custom fashion artwork
the beginning
I studied communication design with the goal of creating useful and inspiring things out of paper and textiles. In the beginning, i filled my sketches with color, repeats and fabric scraps. After many years of digital print design and private textile projects, I made a shift towards fashion graphics.
visual communication is my main mode of speech, add the tactile world of textiles & everything becomes more real.
tammy sue steffens- conceptual designer
the experience
The first 30 years of my personal work involving vintage sewing techniques, patterns, natural dye work and fabric painting was full of exploration, while the last 10 years of trend related fashion graphic design experience was a wild journey. I learned an amazing amount of techniques. Creating t-shirt print & embellishment designs, as well as allover & repeat print work for womenswear in hamburg, germany.
specialties
I specialise in hand-drawn and painted repeats, which i also digitize. T-shirt print designs made for silk screen, as well as print alternatives, such as embroidery and appliqué work are my favorites. Thread & appliqué work are both upgrading embellishments and more sustainable than ink. Knitwork ( intarsia or jacquard ) and burn-out designs are also important to me and all types of application work, like beads, sugar, metallics, cords, etc.
ready for production
i can help you create a cohesive set of designs to add to your collection – if it’s just 1 print, graphic, embellishment or an entire artwork collection. The finished artwork will be delivered ready for production. Check out my portfolio on behance or get in touch for personalized branded t-shirt graphics, allover prints & placements.
my work is “made to order” to insure my customers can own something that fits their needs and desires.
tammy sue steffens – seamstress
made-to-order handwork
stories
My work is full of natural materials, handwork and stories. I shape tales in textiles through the use of embellishment. creating symbolic pieces for ritual and daily use.
natural fibers
Biodegradable materials and threads are my first preference, wherever possible. I am adamant about restyling and restoring lightly worn clothing. Equally important, for me, when purchasing new textiles is that they are natural fiber fabrics of fine quality.
made to order
Handwork is my specialty and handwork exploration my inspiration. Through the years i have realized, both digitally & in-print many different ideas and projects. My work is “made to order” to insure my customers can own something that fits their needs and desires.
Visit the handmade section of the shop for ready made styles or the pattern section for custom style ideas. Get in touch for more info.
experience the medtative qualities of hand sewing, the excitement of vintage sewing and the magic of symbolic appliqué work.
tammy sue steffens – teacher
sewing classes
explore
I love hand sewing and appliqué techniques. They are an amazing source of inspiration for me. I offer online learning experiences for creatives and anyone interested in exploring textile handwork, vintage sewing & embellishment making. Experience the medtative qualities of hand sewing, the excitement of vintage sewing and the magic of symbolic appliqué work.
upcoming
Classes & workshops are in the planning mode, at the moment. Eventually, upcoming class offers will be in the shop section. Fun & easy tutorials are in the library section of the webpage.