Queen of Hearts specialises in bespoke tailoring and corsetry.
Paula creates bridal gowns, evening dresses, ladies and gentleman's tailoring to your design, colour and theme.
Her skill lies in a desire and ability to bring out the best in everyone,
especially those of non-standard sizes who find it difficult to buy clothes for special occasions.
Your dreams in cloth...
Made To Measure
Choose from a wide selection of Queen of Hearts designs, or bring along your own pattern. Ideal for bridesmaids, proms, fancy dress and tailored suits.
Made to measure offers great value and a fast turnaround. Starting with an initial appointment to choose your design and a fitting taking place at four weeks, your unique garment is ready for collection after 6 weeks.
An express service is subject to availability.
Bespoke
Bespoke is your fairytale creation in the making. Creating a luxury look for a day at the races, a night at the ball or your big day.
With your inspiration, together we will finalise the design, choose fabric and decoarative details. Over the next 12 weeks or more, Paula will develop your dream into an exclusive pattern, to produce your truly unique outfit.
Quality tailoring presents you at your best, a bespoke corset lifts and tucks with amazing results.
Let your adventure begin...
Alterations & Repairs
Skirts or trousers too long, or your favourite coat has lost its lining? Perhaps you find that off the peg dresses bag at the waist, or you are in between sizes. Whatever your problem, the Queen of Hearts alterations service is your solution.
Bridal gowns, evening wear and tailoring require specialist techniques to achieve a professional finish. So even if you are handy with a needle and thread, hand these jobs over to the experts. Paula will achieve a perfect fit for you on your big day. Also repairs to vintage clothing, using authentic techniques and materials.
Disabilities make particular demands on clothing. Whether you require a suit that won't get jammed in your chair or new fastenings for independent dressing, our wheelchair friendly studio can cater for you.
Feel great, look great in great fitting clothes...
Tutoring
Paula offers fabric art and sewing workshops to groups or individuals in the Sussex and Hampshire area. Each workshop is tailored to the individual needs.
All materials and equipment provided. Fully CRB checked and insured.
Studies have shown that sewing helps build skills in creative problem solving and perseverance. Sewing gives the opportunity to develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and an appreciation of the benefit of quiet concentration and focus, as well learning a practical skill.
"The attention that Paula paid to each young person was appropriate, gentle, measured and encouraging. They all achieved excellent results with great satisfaction all round."
"In my experience Paula is dedicated, patient, honest, punctual, well
organised and diplomatic. I would recommend her for any position
teaching sewing skills to young people."
Afifah Hamilton Cert Phyt MNIMH
Rosemary Cottage Clinic
Biography
Paula grew up in a creative family, with her father and dressmaker mother on the Sussex coast. Making her first party frock at the age of four, she was wedded to her sewing machine throughout her youth. She devoted her time to developing her sewing and patternmaking skills, through her interest in 3d geometry and the love of natural fabrics, especially silk.
After making her own wedding gown sparked great interest in 2000, Paula started work on her her first portfolio of glamorous corsets and gowns, completed in 2004. She launched Queen of Hearts in 2006, winning New Business of the Year Award later that year. Paula became a facilitator of sewing clubs and craft workshops passing on her skills to all ages.
Since then, Paula's frocks have featured in press articles and London burlesque shows. As a maker of fine clothes, she thrives on the inspiration from her clients as she continues to build her business from her home studio, sharing her personal and creative touch with each commission.
Testimonials
I wanted to thank you for doing an excellent professional job on my wedding dress, it really looked lovely.
I will certainly recommend you to friends and family in the future.
I was amazed how quickly you did my bridesmaids dresses too.
Thank you again Paula.
Mrs P
After being recommended from the wedding dress shop, I took my dress to Paula to be altered...in a few places.
The length needed to be taken up four layers, the straps needed to be adjusted and it was taken in at the bodice.
Paula did a fantastic job, she was extremely friendly, very helpful and professional with a prompt service.
I would definitely recommend Paula. Thank you again for all your help.
Gill
Just want to say a massive thank you to Paula, who has not only done a fab job adjusting my wedding dress to a perfect fit, but also changed the whole neckline into a sweetheart cut and added a lace up back,
I now have my perfect wedding dress! Brilliant work!
Sarah
