In my third instalment of Meet the Maker, I am introducing you to designer and seamstress, Alexandra Pengly. Alex is the talent behind such beautifully hand-stitched creations as the
Cosmetic Bags,
Leather purses, Hot Water Bottle Covers,
Pom-pom Sport Socks, Dog Leads and the
Liberty Print Hankies - and many more - all are available in the Creative Finds online gift store. Introduced to me by my friend Jane, Alex lives in our neighbourhood on Sydney's North Shore, and has a sewing space any creative would envy. Her collection of vintage Liberty print fabrics left to her by her Grandmother is covetable, and her talents with the sewing machine and over-locker know no bounds. ***since this post was written in May 2018, Alex is now offering sewing classes for young and old from her studio in Roseville Chase. For more information you can contact Alex by
clicking here ***
Alex and I have had a great time since the launch of Creative Finds, collaborating on a range of textile based gift ideas. Here is a little more about Alex, her background, her inspiration, and her plans for world domination; one stitch at a time...
Meet the Maker: What is your name and the name of your business: Hi I'm Alexandra Pengly and I am an independent seamstress and designer. My seamstress business is Alexandra Pengly Designs.
How long have you been operating your business: I have been sewing and designing for friends and family for over 15 years, but as a business 2018 is my first scary year!
What is the mission statement of your business: Simply to design and create beautiful and unique items that will suit the client I am designing for. I find that when I go into the shops nowadays, everything is mass-produced and often of poor quality. I strive to create items that will stand out from the crowd, as well as last the test of time.
What products do you produce and who are your customers: As a seamstress I produce a wide range of products for a wide range of customers! I have made everything from dog collars,
pom-pom socks and
hankies to quilts, baby clothing and curtains to wedding dresses, tailored jackets and ball gowns! I love a design challenge and working with clients to achieve the envisaged product.
What is your favourite aspect of running your business: Working one on one with the client! I love it when people come to me with an idea or a rough sketch on a piece of paper, and we get to work through the process of the design.
Where do you find inspiration for your creations: I am the fifth generation seamstress in my family so I like to think that design and creativity is in my blood! My Grandma Hilda was definitely my biggest inspiration and motivator in my life, the fondest memories I have of her are sitting and watching her sewing and fiddle with fabric in a tiny little sewing room. Today I sit in my studio looking and fiddling with all my fabric and I feel so inspired to grab some fabric and start sewing just like she used to do! Patterns, colours, textures of different fabrics, all inspire me to sew and create.
Why do you do what you do: I just love sewing and creating! I love making people feel great in garments I design, and I love the satisfaction of turning a piece of cloth into something usable and beautiful. Sewing and design used to be an escape from the mundane minutiae of life; the decision to make it my life was the best decision I could have ever made!
What exciting things have you got in the pipeline for 2018: Continue growing and learning. I would love to expand my business and design more products!
What is something about you that not many people know: Something not a lot of people know about me is that I am a complete history NERD! I have a university degree in ancient history and ancient hieroglyphic linguistics. I have also been extremely fortunate to have been on 27 cruises, which has given me the opportunity to travel all over the world and see many amazing ancient sites including Petra, Valley of the Kings, the Pyramids and the Parthenon.
What do you do in your spare time? Believe it or not in my spare time I love to sew! I love quilting and find it extremely relaxing. I also like to spend time researching potential holiday destinations, walking my dogs, seeing friends and just watching a good movie!
What is your favourite song atm: I don’t have a favourite song at the moment but I am pretty obsessed with the soundtrack from the Greatest Showman!
