The proprietor, and seamstress is Lillian Bates -and although I've only met Lillian once, her warmth, enthusiasm and bubbly personality made me feel as though I had known her for years. This is a rare precious quality -especially for a shop owner, and I can honestly say that when visiting Alton you really should make a point to stop in to meet Lillian and browse her shop!
Lillian, who has been sewing since the age of 13 is clearly a master of thetextile arts. Her pieces are one-of-a-kind, and range from unique jackets (that would look fabulous worn with jeans) to stunning formal dresses. She can even take old "favorites" from our closets ( that ~ahem~ may have fit us better say, 20 years ago) and "recycle" them into new favorites that we can use and enjoy again! -Love that! Well, I've said all of this and almost forgotten the part that is most exciting to me personally: (You've probably already guessed it) Lillian's By Design is now offering all natural handmade soap by Heirloom Soapworks! Yay! I am tickled pink and honored to have my natural soaps in a boutique such as Lillian's. -I love everything about her shop, it's location, the fabulous antique brick walls, the warm and inviting atmosphere, not to mention the fabulous one-of-a-kind finds.
I hope that you'll stop by Lillian's By Design the next time you're in Alton, IL -you're in for a unique treat. Oh, and please say "Hi" to Lillian for me! :)
[caption id="attachment_1537" align="aligncenter" width="479" caption="Lillian at Lillian's By Design, Alton, IL"]
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