About the Label:
About the woman:
Sharon started her sewing career at the age of 8, when her dolls were sadly in need of a new summer wardrobe, and nothing suitable could be found in any of the birthday or christmas presents she opened expectantly. Bits of old fabric which were destined for the rag bag were legitimately appropriated and handsewing learnt, and suddenly hers were the most fashionable dolls in the 'hood. Or at least in her mind they were.
She continued the theme when she got to her teenage years, and was herself sadly in need of a new summer wardrobe and yet again nothing suitable was to be found in presents nor as a result of endless nagging. By this time, she had been taught a thing or two about dressmaking (having been sent to a Good Catholic Girls School To Become A Lady). So she was given a box of fabric that had been hidden away in her mother's trunk for 30 years and she made some pretty awesome stuff, including a Bubble Skirt from 1950's voile. Oh my!
Life, as it does, got in the way. Instead of heading towards an exciting career in the fashion industry, Sharon found herself in a succession of mind-numbing admin positions before she decided to try using her brain, whereupon she got carried away and used it a little too much by studying a combined Humanities/Law Degree, majoring in Philosophy and Politics. Along the way she taught herself photography and found she had quite a talent for that too.
She came to her senses, dropped the Law Degree, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and decided to learn about plants (I know: tangent!), gardening being yet another creative outlet and a passion for many years. Fate would intervene though and through a series of misfortunes she ended up with two spinal disc protrusions within 3 years, which turned into a serious and permanent condition of nerve damage and incredible pain. Sharon also ended up with two kids within those three years, which turned into a serious and permanent condition of incrediblepain joy.
After two years, with an appropriate pain management strategy finally in place, there was now time to consider where her physical capabilities lay and what her future might look like. Slowly, the future picture started to look somewhat like it did 25 years ago, but with more in the way of pre-schoolers hanging off her legs and throwing bits of fabric everywhere.
Now - at the age of 40 - Sharon has come full circle. Designing and making tiny clothes out of old material that nobody wanted anymore turns out to be what she was meant to do. Sharon is gobsmackingly excited to have finally figured this out and truly thrilled that she can share her creations with an appreciative audience.
SparklePanda Design is a one-woman operation and that woman is Sharon Binns. Working from her "renovator's delight" cottage, she lovingly creates handmade one-of-a-kind clothing utilising vintage fabrics, reclaimed clothing and repurposed bed linen. Old skirts become baby dresses, men's shirts become boys pants or a pillowcase will be transformed into a stunning skirt.
SparklePanda Design is inspired by past generations, where every piece of clothing was reclaimed or upcycled to make each garment last many seasons and many children. Adorable retro fabrics are given a new life by creating unique, vintage-inspired garments that are easy-to-wear, affordable and environmentally responsible.
The SparklePanda range is available exclusively online or by personal appointment. Custom orders are welcomed.
About the woman:
Sharon started her sewing career at the age of 8, when her dolls were sadly in need of a new summer wardrobe, and nothing suitable could be found in any of the birthday or christmas presents she opened expectantly. Bits of old fabric which were destined for the rag bag were legitimately appropriated and handsewing learnt, and suddenly hers were the most fashionable dolls in the 'hood. Or at least in her mind they were.
She continued the theme when she got to her teenage years, and was herself sadly in need of a new summer wardrobe and yet again nothing suitable was to be found in presents nor as a result of endless nagging. By this time, she had been taught a thing or two about dressmaking (having been sent to a Good Catholic Girls School To Become A Lady). So she was given a box of fabric that had been hidden away in her mother's trunk for 30 years and she made some pretty awesome stuff, including a Bubble Skirt from 1950's voile. Oh my!
Life, as it does, got in the way. Instead of heading towards an exciting career in the fashion industry, Sharon found herself in a succession of mind-numbing admin positions before she decided to try using her brain, whereupon she got carried away and used it a little too much by studying a combined Humanities/Law Degree, majoring in Philosophy and Politics. Along the way she taught herself photography and found she had quite a talent for that too.
She came to her senses, dropped the Law Degree, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and decided to learn about plants (I know: tangent!), gardening being yet another creative outlet and a passion for many years. Fate would intervene though and through a series of misfortunes she ended up with two spinal disc protrusions within 3 years, which turned into a serious and permanent condition of nerve damage and incredible pain. Sharon also ended up with two kids within those three years, which turned into a serious and permanent condition of incredible
After two years, with an appropriate pain management strategy finally in place, there was now time to consider where her physical capabilities lay and what her future might look like. Slowly, the future picture started to look somewhat like it did 25 years ago, but with more in the way of pre-schoolers hanging off her legs and throwing bits of fabric everywhere.
Now - at the age of 40 - Sharon has come full circle. Designing and making tiny clothes out of old material that nobody wanted anymore turns out to be what she was meant to do. Sharon is gobsmackingly excited to have finally figured this out and truly thrilled that she can share her creations with an appreciative audience.
