Burda Style For people who sew

1. Where are you from and/or where do you live?

I live in a town called Thornhill which is south of Leeds in West Yorkshire UK, although I was born in south east London and moved up to Yorkshire a year ago.

2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing?

I think the first thing I made was a scarf. A family friend came to stay for a while when I was young (about 7 years old) and while she was with us she taught me how to knit. I think this is when I started to make things with textiles, before I would just make crafty paper objects and toys. Before I had a sewing machine I would sew cushion covers by hand but they looked awful! I never really thought I would be able to make actual clothing but then my mum (after much pleading) bought me a sewing machine in my mid teens and I started buying simple patterns and trying them out. The first good things I made were a couple of skirts. I got the fabric for the brown skirt from a market stall in Lewisham and for the grey skirt – I found the fabric on the floor after the market had packed away! -although cheap, I still wear these skirts today!! (see homepage pics)

3. What role does sewing play in your life?

Quite a big role! I have always thought of my sewing as just a hobby, however since discovering BurdaStyle and all the great creations on the site and on members blogs I would really like to take it further and combine it with my graphic design work. Before I got back into sewing I would only knit things every now and again but now i’m sewing everyday and trying things I really thought I would never be able to make, like jackets and trousers.

4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing?

My favourite thing would be the sewing up of the garment. I just love how the pieces suddenly transform into something that can be worn. And also altering patterns to see what interesting shapes and details you can come up with . My least favourite would be unpicking seams, it just feels like your not making any progress.

5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make?

I would like to make some dungarees for my husband. He has wanted them for a while but I can’t find a pattern anywhere for him, so if anyone knows please let me know! I would like to try menswear a bit more but at the moment there’s lots for me to learn about womenswear first.

6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like?

I, like some other members was looking for free patterns to use, but I not only found that, but also a wealth of great creations made by people of different backgrounds and abilities – this is what I love! the fact that there are so many inspiring creations and you can easily have your own page to show your creations to others and get feedback, even from those who are thousands of miles away!. Every member has different influences which surround them in their community and country but with the BurdaStyle site even if you’re not in the same country you can still link up and be influenced by them and their creations.

7. What is your motto?

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”
William Morris

I would always seek to try and make beautifully useful things!

Bola only joined a short while ago, but has quickly become one of our most prolific members. Her great eye for design is evident in all of her creations. Visit her at RedBubble to purchase some of her graphic designs.

1. Where are you from and/or where do you live?

I grew up in a small town called Sundsvall in Sweden. Nowadays I live in Umeå, an equally small town further north.

2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing?

The first thing I made was a midnight blue, asymmetrical absolutely smashing evening gown for my Barbie. In my teens I sewed a little for myself, and I took it up again a couple of years ago, all thanks to BurdaStyle. My grandmother was a source of inspiration. She sewed clothing for me when I was a kid.

3. What role does sewing play in your life?

I have a busy professional life, and sewing helps me relax and distracts my mind. And it is very nice to create something with your hands. For many years I tried different crafts, like embroidery, crocheting, but it was all too monotonous for me. Another aspect is the question of consumption. I try to sew more and buy less. I think of sewing my own clothing as ”slow consumption”, (you know, like slow food, only clothing). First there is the shopping of fabrics – fun! Then there´s the entertainment of sewing – more fun! And then wearing your own unique clothing – even more fun!

4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing?

My favourite things is collecting fabric and planning projects in my head. And sewing them of course. And putting the scissors in a fresh new fabric. My least favourite thing is transferring the pattern to the fabric. I do it on the floor, because I don’t have a big enough table, and it makes my back hurt.

5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make?

A collection of stylish and personal office clothing in eco-friendly materials, for myself. Or something for my husband, a button down shirt maybe. Or for my little brother, who is a very picky customer. That would be a challenge.

6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like?

I come to BurdaStyle for patterns, inspiration from all the member’s creations. I’ve recently started to read more and more ”how to’s”. I also read the blog and the forum. Basically everything on BurdaStyle is of interest. The forum is a bit difficult to navigate. I suspect that some interesting threads are buried. Maybe change the forum so you more easily find recently written replies?

7. What is your motto?

When it comes to sewing, my motto is: ”When in doubt, baste!”. I’m a painfully slow and cautious sewer, and I almost always make a test piece in some old fabric, before starting with the real fabric. I wish I could be more daring, and just whip something up.

Annika’s great creations combine the perfect amount of color and style to create a balanced stylish look. Great Job!

