Interview with Leigh Anne Hilbert, Overlap Sewing

Leigh Anne Hilbert lived in the Bay Area, CA, US until last year when she moved to Asheville, NC, which is closer to Virginia where she is originally from. Leigh Anne is married to “a total geek who I am madly in love with” and they have a son, Elias Grayson, who is 18 months old.

Leigh Anne describes herself as joyful, energetic, compassionate, creative, nightowlish, resourceful, and a work horse. In her spare time she cooks and eats outside, watches Sesame Street on Youtube, reads, lives and thinks of what she is going to make next. Also? She is scared of stuffed animals. Be sure to check out all her stuff at Overlap Sewing. Leigh Anne uses organic and bamboo fabrics and her appliques are made from recycled vintage lace. Her bags are made from old coats. You can Fan her on Facebook.

How long have you been creating?

I have been making stuff since I was little. My mom taught me to sew, and my grandmothers were amazing quilters, so I grew up loving the old timey fabrics and patchwork. When I started drawing and painting in high school, a whole new world opened up for me and I continued to study art from then on.

Do you have a favorite type of craft you do?

Not really. I love working with different media, and letting the material speak for itself.

Why did you start?

My hands seem to want to have something in them.

Where do you get your materials?

Thrift stores, my favorite being the Goodwill clearance center!, art supply stores, junk shops, eBay, old ladies who have lace to give away.

Can you tell us a little of your process?

I usually like to try to work with found materials, then I let them give me some inspiration. Each thing I do is unique. For a while, I tried mass producing runs of certain shirts, etc…but I got bored. I really enjoy standing with a pile of fabric or lace and just playing with them.

How long does it take?

Anywhere from an hour to a month, depending on how much time I have!

Do you have a dedicated work area/room?

Yes, which is awesome. But when people sleep over I have to relinquish it.

Is this your full-time job? Hobby? Fun?

I do this part-time right now. I also teach art to adults with developmental disabilities.

Where do you get your ideas?

Everywhere. They are nonstop.

Do you have a best seller?

The Baby Bomber hat from recycled wool, and my women’s appliqued t-shirts do well.

What is your favorite?

I love those bomber hats, too. It was the first hat I made for my son. I love the design and the reuse of material. They look damn cute on! And I am not one of those to use the word cute all over the place.

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?

1. Running a gallery/craft cooperative/studio
2. Making stuff

Have any advice for people trying to start their own handcrafted business?

Stick with what you like and do it well. Someone else will probably like it too.