Morley: Italian dressmaker Angela Franchina (78) shares her passion for dressmaking

WITH more than 60 years experience in dressmaking and alterations, Morley resident Angela Franchina (78) hopes to continue for as long as she can.

Mrs Franchina, who started dressmaking as a 17-year-old in Italy, migrated to Perth and married her late husband in 1961.

Following their wedding, she and her husband, who was a tailor, opened a shop in Subiaco.

After selling the shop, she worked at the old Morley City Shopping Centre for 15 years before doing home alterations.

Mrs Franchina said she still made dresses and did alterations for friends and family despite being a pensioner.

“When I came to Australia, I was looking for a job and no one gave me a job because I was too old, I did not speak English and had no experience,” she said.

“Finally, my husband started looking for employees so somebody asked me to go and ask for a job and he gave me a job and we fell in love and got married.

“I love dressmaking – it makes me happy and active.

“I’d like to continue as long as I can.”

Over the years, she has made and altered bridesmaid dresses, outfits for ring boys and flower girls and leather jackets.

She recently made a dress with black lace with gold lining for her cousin and is currently making a dress for a Morley hairdresser’s 50th wedding anniversary.