1. Where are you from and/or where do you live?

I’m originally from Jakarta, Indonesia. Earlier this year, I got married to my present husband who’s been living in Tokyo, Japan, for about 10 years; so my son and I moved to our new home here. We’ve been living here for about six months now.

2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing?

I think it was patchwork owl and cat dolls that I sew entirely by hand about 12 years ago. After that, I did take a fashion course for a year. When graduated, I got a job as a fashion stylist in a magazine. Since then, I stopped sewing because I was busy with the job and couldn’t find the time nor the spirit to sew again.

3. What role does sewing play in your life?

I’m almost obsessed with it. After moving to Japan, suddenly I have more than enough time for myself. So about 4 months ago, I bought a sewing machine and started sewing again. I sew almost everyday now, sometimes I have to force myself to stop and take a walk outside or do something else. Since I started sewing again haven’t bought any new clothes and I don’t think I want to. Sewing also gives me the chance to make nice outfit for my five year old son.

4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing?

My least favorite part is when I make mistakes with the buttonholes and have to unpick them, hate those tight zigzag stitches that I have to unpick carefully one by one.

One of my favorite parts is taking pictures of the process. I love taking pictures of fabric pieces after they’re just being cut. Then I know that they will somehow transform into something that we can wear. It’s almost magic to me, and I am part of the magic.

5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make?

A jacket for my husband and more clothes for him. Menswear is more difficult than womenswear or kidswear because the lines and look are so different. Making dresses is easier, I can add ruffles or lace or embroidery to make it interesting, but men’s clothing has to be simple, the details are subtler. It’s a nice challenge, though.

6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like?

Since I found Burdastyle, I visit it everyday to check on other’s creations, reading the how-tos, and of course downloading the patterns. I also like to download the instructions that come along with every pattern, just to read it and learn the technique. I learn so many things from this site. The only thing that I think should be improved is the usability of the site. The forum is a bit confusing now, and it’ll also be nice if we can have date on every post, and maybe some announcement on the front page when our favourite members have just posted a new creation.

7. What is your motto?

If you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up

Verypurpleperson has the cutest collection of clothes I have seen in a very long time. From upcycling to menswear her creations are incredible! Her blog:Verypurplestuffs.blogspot.com provides a a great step by step look at all her creations.

1. Where are you from and/or where do you live?

I currently live in Sheffield in the UK but am leaving next year to someplace else when I go to university. My life’s mission is to live in Stroud, a pretty little place in Gloucestershire or somewhere like that.

2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing?

The very first thing I made I think was a pin cushion. It had ‘J’ appliquéd on it. Everyone should have a pin cushion. They’re amazingly useful and save lives:)

I think like so many people I began sewing in secondary school. In my textiles class I really excelled. It was so different from my other more academic subjects and the hands on approach of actually making something individual and useful appealed to me. So I took off from there and have recently been trying to improve my techniques.

3. What role does sewing play in your life?

Right now it takes up a great deal of my time. I’m either dreaming about choosing fabrics, actually in my local fabric shop buying something or sewing my latest “creation”. I can’t seem to stop mid-project either, this is probably a bad thing, but I’m always too impatient to stop, I need to see the end product ASAP. I’m on my gap year now and so from now up till next Spring I’ll be sewing, sewing, sewing… and wasting too much money J Then I get to travel to Malaysia, yay! I am considering opening an etsy shop later on this year to get a bit of money and join the hand-making craze but I don’t know if I’ll be good enough…. I hope so.

4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing?

My favourite, like everybody else’s, would be trying whatever I’ve made on the first time and having it fit. Least favourite would be doing all the prep work-marking and cutting, etc. It takes soooo long and can be boring even though I know it’s an essential part of sewing. Oh, no- thought of something worse-unpicking!! That is a curse.

5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make?

That’s a difficult one. I would say a dressing gown for my dad. He rarely buys clothes and since my mum chucked his old holey one away I think he deserves another, better version. He used to live in his dressing gown. And I hear you have one on the way as a future pattern…..?

6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like?

I stumbled across your site by accident looking for free sewing patterns. I was ecstatic when I realized what your site offered. The whole community feel to BurdaStyle works so well and I love that you can see what everyone else makes and draw inspiration from them. I love how the creations make you think outside of yourself too, you get different perspectives of a pattern from a person’s personality. Improvements: maybe a pattern a day? lol

7. What is your motto?

Don’t worry, be happy!

Purplecrayon’s sewing creations can be seen here. We are excited to see more of your work in the future, keep it up!

1. Where are you from and/or where do you live?

I grew up in Napa, California; spent a few years in Salem, Oregon and Chicago, Illinois; and currently reside in Portland, Maine, where it is the peak of autumn right now and absolutely gorgeous.

