Storytelling Fabrics

Fabrics Inspired by History
My Nanna taught me how to sew when I was a little girl. We would spend cosy Sunday afternoons together, sewing and sharing stories. She would tell me about her childhood, growing up in Victorian Salford. Born into a poor immigrant family. She made all her own dresses and never threw clothes away.
Because of her I became a fashion teacher and designer. To preserve her stories I turned them into a collection of vintage fabrics. Now I want to share her stories with you.
Where it Started
I am a Manchester designer, I love designing fabrics based on stories from the past.
At 26, I launched my first vintage fashion company after winning first place in the Salford Council Business Start-up Awards 2008. My first business premises were based at Salford Quays. Since then, I have worked in education. I am qualified lecturer with a MA degree and have taught at Oldham college, Burnley college and MMU.

Most recently in 2024 I launched Sew Sub Club. Selling subscription sewing boxes and online courses. My range of fabrics are also selling as ready-made items in the gift shop at Salford Museum.
Past Press Coverage
My projects and designs have been featured by many press publications. See my press features and achievements below:
- Salford Now – Fashion Salford Museum
- BBC – Vintage Style the Rise of Retro
- MEN – Salford Firm Finds Victorian
- Mancunian Matters – The Online Fashion Boom
- In Your Area – Manchester Mums Photo-shot
- The Messenger Newspaper – Mum Cave
- Wellbeing Magazine – Mum Cave
- Guardian – Media City on Monday
- MMU – Collette Costello
- ASOS – Collette Costello Vintage Store
- Red On-line – Retro Dressmaking
- Retro to Go – Retro Dressmaking
- Cameos and Espadrilles – Inspirational women
- Salford City Radio – Salford Has Talent
- Exposure – Fashion On-line | Collette Costello
Achievements
- Salford Business Start-up Awards Winner 2008
- Manchester Open Exhibitor 2019/2020
- Reframe Women in Tech Speaker 2023
- Manchester Fashion Awards Winner 2010
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