Last Wednesday, I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of our esteemed students, Linda Irwin, who has been an enthusiastic participant in several classes at The Sewing Hive over the past few years. Gail Kelley, one of our talented instructors, invited Linda to bring in the exquisite blazers she has created in our classes, as well as a French “Chanel” inspired jacket crafted under the guidance of another instructor, Martha West.

Our meeting aimed to showcase Linda’s stunning collection of couture jackets and to conduct an impromptu interview, delving into her journey and inspirations in the world of sewing and fashion design.

What inspired you to learn to sew?

Linda: Home Economics was always a fun class for me back in school, and when I retired, I wanted to dive back into something I enjoyed. I took a pants class taught by Gail and had a great time. After that class, I told Gail I was determined to make a blazer. I know myself well enough to understand that I need a challenge to stay interested. It might take a while, but with the right attitude, I know I can do it.

That's wonderful! Do you have any advice for those new to sewing?

Linda: Absolutely. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes because every mistake is a lesson. One thing I do is buy practice fabric that isn’t expensive. This way, I can practice and perfect my techniques without the pressure, which increases my chances of success when working on the final piece.

What are your favorite garments to make?

Linda: Jackets and coats are definitely my favorite things to make. I adore working with cashmere. I'm deeply inspired by the designs of YSL, Dior, and especially Coco Chanel’s jackets with all their couture accents—quilted linings, princess seams, and trims. I’m currently focused on making a coat inspired by her latest collections.

Your attention to detail in fashion design is evident. What do you enjoy most about it?

Linda: I love the intricate details that require handwork. It’s incredibly cathartic and therapeutic for me. Working with boucles, silks, and linens brings me a lot of joy.

What has been your biggest challenge in sewing?

Linda: Sleeves have always been a challenge for me. I’m determined to conquer them with Gail’s help in my next classes. Buttonholes can also be tricky due to machine issues, so I’m planning to try hand-sewing them.

Tell us about some of your favorite pieces.

Linda: I have some beautiful buttons that I found on eBay. One of my jackets features a peplum, which I absolutely love. The pink coat was the first one I made with Gail. Martha West showed me how to make a French jacket, and the boucle fabric made it easy to create the frayed edge. The fabrics are all natural fibers, which can last a long time and become heirlooms.

Where do you source your fabrics?

Linda: I get my fabrics from high-quality suppliers like Joel and Sons. Their selection is fantastic, and quality fabrics bring me so much joy.