Fashionistas she saw in TV and movies inspired Mary Alabsew to learn how to sew. Ever since she was little, these style icons sparked her interest in fashion and pushed her to pursue the hobby. 

“Even before high school, I thought ‘I’m going to be a fashion designer when I grow up,’”Alabsew said. “It’s always been [my] goal to sew.”

Alabsew learned how to make clothes while taking Fashion Construction I and II classes during her freshman and sophomore years at KHS. Amanda Roberts, her teacher, said her talent and passion for sewing was obvious in class. 

“She had a natural desire to learn,” Roberts said. “[For her final project] she did a few things I hadn’t even taught her. She really took her skills to the next level.”

When she bought her own sewing machine last year, she started sewing at home in her free time, making her own clothes from old pieces she already owned. Alabsew said she enjoys the freedom that sewing gives her to personalize her style. 

“I’ll still buy clothes now and again, but I would rather upcycle them,” Alabsew said. “ I don’t go by fashion trends, more [by] what I like.”