Featured blogger: Lily & Woody

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Creating unique pieces to share on your blog and inspire others: the sew & blog combo is all the rage. It's exactly because the number of bloggers keeps multiplying that Fibre Mood features new bloggers on a regular basis. This time we'll be getting to know Sylvia and find out about her blog, Lily & Woody. Find out what sewing means to her and what her role is in this community.

Sylvia bolster in de kijker verkleind web

What made you decide to start your blog? And why did you start sewing and/or knitting?

“I started sewing when my daughter was born. Later, I felt the need to make adorable baby dresses and blankets. It wasn't too long after I started sewing that I started up my own blog. I also learned a lot along the way through the online community.”

How did you learn to sew and/or knit?

“To start out I followed several workshops organised by bvb Compagnie M, where you learn to sew a dress in just a day's time. The pace of year-long sewing courses is too slow for me. Step-by-step patterns with visual instructions are also really helpful for beginners. Using Zonen 09's Theo pattern, I was already able to sew a shirt for my son – and that with only around six month's experience.“

Were you already a creative spirit as a child?

“In the early days I sewed doll clothing with my grandma, but that was mostly hand sewing. Later on photography would become my hobby."

Where did you get the name Lily & Woody from? And why that one in particular?

"Lily & Woody is a hat tip to my children's names, Lila and Wout. The names felt natural and sounded international. The name refers to the two main characters of my blog, despite the fact that I also enjoy sewing for myself."

What do you think is your finest creation? Of which one are you the proudest?

"I adore sewing dresses, naturally for my daughter, but recently I've also started making them for myself. Fibre Mood's Rosie and Taylor dresses are currently the nicest handmade items in my wardrobe. I also get tremendous satisfaction from knitting projects that I've worked for ages on (and completed).”

Do you encounter any specific challenges in relation to sewing by hand?

“I'm naturally pretty impatient, and it always has to be go, go, go for me. Sewing a blind hem by hand or making a highly-detailed back definitely require a lot of effort."

For people who don’t sew or knit, how would you convince them to give it a go?

“For me it’s super important that hobbies are something that can keep you busy and interested. It adds so much colour to life. In my work environment as a dermatologist, so many people are surprised that I find the time to spend on creative pursuits. Life that's only about work would definitely make me unhappy. A good balance between work, family and hobbies is a must."

What do you dread or what frustrates you the most about sewing and/or knitting?

"Occasionally a creation doesn’t turn out like what I'd had in mind or the fabric drapes differently than expected. That’s one of the risks that goes paired with shopping for fabric online; however, over time I've learned to make less mistakes in my purchases. Doing a nice job showing off creations on social media is also a stressful affair sometimes. Kids who don’t feel like posing or a spouse who isn't interested in taking pictures sometimes makes it difficult to meet a pattern test deadline or the launch of a specific fabric."

 

Where does the inspiration for your blog come from? And are there other blogs that you enjoy or find inspiring?

“Sewing magazines that are good at keeping pace with fashion, such as Fibre Mood, are a huge source of inspiration. I also get a lot of inspiration from other blogs and especially from Instagram. When it comes to style, I'm crazy about blanche 85's Laurence, Nicky of Mix it Make it and Eva over at By Eva Maria. I also keep a close eye on pattern designers and I'm always pleased when they ask me to try out new patterns. My favourites are Sofie at WISJ Design, Katrien of Kaatjenaaisels and Bel’Etoile's Isabel.”

What does your workspace look like? And where is it?

“I have a separate sewing room on the first floor next to my children's rooms. At the moment, it's in the process of a thorough makeover. The fabric cupboard has already been redone. Now all that’s left is a coat of paint and some cheerful wallpaper.”

Do you get a lot of satisfaction from the comments on your blog? Do you interact much with your followers/regular visitors?

“Sewing magazines that are good at keeping pace with fashion, such as Fibre Mood, are a huge source of inspiration. I also get a lot of inspiration from other blogs and especially from Instagram. When it comes to style, I'm crazy about blanche 85's Laurence, Nicky of Mix it Make it and Eva over at By Eva Maria. I also keep a close eye on pattern designers and I'm always pleased when they ask me to try out new patterns. My favourites are Sofie at WISJ Design, Katrien of Kaatjenaaisels and Bel’Etoile's Isabel.”

Is there anything you’d like to try making in future?

"Recently I made my first pair of trousers for myself, a super simple model: the Clara split skirt. It could be that I might feel like making an actual pair of trousers, with a zip, fly and all that jazz in future. A serious party dress with lace details or the required bling is also on my wish list.”

What tips & tricks would you like to pass on to sewers and/or knitters who are just starting out?

“Start simple with easy patterns that have comprehensive illustrated instructions and attend a few workshops. Learning to sew goes fast and the options are endless!”

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