East of Grey Interview 30th May

We sat down with Kim from East of Grey to have a quick chat about some new stuff she's been cooking up!

Brett: Hi Kim! It's been a little while since we've chatted with you so we thought we'd catch up for a quick bit of Q&A.

Kim: Hi Brett, yes it's been a while! Designer Lookout has really grown since we last spoke! How exciting!

Brett: Yep we're very happy with where we are at, and we've got a lot of features coming up. Hang on... this interview is supposed to be about you!

Kim: Whoops!

Brett: So East of Grey, it's an eco friendly label, trying to use only recycled and vintage materials in each piece. Do you find it difficult to source your materials?

Kim: Yes, it can be difficult, but I know when I find something special the wait is worth it. I feel like the fabrics always find me, and straight away they speak to me, they know what they are meant for, and I listen to that, the weight, the texture, the colours....it is obvious how the fabrics are meant to be used, and I try to use them to their full potential.

Brett: You're very hands on in your business, I remember your lookbooks for your first collection were printed on Hand Made paper! How do you come up with this stuff!?

Kim: My head is full of so many ideas, different, un-conventional ideas. I get a lot of laughs out of people when I tell them my ideas, they wonder how I will ever pull it off.....small steps I say, and keep your eye on the vision!

Brett: You've just started offering sewing lessons in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. What was the driving force behind starting them?

Kim: I want to get young people involved in crafts again. It's a skill that is lacking in so many young people. When I grew up everyone learned a little bit of everything my parents did. All the kids in my family new how to service a car, change a tyre, sew a button, mend clothing, cross-stitch. It was just something we did, we got involved. It doesn't happen as much anymore. I want to give people the opportunity to learn some of those skills.

Brett: What sort of sewing lessons do you offer?

Kim: We've got sewing lessons for everyone, seriously. For people who have never sewn, to advanced sewing classes and even classes customised to their skill level. One-on-one and group classes are available, it's so much fun to sew with your friends.

We've got Basic, Advanced, Masters and a specialised course for Upcycling clothes. We can come to you and teach you on your own machine.

Brett: If our readers want more information about the sewing classes where can they find them?

Kim: People can check out my website, or email me through Designer Lookout and I can send them a flyer.

Brett: It's been great chatting to you, all the best with the sewing lessons, we might have to get a refresher course on some basics.

Kim: Thanks Brett, always a pleasure.

To find out more about Kim's label and her sewing lessons, check out www.eastofgrey.com.au or go to her Designer Lookout profile.