This is the kinda commission I dream of, teaming up with the absolute lady boss that is Lou Gardiner. She is a contemporary embroidery master and the woman who first made me realise how incredible it would be to make a living using a sewing machine.

Lou and I met about 4 years ago. At the time I was a complete mess, living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, about to drop out of University and in the middle of a brutal break up.

When I first saw Lou's embroidery work it took my breath away and inspired me to make a big embroidered quilt for my bed. I was a bit of an insomniac at this stage in my life and thought it might help me sleep. Making that quilt taught me how to drive a sewing machine with creative force. Once I had finished the quilt I took a picture and emailed it to Lou to share how much her work had inspired me. Since then she has been a real mentor in my life. Whenever she has a big embroidery commission on I head up north to her beautiful farm studio just outside Manchester and do whatever I can to help! I've also worked for Lou at various exhibitions and art fairs which always turns into sherry-fueled fun. You will find us at the London Design Fair in the Old Truman Brewery in September doing just that, so pop by and so hello if you happen to be there.

So now you have the Lydia and Lou backstory, here are the fruits of our labour! Two bespoke silk jumpsuits made using Lou's beautiful coral silk fabric.

To give you an idea how this incredible fabric is made, it starts life as one of Lou's big embroidered artworks...

The embroidery is then photographed and printed on to silk up in Manchester. Lou then popped down to my studio in the Bristol Textile Quarter and together we designed a dream jumpsuit which I created a pattern for. It was totally terrifying cutting into fabric which feels like an art work in itself.

When I first tried the jumpsuits on they sort of blew my mind. I've never worn something so comfortable yet so luxurious and expressive. I feel super excited about working with more of Lou's prints and seeing what other beautiful madness we can come up with! If you would like to wrap yourself up in Lou's gorgeous coral print you can find her incredible scarves for sale on her website here. Or if you would like to order a bespoke jumpsuit please contact Lou directly on louise@lougardiner.co.uk, prices start from  £360.