About Us
CAROLINE SMITH | OWNER & DESIGNER
Caroline is a Vintage Frock Designer and independent dressmaking pattern manufacturer. Director of Sew La Di Da Vintage Sewing School and Fabric Online Shop situated in the Artisan Quarter of Lyme Regis, Dorset.
ABOUT US
In the beautiful cobblestoned courtyard of Lyme Regis Town Mill, Caroline Smith has created a sewing sanctuary. The history-rich mill buildings of the courtyard are the perfect backdrop for Sew La Di Da Vintage, Caroline’s studio, workshop and creative HQ, where she designs, creates and teaches vintage-inspired clothing patterns made to fit the modern sewing and fashion enthusiast.
Sew La Di Da Vintage was born because Caroline saw her students become inspired by the elegant silhouettes of the past, then get frustrated by the incompatibility between yesteryear’s sizing and today’s figure. Something had to be done. Commercial patterns haven’t been up-sized since 1972, whilst our high street sizes have been updated several times – meaning that even modern patterns are cut to ‘vintage’ sizes.
Sew La Di Da Vintage created ‘vintage’ patterns cut to modern sizes. Caroline and her team have designed and produced a range of vintage style dress patterns that not only flatter the modern body, but are good beginner sewing patterns suitable even for complete sewing novices.
You can purchase these patterns in traditional hard copy or as downloadable PDF versions and buy our fabric via the online shop or in person at the Sewing School.
OUR WORKSHOPS
We also offer a range of sewing courses and workshops designed to cater to all levels of sewing experience, from beginner to rusty returner. There are a large variety of activities available – students can learn the basics of pattern cutting, make one of Sew La Di Da’s beginner level dresses.
All our courses and workshops include fun, laughter and the satisfaction of having created something that’s truly yours. Workshops range from 2 hours to 4 days. All can be booked online. Pay us a visit and in the space of a few busy hours, Caroline will definitely have you humming “Oh, I do like to sew beside the seaside…”
