Meet Cari: Sew Much Fabric’s Newest Brand Ambassador

I first met Cari 12 years ago at Susan Khalje’s couture sewing class here in Katy, TX.  I would stop by her workstation to chat, and she was always welcoming, no matter how focused she was on her work. Over the years, she’s become a wonderful friend. Recently, life brought its challenges, but today Cari is on the other side.  She’s sewing again, creating beautiful garments for her clients, and embracing life with her children and grandchildren.  Meet Cari, the newest brand ambassador for Sew Much Fabric.

Could you tell us a little about yourself and where you are from?
Hi, I’m Cari. a couture designer-dressmaker based in Lincoln, Nebraska. I’m a lifelong sewing enthusiast who transforms beautiful fabric into wearable pieces that help people feel confident and beautiful.

How did you first learn to sew, and what drew you to it?
My journey with garment sewing began back in grade school through the California public school system. From that first introduction, I was completely hooked. I took every sewing class available to me through junior high and high school.

Over time, I knew I needed to dive deeper, and that desire led me to couture sewing. What I love most about couture is its trustworthiness—its proven methods, fine details, and enduring respect for fit and artistry. Beyond those early years, I continue learning through a mix of self-teaching, books, courses, and hands-on experimentation. I’ll admit—I’m a bit of a nerd. My library is extensive, and I probably own nearly every tool a sewist might need.

What drew me in was the combination of creativity and logic—learning why something works, not just how to do it. Studying couture helped me truly understand design and opened my skill set so I could create anything I could imagine or illustrate—and make it fit beautifully.

How would you describe your personal fashion aesthetic?
Honestly, I’m still figuring that out and continuing to experiment. I love fashion across the spectrum—from eccentric to the comfy, cozy pieces we all reach for at home. Another part of me loves glam and tailored garments, even if my current lifestyle doesn’t always call for them.

Roz has helped me clarify the styles I’m most drawn to, and I’m excited to see how we translate those preferences into garments I truly love to wear.

Tell me about your sewing studio.
Last July, I moved to a new city and a new home, and with that came the opportunity to reimagine my studio. I’m expanding it now—knocking out a wall and removing a closet—so the space is larger and can flow the way my work requires. The studio is on the third level and north-facing, filled with beautiful light that makes it ideal for fitting and detailed work. I’m creating a space that supports couture-level construction and client fittings, but also feels calm, welcoming, and considered—a space I love working in. It’s still taking shape, but it already reflects this season of my work—more focused, more refined, and built for what’s next.

 

 What types of garments do you most enjoy creating, and why?
I especially love creating dresses—particularly special-occasion garments like mother-of-the-bride/groom and formal gowns. These pieces allow me to focus on fit, balance, and proportion. I love collaborating to create designs for those meaningful occasions in one’s life.

What sparked your interest in couture sewing, and how has that shaped your approach to garment making?
I love the process. Learning couture techniques completely changed how I think about garments—from starting with balance and structure, to respecting the fabric, to building from the inside out. It taught me patience and precision, and I especially love handwork.

Are there any couture techniques you especially love or find yourself returning to again and again?
Yes—hand basting, horizontal and vertical balance lines, and muslin development. I love being able to work through a project thoroughly before ever cutting into fashion fabric.

When starting a new project, what usually inspires you first?
The design inspires me most.

Can you share a sewing project that challenged you but helped you grow as a sewist?
Yes– my mother-of-the-bride dress in 2019. I designed the dress from scratch and had to thoughtfully work through the entire process—from concept and imagery to construction. It pushed me to trust both my vision and my method.

What types of fabrics do you enjoy working with?
All natural fibers—silk, linen, cotton, and wool.

What part of the sewing process do you find most rewarding?
The fitting. Seeing a garment settle correctly on the body—when everything aligns, and the wearer feels comfortable and confident—is the most rewarding part for me.

What types of sewing machines do you have, and what is your favorite sewing tool?
Singer, Viking, Kenmore, Janome, and Brother. My favorite tool is tracing paper—because seeing is how you train the eye and learn to trust the process.

What is your favorite garment you made for yourself?
Honestly, I don’t really have one. Most of the garments I’ve made for myself were about learning specific couture techniques, and I tend to focus on the flaws I know are there.

If I had to choose, my favorite piece would be a suit jacket I designed for my daughter for her graduate school interviews. She received so many compliments and was accepted into her first-choice program—a proud mom moment.

What advice would you give to sewists who are curious about couture techniques but aren’t sure where to start?
Start small by using balance lines. Train your eye through muslins and focus on truly evaluating fit. Couture isn’t about glam—it’s about intention, structure, and thoughtful problem-solving. All sewists are couturiers!

When you’re not sewing, what do you enjoy doing?
I love spending time with friends.

As a Sew Much Fabric Brand Ambassador, what kinds of projects are you most excited to create and share?
I’m excited to create garments that showcase beautiful design and thoughtful construction—projects that highlight quality fabrics and careful techniques to elevate everyday sewing into something special. I’m especially excited to share the why behind the process so other sewists feel encouraged to grow. I’m so honored to step into the role of Sew Much Fabric Brand Ambassador and look forward to connecting, creating, and sharing with this community.