How long have you been sewing?
I’ve been sewing since my early teens – it was a way to wear something fashionable when I couldn’t afford what was in the shops. Later my Saturdays consisted of sewing up something fantastic and wearing it out that night. Later I sewed for the kids – even their pyjamas. Sewing just feels like an extension of myself, I view it as engineering with fabric, I love problem solving and enjoy figuring out ways to do things.

What comes first fabric or product?
Both and neither, often a gorgeous fabric will grab me and then it is a case of deciding how to use it. Other times it is about needing a particular item and designing it myself. I love both.

Where do you source your fabrics?
Anywhere and everywhere – good old Spotlight, local fabric shops – we have some great ones in Melbourne but also overseas and occasionally the good old op shop.

Do you have other hobbies or interests?
I am also a knitter and dabble in crochet. In the past I had a weaving loom – basically creating cloth by whatever means interests me. Currently I am also investigating printing and embellishing fabric directly. I need to focus and discipline myself as I sometimes find myself getting confused with too many choices and I lose the “joy”.

What makes your products different?
Ok, soapbox moment. Quality of construction and finish is my mantra. I take this very seriously and continually strive to improve. I avoid shortcuts – can’t stand the disappointment of spotting a nice looking item and then opening it or looking closer at it and seeing shoddy work. I am happy to say that people are often initially attracted to my purses because of the nice fabric, but then they just get more and more impressed as they open the purse and notice the workmanship. I apply over 40 years of experience to every item I make – even a small humble zip purse. Lecture over.

What about custom makes?
Yes, I do. I love problem solving, so quite often a customer will be looking at an item and just need a couple of things changed – I am more than happy to do that and always open to suggestions.

Describe your workspace
I work from home in Mt Waverley in my beloved sewing room. It is small, somewhat cluttered and full of fabric and yarn but it is also my haven. It is right off the kitchen which means I can use the kitchen table for cutting out – I put cans under the table legs which makes it the perfect height to avoid backache. I feel very fortunate to have this space as it means I never need to pack up what I am doing, I can just switch off the machine and step right back into it.

Where can we find your products?
I am a regular at various markets around Melbourne – Sisters Market in Brunswick and Emu Plains Market at Balnarring. Also Yarraville Market, Chadstone Craft Market. If you follow my Instagram account (eva.in.stitches) you will always know where I can be found and get to see my latest products. I am also stocked at House of Handmade in Richmond, Finki in Brunswick and Page 8 in Brighton.