How did you start sewing?
I was a stay at home mom who wanted to learn how to sew eleven years ago. I bought a 1960’s Singer sewing machine with desk and all attachments at a yard sale for $25. Using the manual as a guide I made lavender sachets, pillows, curtains for our RV and a few very simple little girl dresses. Fast forward 10 years later – I am back at my career and I cannot find a dress for a company party that fits me so I decided 2010 was the year I would dust off my sewing machine and learn to sew clothes.
BurdaStyle was the first site I came across online. No one in my group of friends sew, so I searched the internet for information and soon seamstresses welcomed me into this wonderful community of sewing! I bought a new sewing machine but my old one is always threaded in black, ready for use.
My fave BurdaStyle project is the Mother Daughter skirts I made with my youngest daughter, because it is the first project we made together. My husband and three daughters have been very supportive of my sewing. My girls are also my photographers, inspirations, critics and models. Although now I have to admit sometimes they run when they see with a dress, pins and tape measure in hand. I still do not have a dress form and shamelessly use them for models!
Denise’s daughters
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Vancouver, BC Canada where I took dancing lessons as a child and was a print model as a teenager. I now live in the suburbs with my husband and daughters. I am a Payroll Accountant by day who loves fashion, sewing, ballet, cars, perfume and all things glamorous by night.
Denise in her modeling days
All star gymnast!
Try describing your personal style in 5 words or less!
My personal style is ever changing, at this moment I will say feminine, modern and chic.
Do you have a style icon who inspires your sewing projects? Where do you go to get inspired?
My inspiration sometimes comes from my love of ballet. Trained in classical ballet, modern jazz and tap since I was five years old, I have a love for the movement of the dance, costumes and music. I am also inspired by my three daughters who each have their own style and thoughts for me to draw upon. My fave inspiration fashion designer is Alexis Maibille at the moment. I also like watching movies and sometimes see a dress or skirt I would love to make.
What time of year do you find yourself most creative?
Time has no boundaries with my sewing so far as I have been creative in all seasons.
What’s your sewing experience like?
I listen to my iPod sometimes when I am sewing. My daughters also come and spend time with me while I am sewing, talking and seeing what project I am working on. My two oldest daughters have taken over the basement so I now have their bubble gum pink bedroom that used to be a master bedroom. I use it as my sewing studio and dressing room and lately I have been sewing at night.
The suburbs of Vancouver, where Denise calls home
What is your dream sewing project?
I would love to sew my youngest daughters graduation dress! I have six years to master this!
What is the most frustrating thing about sewing for you? What is the most rewarding?
The seam ripper drives me off the deep end. I love the ending of a project – when you try it on and it fits!
Check out her top ten member project slideshow!
Aug 20, 2011, 10.44 AMby lyudmyla
Congrats Denise!!!! :))
Aug 19, 2011, 03.41 AMby irmchen
Haha… you said that your girls run when they see you with a dress, pins and tape meausre in your hand! :-) My own dauhgter rolls her eyes when I aks her for taking photos or for some help to adjust a dress lenght par exemple. Congrats of being featured – it is also always inspiring to read your blog
1 Reply
Aug 19, 2011, 10.23 PMby Denise Angela
lol……..they used to love taking pictures for me…..now I get the eye rolling too! Thank you!
Aug 18, 2011, 10.17 AMby sewella
Dear Lord! I just saw the slideshow …. Thank you so much for picking my royal edge tee refashion!! I am honored!
1 Reply
Aug 19, 2011, 10.21 PMby Denise Angela
thank you…..I adore your crochet & sewing projects…very inspiring!
Aug 18, 2011, 10.16 AMby sewella
Congrats Denise!!!! A lovely interview – got to know lots more about you – ha! I am so happy for you!
Aug 16, 2011, 07.17 PMby ink
That post was so sweet ! You gave your daughters great genetics, what a beautiful bunch of ladies! Congrat’s on getting it all in there, kids, work, and seamstress.
1 Reply
Aug 16, 2011, 10.41 PMby Denise Angela
thank you so much for your kind words!
Aug 16, 2011, 06.03 PMby Denim Skirts Etc
Congratulations on being featured. What an interesting read!
1 Reply
Aug 16, 2011, 10.41 PMby Denise Angela
thank you!
Aug 16, 2011, 05.46 PMby turtlegirl00
so glad you were featured!! your creations are beautiful and elegant!
1 Reply
Aug 16, 2011, 10.41 PMby Denise Angela
thanks so much :)
Aug 16, 2011, 08.09 AMby carolyn-s
Congratulations on getting the featured member!! And thank you so much for picking my ball gown as one of your favourites, I’m honoured that you liked it!
1 Reply
Aug 16, 2011, 10.44 PMby Denise Angela
thank you….that was one gorgeous dress & you make it hard to choose!