What's up!? I'm Karly, the lady behind Penny sierra.  I'm a native of southern California, but have called the bay area home for 19 years now.  I studied film and sculpture at San fRANCISCO STATE and have had the time of my life working in the service industry for 17 years.  

I Got my professional training attending local Patternmaking trade institution, Apparel arts.  The incredible program gave me all the technical knowledge I needed to take my creativity to a new skill level.  A million thanks to my teacher Sara Alm, and program director Suzy Furrer. 

I started sewing as a kid, finishing my first garment for a girl scout badge in the 5th grade.  my parents were (and are) so supportive of my creative endeavors.  I grew up watching my dad measure twice and cut once in everything he built.   as a teenager I started shopping almost exclusively in thrift and vintage stores thanks to my mom, and fell in love with the treasure hunt and the connection with the past it made me feel. If i saw garments that I couldn't afford, I would do my best to recreate them DIY style at home. 

combining my love for vintage fashion with my passion for making things and the desire to see a shift towards sustainable fashion, I have created Penny Sierra.

  I sew entirely with vintage and second-hand fabrics that I find online and at thrift stores, estate sales and local creative re-use sources.  I also try and find second hand notions and use second hand paper for my patterns.  because I source my fabrics second hand, I only end up with a couple yards of each fabric most of the time.  for that reason, most garments will be almost one of a kind, but it is also a whole task keeping my fabric inventory up to date, so I hope everyone will find a fabric they love!  ​

  i DRAW MOST OF MY INSPIRATION FROM THE 1970'S AND '80'S, DECADES THAT EMBODY INDEPENDENCE, GLAMOUR AND ANDROGYNY.  i BELIEVE CLOTHES SHOULD BE FUN AND COMFORTABLE WHILE MAKING THE WEARER FEEL SEXY AND AND ABLE TO TAKE ON THE WORLD.  i DESIGN STATEMENT PIECES THAT ARE FLATTERING ON ALL BODY TYPES AND ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL AGES.   

    i pride myself on my attention to detail and craft-womanship, and try to always be available for the customer and strive to build them something that will fit beautifully and last.  thanks so much for checking out my creations, and I hope you can feel the love that goes into them.  

xoxo

karly

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