WHEN juggling three children with work and a big commute became stressful for kidswear designer Kirsty Hartley she decided to go back to her crafty roots and ‘experiment.’

The result for the former fashion lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and designer for Mothercare was her own children’s wear label, Wild Things Funky Little Dresses.

And so successful is her new business that she has been commissioned by Orion Books publishers to write two crafting books, based on her creations, the first of which will be launched next Spring.

“I longed to start making again after finding most of my design work was digital with offshore production,” says Kirsty, 46, from Chorley. “I now work very hands-on with a small team and enjoy making again. I believe that customers buying products for their children are searching for more than just a mass produced item.

“Wild Things is about dressing children for play, and not as mini adults. I’m inspired by simple nostalgic childhood imagery and Scandinavian design, and above all love to use bold colour.

“Little ones love to wear strong colours and simple imagery, and grown ups like the subtle retro influences and elements of childhood nostalgia, with a lovely hand-crafted feel.”

Kirsty started selling with online shop Etsy and has developed an international following. “I started at local craft fairs and sold out then I started working with an international blogger. Now 40 per cent of my sales are to America and I’ve started selling wholesale to Hong Kong, Australia and Europe.”

With Christmas sales, Kirsty has already matched her MMU salary.

“It has allowed me a flexible work-life balance.”

As Kirsty’s fame has spread so have her copiers, but she’s one step ahead and is now designing her own fabrics.

“It’s been fantastic being able to get back to my roots. I’m sewing again and creating lovely pieces for my daughters to enjoy just as my mother did for me and her mother before her.”

Kirsty’s signature range includes character dresses costing between £42-£44, capes at £55 and summer dresses at £30. She also does a boys’ range featuring sharks, foxes and raccoons and will be developing the boys range.