Small But Big; GRL MADE.

I am thrilled to have interviewed the lovely Hannah, of GRL MADE, for this instalment in the series. She and I connected on Instagram a while ago, and I’ve been obsessed with her content ever since. GRL MADE is a collection of the loveliest embroidered clothing, with the perfect twist – everything is vegan, feminist and fun. 

Photo: GRL MADE

Hey, Hannah! Thanks so much for taking part in ‘Small But Big’. I absolutely love what you do, and the messages you put out there for all to see, on tees. When did you start the business up? 

Thanks Grace! I started GRL MADE officially in August this year, but it’s something that has been in the pipeline for a few years. I’ve always sewn and I started to teach myself how to hand embroider around 3 years ago and I made a few t-shirt designs, but it never really felt exactly right. It took me a bit of time to figure out the brand and exactly what I wanted to do with it and eventually I found machine embroidery. I bought myself a second hand machine from Ebay back in February and it took me 4- 5 months of researching and testing (and breaking many needles) to learn how to use it properly and start making designs I could actually sell! 

What has been the biggest surprise you’ve encountered since you started GRL MADE? 

I guess it would be how much there is to learn about machine embroidery. There are so many different elements that go with it. What backing to use with what material. What size needle to use with what thread. What tension to use with which design. I’m learning as I go and I’ve wanted to throw my machine out the window sometimes, but when I look back at the fact that at the beginning of the year, I’d never even seen an embroidery machine, to the progress I’ve made, I feel pretty darn proud!

It’s hard to choose, but my favourite product might just be the simple ‘Vegan Pizza’ tee. Closely followed by the plant milks tee – oh and the tote bag, of course. Do you have a favourite item in your Etsy shop?! 

The milks list seems to be one of the most popular designs actually, which I didn’t predict at all! My favourite would have to be one of my new designs, the ‘I really like animals’ tee. It’s so simple, but so true! Coming in second, would be the ‘Serial Plant Killer’ tee. It seems like a lot of people can relate to that design!

Photo: GRL MADE

What is one of your biggest dreams for this shop? 

My biggest dream would be that one day I can work on this as my full time job. It seems crazy in my head and I have to make myself believe that it could happen, but only if I really work at it. I dream of having my own studio space (or even a space that isn’t a desk in my bedroom, which is the current situation) to create all day long!

Anything else you want to share? The floor is yours!

I have lots of ideas for GRL MADE in 2020. I would like to sell at a vegan festival or market so I can meet customers in person, create my own website and start to offer an up-cycling service where I can embroider pre-loved garments and give them a new lease of life. I just want to get really creative and see where it takes me.

Photo: GRL MADE

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Thank you so much for answering my questions, Hannah. You are an absolute boss queen. Readers, you can follow this brilliant woman and her work at @grl.made on Instagram, or visit etsy.com/uk/shop/GRLmade!

You can check out the previous Small But Big posts HERE. Are you enjoying them so far? It’s still early days, but I have high hopes for this project-within-a-project. Tweet me or comment with any feedback, please!