Meet Bella Bowker, Creator of Sew Bella, London

What was your other career in?

I had worked in Customer Experience for a while prior to Sew Bella – in two very different small companies. One was a beer delivery subscription service, and the other was a clean air technology company.  

What’s the funniest thing someone ever commissioned?

There’s honestly been so many! Some of them are super niche; I spent last week recreating the infamous Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival. The funniest probably has to be a white cat on a white napkin, which really challenged my stitchin’ abilities. 

What is your dream commission?

My absolute dream is a fully foodie/drinkie commission. I love creating little miniatures of branded products – it’s fascinating to try and bring in the ‘brand’ in such a tiny space. I recently embroidered a packet of Walkers crisps which was amazing.

Do you think the confinement has changed the way people see their homes/tables?

100%! My appreciation of a house vs a home has dramatically changed over the past year – where I would have used my house as a base for sleeping, slow evenings and lazy weekends, I now actively try and make sure it’s the most homely, welcoming and lovely place to spend time in. The same for the tables – not being able to eat out meant that we had to create our own ‘occasions’ – although I think this will really come into its own as people begin to host again. 

What are your tips for the perfect table setting?

Let your personality shine! Whatever that may be, there’s nothing more satisfying than looking at a table and thinking ‘that’s a bit of me’. For me, I wear excessively colourful clothing, I love bright and structural flowers, and pattern-clashing makes me happy – so I will always try and top the table with some fabulous florals, a bright and funky tablecloth, quirky plates – and of course, a set of jazzy Sew Bella napkins.