Roots in Textile Tradition
Inese discovered her passion for sewing during childhood while
learning traditional embroidery techniques from her
grandmother in Limbaži, a region historically known for
textile production. Those early afternoons spent threading
needles and studying hand stitches shaped everything that came
next. She didn't just learn to sew — she learned why materials
matter, why technique matters, and why patience matters.
Formal Training and Early Career
After completing her degree in Applied Arts from the Latvian
Academy of Culture in 2010, she spent five years collaborating
with independent artisans and Latvian linen producers. This
wasn't classroom work. It was real production experience —
understanding where fabrics come from, what makes quality
materials worth choosing, and how sustainable practices
strengthen both the craft and the community. Those
partnerships shaped her conviction that hobbyists deserve
access to the same quality materials and knowledge that
professionals use.
Building the Workshop Movement
In 2015, she co-founded a šūšanas workshop collective in
Rīga's Centra district. What started as a shared workspace
grew into something bigger. By 2018, she'd expanded to
Ventspils, reaching people who wanted to learn sewing but
didn't know where to start. She's trained over 800 hobbyists
in both foundational and advanced techniques — and she
remembers why the fundamentals matter. Every person walks in
uncertain. Her job is to build their confidence alongside
their skills.
Teaching Philosophy
Inese's conviction is simple: creativity shouldn't require
expensive materials or intimidating techniques. Her teaching
emphasizes transforming everyday clothing and locally-sourced
Latvian textiles into meaningful handmade pieces. She
approaches content creation with the same precision she brings
to her workshops — practical, detailed, and grounded in real
textile knowledge rather than trends. You won't find shortcuts
in her work. You'll find the actual methods that professionals
use, explained in a way that makes sense to someone picking up
a needle for the first time.
