Meet Julie Oh

March 2025

As our first maker in residence, Julie Oh sees sewing as both an art form and a practical tool. In her work in the Studio during March, she hoped to help create a ripple effect of creativity, sustainability, and resourcefulness throughout the library. 

Daughter of a dressmaker, Julie began sewing at age 11 and has always been fascinated by creating new designs and experimenting with fabric. Her love for vintage fashion and sustainability inspired her to transform a collection of vintage scarves into children’s dresses. She also draws inspiration for her creations from her Korean heritage and from mid-century modern design. 

During the residency, Julie hoped to work closely with others in the community who share an interest in sewing, design, and sustainability. She loves to collaborate with talented individuals, sharing her skills and helping them transform their ideas into tangible, useful creations. 

Come be inspired and enjoy the versatile, timeless craft of sewing while using the equipment and machines that are available in the makerspace. Through workshops and collaborative projects, Julie aims to empower patrons to explore sewing as a medium for personal expression, sustainable fashion, and practical utility. 

Julie had regular office hours in the Studio and also led several programs for the public throughout March 2025. 

Julie's Workshops

• Alteration Basics - Thursday, March 6, 2025 
  Adults brought 1-2 pieces of clothing to alter or mend. Patrons were able to learn basic alteration skills to support their wardrobe.

• Decorate a Quilt Square - Tuesday, March 11, 2025 
  This was a drop-in event for youth and families. Patrons joined the maker in residence to decorate a quilt square that will become part of our community quilt project. Limited art and decoration supplies were provided for participants.  

• Use Recycled Materials with Our Maker in Residence - Thursday, March 20, 2025 
  Patrons learned to use recycled fabrics and materials to make pouches, totes bags, or a quilt square. Participants were encouraged to bring recycled fabric or clothes of their own to use in this workshop. 

• Collage Quilt Squares - Tuesday, March 25, 2025 
  Patrons in grades 9-12 joined the maker in residence to learn basic sewing skills and make a square for our community quilt. 

We Made a Community Quilt! 

During March, patrons were welcome to stop by the Studio to pick up a template and instructions for making a square to contribute to our quilt. Patrons were able to make a square in the Studio or take the instructions home and then come back with their completed square. 

The finished quilt is on display in the Studio. Stop by and see the one-of-a-kind creation Julie made for the community at Skokie Public Library!