Celebrating Women Who Sew, Create & Inspire this IWD
This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the incredible women who bring creativity, skill and passion to the sewing community.
Today we’re featuring Kim, the creative force behind The Cloth Shop in Ivanhoe.
For Kim, sewing is far more than a hobby. It’s taught her practical skills, confidence and the courage to pivot when things don’t quite go to plan – lessons that carry well beyond the sewing room!
You may even recognise Kim as one of our Style Arc models, bringing garments to life in front of the camera. At The Cloth Shop she also hosts sewing sessions, helping others build their skills and turn their ideas into beautiful, wearable pieces.
Kim’s story is a wonderful reminder that sewing is not just about making clothes – it’s about creativity, connection and the confidence to create something uniquely your own.
Q.1 When you think back, what people, moments, or experiences helped shape you into the maker and business owner you are today?
Credit has to go to my Mum. She was a resourceful woman. Mum sewed for me and my sisters until we were teenagers, then she had this genius plan… if she was sewing for us, we had to do housework in returned. I quickly learned that housework was to be avoided and I therefore needed to learn to sew. Mum was always very encouraging of my creative pursuits. She let me wear some far-from-perfect atrocities out of the house, which helped me develop my personal style.
Q.2 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 means everything to me. Without hopefully sounding too dramatic, it is the fundamental base of my being. With the creativity come practical skills too. It’s taught me that I can tackle tasks without fear, I can pivot when Plan A doesn’t come to fruition and I can encourage women to do both of these things, on a daily basis, in my fabric business.
Q.3 What advice would you give to women who are trying to make space for creativity alongside everything else in their lives?
My best advice for carving our time to create is to do small tasks most days. It might be as simple as ironing your fabric ready for cutting, or pinning and sewing a seam or two, or taking your measurements and deciding what size/adjustments are required for your next project. Creating ‘me time’ regularly helps fill your bucket and offers personal satisfaction in the chaotic juggle of life! By the way, this is my advice, but it’s not always my reality!
Hello last minute sewing before an event!
♡ The Style Arc Team
Sew it ♡ Wear It ♡ Love It ♡ Style Arc