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I'm starting a revolution - one pocket at a time.

I'm a lifelong sewist who revels in traditional hand-sewing techniques.

A few years ago I got sick and tired of how small, badly placed and generally useless most of the pockets are in modern clothing, so I decided to do something about it.

Tie-on pockets were a staple of western women’s clothing until the late 19th century. They were tied around the waist using linen or cotton tapes, usually worn under the skirts, and were accessed via an opening in the side seam of the skirt. They were roomy, practical, and unlike modern pockets, they were designed to hold more than a single tissue and some seething frustration.

I started making and wearing historically-inspired tie-on pockets with my everyday jeans-and-boots outfits. It was a revelation! I had room for my stuff!

I started making them as gifts. People loved them. A huge, scary and unexpected change in my life circumstances during 2020 led me to take the plunge and start my own business. So I created hamblemouse, which is me, my sewing machine, a laptop and a kitchen table, and a stack of fabric I've collected over several decades.

As hamblemouse, I intend to spread the love and use of useful, beautiful pockets by creating historically-inspired-with-a-modern-twist tie-on pockets, sewing patterns, sewing kits and tutorials.

I make pockets as ready-mades and as bespoke commissions.

I'm trying to do my bit to reduce waste and save the planet by only using recycled fabric, scraps, and old clothes in my work wherever I can.

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