I am a Manchester mum, qualified fashion lecturer and sewing enthusiast.
Learn more about my inspiration, projects and achievements below.
Where it all started
Nanna Betty was my inspiration; she was part of the make, do and mend generation. She made all her own dresses and never threw clothes away.
When I was a little girl, she taught me how to sew. We would spend cosy Sunday afternoons together, sewing and chatting. I heard stories about her childhood, growing up in Victorian Manchester.
Because of Nanna Betty, I became a fashion teacher and designer. My fabric designs are based on the stories she told.
My Fashion Journey
At age 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 I have shared my skills by working in education, after graduating with an Embroidery degree. I am also a qualified lecturer with an MA degree and have taught at Oldham College, Burnley College and MMU.
I have a keen interest in the future of fashion technology in Manchester, and I also teach e-textile workshops in schools and colleges. Inspiring students with my knowledge of fashion design and marketing.
In 2024, I launched Sew Sub Club, selling subscription pre-cut fabric kits and online courses, with the aim to make fashion less wasteful and more sustainable.
My range of fabrics are also selling as ready-made items in the gift shop at Salford Museum.
Press Coverage
My projects and designs have been featured by many press publications. See my press features below:
- Salford Now – Fashion Salford Museum
- BBC – Vintage Style the Rise of Retro
- MEN – Salford Firm Finds Victorian
- Mancunian Matters – The Online Fashion Boom
- BBC Radio Simone Riley – Manchester Mums shoot
- In Your Area – Manchester Mums Photo-shoot
- The Messenger Newspaper – Mums Cave
- Wellbeing Magazine – Mums 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
I have been fortunate to receive funding, awards, and other opportunities. See some of my achievements below:
- Collection Stocked Salford Museum Shop 2024
- Published book ‘Sewing for Beginners Made Easy’ 2024
- Trafford Neighbourhood Award Winner 2023 (Vintage Stitch)
- Reframe Women in Tech Speaker 2023
- Manchester Open Exhibitor 2019/2022
- Manchester Fashion Awards Winner 2010
- Salford Business Start-up Awards Winner 2008
- Princes Trust Funding Winner 2009
Projects
Community is at the heart of my work. I have been involved with many projects, taught workshops and organised photoshoots. See examples below:
- Manchester Youth Zone, sewing workshops 2025
- Urmston Books Shop, Mums Sewing Social 2025
- Manchester sewing classes 2025
- Trafford school, e-textiles workshop 2025
- EWLP Community Nature Park, content design 2025
- Sew Sub Club online fashion courses 2024
- Make Build Grow CIC, workshop supplies 2023
- Goodness Zero Waste, sewing/wellbeing workshop 2023
- Dyslexic Mum founder, dyslexia support website 2023
- Trafford Council funded, PND mums workshops 2022
- Manchester mum authors, photo shoot 2022
Connect with Collette
If you would like to work with me, get in touch via LinkedIn about collaborative projects, speaking at events and teaching sessions.
As seen on…
Sewing Wellness | Collette Costello 