Alex Lunt: Seamstress

Spotted in: SOMA, SF

Occupation: Seamstress

What are you up to today?

I'm babysitting, so we're going to the library for story time.

Oh, which library?

Mission Bay Library—it's on King and Fourth.

Is babysitting what you regularly do?

No, I'm a seamstress. I used to work in denim, but now I have my own thing. I kind of do handbags, and a lot of alterations.

How did you get started doing that?

I went to school for it. I also learned from my grandma—I would go to her house every summer.

When did you realize that this was something you wanted to do?

When I was in high school. I went to art school and I was a dance major, but then I realized that wasn't going to be a really good career, so I thought oh, I love sewing!

What are some favorite projects you've worked on lately?

I just did a bunch of aprons for Craftsmen and Wolves.

What are your favorite places to hang out in the neighborhood?

Well, I don't really hang out in SOMA that much. I love the Mission. And I live in the Tenderloin, so I love the TL.

Any new favorite spots out there?

I just love the bars on Polk St—Hemlock and Blur. But I never really explore SOMA, so I kind of like it!

What's something that's caught your interest lately?

I've been really into chain stitching, just learning how to chain stitch. It's a type of embroidery stitch. There are machines that can do it, or you can do it by hand.

So you do embellishments with that?

Yeah, I've been learning how to do it by hand.

Has it been difficult?

Kind of . . . yeah. It's weird sewing with my hands when I'm so used to sewing with a machine. The most difficult part is learning how to do it quickly.

What's something that's been on your mind lately?

I've been thinking I want to go to Hawaii.

What part of Hawaii?

Anywhere. For like a month. I just want to go sit on the beach.

What's a recent challenge that you've overcome?

Learning how to walk in the city with a stroller. [laughs] People are just kind of rude. I don't know.

Oh, so they're not really understanding?

Yeah, and I get really nervous that someone's going to run me over or something!

So how would you describe your personal style?

Very crazy. I wear polka dots every single day.

Really?

Well, not on purpose. I just think it's because I have so much of it in my wardrobe. But literally every day. Someone just asked me that question today! But I wear just a mix of everything I guess! I love print on print, except I'm not wearing that today. I like crazy things.

Where did everything come from? I love the patch on your jacket!

Oh I made this, yeah. The pants are from ASOS. The shoes are converse, the chambray shirt and the denim jacket are from Levi's.

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