It was around Christmas five years ago, when Kelly Stoddard, a new mum at the time, became slightly frustrated. “I was looking for my very first Christmas romper for Jett but there was nothing I liked, nothing that was different that I could see him in for his first Christmas.”  

She then recalled a yellow gingham summer romper she wore as a baby, passed down from her older sister. “I can make this,” she thought, and set about creating Jett’s romper on her new sewing machine (an early gift from her husband). “People saw it and asked me if I could do one for them as well,” she says. 

Her little business Inspired by Jett was born around six months later. Nowadays, Tauranga-based Kelly also creates upcycled woollen vests, booties and embroidery hoops but she says the vintage-inspired rompers remain “where my heart is”. 

“They are quite timeless now. That style romper with the cross-over back looks cute and it’s unisex. A lot of people think it’s only for girls, but Jett wore his until he was almost two.” 

Not all patterns come from her own childhood. Others Kelly gets online through small New Zealand businesses. “I also like to hack patterns,” she says referring to the fact she draws inspiration from patterns but makes her own modifications. Being creative and adaptive is also her approach to finding fabrics. She sources them from friends,
small businesses and even imports some. 

Currently Kelly’s turning a red gingham fabric into rompers for summer markets all over the country — TLBM included, where she has been a regular for the last four years. “I love the vibe, making friends with other marketeers.” And meeting customers like a little girl Quinn and her family. “Three years ago, I made this beautiful dress for
her first Christmas and they have recommended me to others,” Kelly says. “When they see me, they say hello and little Quinn gives me a big hug.”