Senior Textile Crafts Editor
Work-standing SIA
Latvian textile craftsmanship, beginner sewing instruction, sustainable upcycling practices, and traditional linen weaving heritage with modern hobbyist applications.
How a childhood memory transformed into a passion for teaching textile craftsmanship
Inese discovered her passion for sewing at age eight through her grandmother's traditional Latvian weaving loom in Kurzeme. That old loom wasn't just a craft tool — it sparked a lifelong interest in textile heritage that'd shape everything she did afterward. She spent countless afternoons watching her grandmother's hands move through the threads, learning rhythms and techniques that felt almost like a second language.
After completing her studies at Rīga Technical University in 2010, she didn't jump straight into corporate design work. Instead, she spent four years working with artisanal audēji weavers across rural Latvia. She wasn't just documenting traditional techniques — she was learning them. Real knowledge comes from time spent with people who actually know the craft. Those years taught her the nuances of authentic Latvian linen production in ways no textbook could.
In 2015, she opened her first dedicated šūšanas workshop in Rīga's Grīziņkalns district. What started as a small community space grew into something bigger. She developed a structured curriculum for beginners that's now used by seven community centers across Latvia. That's not because she's a great marketer — it's because the curriculum actually works. People learn. They come back. They bring friends.
Her transition to content creation happened naturally. She realized that quality beginner resources in English were virtually nonexistent for people wanting to explore Latvia's textile traditions. International hobbyists were hungry for real information, not generic sewing tips. Through work-standing SIA, she combines her workshop teaching experience with practical, evidence-based guidance. She believes sustainable upcycling isn't just environmentally responsible — it's the most authentic way to reconnect with textile craftsmanship.
Deep knowledge across five core areas of textile craftsmanship
From threading your first machine to completing your first project. She teaches the fundamentals that actually stick — proper hand positioning, tension control, and how to troubleshoot when something goes wrong.
Transforming old clothing into something new without needing advanced skills. Her approach focuses on practical, achievable projects that teach technique while reducing textile waste.
Working with authentic Latvian linen from traditional audēji weavers. She knows the characteristics of quality linen, how to work with it, and how to connect with producers who maintain heritage techniques.
Sewing for your living space — cushion covers, table linens, bed textiles, wall hangings. She teaches how to choose appropriate fabrics and construction methods for items that'll last years.
Running hands-on šūšanas workshops in Rīga and Ventspils. She's developed curricula that work in group settings, where people with different learning styles all end up understanding the material.
Creating resources that actually explain things clearly. No fluff, no assumptions about what readers already know. Just practical guidance for people wanting to learn textile crafts properly.
Inese's teaching philosophy comes from years of working with real beginners in real workshops. She doesn't believe in the "follow these exact steps" approach. That works for one person and frustrates the next. Instead, she teaches the why behind each technique — why you hold the fabric this way, why tension matters, why seam allowances need to be consistent.
She's seen too many people quit because they felt like they were doing something wrong. The reality? Most "mistakes" in sewing are just different approaches. A seam that's not perfectly straight might still be functional. A piece that doesn't match your expectations might lead somewhere interesting. She encourages experimentation while teaching the fundamentals that'll keep things from actually falling apart.
Sustainability isn't a side topic in her teaching — it's foundational. She believes that when you understand how textiles are made, how much work goes into a single garment, you naturally want to care for what you own and extend its life. Upcycling isn't a trendy hobby in her workshops. It's about respect for materials and resources.
Her connection to Latvia's textile heritage is personal and genuine. She's not teaching traditional techniques because they're fashionable. She's teaching them because they represent real knowledge developed over centuries, knowledge that's worth preserving. Working with authentic Latvian linen from audēji weavers isn't about authenticity for its own sake — it's about understanding materials in their proper context.
"The best sewn piece isn't perfect. It's made with intention and care, by someone who understands what they're doing and why it matters."
Practical guides for learning textile crafts from scratch
Latvian linen has a reputation for quality. Learn what makes it special, how to identify authentic audēji weaver linen, and why it's worth the investment for your first projects.
Read the guideYou don't need expensive materials to learn. Discover three straightforward upcycling projects that teach essential skills while transforming clothes you already have.
Explore projectsA sewing machine can feel intimidating. Walk through setup step-by-step, understand what each part does, and learn the three stitches you'll actually use most.
Start hereReady to learn in person? Discover active šūšanas workshops across Latvia, what each offers, and how to find the right fit for your experience level.
Find workshopsBrowse the complete collection of beginner-friendly guides, project ideas, and workshop recommendations developed through years of hands-on teaching experience.