2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing?

My mother is an excellent sewer, as is my fraternal grandmother, so I’ve always been around it – I used to to tape together their fabric scraps into outfits for my stuffed animals and dolls. I didn’t really start sewing myself until later. I was fortunate to have a home economics course in 7th grade, so my first official sewing project was a nine-patch pillow cover for class – I got an A. I took up sewing again in high school, took a break for several years, and started going full-bore at it again about a year and a half ago, when I bought my own machine, and I don’t look to be stopping again any time soon!

3. What role does sewing play in your life?

It keeps me lookin’ sharp, often, though not always, for less moolah.

It’s also creative outlet – both in making items and in blogging about them. I keep a blog called Ms. Cleaver Chronicles and I love that blogging about my domestic endeavors, including sewing, knitting, baking and cooking, have helped me to not only connect better with family and friends, but has allowed me entrance into the wonderful world of craft bloggers. It keeps me feeling connected.

4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing?

My favorite things about sewing are having control of my wardrobe – when I make it myself and I do it well, everything fits right and the shape, style, and fabrics are all exactly what I want. I also love vintage clothes, particularly from the 50s and early 60s, but it’s often difficult to find them in my size, so I love that being able to sew gives me the opportunity to fake it. I’d love it if I could get to where my wardrobe is entirely handmade or vintage.

My least favorite thing is cutting out fabric. I don’t have access to a table large enough, so I usually have to cut out my patterns on the floor, which can get mighty uncomfortable. I also dislike seam-ripping, but it’s a necessary evil.

5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make?

Right now I’m a pretty selfish seamstress, but I would love to reach the skill level where I could design and sell my own clothes or patterns for the everyday Jills and Janes out there. I’d probably start out with some Dior New-Look inspired frock, with a big circle skirt and a scalloped neckline. Though I’m also loving all of pleating and texture in fashion right now, so maybe I’d do something in that vein instead.

6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like?

I really like that all the projects are linked to the patterns – I find it enjoyable and helpful to see what other people have done before I jump into a project myself. I also enjoy the sew-a-longs and mini-challenges, because they push me to do things I might not otherwise have considered. And it’s wonderful having quality free patterns.

I think that the comments section could be improved so it’s easier to find suggestions pertaining to making the garments/pattern review – ie separate, the “you’ll probably need to add darts” from the “can’t wait to make this!” Both are important feedback, but serve different purposes, I think. I’d also love it if non-Burda patterns could be listed or linked in the project pages – sometimes I see a project I love, but it’s non-Burda and I’d like to be able to know if it’s self-designed or a commercially available pattern.

7. What is your motto?

“To know is nothing at all; to imagine is everything.” -Anatole France

I found this quote on a ring I bought myself as a graduation present. I was about three weeks away from finishing college and had no idea what was going to happen next in my life. it felt very fitting, and it’s still appropriate three years later.

Keep up with Ms. Cleaver on her blog, Ms. Cleaver Chronicles. She doesn’t only sew you know, she also knits very well. Her projects and designs can be found on Ravelry as well.

1. Where are you from and/or where do you live?

I was born in Belgrade, Serbia, which is where I live now. I spent a couple of years in NYC and I go there as often as I can.

2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing?

I am not sure what was the first thing I made by myself, as I started sewing when I was very young, helping my mum and aunt. I devoted more time to sewing by myself only a few years ago, when I found the perfect piece of fabric. Its funny, but my sewing machine was broken at the time, so I made a T-shirt by hand.

3. What role does sewing play in your life?

Sewing is one of the few things in life that I can dedicate myself to completely, and that I enjoy in whole

4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing?

I dislike the beginning of the process. I don’t like doing the patterns… but, when it comes down to buying the fabrics and finishing of the piece I simply adore it and am capable of working for hours without taking a break until its finished.

5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make?

Nothing special, but I like designing clothes for my friends. It makes them very happy to own something I designed especially for them. At the same time they are one of a kind and unique presents.

6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like?

Thank you, thank you, thank you… I remember the period when I discovered your website, and since then I keep being inspired by all the artistic people on your website.

7. What is your motto?

Reuse, recycle, reduce. At least a third of the things I own (furniture, clothes…) I found at flea markets or found them on the street left all alone in the pouring rain… I love re-designing my mum’s and grandmum’s old clothes, for them to have a more modern look.

Lalunanueva‘s awesome creations are fun and lively, take a look at this pete shirt she created! She has recently made a women’s version of the pete which totally rocks