Burda Style For people who sew

1. Where are you from and/or where do you live?
I am from the Philippines, living at its capital, Metro Manila.

2. What was the 1st thing you made? How did you start sewing?
My first project was a black silk shantung basic-dress. I made the pattern from scratch as part of my first lesson in basic sewing & dressmaking school in one of the older dressmaking schools here in Manila called the Golden Hands Institute.

Sewing for me came out of nowhere. I am trained as a food technologist and had worked for two major restaurant and food corporations for 2 years each, before getting married and working with my husband at their family business related to manufacturing and heavy industry. My husband suggested that I try sewing, for me to be able to have what ever dress I want. You see, choices available are limited as others would agree. It’s always something too simple, or something ill-fitting, or something overly priced and poorly done, or simply the styles available aren’t MY style. So I agreed to try his suggestion, and within weeks I was immersed in dressmaking, pattern making and fashion design. I was making projects at home not related to the course I was taking. I would try to make replicas of blouses that I already own, or I would try to make my own designs. Every piece I made then, I still keep in my closet now, to remind me of how far I’ve gone and how much I’ve improved in craftsmanship and taste. And I’d do the school projects in school, learning as much as I can from my instructors (it’s a one-on-one approach) as I can.

3. What role does sewing play in your life?
Sewing for me right now occupies about half my week. So far it doesn’t produce a lot of income for me, since I only sew mostly for friends and relatives (at cost) and only accept very few referrals. But lately I’ve been doing dressier full-on projects for attending weddings, graduations and other formal events. I’ve learned so much from my last few projects and I think I am now more capable of making a bigger range of apparel for myself and others.

4. What is your favorite and what is your least favorite thing about sewing?
I think my favorite would have to be being able to dress myself and my clients, having only our imaginations as a limit. My last client wanted a hot-pink silk dress copied from: a hot pink dress worn by Chloe Sevigny and a black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The result was exactly what we talked about, and much to my client’s approval. That exact outfit would have been impossible for her to find locally, and at such a reasonable price.

My least favorite would have to be the amount of work involved BEFORE getting to the actual sewing part. The pattern making, cutting and tracing alone takes me several hours. Sometimes it takes more time than the assembly and sewing part itself. But aside from that I like the work involved especially when the result is something that doesn’t look store-bought, and is very well-made.

5. If you could make something for anyone who would it be and what would you make?
My least favorite would have to be the amount of work involved BEFORE getting to the actual sewing part. The pattern making, cutting and tracing alone takes me several hours. Sometimes it takes more time than the assembly and sewing part itself. But aside from that I like the work involved especially when the result is something that doesn’t look store-bought, and is very well-made.

6. What are you looking for on our site? What do you think should be improved and what do you really like?
I look for patterns, and inspirations for my future projects. I think it would be nice if more patterns were available from your site so there would be less need to buy patterns from other vendors.

7. What is your motto?
If you can’t find something reflective of your style, make it yourself. If you can’t make it yourself, learn how. If you’re not yet good enough, practice until every outfit you produce is picture perfect, fits like a glove, and wows everyone who sees it.

To see shiela_imbao’s creations click here! Her hot pink cocktail dress shouldn’t be missed