At Polpo Designs, sewing isn’t just a craft—it’s a family legacy. My grandmother stitched up every childhood outfit for her daughters, passing her skills down to the next generation. My Auntie Emma became the go-to for alterations and repairs, keeping her friends and their wardrobes in tip-top shape. After her passing in 2004, the family sewing machines collected dust in the attic, waiting for someone to pick up the thread.

Fast forward almost twenty years to 2022. I had an idea to make a sweatshirt for myself and climbed into my parents’ attic, where Emma’s Pfaff machine sat patiently. With colorful pins in hand and some new oil in the old German machine, I set out to teach myself to sew. And just like that, Polpo Designs was born.

Today, I’m still sewing with Emma’s old machine and pins, adding my own flair to each piece I make. I handcraft every product right here in Portland, OR—designed with love, and made for friends, both old and new. My goal? To create gear you’ll wear, love, and put through the wringer—whether you’re strolling downtown, hunting for mushrooms, or calling your drop in the mountains.

Welcome to Polpo Designs.