Hi, I’m Rachel! I sew gorgeous keepsakes from clothing, write beautiful sewing patterns, and share my tips so you can build a handmade business too.

So if you want a way to hold on to clothes full of precious memories, want to learn how to make your own lovely quality keepsakes and soft toys, or want to create your own craft business, you are in exactly the right place.

But first I know you want to know – why the crazy business name?

Why is my business called the Messy Stork?

Because I had the idea to make messenger style baby change bags -so Messy for messenger bags, and Stork for new babies. I rushed ahead and secured the domain name and the social media accounts. And then within days of starting my first bag I realised that straight lines and right angles don’t float my boat!

I love colours, curves, texture and working in 3 dimensions. That’s what gets me rushing to my sewing room as soon as I get home from the school run in the mornings. I discovered keepsake making and fell in love with it. As I learnt more about keepsake making I started to write my own sewing patterns pouring all my keepsake making knowledge into them.

So I could change my business name. But, the Messy Stork is so original and memorable it’s stuck. And I love it, because it reminds me of the origins of my business and what inspires me.

More about my sewing patterns

I use all my knowledge of keepsake making to write clear sewing patterns full of real life ‘in the making’ photos and tips. When you buy one of my patterns you will find it is written by someone who has used a lot of sewing patterns and knows what makes them easy to understand.

My patterns all come with a blog post with photos of every stage of the process so my customers can make their keepsakes and soft toys look super pro and polished. I also provide a group to support my makers, and I’m writing courses to help other keepsake makers push their standards and build their businesses. 

More about my keepsakes 

 

I have pushed myself to create professional standard keepsakes, and sought all the knowledge I could to get better. When you commission me to make your keepsake I will sew it with all my skill and attention to detail.

We had a long hard journey to become parents. When I make baby clothes keepsakes I really understand how precious those baby clothes are to you. Never fear that my job is one I do lightly or carelessly. I know how precious your little ones are to you. I sew fantastic quality keepsakes using the beautiful clothing that my clients entrust to me.

More about me 

I live in Swansea with my little family – my husband, my daughter and my naughty puppy dog. And my bestie – my gorgeous red sewing machine!

My family is little due to infertility. When my daughter was born, I was part of a retail management team. I worked evenings and weekends, and missed out on time with my family. I developed my business so I could work during my daughter’s school days and be home when she is home.

My determination to create a better work life balance, and spend time with my miracle baby has created the Messy Stork business and I’m so pleased you have found me.