Mandi on Making: Sewing, Metalsmithing, and Her Favorite Trades

We're thrilled to introduce you to the amazing Mandi, a Seattle-based creative force and longtime Lucky Sweater community member! With an adventurous spirit and an eye for sustainable fashion, Mandi is a true advocate for eco-conscious living.

From metalsmithing to sewing, she's got her hands in all sorts of crafty jars, making the world a better place one stitch and one metal loop at a time.

Read on to get the lowdown on her journey into making, her inspirations, and her cherished trades on Lucky Sweater.

Mandi, we are so excited to have you on the mod team. Can you tell us a a little about yourself?

I’m Mandi! I live in Seattle with my partner and our 5-year-old pug/beagle mix. I have been part of the LS community for almost 2 years now and I love how it’s evolved into a marketplace for me made, slow fashion, and soon-to-be vintage/thrift! I’m passionate about the environment and love being involved in making sustainable fashion more accessible. In my free time, you can find me making things (sewing/metalsmithing), traveling, hiking, or spending time with friends.

How did you first get into sewing and making?

I have always loved making things! In 2014 I started metalsmithing; making jewelry through the lost wax casting process. I was gifted a sewing machine right before the pandemic and since I couldn’t get into the metalsmithing studio, I started sewing a bunch and found a new favorite hobby!

What types of pieces do you like to make?

Everything! Some of my favorites have been button-down shirts, flowy linen dresses, dungarees, and a couple of Halloween costumes.

Where do you find inspiration for projects? What inspires you?

Honestly, probably instagram. It’s fun to browse and see how handmade clothes look on other people, what modifications/adjustments they made, etc. For jewelry, I tend to be inspired by nature (the human body, branches, and bugs) and pizza :-)

What are you currently working on?

A shorts/cropped tank set and a hexie quilt.

What is your advice for people who are interested in making their own pieces but don't know where to start?

There are so many amazing tutorials online and wonderful people in the community who will help you out if you get stuck. Don’t be afraid to add questions, especially on the LS me-made community board.

What has been your favorite feature of the Me Made community so far?

Well, the trading part obviously! Being able to trade me mades with slow fashion items makes this really fun too. I also love seeing all the me-made looks in the community posts!

What excites you about the future of the Me Made community?

There are so many creative and inspiring people in this group! I’m excited to see how this community grows :-)

What is one of your favorite trades you have done on Lucky Sweater?

My favorite trade so far is a close tie between a pair of agolde denim jeans from @traylons that I wear all the time and a handmade spaceship sweater from @laurencolpean that is just so unique and cozy. <3

Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us, Mandi! Your passion for crafting and sustainable fashion truly enriches our Me Made community. We can't wait to see what you'll create (and trade) next!