TEXTILES designer Katherine Stappard has launched her own business making embroidered belts, bags and clothes.

The former Egglescliffe School and Cleveland College of Art student is often asked where she buys her clothes - and explains she makes them herself.

Much of her fabrics and leather garments include recycled material from old clothes which she dismantles.

"I love denim and distressed leather and it's been this year's big look," the 23-year-old from Eaglescliffe told the D&S Times.

After completing a degree course at Wolverhampton, she attended a training course run by InBiz, a small business support organisation in Stockton. She learned about business plans, book-keeping and tax .

"You've got to be wary of VAT," she said.

Then came the launched of her brand - Shoobee Designs.

"I always wanted my own business but didn't really have any clear plans after graduating. I thought about working for a textile firm or a shop.

"I'm always searching through boutiques and second-hand shops for ideas and materials. And I'm one of four children, so there's plenty of old denim in the house. Friends also hand on their clothes."

She works at her Yarm Road home and has had talks with some London firms, but not any Northern ones yet.

"I'm afraid my little studio isn't very attractive - there's just lots of bags of jeans and jackets. I've got my sewing machine and threads, but I hope to move into my own place soon."

Her favourite designers include Alexander McQueen and Russell Sage, and she likes the craft work of Caroline Broadhead.

"My inspirations come from all sorts of things - high street fashion, haute couture, street style and the clothes people wear in clubs. I also look at the magazines and collections. There's so much going on," she added.

Her school pal, Valerie Plummer, attended Cleveland College of Art and Wolverhampton University at the same time as Miss Stappard and now works in a gallery. Her sister, Gillian, studied art and ceramics.

Why the name Shoobee? "When I was really young and could barely speak, I called my brother, Andrew, Shoobee. A lot of designers use Christian names. I thought about Drew but really liked Shoobee," said Miss Stappard.