DESIGN

Caroline,

Her love of fashion and style comes from a creative point.

Her attitude is always relaxed, but focussed.

She balances a successful business career with her busy family life. Caroline and her husband Monty have two teenage sons, Jason and Sean along with their 'pedigree mongrel' Pepsi.

"I love fashion and I love creating. Being able to fulfil these two passions and get paid for it, along with the privilege of working at home is a blessing that I do appreciate"

A little History

Caroline started off her business in 1992, initially creating casual sweaters for men, women and children. Oversized sweaters with millions of bobbles was the trend of that time. It didn't take her long to notice that there was a gap in the market for unusual occasion wear, and realising that she had a flair for design she decided that this was the way to go.

When her evening wear reached the finals of the Late Late Show Fashion Awards in 1997 she decided it was time to specialise.

At this stage her designs were available and well received at some high end boutiques around the country. But Caroline found this to be somewhat impersonal, in that she did not get to meet the ladies who would finally get to wear her creations. Alot of time was also spent travelling, time that might be better spent in the studio. At this stage her success with the Late Late Fashion Awards had put her firmly on the list of top designers, so she felt confident enough that she had enough of a loyal following to allow her to work exclusively on a 'custom made' basis. She has never looked back.

Obviously no five year plan here, but after 16 years and still going strong she must be doing something right.

Her work has been well received on Off The Rails, Ireland Am with Celia Holman Lee, and Nationwide. VIP Magazine request her pieces for their celebrity shoots and The Sunday Independent have done a full page feature on her collection.

Caroline has designed gowns for the 'Roses' {An Ros Fodhla and The Kerry Rose} for their TV stage interviews. Though she always enjoyed working with the Roses, her busy schedule made it more difficult each year and she had to take a step back. She also designed the dress worn by Miss Kerry, Lisa O Sullivan when she went on to represent Ireland in The Miss Universe Pageant.

And now, This is where it all gets personal!!

"In my crochet design business, I have noticed that I have two very different types of clients. On one hand I have the lady who is looking for something totally unique, unusual, dramatic. This woman is willing to travel the length and breadth of Ireland to find exactly what she wants and that is why my custom base is so widespread. Then there is the other extreme. The woman who just couldn't face the thought of trawling boutiques for an outfit, instead she would prefer a relaxed visit to my studio in the middle of the country, off the beaten track, away from the crowds with plenty parking.

My point? Just to let you know that the crochet designs and the style consultations are for everyone. For the past 17 years, I have always given my client all the attention, time and patience needed while choosing their crocheted outfit, and this same service is provided for the style and colour consultations. Sometimes a Client cannot decide immediately, or may even decide that the Crochetwork, in fact is not for them, and of course, this is perfectly understandable.

I love fashion and I love creating. Being able to fulfil these two passions and get paid for it along with the privilege of working at home is a blessing that I do appreciate. I enjoy getting involved with my client and building up a relationship with them, seeing how they will accessorise their outfit, whether they do it themselves or allow me to do it for them. I am always looking out for something new to inspire me, last year it was jewellery and now I have just done a course on millinery and I am very excited about putting this first collection together.

I hope you have enjoyed browsing through the website. If you have any questions at all please give me a ring. I hope you'll take the next step and book an appointment to visit the Studio.

I'll be looking forward to meeting you."

Caroline