Every seam, every stitch and every unpicked mistake teaches you to slow down and trust the process.”
Marvil
The Sewing Journey Behind Marvil Embroidery
Chapter 1 of 5
How did your love for sewing begin?
It started small, at home, when I was 15 or 16, sitting at my mother's sewing machine. I remember the excitement of creating something with my own hands. Years later, during the COVID period while I was living in Brazil, I came back to sewing, and it slowly grew into Marvil Embroidery and the studio I run today in Weybridge.
Chapter 2 of 5
How has your sewing journey changed you as a person?
As a designer, sewing has completely changed the way I see the world. I can't look at anything without those eyes anymore. Everything can be reused, redesigned and given a new life. I'm a huge fan of upcycling and slow fashion, and sewing taught me that what we already have often holds more value than anything new we could buy.
Chapter 3 of 5
What is something sewing has taught you about yourself?
That I'm more patient than I thought. Sewing doesn't let you rush. Every seam, every stitch and every unpicked mistake teaches you to slow down and trust the process. I've also learned that I love sharing what I know. Seeing a student finish their first project is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Chapter 4 of 5
Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving up on sewing? What helped you keep going?
Yes, there have been moments when a project just wouldn't come together, or when building a business from scratch felt overwhelming. What kept me going was remembering why I started: the joy of making something with my hands. Taking a break, stepping away from the machine and coming back with fresh eyes always helped. And the community, my students and the people who follow my work, reminded me that it was worth it.
Chapter 5 of 5
What encouragement or advice would you give to someone just starting to sew?
Mistakes are part of sewing, not a sign that you're bad at it. Every sewist you admire has unpicked hundreds of seams! Start with simple projects, celebrate every small win, and be kind to yourself. A great way to begin without pressure is to practise on old clothes or fabric you already have at home. Upcycling takes away the fear of "ruining" something, and you'll be surprised by what you can create. Your first pieces don't have to be perfect. They just have to be yours. 💕
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Marvil
“It started small, at home, when I was 15 or 16, sitting at my mother's sewing machine. I remember the excitement of creating something with my own hands. Years later, during the...”