My story

About Me

Oh hello there! I’m Nicola - the hands and heart behind Orla & Fern.

I run a very small, slow-fashion sewing studio where I create clothing and accessories with a focus on natural palettes, clean lines, practical pieces and most importantly - simplicity. Each piece is thoughtfully made, inspired by the quiet beauty of everyday life — a linen dress that softens with age, or a shopper bag that carries your belongings, an accessory that just feels right.

I believe the things we wear and carry should feel like an extension of who we are — grounded, free, and quietly expressive. That belief is what led me here: to this space, this work, and this little dream of mine. I’m so happy you are here to share it.

When I’m not sewing, I’ve usually got a home DIY project going on, which usually means I’ve got Mark building something he didn’t agree to, under the illusion that it’s “just a quick job.” Ha ha! I’ll be adding some home pics up on my blog very soon so make sure to check back in. 

Here’s a few things that I put together that might help you get to know me better…

🎬 Films I Can Watch on Repeat

There’s something comforting about revisiting a film and these are the ones I always put in if I have a spare couple of hours.

  • Phantom Thread | for the quiet tension and the sewing of course!

  • Serendipity | fate, romance, and cosy winter vibes. My go to Christmas movie 

  • You’ve Got Mail | bookstores, banter, and bouquets of sharpened pencils 😁 Actually, this encouraged me to open up my shop a few years ago. Sadly I no longer run a shop but I’ll touch on that at another time.

  • Dirty Little Letters |  cheeky, unexpected, and full of wit. My friends and I like to jokingly recite these words after a few glasses of wine! Often reused in birthday card sentiments 🫢

  • Captain Corelli’s Mandolin | sweeping romance, sun-drenched landscapes, and beautiful music. 

 

🎵 Songs I Always Come Back To

Music is woven into everything I do — I’m usually sewing or daydreaming with something playing in the background. These five songs are the ones I turn the volume up on.

  • Green Eyes — by Joseph @thejosephband on IG - love them!

  • Carnival — Natalie Merchant. I love all of her music but this one stands out for sure.

  • Lover, You Should’ve Come Over — by Jeff Buckley. I’m a huge fan of JB as is my son and we often play and listen to it together.

  • Pearly-Dewdrops’ Drops — by Cocteau Twins - an oldie but goody. Again my son has stolen my vinyl!

  • Lost on You — LP - a very talented individual and if you haven’t watched them live then check out their YouTube 

📚 Books That Stuck With Me

Some of the books that left me missing the characters and have lingered long after I have finished with them.

  • Old Mink and New Money by Alison & Melissa Houtte — a charming memoir of fashion, family, and vintage treasures. I loved the swing ticket idea!

  • The Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley — full of mystery, travel, and sweeping emotional threads. Everyone around me read this book and it was nice to share the characters and what part of the book I had got up to. 

  • Anything by Sidney Sheldon or Ian Rankin — I love a good twisty story, a wee dark secret and a whodunnit type of book. I grew up reading Sidney Sheldon, my mum was a fan.

  • Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens — I loved this book. A little haunting but brilliant!

  • Atonement by Ian McEwan — heartbreaking, elegant, and very unforgettable.

Thanks so much for being here. I hope you find something in my shop that speaks to you.

Speak soon!
Nicola/ Nic
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