The Seamstress tag

Thank the heavens above that it's finally becoming Autumn. And not just because it's nearly October, I mean because it's getting to that time of the year when it's dark when I still go to work, it's slightly chilly in the evenings and I can actually wear a cardigan without feeling I'm going to boil my insides. 

I've seen the "Seamstress" tag floating around Youtube over the last week or so, and although I don't have a Youtube channel, I still wanted to join in. So, here's my go at the tag!

1. Who are you?

I'm Philly (that's me above!), I'm 23 and I live in the West Midlands.


2. When & why did you start sewing?

I first started sewing around the age of 17 as I was taking a Textiles course at school but this was more creative art rather than dressmaking, however I properly started sewing around a year and a half ago. I watched the first series of the Great British Sewing Bee and instantly bought my first sewing machine, a Brother LS14. I wanted to learn the "art" of sewing because if I'm being honest, I get really fed up with buying clothes that everyone else seems to already own. I love being able to have an idea in my head, and actually make it in to a wearable garment.

3. What is your favourite or proudest make?

By far, my proudest make is my New Look 6449 dress shirt. It's a fairly recent make of mine, however it's the one that challenged me the most and actually made me think of how a garment is constructed. Before now, I never really appreciated just how much work goes in to pattern matching, attaching a collar or sewing in the cuffs on a sleeve. I've already got another one of these on my adjustoform, although this has taken a bit of a backburner as I just haven't had the chance to sit down and concentrate!


4, What is your most disastrous make?

The most disastrous make is possibly my denim shift top as it just really does not suit the shape of my body, being such a stiff fabric. I do think this'll look better sleeveless, so the sleeves may be removed in the near future! 


5. Where is your favourite place to go fabric shopping?

Honestly? Ebay. I know it's a bit of a risk as you can't physically see the fabric in front of you, however I purchase 90% of my fabric from the Textile Center on ebay. They have fantastic customer service and their prices are extremely good, given the quality of the fabric! 

6. What is your most used pattern?

The Sew Over It Ultimate Shift Dress. I absolutely love this pattern because of it's versatility, in total I think I've used this about 7 or 8 times already and plan to use it so many more times. It was my PDF pattern I purchased, and my first time actually trusting a small company (as opposed to one such as McCall's or New Look).

7. Your most dreaded sewing task is...

HEMMING. I hate it! I can't hem to save my life and if I have to admit, all of my hems are just turned over twice and sewn down. I can't be dealing with the other fancy hem techniques out there.

8. And your favourite sewing task?

I think my favourite sewing task is probably cutting out the fabric. I love laying out the pattern pieces and making sure the pattern pieces are on the grain, checking the pattern matching and also seeing the pieces I'm about to construct. 


9, What is your favourite 'sewing entertainment'?

Okay so this is probably going to be a bit odd, but I absolutely love watching The Sim Supply on Youtube when I'm sewing. I find James' videos to be great background videos as they're quite long, and they also allow me to get my Sims fix....

10. Printed or PDF?

I'm still really torn on this one. I love the though that if I cut a pattern out wrong, I can reprint the PDF, but I love the convenience of a paper pattern. I do only tend to buy patterns when they are on sale though, and do find myself reaching for paper patterns more.

11. What sewing machine do you use?

My beloved Singer Starlet 6660. I've only had this machine for about 7 months but I love it. It's my little workhorse. 


12. Do you have any other hobbies?

Apart from sewing, I'm also partial to a bit of crochet, baking and gaming. I'm a right little oddball! 

♥