Ethically made in Australia
It may not be the easiest option, but there is just something in me that feels compelled to keep it local. I do feel a strong sense of connection, knowing it's happening here. It also keeps it much more hands on for me, which allows me to keep my cutting room skills up. I only make in small batch runs, which means no over production and fashion waste.




Manufacturing & Textiles Story






Finding the right manufacturer
For over 10 years I used a local team in Mullumbimby to make my gear. But when covid and the floods came, these folk had a change in direction. I spent the next couple of years searching for the right fit. Working relationships are very important to me, so I didn't settle.
Made in Melbourne
Eventually, I found Collier Clothing in Melbourne who now do "cut make trim" for storyline and Dalee Ella Prints. Sam and Jim have been in the biz for over 30 years and know exactly what they're doing. They have the patience to work with me as well, as I'm still learning the way they operate, after spending 10 plus years honing my skills using different makers. There are many boxes to tick when finding the right working relationship, such as, workable production numbers, fair wages, quality of work, timely delivery, pleasant communication and the list goes on... I am very proud and much relieved that I have found a good match with Collier.
Hand Screen Printing
We chose screen printing for the Dalee Ella collection to recreate the textural imperfections found in Dalee's lino prints. We have been super lucky to partner with Printink Studio's in Collingwood, where Nadia and Jason print each meter of our fabric by hand.
Each screen is 140cm across and takes two people to print. We just love the alchemy of ink mixing to create the perfect colour ways.
The hand feel of the ink sitting on top of our certified organic cotton knit, cannot be replicated in any other way and we love that you can literally feel the artwork.
Storyline digital prints
I've always used ABMT in Australia for the high quality organic cotton knit which my previous brand, Gwyllem were mostly made from and this is what what we still use for the Dalee Ella collection.
However, for Storyline's digital prints, I had to find a new supplier.
Enter Senboo textiles in China. I was very mindful when choosing a new supplier for prints that they had to have the social and environment credentials I look for. Thats why I love Senboo textiles. They ONLY use organic and natural textiles with all the certifications easily available, plus they are a small business too.
Unlike with screen printing you can use many colours in one design, which is what Storyline is all about. I have been wear testing their fabrics for about three years now and am very happy with the performance.
Natural Fibres
I only use organic and natural fibres as polyester is literally plastic. It's 2025, you can't be using plastic in clothing anymore, plus natural fibres feel way better to wear.
It's an ongoing process, finding fabrics which perform in the best possible way with the best environmental credentials.
Its not perfect, but I do make the best decisions I possibly can and am constantly researching how to improve fabric choices.
If there is one thing I have learnt, its that you cannot rush into using all new fabrics without testing, and this is a lengthy process. Slow and steady is the way forward.
In house sample making
Most brands do not do their own sample making. It's mostly left to offshore factories who will make a first sample from a sketch.
Honestly, I fantastise about this process... but in reality I think it would take something very important away from the process.
Understanding fit and construction as well as just how I want something to look gives me much more respect for what goes into an item of clothing. I believe that is integral to helping change the narrative around clothing from being disposable, to something we care for.
I am very lucky to now have Corinne's experienced help on the machines in our Lismore studio.
The value of clothing
In many ways I'm glad I didn't go offshore because it really meant I had to learn a whole range of skills I simply would not have had to otherwise. I can pattern make, sample sew, production sew, manage production, and many many other skills that I'm probably unaware of. This has given me immense respect for the clothing industry and just how richly skilled it is.
Also a huge understanding of why clothing needs to be valued more highly in our society. It takes a very very long time and many hands, from concept to finished to product. I hope we will return to a world where we care more for our clothing and the people who make it.






Finding the right manufacturer
For over 10 years I used a local team in Mullumbimby to make my gear. But when covid and the floods came, these folk had a change in direction. I spent the next couple of years searching for the right fit. Working relationships are very important to me, so I didn't settle.
Made in Melbourne
Eventually, I found Collier Clothing in Melbourne who now do "cut make trim" for storyline and Dalee Ella Prints. Sam and Jim have been in the biz for over 30 years and know exactly what they're doing. They have the patience to work with me as well, as I'm still learning the way they operate, after spending 10 plus years honing my skills using different makers. There are many boxes to tick when finding the right working relationship, such as, workable production numbers, fair wages, quality of work, timely delivery, pleasant communication and the list goes on... I am very proud and much relieved that I have found a good match with Collier.
Hand Screen Printing
We chose screen printing for the Dalee Ella collection to recreate the textural imperfections found in Dalee's lino prints. We have been super lucky to partner with Printink Studio's in Collingwood, where Nadia and Jason print each meter of our fabric by hand.
Each screen is 140cm across and takes two people to print. We just love the alchemy of ink mixing to create the perfect colour ways.
The hand feel of the ink sitting on top of our certified organic cotton knit, cannot be replicated in any other way and we love that you can literally feel the artwork.
Storyline digital prints
I've always used ABMT in Australia for the high quality organic cotton knit which my previous brand, Gwyllem were mostly made from and this is what what we still use for the Dalee Ella collection.
However, for Storyline's digital prints, I had to find a new supplier.
Enter Senboo textiles in China. I was very mindful when choosing a new supplier for prints that they had to have the social and environment credentials I look for. Thats why I love Senboo textiles. They ONLY use organic and natural textiles with all the certifications easily available, plus they are a small business too.
Unlike with screen printing you can use many colours in one design, which is what Storyline is all about. I have been wear testing their fabrics for about three years now and am very happy with the performance.
Natural Fibres
I only use organic and natural fibres as polyester is literally plastic. It's 2025, you can't be using plastic in clothing anymore, plus natural fibres feel way better to wear.
It's an ongoing process, finding fabrics which perform in the best possible way with the best environmental credentials.
Its not perfect, but I do make the best decisions I possibly can and am constantly researching how to improve fabric choices.
If there is one thing I have learnt, its that you cannot rush into using all new fabrics without testing, and this is a lengthy process. Slow and steady is the way forward.
In house sample making
Most brands do not do their own sample making. It's mostly left to offshore factories who will make a first sample from a sketch.
Honestly, I fantastise about this process... but in reality I think it would take something very important away from the process.
Understanding fit and construction as well as just how I want something to look gives me much more respect for what goes into an item of clothing. I believe that is integral to helping change the narrative around clothing from being disposable, to something we care for.
I am very lucky to now have Corinne's experienced help on the machines in our Lismore studio.
The value of clothing
In many ways I'm glad I didn't go offshore because it really meant I had to learn a whole range of skills I simply would not have had to otherwise. I can pattern make, sample sew, production sew, manage production, and many many other skills that I'm probably unaware of. This has given me immense respect for the clothing industry and just how richly skilled it is.
Also a huge understanding of why clothing needs to be valued more highly in our society. It takes a very very long time and many hands, from concept to finished to product. I hope we will return to a world where we care more for our clothing and the people who make it.