Hi I'm Kate and I'm the force behind Kitschiecoo. I'm 47 ( when writing this), I've been sewing for as long as I can remember. I think my Mum was letting me use her machine as young as 5.I'm not very academic and hated school but I've always had a passion for making this, especially sewing.

When I was in comp I used to buy fabric from Newport market when vising my Grandparents to make dungarees to sell to my friends. I've also always loved up-cycling and re-purposing used and vintage garments. I didn't do very well in GCSE's ( never mind), went on to A-level collage then when I left school I opened a small retro clothing shop with a bursary from the Princes trust.

I live in a small town in South Wales called Ammanford. In the early 90's its wasn't the right place to open a Retro shop so after a year I closed it down and spent the next ten years helping my parents run their pub and cafe. I bloody hated it but it taught me a good work ethic.

Through out those ten years I still sewed every chance I could get, making bags and clothing from vintage and upcycled fabrics. I went by the name "Hellish Cheeky" in the early days. It was tough working full time and still trying to follow my dream and make a name for myself, especially since social media platforms weren't really a thing. We did have Myspace but that was a bit crap.

I used to visit various markets, craft shows and events selling my designs. Most of which cost a small fortune and again, I didn't really get anywhere but I was determined.

My parents closed their businesses in 2006 so I no longer had to cook!!!

I worked in a local social club for a few years then landed an assistant manager job in a local charity shop. After sewing this was probably mt dream job.I was only part time so still had time to create.

I was beginning to get my name known a little bit and had a few cool commissions. In 2008 I made dresses and bags for the "Science of Survival" exhibition in London's science museum and a few pieces for the the exhibition touring Europe. This could have been an awesome networking experience but I found out I was pregnant a few days before the opening night and spent the whole evening only being able to think "Shit I'm having a baby", needless to say I didn't do much networking. Seven months later my beautiful daughter Gracie Lee was born and my life was never the same again. I was even more determined to make things work.

By now I had changed my name to Kitscheicoo, constantly making bags when I had the chance, learning to build a website and Facebook was really taking off. The next few byears were spent loving being a Mammy, working, buying a house and of course sewing.

In 2012 I found out i was pregnant again, my second little beauty Elsie May was born. While on maternity leave I cam up with the idea "Retro Bears". Teddy bears made from funky vintage fabrics.

I was asked by a friend if I could make a bear from a uniform for a colleague who was retiring and from then on, my memory bear business took off. The next 12 years it went from strength to strength.

In 2024 my Facebook page got hacked and I lost all access to the page and followers I'd spent years growing. Meta were obviously no help so I had to start from scratch again!!

It was really tough and still affects my business but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger so I pulled up my big girls pants and cracked on once again.

2026 I changed my name from "Retro Bears" to "Memory Bears Wales".

I love making keepsakes, the people I meet and being trusted with precious items.

This year (2026) I had the itch to start making bags and accessories again. Anyone who's been to my workshop is always struck by my wall of vintage fabric. With the help of my two teenage crotch goblins who also have a flare for sewing, we decided to relaunch "Kitschiecoo".

Handmade tote bags, sling bags, blanket bags and so many more designs made from mainly vintage, retro or up-cycled fabrics. Textile treasures that would usually end up in land fill, we're giving a new lease of life to.

If you've made it this far, well done and thank you. I'm known for banging on a bit.

Peace out guys and I hope you love my bags xx

A little bit about me