Indie round up: Hello Josie from Handmade by Josie!

I’ve got two more interviews to share with you (maybe a third if a certain someone sends me her answers soon 😉 )

Today it is Josie of Handmade by Josie’s turn.

If you missed the last few interviews, here is where to read about their awesomeness:

• Penny of Dresses and Me
• Lizzie of Busy Lizzie
• Rachel of House of Pinheiro
  
• Heather from Heather’s Hobbies
• Sarah of Sew Love Tea Do
• Me!

Hi Josie!

What do you like the most about sewing with indie patterns?

The fit. Indie patterns tend to fit a whole lot better in my experience and also the finished product actually looks like its supposed to! I dont know how many things I’ve made that come out looking nothing like the picture on the front cover!

I’ve found that Indie patterns usually come with a tutorial that provides a lot of guidance for novice sewer like myself. That really has helped me lot and kept my interest in sewing going strong. Also a lot of indoe patterns come with add-ons and variations like how to turn a top into a dress, different types of sleeves etc.

What’s your favourite Indie pattern, and why?

I really like the Mathilde top from Tilly and the buttons and also the Washi dress by Made by Rae. They were both really easy to sew and actually came out looking like they are supposed to! Also I feel confident in actually wearing them out as they don’t look “handmade”.Also both patterns have really detailed instructions and great pics to guide you along the way.

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What’s your favourite thing you’ve made from an indie pattern?

My Washi dress. I wear it all the time!

Which is your favourite indie pattern company, and why?

So far I’ve only had experience with Tilly and the buttons and Made by Rae, so they are both my faves.

Which indie pattern are you planning on making next?

I have just purchased Megan Nielson’s Darling Ranges dress and The Wiksten tank.

What indie patterns are on your wish list?

Colette – Hawthorn, Peony, Iris

Deer and Doe – Sureau and Belladone

Sewaholic – Pendrell

Sewliberated – Clara dress and Schoolhouse Tunic

I love your first few Indie makes Josie,  and judging from your wishlist there are heaps more to come! 🙂 You have shown me some great new patterns , thank you so much for participating last month xx

Indie round up: Hello Lizzy from Sew Busy Lizzy!

I hope you guys are enjoying reading these interviews with out fellow bloggers and indie pattern lovers.

Now it is Lizzy of Sew Busy Lizzy‘s turn.

If you missed the last few interviews, here is where to read about their awesomeness:

• Penny of Dresses and Me
• Lizzie of Busy Lizzie
• Rachel of House of Pinheiro
  
• Heather from Heather’s Hobbies
• Sarah of Sew Love Tea Do

Hi Lizzy!

What do you like the most about sewing with indie patterns?

I love supporting individuals who are out there doing something they love, taking a risk & putting themselves out there. Most indie companies have a distinct style or niche that they design for and I respect that – they are not trying to be everything to everybody.

What’s your favourite Indie pattern company, and why?

I adore Sewaholic, everything is so well drafted and Tasia has incorporated clever finishes (the beautiful Cambie dress lining, the Pendrell sleeve frills) and smart design elements (back seam of Thurlows for fitting, piping the Tofino pants to visually lengthen your legs).

That said, By Hand London is pounding on my door to be a favourite with their first three patterns. I adore their designs & packaging. They are really going to be the one to watch. They are very ‘now’ and filling the niche for funky street fashion sewing – something that is needed – sewing is the new rock n roll. Go girls!

What’s your favourite thing you’ve made from an indie pattern?

In the spirit of the Olympics – I’ve got gd, silver & bronze!

Gold would be my Maria Denmark Day to Night top. I’ve worn it to death, it’s flattering, uses next to no fabric & took less than one hour to make! I will be making lots more of these!

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Silver to my By Hand London Elisalotte. I just love the visual punch of this dress – I feel amazing in it. It’s not something I can wear everyday but it is awesome.

Bronze to my Sewaholic Cambies. I’ve made four and am working on number 5!

Which is your favourite indie pattern and why?

Oh goodness that’s such a tough one!! I loooove the Cambie, it’s a well documented fact!

I also love the cowl-neck Sewaholic Renfrew (doesn’t everyone?) and Maria Denmark cowl day-to-night top. I think I may have a cowl fetish going on…

Which indie pattern are you planning on making next?

I’m finishing off a Cambie but after that I’d love to make another By Hand London Victoria blazer, an everyday one – something a bit less luxe than my sari lined one!

I’ve also got Victory Patterns Nicola queued and Jalie jeans at some point… then there is that bombshell swimsuit – although swimwear gives me a cold sweat.

What indie patterns are on your wish list?

GRAINLINE! I still can’t believe I haven’t made the Archer, Moss or Scout. It’s ridiculous. I must rectify this situation soon.

Thanks so much Lizzy, I love ALL your Cambie dresses, each one is different but they all look great on you, it’s no wonder you are addicted!

 

Indie round up: Hello Sarah from Sew Love Tea Do!

Who is next in line for our Indie lovers interview?

It’s fellow Kiwi Sarah of Sew Love Tea Do!

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 If you missed the last few interviews, here is where to read about their awesomeness:

• Penny of Dresses and Me
• Lizzie of Busy Lizzie
• Rachel of House of Pinheiro
  
• Heather from Heather’s Hobbies

Hi Sarah!

Hello Mel, shucks thank you I am so pleased that you’re asking ME 🙂 xx

What do you like the most about sewing with indie patterns?

