I work in the arts, curating and art history. When I sew I am in the moment and enjoy the constructing. I often watch a film or listen to a podcast or audio book whilst I sew. In recent years following fellow sewers on social media, indie pattern makers with designs that are tagged and shared and free independent sustainable patterns such as found on Peppermint magazine has really added to my endeavours. Through Instagram I feel connected to a world wide community of sewers and makers.
I have an art collection and in that a work that brings me great joy is the one I swapped for a dress I’d made. I also made bags to support the bill for marriage equality. I sold some through social media. It was a moment of activist sewing.
I am self-taught and started sewing in my early 40s. I sew my clothes, homewares, bags largely because I love fabric, fashion, creating and making. I have made chair covers, cushions, curtains through to clothes often using patterns by independent designers who I’ve found on Instagram. I’ve made clothes for friends, I’ve hacked patterns. My friend & I once swapped a dress.
What does sewing mean to you? Do you love it, hate it or do it because you have to?
Love it even when it hurts my brain which sometimes it does with complicated patterns. The struggle is worth it for the joy of completing a hand made garment.
How much time do you spend sewing in a typical week?
One day in a working week and three to four days if a holiday week.
What sewing accessory can you not live without and why?
A pick n quick or sometimes called stitch ripper, I often rush in only to realise I need to unpick stitches and start again.
Do you have any sewing tips to share?
Really consider how the fabric will hang and look and decide what it would best suit before cutting
