“Making happy things” is how @suechinglascelles describes her approach to creativity, and it’s a philosophy that shines through in everything she does.
Today we’re celebrating Sue-Ching, a maker whose vibrant and joyful approach to sewing and craft continues to inspire creativity throughout the sewing community.
We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Sue-Ching about her journey into textiles, the influence of the online sewing community, and her thoughtful advice for women carving out space for creativity in their lives. Read on to enjoy her interview.
Q. When you think back, what people, moments, or experiences helped shape you into the maker and business owner you are today?
My textile lecturer at university played a huge role in shaping my love for textiles and my lifelong pursuit of creative exploration. Taking that class opened my eyes to working with textiles as a medium of expression.
Another pivotal influence has been the Instagram sewing community. When I began sharing my sewing journey, I felt an immediate sense of belonging. The kindness and encouragement I found there were unlike anything I had experienced before. So many meaningful connections and opportunities have come from that space. It truly felt like finding my people.
Q. Creative work by women has not always been given the value it deserves. What does it mean to you to build something with care and skill, and to do it your own way?
It’s hard to fully articulate what it means to build something creatively, on my own terms, in a field I love. I feel incredibly fortunate to dedicate time and care to my practice each day. Creating with intention, skill and joy, and doing it in a way that feels true to me, means everything.
Q. What advice would you give to women who are trying to make space for creativity alongside everything else in their lives?
Creativity can naturally ebb and flow with the seasons of life. There are times when career or family takes centre stage, and creative work can feel like a luxury.
If you can, carve out small pockets of time and honour them. But if you’re in a season where that feels impossible, trust that nothing is lost. You are still gathering ideas, storing experiences, and living stories you will draw from later. Creativity waits for you. You will come back to it when the time is right.
♡ The Style Arc Team