I’m a newbie to indie patterns, having always been a vintage pattern lover. I am so grateful for the girls who introduced indie pattern month to me, as I have found a wondrous new world to support. I found the indie patterns I have sewn so far really clear and easy to follow. I particularly love the fresh clean NEW look of them, uncrinkled papers and bonus in full squares – a complete contrast sorting out dishevelled old opp shopped patterns.

What’s your favourite Indie pattern, and why?

I see huge potential in reworking some vintage textiles with the Sewaholic Pendrell Blouse. I’m looking at making it without the frills, with only some frills, shorter crop top and also longer as a tunic. It’s these simpler sews that you really can go wild with found textiles and interesting colours/patterns that may be small offcuts screaming ‘rescue me’ on their way to the bin – exactly my kinda sewing.

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What’s your favourite thing you’ve made from an indie pattern?

Style wise I really really love my wolf pants (Peter & The Wolf Pants from Papercut Patterns). Although I had a few troubles with my strange(?) crotch/seat shape hehe, I LOVE the finished product and am excited for round 2 and round 3 and many more to come.

 

I am adding in Sarah’s Cutesy Lil Capelet (a free pattern from Peppermint Magazine drafted by the amazing Sandra, a sewing buddy of mine from Perth) because even though it’s a late entry for Indie Pattern Month (says she who is still working on her lady Grey!) it is too cute not to share!

Which is your favourite indie pattern company, and why?

I don’t have a ‘favourite’ yet but I would have to say, Papercut Patterns really excites me like no other pattern ever has (that includes vintage gems). From arrival, to unravelling, layout, design, the cute hanger/box/booklet packaging. I think they are awesome at showing that sewing is fun, funky, modern, ok modern isn’t a nice modern sounding word – & I want to say hip without sounding like my dad. Cool, perhaps cool is the word. I am all for getting more young people into sewing, inspiring the next generation to pick up age old skills rather than head straight to the mall. So, thanks to spunky products like Papercut Patterns, sewing definitely can hold some street cred. AND kiwi made, LOVE IT!

Which indie pattern are you planning on making next?

I am super keen to jump onto the Victoria Blazer sew along over at byhandlondon. It will be my first sew along actually 🙂 The blazer looks like it would be a go-to garment through all seasons, and I have loved the makes I have seen already through my ‘sewing crew’ list in my bloglovin’. I am excited to see how I can break it down, to colour block it up of course. I am thinking of making a match to my wolf pants, a patterned two piece would be so much fun.

What indie patterns are on your wish list?

I really like the look of the Victory Pattern Lola, I have been collecting lots of colourful sweatshirting and think they are totally destined for some snuggly dresses before the winter here is through …in saying that, as it is soon to be spring (its not, but I like to think its near) I am on the prowl for a new shorts pattern…

Thanks so mcuh for arranging, it was a fun kick up the butt to really get me sewing some new things& great to explore a new realm of patterns I had never really known before. Bless ya! xx

Wow Sarah, you are most very welcome. I learnt about some great new pattern companies too and saw so much inspiration. Also Kat and I both have a seriously huge sewing crush on your Peter and the Wolf pants! Ohh! 🙂

Are you enjoying our sewing interviews and getting some great inspiration? Stay tuned for a few more…

Indie round up: Hello Heather from Heather’s Hobbies!

It’s time for another fabulous blogger interview. If you missed the last few check out the amazing Penny of Dresses and Me, Lizzie of Busy Lizzie and  Rachel of House of Pinheiro.

Today we get to chat with Heather of Heather’s Hobbies.

Hi Heather!

What do you like the most about sewing with indie patterns?

As a newer sewist, I really appreciate the extra level of detail and thought that are put in the patterns. Sizing of indie patterns tends to be much more real world than the Big Four. There are often online tutorials, instructions for common fitting problems and alternate hems, sleeves, or pockets. I have even contacted a designer directly with a question and received a response practically immediately. Even though the issue was user error, it was nice to know that I could contact a real human being about my question.

What’s your favourite Indie pattern, and why?

I really like both of the Washi dresses I have made. Maybe it is because they are so playful. Yes, both of them are a bit on the silly side, but I love the easy fit of the dress and it offers endless possibilities for dressing up or down depending on the fabric chosen and accessories worn with it. I’m not dropping any hints here, but it would also be a super cute maternity dress.

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What’s your favourite thing you’ve made from an indie pattern?

I really love my newest make, Deer and Doe’s Belladone Dress. The fabric is just beautiful, and the back detail turned out very nicely.

Which is your favourite indie pattern company, and why?

I tend to sew a lot of Colette’s patterns. I think this is mostly because they have such a wide selection.

I haven’t sewn their patterns yet, but I really like the classic lines of the Sewaholic designs. These seem to be items that every woman could use in their closet.

Which indie pattern are you planning on making next?

The Hawthorn dress by Colette is next in the queue. I have always like the idea of a shirt dress, but this one seems to be the first one I’ve seen with enough shape to really fit the way I want it to.

I would also like to begin the muslin fitting for the Robson Coat. We’ll see which one wins out when I actually sit down to sew the next time.

What indie patterns are on your wish list?

Sewaholic’s Cordova jacket is high on the list.

Papercut pattern’s Ooh la la leggings run a close second.

Thank you!  I feel so honored!

You’re welcome Heather, thank you for being fabulous. I really love your Belladone, wow, I really need to make my version up, every time I see one I fall in love with that pattern all over again! 🙂

Who will we meet next? Stay tuned!