In the second interview in our new series for 2020, ‘Meet the Simple Sew Bloggers ‘we’re delving into the motivation and inspiration behind the amazing blogger team.
This week we’re catching up with Jenny of The Wardrobe Architect, who brings bold colours and prints to her Simple Sew makes, loves sewing darts and has the best sewing table hideaway we’ve ever seen!
Why did you start sewing?
I don’t actually remember starting sewing, but I remember every week when I went to Brownies I would sit with ‘Tawny Owl’ and sew and embroider felt pencil cases and purses, rather than do any of the other activities.
What’s been your proudest sewing moment?
I made some good coats last year that I’m proud of. I always feel proud of a well fitting garment, especially when it has taken some work to get it right.
What’s your favourite sewing technique? And the technique you dread having to do?
I absolutely hate gathering, but I love sewing darts!
What’s your favourite fabric to sew with and why?
I love cotton lawn, it’s easy to sew and press and works with loads of patterns
Could we have a peep at your sewing space?
My sewing space is an Ikea Bureau in the corner of our kitchen. It has my sewing machine and overlocker in, plugged in and ready to go. When I want to do a bit of sewing I can just lower the leaf on the bureau and slide my machines forwards. It’s the perfect solution for small spaces when you want to be able to get sewing quickly!
Where do you get your fix of sewing inspiration?
I still love blogs, I like the extra detail they go into and the additional photos. I use Instagram everyday and read blogs probably a couple of times a week.
Which sewing community sew-alongs have you joined in with?
I do MIY March, Me Made May, BPSewvember, Sewphotohop and other ones that pop up that I fancy.
Which fabric suppliers do you tend to shop with most?
I get a lot from Minerva but also love Doughty’s, Fabric Godmother, Patterns and Plains, Croft Mill, Sew me Sunshine, Like Sew Amazing and Cool Crafting.
What do you like most about writing a sewing blog?
I like that it’s a record of what changes I made to a pattern and how it fits. It also makes me think about what I’m doing when I’m sewing, as I need to remember it to write down later for the blog!
What’s the best part of being on The Simple Sew blogger team?
I really enjoyed the meet up a few years ago with the photoshoot. It was great getting to spend the day with the other bloggers and see all the other patterns everyone had made. I also love seeing how everyone interprets the patterns differently and adapts them to their own personal style.
What’s your go to Simple Sew pattern?
Definitely the Utility Dress. It’s such a fab little pattern!
And the Simple Sew pattern that you’ve made that’s got the ‘wow’ factor?
I think my Skater Dress, I got it to fit really well and the fabric is so beautiful. I love the full circle skirt.
If you could give a piece of advice to a Simple Sew pattern newbie what would it be?
If you get stuck on anything, search the Simple Sew Blog for that pattern, there are loads of great tips on there. Also, it’s a good idea to make a toile first in some spare fabric so that you can check the fit and make sure it’s what you are looking for.
Can you share your top two Simple Sew pattern sewing tips?
Finish your seams so that your garment lasts longer and take your time and enjoy the process!
See Jenny’s super ray of sunshine Utility dress here