Q & A with Co-founder Kate

  
As the co-founder of Holme & Moss, Kate’s lifelong love of fashion and sewing has been incorporated into one beautiful and classic collection, for all generations to enjoy…

What inspired you to set up Holme & Moss? 

I have always nurtured the dream, but never felt able or confident enough to take the plunge.until my daughter Anna gave me the push that I needed!  

When did you first start making clothes? 

When I started playing with dolls! My first collection was for Sindy’s wedding, complete with bridesmaids!  

At 17 I was given the gift of a wonderful Bernina sewing machine in memory of my nan, who was herself a skilled dressmaker. This is still my most treasured possession and is in constant use today! My own mother took time out in later life to study fashion design at the renowned Medway College of Art, and was fortunate enough to be tutored by the inspirational mother of Zandra Rhodes. A few years ago, I too went to college and took a similar course for 2 years, living the dream, but not quite having the confidence to take it further!

Describe your studio 

I have converted a room in our old cottage, and virtually filled it with a large, hand-made table (great for cutting out on!) and an ancient bench (perfect for sliding from machine to machine!) The wonderful views from my window can be quite distracting, with Holme Moss almost (but not quite!) on the horizon. And of course, Liberty fabrics are everywhere! 

Why did you choose to work with Liberty of London fabrics? 

Anna once saw and loved a top by a well-known designer, but it was pretty expensive! I discovered the exact same fabric at Liberty and bought it, reproducing a similar design at a much lower price! This was the first time I had ever handled Liberty Tana Lawn and I just fell in love with this beautiful fabric! With it’s soft, silky feel and lightness of weight, it has a special quality that I have not been able to find anywhere else – plus it is absolutely wonderful to work with! 

Have you got a favourite Liberty of London fabric? 

I think the first one I ever bought is my favourite – Abbey Pool, with inspiration taken from the Abbey Gardens on Tresco. Apart from that, I love all of them, but there is still something special about the iconic Betsy range, which is why I particularly wanted to include it in my first collection for Holme & Moss. It’s a print that suits all generations, whatever the season - a timeless classic! 

Describe the style of the Holme & Moss range that you have created? 

Well, I don’t aspire to be known as an innovative trend-setter, but I do hope to appeal to all generations, with timeless classics and matching prints for women and girls - and of course a quality of finish that reflects the quality of these beautiful Liberty fabrics.

What has been the most enjoyable part of the Holme & Moss journey so far? 

Developing the designs and finally (hopefully!) getting it right!

What has been the most challenging part of the Holme & Moss journey so far? 

Cutting the patterns for the children’s styles, and sizing them for a great fit was quite tricky – especially as I don’t have children to hand for a quick try-on! 

Do you have any exciting plans to expand the range? 

Definitely! I have so many ideas, but at present we are launching with a small collection that we can add to and build on as we grow. Watch this space!