[Team Opus] Amy Thompson, Talented Seamstress, Award Winning Designer, Absolute Legend,

Who Made My Clothes? Meet Amy from Opus.

This year, Fashion Revolution Week runs from April 22nd to 27th. When you're looking to make an ethical purchase, you might find yourself asking, "Who made my clothes?" — and that's one of the key messages behind the Fashion Revolution movement.

To celebrate, we're shining a spotlight on the hands and heart behind your clothes at Opus — meet Amy. An Ohakune local, she's been with us since way back, starting as a seamstress in 2018. A longstanding and dedicated team member, Amy helps keep the business threaded together. Over the years, she’s not only crafted countless garments, but also woven her way into our hearts and into her current role as shop manager.

We had a chat with Amy to learn more about the magic behind the seams (much to her humble dismay).

Hi Amy! You’ve been with Opus for a number of years now, but your journey started even earlier — can you tell us about that?

I’ve actually been working with Janelle since I was 14. I chose textiles in high school for my Gateway programme because it was the emptiest class — and then I discovered I actually really liked it.

Love that! What do you enjoy most about sewing garments?

Turning flat pattern pieces into a 3D, wearable garment — that transformation is just so satisfying. I really enjoy the whole process and can get totally lost in it. I love doing a full size run and seeing the finished product on the shelf.

What do you think is the most important part of a garment’s construction?

Pockets! It has to have pockets — women get ripped off in the pocket department. But also, the garment needs to move with you. If the fabric is going to stop me from moving comfortably, I’m not going to use it.

Are there certain fibres you enjoy working with more than others?

At the moment I’m loving hemp — it’s similar to linen but stronger. I’m also a fan of the brushed-back merino sweatshirting; it’s soft, warm, and lovely to sew.

As someone working in the fashion industry, why do you think it’s important to know where your clothes come from?

It’s like anything else, right? It’s good to know where your food comes from — so why not your clothes? If you can make your own food from garden to table, why can't you make your own clothing from workroom to closet? It's about tracing every part and appreciating how it’s actually assembled. You can make ethical choices.

So for someone wanting to make a more ethical choice, where should they start?

Be more mindful when you're shopping. Read the tag. Where are your clothes made? What’s the fabric composition? Is it biodegradable? Where was the fabric sourced? How do they treat their staff? Asking these questions can help you make more informed, ethical choices.

And don’t forget about buying secondhand! It doesn’t have to be brand new to be beautiful. Hit the op shop, repurpose something — or give upcycling a go before jumping into full garment making. One person's trash can easily become your treasure. I always alter my own clothes — even the brand-new ones. If it doesn’t fit, I just tweak it.

What advice would you give someone who’s keen to start sewing or altering their own clothes?

It’s like any skill — you won’t get it right the first time. Persist. I don’t think I even enjoyed sewing until I made a garment I was really proud of. Start simple: make a cushion or a pillowcase. Even just grab a nice square piece of fabric and edge it into a blanket. That’s how you build confidence.

What are your must-have staples in your wardrobe?

A good sweater, for sure. And some nice, light thermals that I can wear under anything — jeans, dresses, you name it. That way I can carry my autumn and summer wardrobe right into winter.

Besides the power of being an amazing seamstress… if you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I’d love to control the weather. So when there’s a drought, I could make it rain — or if we want to go skiing up the mountain, I could turn it into a bluebird day.

The local farmers and shredders would love you for that one! When you’re not sewing up a storm at Opus, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I love doing nails. I actually did a course during lockdown because I was bored, and it’s turned into a bit of a side hustle that I really enjoy.

You do an awesome job at that too! Any big plans for the future?

I’d really love to do some travelling and see what else is out there — especially what fashion looks like overseas.

Cheers Amy. Make sure you report back when you do!

For sure!