Interview with Caroline Hulse, the Self-Taught Seamstress
March 10, 2014
Caroline Hulse is another collaborator for Limited Edition! She defines her style as an ever-evolving mix of classic feminine romance and modern trends, which is present in all prints of her collection, Gleeful.
Caroline is a one of a kind seamstress! She taught herself to sew through watching YouTube videos, reading blogs, and going through scraps of fabrics. Since then, she’s found her passion in sewing and designing.
In the interview below she tells us all about her journey as a designer and the inspiration behind Gleeful!
Q: What's the story and inspiration behind your collection?
A: I consider my style to be an ever-evolving mix of classic feminine romance and modern trends. My collection of fabrics embraces these two themes whole-heartedly. I love designing and sewing my own clothing, so while designing my debut collection of fabric I thought to myself, “How would I wear this?” Each piece of my collection tells a story about a young woman pursuing her dreams. She is bold, yet feminine. She is carefree and romantic. She is modern, yet classic.
Q: What does the AGF Limited Edition concept mean to you, and what mood or point of view have you brought into this project?
A: When the idea of this AGF Limited Edition collaboration came to me, I was thrilled. I love stepping into unchartered waters with ideas and projects. Since this was something SO NEW, something never been done, I didn’t know what to expect. But, my expectations have been exceeded. I’ve learned many new things, met many new people, and discovered creativity inside of me that I did not know existed. Sara, April, and I bring three very different aesthetics to the table. I feel as though I’ve brought a youthful and carefree point of view to this project.
Q: How did your collaboration with AGF come about?
A: I have always loved working with Art Gallery fabrics because they have the best drape and feel of any quilting cotton I’ve ever used. I worked with Pat Bravo and AGF on a couple of projects through my blog and had the privilege of meeting Pat at Sewing Summit, where we were both teachers. After Quilt Market last year, she reached out to me about a new collaboration she was considering. I love Pat, so I immediately jumped on board (I mean, who wouldn’t right?).
Q: How has your experience been working alongside Art Gallery Fabrics on this project?
A: Through this whole process (where I started at ground zero!!) I have been given guidance and help where needed. The whole AGF team has been on board with this project from the beginning, which I think has helped the whole process be smoother.
Q: Describe your creative process when designing fabric.
A: For this collection I did a lot of window shopping and flipping through magazines. After I gathered a boat load of inspirational photos, color schemes and ideas, I took it to the drawing board. I don’t feel like I am a very good sketcher/drawer, but, I was able to sketch out my ideas to make them a reality. I sketched lots of flowers, geometric designs, dots, etc. and finally landed on eight prints that I fell in love with.
Q: Can you choose your favorite print from the collection and tell us why it's your favorite?
A: Yes, definitely my floral bouquet and stripe print! The design is printed on a navy fabric and has colors like emerald, gold, fuchsia, and aqua in it. I may not be able to spill these beans yet, But the stripe print will also be available on a knit substrate (squeel!) and would be PERFECT as a maxi version of my Out and About Dress!
Q: What's the one thing you can't live without?
A: I could definitely not live without my morning coffee. Or my iPhone…especially Instagram.
Q: What other designers, makers or artists inspire your work?
A: I have always been inspired by Pat Bravo’s work. I have loved seeing the progression of her fabric designs from when she first began until now. I also really admire the design work of Anna Maria Horner and Valori Wells.
Q: How do you stay on top of current design trends?
A: I love browsing through stores like Anthropologie, Madewell, and J.Crew to get a feel or current trends. I also frequently browse Pinterest, read blogs, and magazines. I tend to fall back on classic styles, with pops of modern trends mixed in here and there!
Q: Do you have a favorite quote or philosophy you live by?
A: I love this quote by Walt Disney, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Q: What are you up to when you're not sewing or designing?
A: When I’m not sewing or designing (haha, but really, when is that?) I love to spend time with my husband traveling, taking our dog on walks, and spending time outdoors!
Q: Do you have any other upcoming projects lined up for 2014?
A: 2014 is the year that I’m making things happen! In February, I released my first women’s sewing pattern, the Out and About dress, and I have plans to release another pattern (The Tank Dress) in April, and have a couple more patterns in the works. Also attending Quilt Market as a vendor for the first time will be a huge step in my career! This is going to be an amazing, opportunity-filled year!
Thank you for reading and have a great weekend!
Xo,
Tai.