Written by Marlene Escutia (@mar.cultivate)
The creative process begins differently for every fashion designer but ends in the same spot: sitting behind a sewing machine. In 1790, the English inventor Thomas Saint invented the first sewing machine design (Baker). The invention revolutionized how we produce clothing, accessories, and other fabric products. Since then it has evolved into the tool we are familiar with today. It's a machine that resembles a car with its motor, pedal, and the adjustment of many knobs to make it run just right. Like driving for the first time, the first trick is to step on the pedal slowly and go in a straight line. However, instead of an empty parking lot, that straight line is done on a piece of cotton. Simple right? Well, there’s more to it than that. If you’ve ever operated a sewing machine, you know the perils of the bobbin getting stuck, having to readjust your tension, and troubleshooting when the thread bunches up on your fabric. Developing a rhythm with your machine takes time. But the feeling of having your finished project in your hands is priceless. Someone who knows a thing or two about sewing machines is our Designer and Founder, Karina Castillo.
It all began in high school when she took a home economics course. Her instructor, Ms. Hanson showed her how to sew. During her final year of high school, the same teacher gave her a Singer sewing machine circa 1970s. It’s interesting to think about the moments that changed our lives, and those who introduced us to new paths.
Since that Home-Ec class, Karina has created her label and designed the most detailed and lively garments. However, we all start somewhere and Karina recalls her first test in operating her sewing machine: “I think my first challenge was realizing that there were different needles and presser feet for each type of fabric.” This type of understanding is earned after trial and error. But once you get into a rhythm, there are no limits to what can be created. For example, Karina designed a Van Gogh-inspired dress for an immersive experience art show. It is a Dead Organza Sheer dress that she sewed in less than 24 hours (pictured below). “The fabric had been sitting in my storage pile for maybe four years. But it reminded me of the artist’s painting, Sunflowers. It has a hint of Starry Night from the shimmer of the beautiful fabric,” Karina notes. A special memory marked by an inspired dress. Designs like these begin their journey of life in the same place: sitting behind a sewing machine.
