Meet the Maker: Abby

First up in our meet the maker series is team member, Abby. Abby is a design assistant at Alice Alexander where she is a Jane-of-all-trades, doing pattern and sample making, production sewing and alterations.

Abby has a diverse sewing background including work in production as well as costuming for major theaters. Working with a diversity of bodies has well-prepared Abby for a career with our company. When you're a very small company, like ours, every team member has to bring a lot to the table, and Abby is no exception.   

What's your role at Alice Alexander?

I do a little bit of everything. Pattern maker, stitcher, production sewing, sample making... 

How long have you been sewing?

I started in high school and began to get professional training immediately after high school so I guess, 13 years! 

What is the most favorite thing you've ever designed and sewn?

Ohh that's a tough one...but if I have to pick just one, it has to be a shrub man costume.

A what???

Basically it's a costume that when the wearer is crouched down is indistinguishable for a shrub. The guy I made it for would act as a shrub, hiding in plain sight, then jump up and scare the crap out of unassuming passersby. 

HAHAHA. Oh Abby--we have fun. 

Why did you decide to pursue sewing as a career?

Well sewing for me, when I started I would get totally lost in it, forgetting to stop and eat or take breaks, and I realized this was something I totally loved. I realized that no matter what kind of day I am having, I can sew. The fact that I can make money doing something that makes me feel fulfilled feels very lucky.