Agrita is one of those personalities whose passion for her work inspires others as well. Her sewing story began in childhood, next to her grandmother, and it has grown into a true love for fabrics, needles, and the process of creation. Each of Agrita's works carries her care, responsibility, and enthusiasm, as well as a story about how love for sewing can develop into true mastery. In this article, we will indulge in the story of Agrita Leišavniece-Štālmane, where she shares her experiences, inspirations, and challenges.
How and when did your passion for sewing begin?
I have had some kind of connection with sewing for as long as I can remember. My love for this craft was definitely taught to me by my grandmother, who always worked very carefully and neatly on her sewing projects. When she was working, I was often nearby. It was with her treadle sewing machine that I learned to sew my first straight seams. Well, at least they seemed straight to me at that moment. 😄 When my grandmother was not at home, I often crawled through her fabric trunks, wrapped myself in fabrics, and dreamed about what I would sew from them. The shelves of sewing supplies were also the most interesting place to explore - needles, ribbons, lace, buttons... And now much of that has been passed down to me, and my children can rummage through my shelves with the same enthusiasm. 😄
Later, my connection with sewing continued as I studied in high school, where it was possible to learn sewing in addition to standard subjects and obtain a diploma as a women's dressmaker. During that phase of life, I made part of my wardrobe myself. Life goes on, and after graduating from high school, sewing was set aside for a while, but for the last 9-10 years, I have returned to it, mostly creating something for myself, friends, and mostly for family.
Are there any special fabrics that you particularly enjoy using in your work?
It would be easier to name the fabrics that bring me less joy to work with 😄 But if I have to choose favorites, I enjoy working with firm and substantial fabrics the most. My latest loves are Softshell and Eco leather. (My first encounter with Softshell was quite "painful" for my needles 😄).
I really enjoy working with knitwear as it is relatively easy and quick to create comfortable everyday clothing from it. It is available in various thicknesses, with a wide range of interesting patterns and prints, allowing me to cater to each of my children's tastes. 😄
What inspires you to create and take action?
Hmmm.. I would like to respond with something beautiful, but actually the first thing that inspires is the need... Is there a graduation coming for the daughter? There will be a dress! Is a friend going to a party? There will be! Is the husband out of sweaters? There will be!
And then, when the need arises, the creative journey begins together, what the final result will look like, what we want to achieve, what to highlight, what mood to create, how to feel in this outfit? Of course, sometimes inspiration is sought or comes to us from the depths of the internet, a picture seen somewhere that makes us say "I want something like this too!", but very often during the timing process, something changes anyway, new ideas and changes come. The process is what inspires.
What do you like the most about this process, from idea to finished product?
The first cut in the fabric of the new project! It gives such excitement, a little adrenaline kick - well, you started this! There's no turning back now! Now it has to be done and done as well as you can!
Do you remember any particularly significant or challenging sewing project? What was it like?
It's hard to name any particularly significant project, as they are all important to me, but perhaps the most challenging projects are those intended for major life events, such as a wedding dress (I mean, how can you not be excited about that?! 😄).
When working on such projects, there is always anxiety about whether the result will be liked by the wearer, whether she will feel good in the dress? It is a great responsibility, not only in terms of time and materials but also emotionally.
One of the adventures I remember - I sewed a bridesmaid dress for my friend, the fabric was very unruly and difficult to sew. At that time, I also had less technical equipment, so the whole process was more complicated than it could have been. We finished the dress, my friend was happy, everything was good. And the day before the wedding, a call - my friend, stressed out, realized the dress was too big! So, with the dress under her arm, my friend came from Riga to me to quickly save what could be saved. 😄 But all's well that ends well.
What are the recommendations for those who are just starting to learn to sew?
Don't be afraid. Train your patience. Make friends with the seam ripper and the iron.
What will you sew next?
I really enjoy trying something new, learning, and doing something I haven't sewn before. In my future plans, there is an idea about sewing a bag, a lingerie corset, and an in-between season coat. Which one will be first? We'll see 🤭
Agrita's story is a testament to how important it is to return to what brings us joy in life and to embrace creativity even in the hurried moments of everyday life. Her love for sewing and commitment to creating beautiful things for family and friends reminds us that every project starts with a small but inspiring idea.
We hope that Agrita's experience will inspire you to take the first or next steps on your creative journey!
Images from Agrita's archive:
To be creative, Sniedze
