Meet the Sew-cial Network Part Three: Sophie Trettel
Hello and welcome to the Third edition of the ‘meet the Sew-cial Network’ series. We here at Knotzland believe that understanding where your clothes come from leads to a greater appreciation of their artisanal aspects. Knotzland is powered by our remote sewing force, affectionately named, the ‘Sew-cial Network’. In this series, we will learn more about the incredible people behind our masks and bowties.
This week’s interview is with Sophie Trettel. Sophie spent most of her childhood in York, PA , before moving to Savannah, Georgia to pursue her undergraduate degree in Fashion Design and Knitwear from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Since Graduating, Sophie has moved back to the PA area and has been volunteering with Knotzland, helping with prep and organization around the shop.
We hope you enjoy this interview with the spectacular Sophie Trettel!
How long have you been sewing? Where did you first learn to sew?
I first learned how to use a sewing machine when I was in middle school. I had volunteered for a local theater and helped make costumes for their production of The Nutcracker. I didn't learn how to sew at a more professional level until I went to school for fashion design.
What is your fondest memory related to sewing?
My fondest memory of sewing happened in college. A few friends and I were spending the whole night at the fashion building working on our projects before a critique. We ordered food, listened to music, and talked while we sewed.
Excerpt from Senior Project (2020)
What challenges did you face in learning to sew?
My biggest challenge in sewing is perfecting small details. When it comes to my projects I'm a fairly impatient person, so it can sometimes be a struggle for me to follow every step perfectly.
How does your creative process start, and where do you find inspiration most often (in sewing and other mediums)?
I love learning new things! If I'm planning on doing a project that involves a lot of research, I like to find a topic I know little about so I can learn while I find inspiration. I'm also very drawn to textures, so when something interesting catches my eye, I'll usually find a way to replicate it in a drawing, pattern, or through fabric.
Excerpt from Senior Project (2020)
Have you taught anyone else to sew, and what challenges did you face in teaching?
In college, I taught a few friends how to sew if they needed to for a project. The most challenging part about sewing is that it can be much harder than it looks, so it can be difficult to help others move past frustrations.
What is the thing you are most proud of making (sewing or other creative endeavors)?
I'm very proud of a jumpsuit I made from an old dress I bought at a thrift store years ago. My original plan was to shorten the hem, but as I was working I changed my mind. I had never sewn a jumpsuit before so it was challenging at first, but I'm happy with how it turned out!
Sophie modeling one of her projects.
I've heard you're working on a new project at Knotzland. Can you give a preview of upcoming projects/ collaborations?
For my final senior fashion collection I had designed some waist belts for my outfits. They’re quite decorative and work great for cinching blouses or dresses! I’ve gathered some scrap fabric from the Knotzland studio and will be sewing belts together using nothing but waste fabric that would otherwise be thrown away if it weren’t for Nisha’s initiative to save fabric from landfills.
Is there anything you would like to add to the article? It could be another thing you’re involved in, or a cause you’re passionate about.
I'm absolutely in love with knitwear. I especially enjoy using knitting machines because I find it to be a very therapeutic outlet for me. I feel like knitting is slowly becoming a lost art, and people know very little about it. My hope is to one day start a business where I can make and sell sweaters and use some of the funds to donate to local organizations and to teach young adults within the community how to sew and knit.
We hope you enjoyed this interview with Ms. Trettel as much as we did! For more on the Sew-cial Network check back on our blog in the coming weeks for content and interviews!