Why did you start sewing?
I started sewing early in 2017 as a way to help deal with chronic illness and give myself a creative outlet.
What’s been your proudest sewing moment?
My proudest sewing moment is my first successful make which I still wear; like many people, that was a Tilly and the Buttons Cleo.
Apart from my first successful wearable make, my proudest sewing moment has been establishing my blog. It has allowed me to begin talking about things that matter to me, particularly the representation of disabled sewists. Being asked to contribute to the Simply Sewing disability feature made me feel like these issues are being listened to and it was great to see this in print!
What’s your favourite sewing technique? And the technique you dread having to do?
I love doing very detailed and intricate techniques. I am a slow sewist, but I like to achieve a good finish. I dread distributing gathers simply because I am never satisfied and always think they’re uneven (!)…which is a shame as I love gathers in my garments!
What’s your favourite fabric to sew with and why?
I like working with linen viscose blends for summer dresses. It has the perfect balance of stability of the linen but the viscose adds fluidity.
Could we have a peep at your sewing space?
Where do you get your fix of sewing inspiration?
Mainly from instagram. I occasionally make a Pinterest board if I am looking for inspiration, and follow up by look for a suitable pattern. Once I have found the right pattern, I look for blogs for more detailed information.
Which sewing community sew-alongs have you joined in with?#Sewtogetherforsummer #madelikemaisel
Which fabric suppliers do you tend to shop with most? Lamazi fabrics, Sew me Sunshine. Harriet has a beautiful range of fabric and I can always be sure it will be good quality.
What do you like most about writing a sewing blog? I like being able to give a level of detail that can’t be conveyed on Instagram, as I find blogs a great source of information if I am planning on making a certain pattern.
Anything special about your sewing blog that we need to know? My blog aims to give people extra insight into the pattern I have made. I especially write from the point of view of someone who uses a wheelchair and has particular needs when it comes to dressing.
What’s the best part of being on The Simple Sew blogger team?
Having a good variety of patterns to choose from and seeing what my fellow bloggers decide to make.
What’s your go to Simple Sew pattern?
The Cocoon dress! I love the blank canvas. It is comfortable worn loose or can be belted.
And the Simple Sew pattern that you’ve made that’s got the ‘wow’ factor?
My Kimono Wrap Dress in flamingo lawn from Doughtys…I bound the seams with satin binding.
If you could give a piece of advice to a Simple Sew pattern newbie what would it be?
Have a look on the Simple Sew blog and check the instagram # for the pattern to see some inspiration for the pattern.
Can you share you top two Simple Sew pattern sewing tips?
Look at the line drawings. Many people don’t see what gems they have in their stash because the styling on the envelope isn’t to their taste. There are some great basics in the range that you can use as a jumpstart for further pattern hacking and modification.
See Marie’s latest make, the Cocoon dress hack here. You can follow Marie on Instagram @marie_stitchedup or find her blog at Marie Stitched Up