Two Sewing Sisters was officially launched in 2017. It is the creations of sisters Lauren and Erin, though the story began long before this.
Growing up in regional Victoria, Erin and Lauren spent hours in their Nan’s sewing room: cutting out patterns, sewing, and playing dress ups in the hundreds of dresses Nan had made for their family.
This childhood activity turned into a passion for the Ritchie sisters. For every special event, there was a reason for ‘a new dress’ to be produced to celebrate.
Each dress held a story that accompanied the frock. These frocks were more than garments – symbols of love, celebration and family support.
Both Lauren and Erin studied Textiles in High School, each completing VCE Textiles Unit 3 & 4 under the watchful eye of their textiles teacher at Wangaratta High School, Gayle O’Keefe.
Lauren studied a Bachelor of Applied Science – Fashion Design at RMIT alongside a Certificate IV in Millinery at Kangan Batman Institute. She has taught fashion and footwear at RMIT University and Homesglen TAFE, and has created hats with Louise Macdonald Millinery in Melbourne and Edwina Ibbotson in London.
Erin studied a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts at Deakin University and now works as a Lawyer. Erin continues to sew frocks on the side as a creative break from her work.
