Burda Style For people who sew

1. Where are you from and/or where do you live?
I’m from Carol Stream, Illinois. That’s about an hour from Chicago. It’s the place that everyone and their brother want to leave as soon as possible, because there’s nothing all that exciting here. But I’ll be living here until I leave for college. It’s kind of what inspires me to sew—our school is overwrought with drab department store clothing, so it’s pretty easy to stand out.

2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing?
The first thing that I made…oh, I can remember that quite distinctly. It was this little lime green beanie hat with hideous gold fringe that didn’t quite fit. I made it with my great aunt when I was about seven or eight. She’s the one who inspired my sewing; to this day, she only wears housedresses she’s sewn herself. I restarted sewing last year, and finally have stuck with it, thanks to the supportive BurdaStyle community!

3. What role does sewing play in your life?
Sewing is mental yoga, so to speak. You may be swearing at the machine half the time, but it makes you focus. While sewing, you cannot think about the stress of everyday life. It creates your own little world full of brocade and mismatching linings. At least, that’s my fantasy sewing world. I don’t intend on making this any more than a hobby, but if you’ve got a scholarship, I’m up for pursuing it

4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing?
I’ll start with my ultimate pet peeve of sewing. I absolutely loathe running out of fabric. Going to the store more than once per project drives me batty! But the greatest fun are the photoshoots I do with my finished garments: hair, makeup, the whole nine yards. It gives the clothes a story, a life of their own. And, viewers appreciate the time and effort!

5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make?
I can’t be selfish and say myself, can I? Just kidding! I’m actually in the process of designing a skirt for a friend of mine. She’s one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met, and I’m going to be making her a skirt with a crazy mural done in fabric marker. It suits her perfectly! But this is still a secret, so shush! I’ll keep you posted.

6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like?
I absolutely love the new website. I truly feel comftorable there; the people are so supportive and inspire you to keep going. And it’s much more accessible. I only wish the Charlie Bag Pattern still existed…I had to make my own! I appreciated the free patterns as well, like the real patterns: the pants, skirts, shirts, and such. Those were what got me going!

7. What is your motto?
I don’t necessarily consider them mottos, but these are quotes for my amazing boyfriend, Ben, and my wonderful friends, Ranjini and Cassie. They’re part of my family, and every diligent sewer needs people like these.

“In our language, ‘you jerk’ means ‘I love you’.”

“Believe in yourself and magic will happen.”

Check out Joboenvogue’s incredible creations, I wish I had that much skill as a high schooler! Also be sure to check out her top ten favorite creations around the site.