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Make-it Happen

About Jackie

Hi, I'm Jackie Partridge. I've always had a love of fabrics and making clothes.

When I was young my mum showed me how to use a sewing machine and I learnt the basics from her.

This sparked my interest in fashion and textiles. After studying at Earl Mortimer College, Leominster I completed the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at Hereford College of Arts and went on to study BA Honours Fashion Design & Construction

at the University of Central England, Birmingham. 

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I moved to Windsor as I had the opportunity to work in a bridal store that specialised in custom made beautiful and elegant wedding dresses, bridal fittings and costumes for drag queens. So many sparkly sequins, beads and lace! This opportunity definitely enhanced my hand stitching techniques and developed my confidence of working with very expensive fabrics.

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After this I attended the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School where I specialised in Costume Construction & Wardrobe Maintenance. An intense year, but well worth it as it helped me to gain knowledge and experience in all aspects of theatrical costume construction and how to work alongside actors, designers and backstage crew.

I began my Theatrical Costume career in 2001 where I toured all over the United Kingdom with "UK Productions". Touring different theatres around the country was an amazing experience. A different venue every week and the opportunity to be a part

of a talented group of actors and crew.

Every summer I would travel across the country to Southwold, Suffolk to join Lady Jill Freud's theatre company "Southwold Summer Theatre". This enjoyable experience stood me in good stead when I joined the Costume Department at the "Bristol Old Vic Theatre" where I worked many years, constructing amazing costumes. From period costumes with corsets, crinolines to modern day dress with some wild and wacky costumes thrown in for good mix!

I also made the most of having the opportunity to work backstage, helping actors to dress before the show, helping with quick changes, hair and make up. I have many happy memories of constantly wearing black and working in the

dark whilst trying to do a quick change, side stage by torch light!

During my time at the BOV, part of my role was to support students and adults who were there for work placement.

This sparked my interest in wanting to help others to learn and to pass on my passion for sewing, costumes and fabric. The concept of teaching had never crossed my mind before, but I jumped at the chance and  successfully completed

a PGCE at the University of the West of England, Bristol.

This began my 15 year stint teaching 10 to 21 year old students, textiles, fashion, art, design and theatrical costume

in secondary schools in the Loughborough, UK, Qatar, Middle East, Louisiana, USA and Prague, Czech Republic.

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During my teaching career I was still actively involved with school theatre productions and volunteered at in the Costume Department at the Theatre Baton Rouge whilst living in America. "There's no business like show business."

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Whilst abroad I developed the concept for my retail shop Make-it Happen as well as my own textile label Partridge&Pear.

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Returning to the UK in June 2020 during the pandemic to set up my business was not what I had in mind, but we have been so well received since we opened our shop doors on October 1st 2020.

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I am excited to be back in Herefordshire. To use all of my talents and know-how to help our local community, as well

as passing on my passion and love of all things arty, textile, fashion and crafty.

Make-it Happen is Creative Universe filled with a kaleidoscope of fabrics, haberdashery, art & craft items, sewing patterns, clothing alterations, sewing machine repairs and workshops.

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We are grateful for all the support we have received so far and have met so many talented artists and crafts people who we look forward to collaborating with as we commence our 2021 Workshops Calendar.

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Bring your creative ideas to us and we will to help make them come true.

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I look forward to seeing you!

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Jackie xx

Below is a small selection of theatrical costumes that I thoroughly enjoyed working on

& have very fond memories of all the people I have worked with during my time in theatre. 

Enjoy....