Over the next several weeks, we’d like to introduce you to the many friendly faces you see at Stitch Sew Shop. Each and every one of us shares a love of sewing, and we each have our own story and approach to what we do. We hope you enjoy these little peeks into the personality of each of us here at Stitch!
Henna has lived in Virginia almost her entire life. She says this area has always been home. She mostly resided in the northern region, but did go to school in both Charlottesville and Richmond.
When you aren’t sewing, what are you doing?
I’m definitely the “indoorsy” type, and sewing is my one and only hobby. One thing I hope to get into soon, though, is gardening – once the weather warms up! And when I get away from the machine, I do enjoy spending time with my friends and family, especially my little nieces and nephew.
When did you start working at Stitch?
In April 2018. I really can’t believe it’s been that long!
How long have you been sewing and how did you learn?
I bought my sewing machine (a very basic Brother) shortly after my college graduation, and we are rapidly approaching our 10 year anniversary. I taught myself how to sew using books and online tutorials, so it was very slow going at first. I made a bunch of aprons and hair bands to build up my cutting, pressing, and stitching skills. But that eventually got boring and I just dove into making clothes. I made a lot of mistakes at first, but that’s how you improve!
Of what project are you most proud?
An evening dress I made to attend my cousin’s wedding a couple years ago. I made it in black lace and it had a low back with a cowl. It was hands down the best I’ve ever felt in a handmade garment.
What are your favorite items to sew?
This changes all the time! When I need a quick fix, a knit top or dress is the perfect project. In the summer I’m all about light and airy sundresses. What excites me most is when I can envision the final garment, whether it is a pair of underwear or a button down shirt.
Do you prefer working with knits or wovens?
Definitely both. Knit projects always seem to go faster because I use a serger for all of the seams and there is a lot less fitting to be fussy about. With wovens, I feel that there’s more variety in the types of garments you can make, but I often need to make muslins to be sure the fit is just right.
Prints or solids? If prints, what kinds?
If I had to make a choice, I’d say prints. However, I can be very picky about the types of prints I’ll wear. I like most animal prints, and realistic-looking floral prints (especially on a black or navy background).
Favorite sewing resource?
Even though I’m pretty confident in my sewing skills, if I’m making a new pattern, I always look at any online reviews first. It helps me to see the garment on different body types, and to find out if there are any details that I want to change (or even mistakes to watch out for). The amount of information on blogs and other sewing-related websites has grown rapidly in the last few years, and I’m so grateful for it. I’ve also recently started combing my local used bookstore for sewing books and have found quite a few good reference books. I have a few of the Singer Sewing Library books and, even though the styling is a bit dated, they’re full of great information.
Favorite sewing tool?
The hot hemmer! Seriously, I first used this at the shop and it has made pressing so much more enjoyable for me.
Best sewing tip/trick?
Oh gosh, I feel like I’m usually on the lookout for these myself. There are a few things that have been life-savers for me lately. Instead of hemming facings that are interfaced, I sew them right sides together with the interfacing, turn, then fuse with the seam allowances sealed inside. It’s a neat finish! I’ve also been sewing a few garments recently with V shaped angles in the seams. If you pin both sides of the V all at once, you end up with a lot of bunched up fabric right at the center, which can result in puckering or a curved seam instead of a nice sharp point. It’s actually easier to get a good result if you only pin one side of the V (or just skip the pins in the corner altogether!).
