(Hand)Made In Seattle: UmberDove

When did you begin your relationship with sewing machines? How did you evolve into making the projects seen in your Etsy store?

For as long as I can remember, I've had an intense sense of "I can make it myself" whenever it comes to textile goodness. On my fourth Christmas, my father gave me my first sewing kit and taught me how to sew little blankets for my model horses. From there I moved onto outfits for the cats, raiding my mother's vintage fabric stash for bedroom decorations, and restyling thrift store clothes into new, more "interesting" fashions (it was all in the eye of the beholder...). In college I bought my very first sewing machine and signed up for a textile class, where I began creating stitched and printed fabric art pieces. Almost two years ago I had a flash of inspiration (probably around midnight and after a double Vivacé cappuccino) to try turning those flat fabric pieces into a usable, three-dimensional object. And that night, the textiles that UmberDove is know for were born.

Many of your projects are inspired by nature. What thematic elements tend to find their way into your sewing projects and how do you begin the process of "sewing together" an idea or inspiration?

I try to live with eyes wide open and am convinced I might die if I don't spend time daily in nature. I find myself constantly noting the colors of the sky, the gradation of autumnal leaves, the pop of brilliant rocks on the grey beaches. When I return home, I recall those colors and reinterpret the combinations using fabric. My sewing table faces out to a few of my favorite trees, and the waving leaves (as well as the feathers from a multitude of songbirds) continually find their way onto my pieces in the form of appliquéd wool and free-hand stitched shapes.

How long do your sewing projects normally take? How much have you honed down the process since you first began?

Those first couple pillows were serious labors of love! I'm very much a learn/invent as you go type of artist which sometimes translates into pure brilliance, other times into intense disaster! More than once I've walked out on my sewing machine after an argument with inanimate objects. (Confession: I've spent so much time making up my own patterns, that I never use commercial ones. Ever. I'm not even sure I would know how to follow a pattern....) Since those early days I've streamlined my process quite a bit, and at any given time, will have up to eight pieces all in the works, each one taking from one to four hours to complete.

What kind of fulfillment do you find from sewing as compared to your other artistic endeavors? (For example, you call painting your "soul work" and the "true backbone of my artistic life.") How is sewing uniquely satisfying for you?

I have very busy hands and more ideas than I can ever keep up with. In my painting studio, the work I create takes an intense amount of soul searching, visual research, time consuming detail work and technical process. Sewing has truly become my "relaxing" art; I'm able to make decisions based purely on color and composition so the pieces come together quickly (read: super satisfying). I'm also able to sew in my home, which translates to [being] able to sew into the wee hours of the night, when that second wind kicks in (some call it insomnia), and there is so much artistic energy pouring through my fingertips that I just have to create,

Any notable DIY or sewing communities/events in Seattle?

Stitches on Capitol Hill is hands down my favorite local fabric joint. Amy, the owner, couldn't be friendlier, the fabric selection is well-edited, and they host great sewing and knitting events. I also love hitting up the monthly I Heart Rummage arts and crafts for fantastic, functional, local art.

Favorite places in Seattle?

For being outside, in nature, while still in the city: Discovery Park in Magnolia, Golden Gardens in Ballard, Interlaken Park. All around favorites: Vivacé Espresso on Broadway for cappuccinos, the Ballard Sunday Farmer's Market (and the whole strip of fantastic boutiques along Market Ave. swoon!) for a shopping outing, Portage Bay for breakfast and Chez Gaudy for intimate speakeasy dining, the Triple Door for music and burlesque shows, Kobo on Roy Ave. and Gossamer Collective on 18th Ave. for amazing handmade gifts and art (and UmberDove textiles...). I could go on, Seattle is just so fantastic!

What is the secret to having such nice arms?

Solo midnight dance parties with lots of arm waving. It's true.

Kelly can be contacted for questions or custom orders at kclarkstudios@gmail.com