Amy has been a student at The Sewing Room for about a year and a half now. She loves to sew vintage clothing and pays careful attention to all the details. Amy has also been part of our Fashion Studies program for the last year and I've been super thrilled to see her blossom in ways she couldn't imagine. Self proclaiming that she couldn't draw, we can see she proved herself incorrect in that assumption. Just look a the fabulous illustrations she created above! That little collage also shows you her mood mood board as well as a rendering of her fabric design. I can't wait to see what she dreams up next! Here is a little bit more about Amy in her own words:
Where do you live?
In the Oakland hills (i.e.: not close enough to The Sewing Room!)
Green Jeans with wonderful contrasting pink topstitching and buttons!
Amy wearing her pink polka dot blouse that she made from a vintage 1950’s sewing pattern.
What is/was your current/past career path?
I am a hairdresser, image consultant, and stylist. I do color palettes and personal shopping. I also co-run a vintage clothing, vinyl, and housewares booth with my partner at The Katz Meow (on Park Street in Alameda). Somewhere in the middle of all that, I spent 15 years doing doula work, as well.
I am a lover of all things fashion and adornment. I love helping people to look their best! I love beauty and beautiful things.
When did you start sewing/how long have you been sewing?
My grandmother and mother sewed. I attended some sewing camps as a kid, and a semester in high school... but I had put it down until the pandemic hit and I couldn’t work, and desperately needed to do something creative with my hands. I shared with a (fellow sewing enthusiast) friend, that I was struggling... I don't think of myself as an artist in the traditional sense... And she said :
“You work with shapes and color, on a daily basis more than most people. Why don’t you try sewing?”
And so, it began (again) — and now I cannot stop sewing! I dream sewing; I think about it all the time.
The Decades of Style Button Dress - Front
The Decades of Style Button Dress - Back
What are your interests outside of sewing?
Is there anything outside of sewing?!
Decades of Style 1950’s Diamond Dress - Front
The Decades of Style Button Dress - Close up
Why did you want to learn how to sew?
I’m fascinated with the alchemy of sewing. The way you can take all of these different ingredients, like baking, thread and needle and fabric, and create this garment. Make something that’s very specific to you.
Brown and Cream Cotton Blouse made from a vintage 1940's Pattern
As I continued to sew, I found I could make things in the colors that I wanted and customize patterns to fit the way I want them to, and add details – because I love details. I could bring my visions to life!
The teachers at the sewing room have been perfect. They are patient and so encouraging! The whole vibe of The Sewing Room is so welcoming, and inclusive. I saw a meme recently that read “ friends are therapists you can sew with”… I’ve made some great friends here.
The learning process has not always been easy for me,
in any medium. I have often given up when it got too hard. But with sewing, I just really want to keep going until I understand it.
What is your favorite part about sewing/the clothing making process (design, pattern, sewing, fabric etc.)?
Sewing ties all the things I love together: It’s fashion, it’s design. I can create the style, color, and details I want; and I get to make it... and the fabric!
I am constantly designing in my head. I think about sewing and what I can create, all the time. I love wearing the garments I've made. If I have to pick a favorite part... I don't think I can.
Teal Blouse made from a 1950’s sewing pattern
What are your #sewinggoals and/or ambitions?
I want to create and sell a small vintage-inspired fashion collection. I really want to understand more about pattern making.
Amy, thank you so much for your interview! It’s been fantastic. I’m so excited to see what you create next, because I know it will be the most perfect expression of you, AND, we definitely need to see more of that in the world.
Until Next time, Happy Sewing!
xo Jennifer
