia x
Proud owner of Jessalli Handmade & Sew Jessalli
