Meet our newest member of the Simple Sew Blogger Team, Lena King. Lena lives in North London with her husband and two daughters. She loves incorporating vibrant colours and bold prints into her makes. Discover more about her sewing journey below!
When did you start sewing and what sparked your interest?
Sewing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mum was a seamstress and made clothes for my sister and I, as well as for herself. I loved to watch her and have a go. My mum gave me my first machine when I was 15. It was many years before I made something wearable!
How would you describe your style?
I’m a bit conflicted in my sewing. I like fitted things, dresses with waist definition and shaping through the bust. But I also like to wear casual, comfortable clothes.
What’s been your proudest sewing moment?
My proudest sewing moment was when I made my first pair of jeans. Having only made pull on elasticated waist trousers before, I took the plunge with the Megan Nielsen Ash Jeans.
What’s your favourite fabric to sew with and why?
I prefer to work with cotton. I especially love ankara or African wax print. I like sturdy, stable fabric where seams can easily be unpicked! I also love the vibrant colours and print of ankara. I love working with denim and chambray and stable knit fabric too.
What’s your favourite sewing technique?
I like a good seam finish. I don’t have an overlocker and although the overcast stitches on my machine give great results, nothing beats a French seam in my opinion. Flat felled seams are also a favourite. I used to dread buttonholes, but then I got a new machine and now actually want buttonholes on all my garments! Zips are what get me. I’ve yet to nail a perfect invisible zip and I find the whole zip insertion process fiddly and tedious.
Could we have a peep at your sewing space?
My sewing space is the dinning room table. It’s not a cute space but I’m thankful for it. I have some cupboard space there too. I quite like sewing down there as it is a big space but it can get very messy!
Where do you get your fix of sewing inspiration?
Instagram is where I get my sewing inspiration. There is so much talent and some amazing sewists that I follow. I also use Pinterest to gather ideas. I like to google ready to wear clothes for inspiration as I like to hack my patterns.
What’s the best part of being on the Simple Sew blogger team.
I’m looking forward to being part of this blogging team as I love sharing what I do with others and encouraging others to make. The Simple Sew patterns share some of my ideals, easy, quick makes!
What’s your go to Simple Sew pattern?
I’ve only ever made the Sophia skirt. I’m looking forward to getting to know the Simply Sew patterns.
Finally, If you could give a piece of advice to a sewing newbie what would it be?
My advice to a sewing newbie would be to just go for it! Choose to make something with cotton or a stable knit like ponte and keep fasteners to a minimum for your first make. Forget perfection, just enjoy the process!
Keep an eye on the Simple Sew blog to see makes from Lena. Take a peek at her inspiring Instagram feed here.
Visit the Simple Sew shop for all the latest sewing patterns and haberdashery.