Burda Style For people who sew

1 . Where are you from and/or where do you live?
Originally I’m from Lithuania, a tiny country of three million people by the Baltic sea. I spent the biggest part of my life over there, but as life is full of surprises I live in Dallas, Texas now. My husband Gavan was the reason I moved out here a year ago.

2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing?
Now its really hard to remember what exactly i made first, but i guess it was something for my Barbie. I started to sew when i was a teenager and it was my grandma’s “fault”.

She was the one who always kept herself busy by sewing, knitting, crocheting or embroidering. I remember she used to sew matching dresses for me and herself, I bet we looked pretty funny walking around the town. My mom never was a big fan of sewing, she prefers to knit instead, but she taught me lots of things about sewing too. I have two very good friends who became professional fashion designers, both of them inspired me a lot to make things on my own. Thank you, Dovile and Sandra!

3. What role does sewing play in your life?
Sewing is like a meditation to me, when i get into it I forget everything that bothers me. My friend Jessica and I have a tradition to get together and to sew every or at least almost every weekend. We work on our own projects, watch movies as a background, chat and share our experience with each other – it feels so perfect! Since I moved to Dallas, i was in the process to get permanent residency and i couldn’t work so sewing helped me to keep myself busy. Besides all other advantages its a great way to express your personality too.

4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing?
Basically I love the whole process: buying the fabric, visualizing what i can do with it, cutting, putting together and of course, the end result! I wish to learn to draft patterns, the lack of knowledge bothers me a lot, but this is more about me not about sewing.

5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make?
I guess, like most members of Burdastyle, I’m kind of a person who can sew only for myself. Its such a big responsibility to sew for others! Recently my husband and I went to Lithuania to visit my family and friends and, of course, we went to a fabric store over there too. Gavan picked a nice lithuanian linen fabric so I’m going to make him a shirt. He supports my sewing a lot so i think he really deserves it!

6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like?
I found Burdastyle when i was searching for patterns online. I couldn’t believe i found so many cool patterns for so cheap or even for free. That was my primary reason why i became a member. Then i started to look at other members projects and i was very impressed with how many creative people are on this earth. I love the idea that Burdastyle connects all of us from all over the world. I find lots inspiration and encouragement to keep learning and not to be afraid to try things I’ve never tried before. What should be improved? Hm. Maybe i wish to find more basic patterns or tutorials about different garment’s parts such as sleeves, hoods etc. As i don’t have enough knowledge to draft patterns it would help a lot. I almost always use a pattern of basic bodice i found here when i try to create something on my own.

7. What is your motto?
I don’t really have one but since you asked i came up even with few :) Recently i watched the movie “You, the living”, there was a guy who kept saying “tomorrow is another day” so i guess this life is beautiful no matter what. I really try to learn to live in this moment 100%, its not easy, but i believe it’s possible, at least – sometimes. Sewing is one of those things which makes it happen. I recommend to watch that movie by the way.

Check out here amazing creations and take a look at what inspires her