Today we’d like to introduce you to Evelyn Russell
Hi Evelyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Many members of my family are fiber artists. I learned to knit and crochet from my grandmothers, and learned to sew from my cousin, who is a costume designer. During COVID, I had nothing else to do but sew, and spent a lot of time ages 14-16 teaching myself from youtube and paper patterns. Since starting undergrad, I have taught myself to knit and crochet as well, and taken classes in weaving, sewing, and patternmaking. I am now pursuing a degree in Fashion Merchandising with an emphasis in Product Design and Development, with a minor in Fabric Design at the University of Georgia. In early 2024, I also started working at Community Athens, and produce/design our in-house collection. We primarily work with sustainably sourced natural cotton, linen, and silk fibers. I have recently started teaching sewing classes there as well. My work is inspired by historical fashion, nature, and couture. I produce my own designs under the label “Eva Make Thing,” which are sold online at evamakething.com and in person at Community Athens.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not, I originally wanted to attend a fashion school in New York. Because of financial concerns, I was not able to. However, I could not be more grateful for UGA and the resources they have here. I was also diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa in my junior year of high school, and received residential treatment for it. I have since emphasized size inclusivity and body positivity in production of my own clothing line. I find sewing and fiber art to be a calming escape from anxiety and other stressors.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in garment construction and design, and design pieces inspired by the 18th and 19th century, punk/subculture, and sustainability. I am definitely most proud of my work for a spring 2024 fashion show hosted by UGA’s Fashion Design Student Association. I produced a replica of a late Victorian “lingire gown” with insertion lace, using a pattern and silhouettes from the late 19th century. In addition to this, I am very proud of my business ventures through Eva Make Thing, which have allowed me to participate in artist markets around Atlanta and Athens, and meet fellow creatives. I believe my interest in functionality, sustainability, and innovation set me apart from similar young designers. I recently completed a case study on applications for 3-dimensional weaving of garments, and am interested to pursue this technology further throughout my career.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Everything will work out. When I started in undergrad, I was majoring in Psychology and considering becoming a therapist. I thought there was no way I could study fashion design and find success in such a competitive field. However, once I found a community of artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs, I came to trust and believe in my abilities. If you are able to follow your passions, do it, and the rest will follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://evamakething.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/evamakething/
Image Credits
Thomas Livingston https://www.instagram.com/thom.lving/ (for the outdoor shots)
