Hannah McDevitt
READY-TO-WEAR TAILORING SPECIALIST
Hannah is a native Oregonian whose lifelong love of fiber arts started at a young age after her paternal grandmother taught her the basics of sewing, knitting, and cross stitch. She moved to San Francisco in the early 2000’s to study pattern making for fashion design at Apparel Arts. In the decades since, she has taught sewing and quilting classes, co-authored a sewing book, designed custom suiting, and has spent the last ten years working in alterations and vintage restoration. She lives in Portland with her husband, son and two cats.
Favorite thing to sew?
‘I love sewing halloween costumes and restoring vintage pieces.’
Favorite part of alterations?
“As a profession, I love that I get to work with my hands everyday. It’s tactile, and very mentally stimulating to me. I also love the sustainability aspect: extending the life of a garment, or saving it from going to a landfill if it doesn’t fit quite right.”
Experience that got you sewing?
‘My late Grandma Dolly was a renowned quilter who introduced me to sewing. She always had a project in her hands whether it was an heirloom quilt or a knitting project.’
Greatest sewing achievement?
“I took a tailoring course in school, and completed a wool suit jacket with horsehair canvas, pad stitching and bound buttonholes. I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but learned a lot of new techniques!”
Favorite Portland Restaurant?
Furry friend?
“My two kitties, Clio & Matteo.”
Fun Fact!
“I can’t burp! Seriously. It’s a medical condition called retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (RCPD), and I’ve had it my whole life.”