FAQs
☁️ How do I launder my A Circular Story garment?
🧺 My aim is for all Circular Story pieces to be wardrobe favourites, which means they need to be washable!
🧺 All the materials I use have had a previous life, which generally means they've been laundered many times already.
🧺 Additionally, I wash/soak and air dry all components myself before I use them, to check there are no issues with shrinkage, colour run etc, as well as to make sure they're clean.
🧺 Washing instructions will be supplied with each garment, but as a general rule, anything cotton and linen - tablecloth shirts, dresses, quilted jackets and vests - should be gently hand washed in cool water the first few times and if, after that, you are confident they can withstand a machine cycle, choose a cool 20 ° or 30° and light spin.🧺 Wool blanket vests and jackets can be hand washed occasionally - soak in lukewarm water, lightly spin then air dry.
🧺 I don’t recommend washing hand quilted items - just dab any marks with a damp cloth.
🧺 I suggest air drying all garments - ideally outside if the weather is fine. Clothes don’t like being tumble dried!
☁️ Will my item look like something manufactured?
Probably not. All A Circular Story clothes are one-offs, made from reclaimed fabrics and, as such, may come with marks, spots and mends, which are all part of its story. I carefully launder each piece of fabric before using it and identify any imperfections. Any marks that don't come out at the washing stage are avoided when cutting out or incorporated into the design, if I feel they enhance it. I will flag up any idiosyncrasies in the descriptions and close-up photos, so please look at all the images and read carefully.
☁️ I have some fabric I'd like made into a top, can you make me something?
Yes I do, currently. If you'd like to discuss a commission, just send me a message and we can have a chat about your requirements, timings, price etc. Generally speaking, I offer custom shirts and jackets in S-M and M-L and not made to measure but I am always happy to discuss interesting projects/collaborations etc.
☁️ I would like to learn how to quilt or sew, do you teach classes at all?
Occasionally, yes I do. Info about any future workshops dates will be sent to subscribers, so be sure to join my mailing list. I also teach private one-to-ones or groups - get in touch if you would like to find out more about that.
☁️ Where do you source your fabric?
Well that would be telling! I'm constantly trawling charity shops, junk shops and car boot sales - it's an addiction! - and people often kindly give me bags of fabric when they're having a clear-out. I also volunteer at an amazing textile recycling place called the Scrap Store in Ramsgate, run by a charity, and I find lots of interesting bits in there.
☁️ Do you make your own patterns?
Yes. I drafted the patterns for my favourite shirts and jacket and use these constantly, changing small details depending on the fabric I'm using. I also collect vintage patterns (favourite era late 70s/early 80s), which are a never-ending source of inspiration. I often use these as a starting point for new designs, tweaking and adapting them as required.
I'm afraid not - unless the item is damaged or there has been an error in the description. In the unlikely event that you have an issue with a purchase, please contact me as soon as possible after you have received it.