Category Archives: News

Alterations at Dotty Owl

‘Off the peg’ never seems to fit me so I am always adjusting my clothes! Being 5ft, 2 – length is always an issue for me and hemlines are frequently too long. ..


Sometimes we buy something that fits beautifully but it’s too long – then we never wear it as it’s not quite right! Or we try something on in a shop and it’s perfect – apart from a certain issue like it needs a pleat taken out, hem taken up, a tuck in the waist…. So we don’t buy it even though it could have been amazing! 💕

Do you have items in your wardrobe that you never wear as they are in need of alterations….

Standard sizes don’t always fit and clothes look so much nicer tailored…


If you need any alterations I can help. I do free fittings locally and charge £15 per hour for sewing work. Plus any fabric, zip etc in addition at cost price (I always source quality items at the best price).

I can also 🌟 clone clothes 🌟 If you have a favourite item that you just can’t find again – and it’s an amazing fit and a real favourite… I can reproduce the same item again in your choice of fabric! Perhaps its falling apart now and you need a new version!

Every job is different… some take 30 mins… other several hours. But feel free to ask for a rough estimate.


To give you some idea, here’s a list of some of the recent alterations I have done here at Dotty Owl:

✂️ H&M chiffon maxi skirt – taken up the hem

✂️ Next dress for a bridesmaid – taken up the hem and used the offcuts to create a matching belt

✂️ Ted Baker midi dress – adjusted hemline to make it short. Created extra ties for the back using the fabric offcuts. Plan to make a matching skirt from the remaining fabric

✂️ Karen Millen denim skirt – adjusted from size 8 to size 6

✂️ Ted Baker shorts – took a tuck both sides to make them smaller in the waist

✂️ Replaced broken zip in Next jumpsuit and M&S jacket

✂️ ASOS bridesmaid dress – sewed up slit plus added corset panel as the dress didn’t do up at the back

✂️ H&M linen trousers – took up length

✂️ Morgan top – removed old spaghetti straps. Created new straps from satin fabric and added them in (they are wider and now cover bra straps)

✂️ Karen Millen maxi dress (jersey top and pleated bottom) Shortened the pleated skirt portion and made a matching scarf from offcuts

✂️ Phase Eight jersey cardigan 🌟 cloned it 🌟 made another cardigan exactly the same but in a thicker / cosier fabric

✂️ Plus many costume adjustments for a local theatre company 💕

BESPOKE SCHOOL UNIFORM KEEPSAKE – MEMORY CUSHION – HEARTS VERSION

I’m feeling quite emotional as my youngest daughter is about to finish primary school. It feels like the end of an era! I’m not ready to have two children at big school!

I really wanted to sew something very special To mark the occasion. Something that she could always keep and treasure forever…

I love the finished design of her lovely Keepsake Cushion with her school uniform fabrics and I’m already working on a Stars version more suitable for boys uniform – watch this space!

Click here for more information and to enquire about placing an order

World Book Day 2020 – Vocabulary Parade! ‘Dauntless’

It’s that time again! World Book Day 2020! This year it was a Vocabulary Parade – where you could choose a word and appropriate costume… Eleanor chose ‘dauntless’ to describe her favourite Dragon Quest XI character, Veronica. I had so much fun making this cute costume for her. Click here to see more pictures!

PLEATED ZIPPERED POUCH – Antique Brooch

I’ve just made another Pleated Zippered Pouch as a Mother’s Day gift. I wanted to sew something special to show off this beautiful antique flower brooch purchased from Susibelle. This lovely antique shop is based in the Vintage Look, in the beautiful town of Henley on Thames.

I love the colour combination and the recipient was thrilled with it! More information and pictures (lots of alternative styles too!) here.

Popper Charms Range – Product Launch!

I am so excited to finally launch my new product range ‘Popper Charms by Dotty Owl’.

You can find out lots more about the Popper Charms range on the new Dotty Owl YouTube channel here:YouTubeDOwl

You can also click on the images below to take you to each section – or use the main menu to select the various items in the Popper Charms Range.

If you would like to discuss a possible order for these, or any other items on the Dotty Owl website, please do so by filling in the Get in Touch form here (with all the details of the items you are interested in) and I will get straight back to you.

All items are made to order and can be posted within the UK or overseas. If you wish to purchase an item in an alternative colour/plushie animal etc I am happy to discuss this too.

https://atomic-temporary-68403334.wpcomstaging.com/popper-charm-range/popper-charms-bows-roses/
Popper Charms – Bows

IMG_0133
Popper Charms – Flowers

IMG_0273
Popper Charms – Plushies

IMG_0358
Popper Charms Hair Scrunchies

IMG_0341
Popper Charms Belt

IMG_0395
Popper Charms Pouch Bag

IMG_0372
Popper Charms Shoulder Bag

IMG_0130
Heart Charms Coin Purses

SaveSave

Popper Charms by Dotty Owl

There’s a very good reason why Dotty Owl has been quiet the last few weeks… Since early January I have been working my socks off on a brand new and totally unique product range. It features sparkles, cute animals, rainbows, rose gold & bows! Everything is very girly at the moment – with a view to adding some similar products more aimed at boys in the future.

‘Popper Charms by Dotty Owl’ will be launched at the beginning of May – so watch this space for lots more information and giveaways on my Facebook Dotty Owl page too! I am just sooooo excited!

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave