Artist Spotlight: Cindy Mills
Each month, we highlight one of the talented artists in our reuse community. This month, it's textile artist, Cindy Mills! Cindy (crafting alias sew_atx) uses unique and vintage fabrics to handcraft one-of-a-kind clothing pieces and accessories.
When did you start sewing?
I started sewing 10 years ago. My husband and I were living in the UK and getting ready to return to the US. We wanted to start a family and I wanted to be able to sew for my kids like my mom did for my sister and I.
What is your favorite thing to make?
My favorite things to sew are dresses! I love making my own patterns, sewing vintage patterns and mixing pattern pieces as well. I love experimenting with styles and fabrics.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from the fabric that I find. I may have a fabric for years before the right project presents itself.
What is your preferred way to engage with your customer?
I prefer to engage with my customers in person at markets. Clothing and accessories need to be felt and tried on. I love to give the background and story that goes with almost every fabric I use.
How does reuse play a part in your creativity?
90% of the fabric and other textiles I use are upcycled, thrifted and vintage. I buy fabric that I love, makes me smile and gives me some inspiration. The fabric guides the creative process for me and gives me the ideas on what it could become.
What compels you to donate to ACR?
I try to use as much of each piece of fabric as possible, but when I don't, I donate it to ACR or our neighborhood reuse center. Donating unused fabric and textiles to ACR is an amazing way to continue my goal of creating sustainable clothing for myself and my business.
Do you have a favorite ACR find? How did you use it?
All the fabric I find at ACR is beautiful. My favorite find may be a large piece of black linen that I used to make myself a dress! I still have some of that fabric left and I am dreaming of what to make with it.
Where can we find out more about your work?
You can visit my website, sewatx.com or find me on Instagram @sew_atx to take a look at the dresses, jackets, and accessories I make and sell.
