Hidden Room Etsy Shop

Hello everyone! I have been on a complete blog hiatus this past month or so, but I am back and more energized than ever! Handmade in SA's newest feature is Ganna, a self taught seamstress/designer from her Hidden Room shop on Etsy. This beautiful shop is full of lacy, pretty dresses, skirts and tops. Check it out HERE.

HSA: How long have you been sewing? Who taught you how to sew?

Ganna: My grandmother taught me (among lots of other crafty things) to use a
sewing machine when I was seven. She may have had second thoughts
about it later when sewing supplies started disappearing from her
closet.:) Ive been altering and personalizing clothes for as long as I can
remember, I always had some issues with ready to wear clothing available
in stores. I decided to learn to make clothing from scratch, but with no extra time or money to attend school the internet became my fashion design institute. After some time and countless yards ofwasted fabric I was making clothes for myself and my friends. About
two years ago I set up an online store, mostly to showcase my projects.


HSA: What has been your favorite piece to make?/Most memorable piece and who was it for?

Ganna: The first dress sold in this store was also one of the most memorable
pieces. Realization that people like something I made with my own hands and are willing to pay for it was, honestly, a shock to me. It also planted a deep responsibility [in me] to deliver the best possible quality to my customers for their money. My most unusual project so far was ministers robe I made for a friend.

HSA: Why dresses? Why not say...pants or blazers? =)

Ganna: Marilyn Monroe said " I don't mind living in a mans world as long as I can be a woman in it" A dress is a physical embodiment of these words for me. I'll take on whatever this mad world brings at me, but I want my right to dress up and be vulnerable and fragile "( I'm sure Z Freud
would've had something to say about it, he he)

HSA: Just for fun, what is your favorite food?

Ganna:  I am a fan of healthy and wholesome eating. Luckily I have a sister who is also a big food enthusiast. Together we are on a quest for new gastronomic experiences: from recreating our favourite kinds of sushi to making kombucha to backing artisan bread and brewing beer. We often
visit local farmers market to stock up on supplies for our next projects and and just to be in the atmosphere of homegrown, handmade and awesome.

Ganna, I think your shop is awesome and thanks so much for sharing your story with us!