'tattaratscat' was born when, half-way through my Bachelor of Fine Arts, I realised what I really wanted to do was work sustainably with fabric. I was printing all my art on fabric or T-shirts, and dreaming of all the wonderful costumes I could make if only I had the time.

I wanted to work with people, to help them make fabric do wonders for them the way it ought to. To create crazy and wonderful custom costumes that they could each call their own, a unique piece that said something about who they were, and that no-one else would have.

I wanted to help change the way we view fashion and it's effect on our environment. To create beautiful alternatives, that we want to keep or pass on rather than throw away. And to share the skills to make, to re-use and to repair with others.

So I decided to defer my arts degree.

My first project was a 1920's style Wunzy that a friend of mine had been searching for for nearly a year with no luck.
He loved it, and soon I had other friends asking for their own variation of the Wunzy - a wizard costume, and a man-size lion suit etc.

So tattaratscat was born, I set up shop at Etsy and set to work filling it with costumes and other eco wares.

I get the widest smile when I get a picture from a customer wearing their custom-made costume and looking like they've never worn anything else, the joy of getting something they've always wanted, and will treasure for years to come.

I want to create a garment that is special, that will be treasured for years to come. Or in the case of Halloween: a once-wear garment made from up-cycled fabric from charity shops, so we're still doing the world some good.

I want to support local businesses, ethical principles and green practices. I buy organic/fair trade fabric when I can, or local and up-cycled fabrics if I can't.

I use vintage sheets, curtains, dresses, and second hand fabrics from local charity shops, because they are unique and beautiful and because rather than buying new, mass produced fabrics I'm supporting my local community.

I want to help in building a global community of people who care, who are there to listen and to help one another. Who value quality over quantity, honesty and the importance of a good hearty giggle.