Portfolio de Couturier: Olivia-Kate

This edition of Portfolio de Couturier is a little different than the previous ones. We're not going to show you any old fashions or a biography on a very important lady from history. Instead we're going to being interviewing Mrs. Spade, a 21st century seamstress, who owns and runs OliviaKate clothing. OliviaKate is a Mother-Daughter business Mrs. Spade and her daughter, Olivia Kate, team up to bring elaborate and colourful clothing for little girls. I hope this interview will give you a a behind the scene look at her as a seamstress and designer.

GGM: Is knowing how to make your own clothes something in your heritage? Did your grandmother, aunts or mother know how to sew?

Mrs. Spade: Both grandmothers and my mom enjoyed sewing, crochet, knit and hand embroidery. They loved making gifts for their children and grandchildren. I have fond memories of my mom sewing play dresses for me when I was little. I still have a beautiful applique quilt from my grandmother on Olivia's crib. Growing up around home projects made it easy for me to start creating after my own daughter was born.

GGM: When did you learn how to sew and what was your first project?

Mrs. Spade:I learned to sew at around 14 years old (if I remember correctly) with my mom who taught me the basics. My first project was a simple dress. I'm pretty sure mom did most of the sewing for that, lol...

GGM: Why was sewing something that interested you enough to learn to do it well?

Mrs. Spade: My interest in sewing came after my daughter was born. I wanted to make some clothes for Olivia and started learning new techniques which eventually developed into a small home business. Sewing is valuable in so many other ways as well; I can make my own dress skirts, make play dresses and church dresses for Olivia, take in my husbands clothing or make gifts for loved ones. I recently machine embroidered hats with the words "Jesus Saves" on the front for my family. These are my husband's favorite.

GGM: Why do you think it's important to know how to sew?

Mrs. Spade: Sewing is how I get rid of stress. It also allows me to make things at a very low cost which is beneficial when something needs repaired. I recently took in all of Edward's dress pants (my husband). This would have been expensive if we went to a seamstress for alterations. It's also something I look forward to teaching Olivia.

GGM: What ways can knowing how to sewing better one's life-style and home?

Mrs. Spade: If you know how to sew, old things can become new with little effort. Whether you're making something pretty to wear or sprucing up the pillows in your living room with new fabric, there are endless possibilities without spending a fortune at a retail store. I love to search local thrift stores for vintage fabrics and notions. I find items (many are brand new) for pennies that can be worked into my sewing.

GGM: Your little girl's clothing is cute. Where did you come up with the styles and what gives you inspiration for sewing projects?

Mrs. Spade: My greatest inspiration is my daughter Olivia. Right now I love bold, bright colors and using entire lines of fabric in one set. I also enjoy mixing vintage and new clothing patterns to come up with a set that's completely unique.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to speak with you and your readers. I have to thank the Lord Jesus for all the many blessings in my life. Also I have to thank my husband Eddie for being so supportive and all of my family and friends that have encouraged me along the way.

Thanks for taking the time to join me, Mrs. Spade. Many blessings to you in your business! You can visit Mrs. Spade and little Miss Olivia by going to OliviaKate.com. I hope you as a young lady or even a mother will be inspired by this article to start learning how to sew yourself. It's a wonderful homemaking skill and life-essential.