The Uig Seamstress
Meet the Maker ~ Hattie Bamsey
I grew up with my nose in storybooks, enchanted by the gentle world of Brambly Hedge and the soft brushstrokes of Beatrix Potter. Their illustrations of rural life, tiny hand-stitched clothes, and quiet domesticity stirred something deep in me—a longing for a life shaped by care, creativity, and simplicity. I would spend hours piecing together rudimentary outfits, dreaming of one day making clothes that felt as magical as those stories.
As a young teen, I got my first Saturday job—cycling three miles each way to clean for an elderly lady. Every pound I earned went into saving for a sewing machine of my own. When I finally bought it, I found a 99p blouse pattern in a charity shop and stitched my first real garment. That humble project changed everything—it gave me a glimpse into what my hands were capable of.
Not long after, I began working at CoolCrafting, where I was surrounded by incredibly talented women who had spent decades sewing. For three formative years, I absorbed everything I could—techniques, wisdom, stories shared over fabric bolts. Their guidance gave me a foundation that no book or tutorial ever could.
At nineteen, I followed my heart north to the Isle of Lewis to study dressmaking at the local UHI. There, I immersed myself in heritage techniques—millinery, pattern cutting, fitting, illustration—with a focus on slow, traditional methods that honour craftsmanship. By the time the course ended, I knew I couldn’t leave. The island had settled into my bones. I found home in Uig, on the windswept western coast, where the rhythm of life echoes the values I hold dear.
Now, as The Uig Seamstress, I work with natural fibres, traditional tools, and an old-fashioned sense of purpose. I create garments that are made to last—pieces that carry stories, reflect the land, and connect people to something deeper than trend or season. Whether I'm sewing from scratch, mending something loved, or reimagining a vintage find, my hands are always working toward something meaningful.
This is more than just a business—it’s a way of life. Thank you for being here and walking a little of this path with me.
Sustainable Practice ~ Caring for what we have
Sustainability is one of the core foundations of my business. It guides how I design, source, sew, and even package every piece.
I work exclusively with natural, biodegradable fibres such as linen, wool, and cotton—materials that are gentle on the earth and a pleasure to wear. Where possible, I choose fabrics that are organic and locally made.
I’m a firm believer in using what you have. My studio is filled with long lasting tools, second-hand finds, and saved scraps that often find their way into new projects. Every offcut has potential, and I do my best to ensure nothing goes to landfill unnecessarily.
Mending, altering, and making clothes last is a huge part of what I do. I love helping people repair well-loved garments or reshape them into something that fits their life now. It’s a quiet kind of sustainability—caring for what we already own.
This isn’t a passing trend for me. It’s a long-term commitment to working in a way that’s thoughtful, responsible, and rooted in respect—for the planet, the materials, and the people who wear what I make.
