Palak Shah

Meet Palak

Pellon: Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Palak Shah: Although I love looking around in shops and online for fun projects, my main inspiration comes from necessity. In the past, I’ve made a skirt with a stay put waistband for my active daughter and a trick or treat bag that stays open on its own.

P: What does your creative process entail?
PS: With two little ones in tow, sewing time is scarce. Once I have an idea in my head I spend quite a bit of time trying to figure out the fastest and easiest way to sew it up while I do dishes and rock babies to sleep. When I get a chance to cut and sew; I find things go a bit faster, and I’m less likely to make mistakes with everything planned out.  

P: Why do you enjoy sewing/crafting/quilting?
PS: I wish I knew! For me knitting and sewing have been more a lifelong compulsion than a hobby. There’s just something about mixing math and art to create something that is both useful and beautiful that is almost addicting. If I go to long without a project, I start to feel twitchy. Now that I’m able to write sewing tutorials and design projects; I find it so satisfying to help others make things that they love as well.

P: What tips or tricks learned through experience can you share?
PS: I’ve learned to slow down and enjoy the process of sewing. I find that I get less frustrated—and end up with better finished project when I take my time and don’t rush!