I'm Ali, and I came up with the idea of Creative Bobbin when so many people were asking me how I learnt to make dresses.

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I've been working in the fashion industry my whole career, I was lucky enough to know from an early age what I loved doing. I learnt my first skills off my mum, as she had also been sewing her whole career, then in 1992 I went to college to study fashion and textiles.

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In 1998 I first worked in New York, where I learnt a lot, very quickly! After 4 years I headed to London where I worked for big retailers for 5 years.

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In 2007 I entered the bridal market, almost by accident, making bespoke dresses, which I still do now, and still love! I keep getting told I make it look easy, so I thought I'd share how easy it can be.....

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Going to college is so much more expensive than when I did it, so I know it's so much harder now to access, and that's why I love YouTube so much!

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Forget about expensive tools and gadgets, you only need the most basic of tools. You'll need a sewing machine, a basic one is all you need.

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You'll also need a basic sewing kit and some paper, a ruler, tape measure, pencil and eraser.

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Many online tutorials I've seen are over-complicated.. At Creative Bobbin I keep it simple!

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You don't need to learn couture techniques, which is why I always try to show the easiest way to achieve a professional finish.

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I hope you enjoy my video's and love dressmaking as much as I do!

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