One project I am particularly proud of:
1. My wedding dress. I spent months planning and making it. It was definitely the most enjoyable part of the wedding planning process for me.
Two mistakes I’ve made in the past:
1. Rushing through a project so that I have it done and ready to wear, but being disappointed with the fit or final look.
2. Not taking good care of my sewing machine (sewing over pins, not changing the needle, not getting it cleaned, etc.).
Three things that make my work unique:
1. The quality of the workmanship. I am a perfectionist.
2. The functionality. I rarely make something just because it will look good. It has to be usable and practical as well.
3. The love that goes into the making. My handmade items would be just like any other thing if I didn’t put love into the process of creating.
Four tools I love to use:
1. My magnetic pin “cushion”. Since receiving it, I’ve stepped on fewer pins.
2. The iron. I’ve really embraced how simply ironing a bit of fabric can help whip it into shape.
3. The computer/Internet. I get so much help and so many ideas from reading about and seeing what others are making and how they go about doing it.
4. My brain. This is probably my most important tool! Sometimes my brain gets distracted or focuses on a problem and I end up making mistakes. When my brain is focused, I make beautiful things though.
Five inspirations:
1. Necessity. You know what they say, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” I am inspired by what will work, practically speaking, in certain situations.
2. Small details. A seemingly simple detail such as a pleat, a gather or interesting seam can inspire a whole garment.
3. The materials. Just as often as I start with the shape of something in mind, I start with a particular piece of fabric or trim in mind. If I love a fabric, I work hard to turn it into something that complements its weight, drape or pattern.
4. Other’s handiwork. I love seeing what others make because it helps me believe I can do it too.
5. The seasons. As my surroundings change with the changes in the weather, my sewing does too. I find that I have the greatest amount of new ideas for what to sew when I am anticipating what the next season brings. Right now, fall is around the corner and my mind is turning to cozy fabrics and designs that go with cool, crisp weather.
Fresa Handmade 