Every treasure Alison Norris-Baber lovingly crafts by hand has a story to tell.

It’s simple discovering what makes Alison Norris-Baber tick. You can tell by the glint in her eye when she her runs her hand over a piece of vintage fabric and recalls its history or when she cleverly re-works an old blanket into a cushion complete with a screen printed photo of beach huts along Rustington Beach in her native England and accentuates it with the embroidered words ‘I left a little of myself at the shore’.

Alison, founder of the Carterton-based textile label Agnes Coy, is passionate about giving new life to old whilst simultaneously cherishing the history that accompanies every one of her creations.

“Whilst working in theatre I developed a love of vintage clothing, fabrics and textiles that have a history behind them,’ says Alison, who used to juggle work as an actress, writing experimental theatre and running a vintage clothing website in Brighton, in the South of England. “And I prefer sewing by hand.”

Alison’s works, which include lavender pillows and hearts featuring antique French linen, 1920s hand embroidery and sweet smelling Wairarapa lavender; pincushions; layered puff broaches featuring Trelise Cooper fabrics, mother of pearl buttons and Victorian lace; memory necklaces and cushions are all influenced by the vintage fabrics she uses, femininity and the Japanese modern craft movement. The label name Agnes Coy, she believes, also encapsulates the elements she has come to love and respect.

Alison’s Clifton Avenue studio sits behind the delightful 1910 cottage she shares with her husband Gregor and was converted from an old garage. Now, thanks to Gregor’s practical skills the studio includes a large work room and display area and is painted in soft neutrals giving it a calm, light and almost beachy atmosphere.

“I have to be honest and say I really miss living by the sea, as in Brighton we’d wake up and the view would be different every day,” she admits. “However I slowly realized the changeable landscape does exist here too, but in a different way – it’s in the way the Tararua’s look different every day and with the change of the seasons, the cool mornings and crisp days – that’s very special to the Wairarapa.”

Old swing music and classic movies, such as Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn, can often be found playing in the studio adding to Alison’s calm atmosphere and providing her, at times, with inspiration.
“Those added pieces help get me into the mood of creating and I find it’s always a pleasure coming in here,” she says.

Alison and Gregor came to the Wairarapa two years ago with a dream of creating a more simple life, than the one they were leading abroad. Choosing Carterton as their future home seemed fitting as not only was it a “town with huge potential” it was also a hot bed for creativity, boasting “like-minded” writers, sculptors, artists and musicians.

“We were part of the rat race (in Brighton) and had to work hard to keep our heads above the water,” admits Alison. “While we loved Brighton’s fabulous alternative community we craved something else … a slower place of life, with more time together, a space to grow vegetables and be part of a small community. And we’ve found that here.”

Since starting the Agnes Coy label, Alison has attracted both national and international media attention. She is due to appear in an edition of an English home magazine and last December was invited to provide the styling for New Zealand House and Garden’s Christmas Issue.

“I love people visiting me here,” she enthuses.

For more information on Alison’s Agnes Coy Studio visit the website www.agnescoy.co.nz.