I first met Angie last fall when I was trying to get my vintage peacoat repaired. It was in sad, sad shape. The lining was messed up, the sleeves were splitting, the buttonholes were in a very bad state, one of the buttons was glued on. Let’s not even discuss the pockets. We live in Homedale and I really wanted to save this peacoat. I picked it up for $50 at The Youth Ranch in Caldwell and wore it all the time during cold weather. I wore it so much, I thought it was probably beyond help. I took it to Angie. About a month later it was as good as new, in fact, it was better!
Angie saved the coat and the original label that went with the coat. She has fixed dresses, skirts, and shirts for me that I wear on stage during our performances. I thought some of these items were lost and should just go to the Youth Ranch. Like magic, she fixed them, fitted them, and I never once had to take off my clothes and take a fitting. It’s like she can gauge your size just by looking at you and your build.
Angie (Angela) Hopkins has lived in the Treasure Valley in Idaho for most of her life. It is the state that she loves the most. She is devoted to education and family and has 13 grandchildren. She received a BBA (Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration) and then decided to start her own business.
Her maternal family is long in the tooth with scenic design, tailoring, design, and sewing, so it was only natural for Angie to pick up the needle, so to speak. She decided to follow the family line and be the best tailor/seamstress she could, and she has succeeded. The quilt work she does is amazing. My grandmother spent hours making quilts for all of her grandchildren out of scrap material. She sewed it all by hand and Angie carries on the tradition, but with a sewing machine. This Folk Art tradition has been lost to many people.
I could go on and on about Angie. She is amazingly talented, has the patience to deal with an eccentric hippy musician/artist, and does her work with all care, she envisions the project before she even starts, and she is a very warm and loving person. You can tell by the first time that you meet her. She loves creating beautiful and fun gifts for her grandchildren, just like my grandmother did. I really like her and hope she will get out to one of the Farmers’ Markets to share her art.
Angie’s granddaughters in robes made for them and a cute doll
Angie works with some of the most difficult fabrics including silk and leather, and she does a great job! She lives in Homedale on the outskirts, but it is a pleasant drive. Use your GPS and enjoy the drive. It’s calming, and when you walk away with your garments or whatever it is you want her to make or fix, you walk away with a smile! Her prices are great, and I always leave a tip, whatever I can afford at the time. It’s well worth it!
Please call ahead to set an appointment.
Angela Hopkins
4703 Clapier Lane
Homedale, Idaho
The Ideal Sew Shop
208-859-0160
Idaho Gazette 