Life & Work with Debbie Hufford of Johns Creek

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Hufford.

Hi Debbie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.

My name is Debbie Hufford. I produce one-of-a-kind quality makes from vintage textiles giving earth conscious modernists to preserve history, practice conservation, and wear natural fibers that are disappearing from the fashion landscape.

I like to imagine my journey began before I was born, In the hills of North Carolina, in the small town of Bear Poplar. My grandmother and her 4 sisters were born into a farming community where they raised chickens and livestock, grew all the veggies the family would eat all year long, plus muscadine for “medicinal use”, and cotton. My dear, sweet grandmother eventually lost her eyesight to the effects of long days spent in the fields harvesting cotton. She made all of her clothes, including her wedding dress. That wedding dress was worn by her, her sisters who married, and her two daughters. For my wedding, she told me I could wear whatever I wanted to with it. The dress was a long sleeved stretch lace with a heavy satin slip. Like her, I wanted to make my own dress, but I didn’t want to abandon our tradition. I made my dress and wore the satin slip which was visible between the panels of the bodice held together with embroidery.

In 7th grade we were given an assignment to make something using math. I wanted a new dress. I thought this was the perfect way to get someone to teach me to sew. It worked! My mom taught me to take my measurements, read a pattern, buy the right amount of fabric, and all of the other things needed to make a dress. I did not expect to love it!

After graduating from Shamrock High School in Decatur, GA, I went onto study Consumer and Family Sciences and Costume Design and Construction at Berry College in Rome, GA. I loved working in the weaving lab and costume shop. I have worked for several theatres and educational programs for decades as well as creating formal wear and home decor. My favorite work besides teaching sewing has been upcycling.

Having worked in the weaving room, being exposed to handicrafts of my grandmother and her sisters, I fell in love with the detail and labor of love in each stitch. Having worked in theatre, I am used to thinking on my feet and the necessity of speed in production. With upcycling I can do both while providing a sustainable fashion option for earth conscious patrons.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road here has not been smooth. Overuse injuries in my shoulder and lower back have required me to take extended production breaks. For a period of time I taught sewing, which I also love, but that road was interrupted by a brain injury. Believing I would not be able to return to the creative process, I pivoted for some years. However, during this time, more injuries developed due to undiagnosed invisible diseases. By God’s grace and goodness I rediscovered Pilates and was able, through hard work, to regain function of my hands, arms, and lower back. There was a time I believed I would not be able to sew again, but I was able to re-enter the educational theatre space to assist my daughter’s school in earning honorable mention for costumes in Georgia’s Shuler awards her senior year.

Meeting new and reconnecting with old creatives has perhaps been the most treasured part of my creative journey. It has brought so much joy and inspiration to my heart.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I produce one-of-a-kind quality makes from vintage textiles giving earth conscious modernists the opportunity to preserve history, practice conservation, and wear natural fibers that are disappearing from the fashion landscape.
I focus on natural fibers and quality construction that ensures each product lasts.
Each item is hand-crafted and unique, just like my clientele.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am incredibly grateful for my creative community, including my professor Sherry Harper-McCombs, who created a supportive costume shop environment, but didn’t let us shy away from challenges. I am also grateful for my partners-in-crime Amy from Remade by Amy and JoAn from Casting on a Chain. And I can’t forget my dear friend Alyssa,

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @frockworks
• Facebook: Frock Works