Dear Ethel

Dear Ethel is the creative label of artist, crafter, costumier and dressmaker Meg Strode Dear Ethel is a queer friendly business.

Dear Ethel is the slow fashion label of Melbourne based costumier, dressmaker and designer Meg Strode. Meg is a lifelong creative and self-taught seamstress who found herself in the world of slow fashion and costume design after a 10 year career as a naturopath and herbalist. Born and bred in the heart of Fitzroy, her style sensibility is heavily influenced by the grit and glamour of the inner Mel

bourne lifestyle. This, interwoven with her deep love of nature and the wilderness, allows Meg to create designs that seamlessly combine a sense of timelessness, elegance, graceful simplicity and practicality. Having had one of her original collection of coats featured in a stage production of "Cabaret", starring Australian singer and actor Paul Capsis at Hayes Theatre Company in 2016, Meg decided to take a leap of faith and complete a Diploma of Costume for Performance at Melbourne Polytechnic in Prahran in 2021. Since then, Meg has sunk her teeth into the world of slow fashion and costume as a full-time designer/maker of unique and treasured creations. Inspired by eras past, particular emphasis is placed on the use of natural fibres, as well as remnant and deadstock materials. Meg's desire is to create a unique range of timeless garments that combine quality, style and practicality. Each Dear Ethel garment is handmade in house with a great amount of thought and care. Meg is currently available for all queries for custom costume and clothing orders.

15/05/2026

For day 15 of , I am wearing my latest make, a heavyweight linen version of the poppy coat. As I was already aware this was an oversized pattern, I chose to make it in a size 4 (usually a size 12 in ready to wear clothing). I also added waistband tabs and a waistband to give it some extra shaping. As I hadn’t made the poppy coat before, this was a bit of an experiment. The artwork was created by my 3 year old niece, with a little extra added by me when her interested started to wain.

Fabric from
Pattern by

09/05/2026

For day 9 of , the Gracie wrap dress by in this lovely floral linen fabric from , with just a couple of hacks to the pattern (added length to the dress and increased the puff of the sleeve)….xo

05/05/2026

day 5…I designed, patterned and made this corset for myself to celebrate my 40th birthday this year, and I absolutely ADORE it…

Whilst I finish things to an exacting standard for others, I often cut corners on garments for myself, but for this one, I decided it was time to give as much care and love to my own clothing as I did for my clients, friends and family…

Would you like a corset in this style or material? I have some left and am keen to start making more corsets for the world!

Fabric from
Corsetry supplies from
Dress from
Designed and made by me

04/05/2026

For day 4 of , a self-drafted cami and skirt made using this fabulous deadstock magnolia print fabric I received from last year…first time wearing this set, and whilst I’m not yet sure if it’s exactly my colouring/style, I’m looking forward to including it in my wardrobe in the spring/summer of 2026 xo

03/05/2026

For day 3 of , my 3rd version of this particular dress made using one of my favourite patterns (when I’m not using my own designs), the vogue simple range, V1735. This is made using a heavyweight linen from , my absolute favourite store to source the most beautiful sustainably produced and deadstock fabrics in Australia!

01/05/2026

Day 2 of …this make is an older one, made in 2018 for a special occasion, and is still my most treasured creation so far…this one truly embodies what it is to create sustainable clothing, made from the fabric of a vintage silk kimono, carefully deconstructed, washed and pieced together to create this bespoke number…

30/04/2026

And so begins , a celebration of Me Mades (aka ‘handmade’) clothing for the month of May. Although I am a professional designer and maker, for one reason or another, I have never felt confident enough to participate. But more recently, I have begun to realise how much of my wardrobe now exists of pieces I have made, things I love that were created with a conscious effort and focus on sustainability, wearability and joy. And so begins my first time sharing in the fun of

For the first day of the month, here is a very recent make, a hand drafted corset made using a playful Liberty of London print from

07/08/2025

A little sneak peak of a recent collaboration I have begun with my dear cousin , a truly unique and talented artist with a dream to bring her art to life in the form of cushion covers…this is the first of a series of one-of-a-kind cushions designed by Bria and embroidered/put together by yours truly . Congratulations for seeing this dream through, and being able to share with the world the first of many a wonderful cushion creation.

18/02/2025

Some gorgeous photos by of the talented circus artist in a original…

01/12/2024

Mallow, the most gorgeous, wholesome hobbit of them all 🥰…I’m so grateful for all my lovely clients that have placed orders with me this year, and in particular, this one for Steph for the 2024…

Changing careers mid-life, however strong the desire, can feel slightly terrifying at the best of times. This year in particular, has been a significant challenge, as it has been for many small businesses/sole traders in the creative industry - fortunately, the last 3 months have definitely restored some faith that I am making the right decision to continue to push through the fear and pursue this little dream of mine. Xo

Address

Melbourne, VIC

Website

http://www.dearethel.etsy.com/

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