My name is Bethan, and I’m the founder of Saintmore — a bespoke sewing studio specialising in                             historical and fantasy-inspired clothing.

                    My journey began early, learning to sew on one of my great-grandmother’s machines. She was                       a seamstress, and I still recall the pride of wearing a satin party dress she had made just for                             me — a formative experience that shaped my view of handmade clothing.

                             Throughout school, textiles was my favourite subject. My final high school project — a                                  messenger bag inspired by X-Men’s Gambit — reflected my early interest in combining                                craftsmanship with character. I continued this path at college, studying Art & Design                                    and specialising in fashion, where I developed skills in design, construction, and                                             creative textile use. 

                               Costume has always inspired me — from the elegance of The Lord of the Rings to the                                      nostalgia of childhood favourites like Hercules and Thumbelina. After moving to                                            New Zealand in 2015, I began participating in medieval and Viking-themed events                                      and joined the SCA in 2022. My persona, Amelina Bellemont, now also represents                                  the face of my business. 

                        A growing awareness of the environmental cost of modern fashion led me to zero-waste                             sewing. Its strong ties to historical methods — where fabric was treated as a valuable                     resource — deeply resonated with me.

      Saintmore was formally established in 2022. Though new in name, it reflects years of creating heartfelt       handmade gifts for friends and family. Today, Saintmore provides clothing for reenactors, larpers, and       others with an appreciation for narrative dress. I also offer alterations and repairs, and plan to expand       into a line that bridges historical influence with everyday wear.