Marianne Laker Designs

MEET Marianne Laker

Marianne Laker started sewing at the age of seven, taught by her mum who had the patience needed to teach Marianne and her older sister to make garments which they could wear and be proud of.

Marianne’s skills developed and she soon became hooked, enjoying the process of choosing fabric and a pattern, and making from it something she could wear. At the age of 12, she made her first coat and from then on, she could make almost anything.

She started making children’s clothes many years ago for her own children, and now she designs and makes a range of practical, washable, reversible jackets and dresses. Lately, she has started a new range of baby clothes, inspired by her five grandchildren. These can be found on her website.

Weaving is a new skill she has learnt in the past few years when she bought a second hand Kromski Harp rigid heddle loom. She has really enjoyed making beautiful scarves to match the colours of the boiled wool ladies coats she makes, and now often includes the scarves as an accessory to the coat. She became more ambitious and has now made bigger pieces and turned them into shawls, wraps and even jackets.

During the lockdown, Marianne spent a lot of time weaving and sewing and also got her old knitting machine out, producing a range of Fair Isle style scarves. It’s true – she is never bored!