Sewing and Passion

Laura's Journey to Sustainable Fashion

What happens when passion meets determination? Laura is living proof.

From a young age, her drawings and attention to detail hinted at a future in fashion. Although life took her down other paths, she knew creating clothes was her calling. Today, Laura is an inspiration, showing us how perseverance and hard work can make a dream a reality. Below is a summary of our recent interview:

1. Laura, tell us a bit about yourself and your journey. How did your passion for sewing begin, and what led you to make it your profession?

I never imagined that sewing would become my profession. I’ve always been fascinated by fashion. Although I studied architecture, my true passion has always been sewing. I started taking classes during university, and in 2011, I created my blog, sharing my projects and everything I learned. The blog opened many doors for me. I worked in ateliers, made custom clothes and wedding dresses, and even launched my own clothing brand. Also, around that time, I started giving sewing demonstrations and my first classes. That’s when I discovered that my true vocation was teaching.

In 2019, I opened my own sewing academy with Alfa sewing machines. It was a huge challenge but also one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. The first few months were quite challenging. Today, along with a team of teachers, we offer a variety of courses, including lingerie, embroidery, pattern making, crochet, and sewing classes for children.
We also organize events like sewing meetups and have launched my podcast (“Mi primera máquina de coser”). The latest thing I’m incorporating are frocktails, which are cocktail-style events where we make our own dresses, always celebrating the passion for sewing, sharing experiences and meeting other people with similar interests. We have a great time!

2. How has your sewing style evolved over the years? What influences have marked your work?

What I’ve evolved the most in is the choice of materials. At first, I was attracted to fabrics for their visual appearance, colors, and patterns. Over time, I’ve learned to appreciate natural materials and high-quality fabrics. My color palette has become more defined, I’m more aware of the colors that suit me best, and my focus has shifted to comfort and functionality.
I’ve also improved my sewing techniques a lot, such as finishes. Thanks to being able to dedicate myself fully to classes, plus all the hours of sewing, I’ve gained greater skill and confidence in my work.

3. You make such beautiful clothes! What is your creative process when designing a new garment?

Thank you! The truth is that I make almost all the clothes I wear myself. I haven’t bought clothes for many years.

My creative process begins with inspiration. It could be something I see on Pinterest, on the street or even in an everyday object. When I like something, I think about it; I imagine how I would do it and turn it over in my head. Then, I usually adapt basic patterns I know fit me well. Depending on what I have in mind, I make my own pattern transformations.
For more special garments, like dresses for frocktails or a party, I prefer to start the pattern from scratch.

4. Every seam has its charm. What techniques or details have been particularly challenging for you?

Everything related to finishes has always been a challenge for me. At first, I used to get frustrated when the results weren’t what I expected. That part transformed everything that had been creativity and fun into a bit of suffering. That’s what I’ve worked on the most. With a lot of practice and patience, I’ve improved a lot! For example, I’ve mastered techniques like lining, which I now consider one of my favorites. I love how everything looks spotless, with no visible topstitching… I inherited this from working with brides. I like everything to have an impeccable and well-finished look.

5. Creating such a complete sewing school requires a wide variety of skills. What are the most important skills you've had to develop, and what challenges have you faced when starting your own business?

I love this question! When I think about Laura, who started the blog in 2011, and Laura, the number one change is a massive mindset shift… enormous!

I had to learn how to manage a business and unexpected changes or situations and not take specific comments personally; I’ve learned to teach, build a community, and adapt to constant changes. It’s been a continuous and intense learning process. The most important thing has been learning to delegate tasks and build a solid team. Finding the balance between my passion for sewing and the responsibilities of running a business is an ongoing challenge.

6. Sewing is much more than a skill... it's a form of expression. What is the most rewarding part of teaching sewing, and what motivates you to keep growing?

The most rewarding part of teaching sewing is seeing my students discover their creativity and feel proud of their achievements. For example, I’m fascinated to see students who started as kids and are now teenagers who know how to make their own clothes. It’s glorious that at 15 they can sew almost anything… it makes me very proud to see my people grow and learn a skill like sewing with them for life.

Recently, I started taking ceramics classes. And I loved going back to the role of a student who starts from scratch and finds everything amazing. Suddenly, you do something and say -wow, I did this!- That’s what has always given me great pleasure. Seeing their faces of admiration for what they have achieved themselves.

Also, the community we’ve created around the academy is incredibly enriching. The people who greet you with a smile or hug you, or when you see that in addition to learning, they have fun and connect with other people through sewing… I come home at the end of the day and feel very happy; the academy makes me feel very happy.

Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored.

Contacta con Laura y su Academia

Historias Hiladas Madrid (Academia)

Web: www.historiashiladasmadrid.com/
Email: hola@historiashiladasmadrid.com
Instagram: @historiashiladasmadrid

Mi Primera Máquina de Coser (Blog)