hamblemouse is me, Anne. Hello!
The name comes from two nicknames I’ve had over the years: Hamble (the doll from Playschool), and The Mouse. I’ve got no idea why they stuck, as I’m not particularly doll-like or mousey (although I’m quite quiet and small, so maybe…), but I like them both and it seemed like a good name for my alter-ego.
I’m a lifelong sewist who revels in traditional hand-sewing techniques. I have a slightly toxic relationship with my sewing machine. We get on okay, but we need regular breaks from each other if it’s going to work.
I’m also a parent, a feminist, a haphazard-but-keen gardener, a book fiend, and an unpaid housekeeper to a retired greyhound called Evey.
A while ago I got sick and tired of how awful the pockets are in modern clothing, so I decided to do something about it. 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. Everyone I made one for loved them. And so a tiny idea grew and grew…
As hamblemouse, I intend to spread the love and use of pockets that actually hold something bigger than a single door key and a mounting sense of seething resentment.
I’ve got decades of experience as a keen sewist, and as a professional Help author. I’m using both skill sets to create sewing kits, patterns and instructions to help you make your own beautiful, useful pockets, whether hand-sewn or made with a sewing machine. I also make pockets myself, 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.