About Me - Louise Collins
Born and educated in Dundee, I had a career in dentistry and built up my own practice,  before selling it to follow my love of constructed textiles.

After gaining a B.A. (Distinction) in Design and Creativity I moved to Kinnaird, above Pitlochry, in 2014. I have enjoyed fitting out our old converted steading with my own designs for rugs, chair coverings and soft furnishings.

My love of sewing and generally being creative goes back to early childhood and has never left me. I probably enjoy crafting with my two grandchildren as much as I did when I was six years old myself!

I am passionate about up-cycling and often reuse fabrics because of environmental and economic concerns, but also because I believe the provenance of the materials adds to the quality of the design.

My pieces are rich in texture - tweed, silk and cotton may be mixed together with wool. I believe texture and colour combinations should be exciting and invite exploration - it is all in the detail.
The name Mariposa is Spanish for butterfly. I am a true Hispanophile  - spending time regularly in Palma de Mallorca feeds into my work and gives it an Iberian flavour.

​I particularly like the concept of "multiuso" where a piece can be turned inside out or twisted around and worn in different ways - this applies to jackets, waistcoats and bags.

As well as being practical I strongly believe that garment design should be flattering.

I enjoy repurposing fabrics - for example I have adopted various unusual dying methods and turned old blankets into everything from handbags to bed covers - thus bringing them full circle with the blankets on display rather than between the sheets.

In addition to my own work I enjoy sharing my techniques with others and lead workshops as well as giving talks on fabric manipulation.  I am an active member of the Pitlochry and District Adult Education Association,  Pitlochry Art Walk and Perthshire Open Studios - I will be opening my studio for this event in September. 
"I am still trying to embrace the concept of "less is more" but prefer "more is more"! " (Mae West)
I would love to update your style!  Come and try on something different. I can create a matching fascinator, handbag or wrap for a special outfit.

Many of the fabrics in my store room I dye especially. Provenance is of great importance to me so I generally know where they originated. I buy a large proportion of them in Spain so you won't find anyone else wearing them here!
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To arrange a studio visit please get in touch..