When did you first start sewing and how did you learn?
I taught myself using a combination of my grandmothers Singer treadle machine and my mothers electric. I was probably about 4 or 5
Can you remember the first thing you made?
I made dolls clothes out of scraps of fabric.
Do you have any favourite pattern designers or celebrity sewers?
I think some of the modern Japanese pattern books are quite brilliant. The layouts tend to be quite sparse and the way the diagrams are executed adds a sort of old fashioned text book feel which I think is quite beautiful. I know some of them are now printed in English but I prefer the Japanese versions, the characters add to the look in a way. The other thing I really love about them is the paper. It's something we perhaps don't always realise is influencing our choices, but to me, how something feels, it's weight, definitely makes a difference. One magazine which I love reading for this exact reason is The Gentlewoman, apart the content, the choice and combination of the different paper stocks makes it all the more appealing.
What's your sewing room like and how do you organize your stash?
I set up my workroom in the sunroom of my house, it overlooks a park so I have a really great view. It's a 1930's style house with lots of leadlight windows and old hardwood floors. It's a rental so I'll be sad when I eventually have to move out. My stash is under my bed, I have three boxes (no more!)....no special organisation I just squash things in as needed. I've seen a few stashes and mine is definitely on the small side but I do have quite a few hiding places for buttons, usually vintage treasures I've found.
What music/podcasts/TV shows do you love to stitch along to?
I don't have anything playing while I sew...if it's summer time I just open the window and listen to what's happening outside. I usually say silence plus nature.
Do you do any other crafts and what are your hobbies?
Photography. I've been working with different photographers to produce material for the blog but more and more (as my skills have improved) I'm taking on this responsibility. I've started to make short films which I love, very steep learning curve though and not yet ready to share. A friend of my mothers taught me to knit when I was about 10 and have never stopped since. I also have an old farmhouse in the country so I spend a lots of time working in the garden when I'm visiting.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
My sewing philosophy has always been to combine simple shapes with beautiful fabric, the best I can afford really....that would be my advice if someone asked me.
Clothes
Toys
