Judy Williment-Ross is a New Zealand-based maker who broke the internet when her lockdown project, the Epic Dress, was featured on the SewOver50 Instagram account. Clearly not afraid of getting in deep, Judy explains to me how she chooses which projects are worth investing her time in, and lays out her personal rules, ethics and criteria for selecting and using second hand materials. She also gives us tips on raising kids who embrace second hand and handmade, and expands on the satisfaction she finds in garment alterations. 

Support the podcast over on Patreon!

Follow Judy Williment-Ross and her creative journey on Instagram @judywillimentross. 

I first discovered Judy’s work via the @sewover50 Instagram account. 

Be inspired by the wonderful #sew50sustainablesewing hashtag. 

Exploring her love of men’s cotton shirts, Judy created this beautiful wrap front dress.  

The Epic Dress in all its glory:

The Hexi Coat, AKA The Behemoth:

Dunedin’s Stitch Kitchen is host to the Maker’s Pantry, selling second hand fabric, patterns and notions. 

Listen to Episode #21: The Joy of Reclaimed Fabric with Sarah AKA Sew Love NZ.

Some of Judy’s tiniest scraps became this awesome project bag: