Featured Sewista: Sewrendipity

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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 is featuring a new blogger every month. Get to know Alex (Sewrendipity), find out what sewing means to her and what her role is in this community. . 

Banner Sewrendipity

Why did you start sewing and/or knitting? And what made you decide to start your blog?

I started sewing quite late, at 27, although I had always wanted to make my own clothes. No one in my family sewed much, so I just had to start from scratch. I was living in Romania back then, and there was no information available, that was before the golden age of blogs and Youtube. So in 2009, I just bought a sewing machine one day and decided to teach myself how to sew. I was pretty rubbish to be honest, but when I moved to the UK in 2010, I started taking sewing lessons and I never looked back. 

Knitting is both a very old and a new pursuit at the same time. My gran and my mum taught me know to knit when I was a kid, but I haven’t made anything since I was 17. However, last year I made a beanie when I lost my trusted RTW one and now I am super excited to try my hand at one of the Fibre Mood jumper patterns. It’s amazing how it all comes back after so many years!

As to blogging, the idea started in 2014, when I was a contestant on a British TV programme about sewing called The Great British Sewing Bee. That was the first time I truly immersed myself in the online sewing community. So I decided I wanted to join in and start my own blog. 

Which is your favourite, sewing or knitting?

I started knitting way before sewing but sewing is definitely my number one hobby. I like that although it’s more demanding in terms of space and equipment, you can finish a project so much quicker. On the other hand, knitting is much more social, I don’t have to be hidden away in my sewing room to be creative. Also, it’s so much more portable, I really enjoy knitting wherever and whenever, which of course you can’t do with sewing.

Have you always been so creative? Were you already a creative spirit as a child?

I think I’ve always had an active imagination. That’s how I really became interested in sewing, because I had a lot of ideas in my head on how to refashion or upcycle my mum’s old clothes, but I didn’t have the skills to actually make it happen. So although sewing is very much about the process and the craftsmanship, it’s also a way to translate the creativity from my mind into reality.

Where did you get the name for your blog? And why that one in particular?

I really believe in happy coincidences in life and stars aligning towards outcomes that you might not have imagined or expected, but take you forward. So when I first started the blog I wanted to talk about sewing and sustainability (I’m a sustainable fashion practitioner in my work life), and how the two can come together to enhance our creative lives. Plus, we all love a good sewing pun, so I just had to put that in as well.

What do you think is your finest creation? What are you most proud of?

Sustainability is very important to me, so the things I am most proud of are those that get the most wear. Last year I made my first coat, which was both from fabric from a charity shop and stash fabric (so no new fabric used), and I wore it more than 90 times already. This is definitely sewing time and materials well spent! Plus I learned a lot making it, it looks great and I get tons of compliments. Win-win! Furthermore, this year I made my own trainers for the first time, which is something I wanted to do for ages. They too get worn loads. I also want to give a shout out to my wedding dress, which was made entirely from reclaimed fabric and materials. Looking back, it’s by no means perfect, but it was perfect for the occasion, and it made me feel amazing.

Do you encounter any specific challenges in relation to the handiwork setting?

Lately, I find that balancing the creative desire with sustainability is a big challenge. I want to sew everything, so many ideas, and so many awesome patterns out all the time, but also want to slow down my materials consumption and reduce my wardrobe. So I try very hard to sew the things that I know will get a lot of wear, or more complicated projects that will take me a long time to finish. 

How would convince people who don’t sew/knit?

I teach sewing occasionally, especially for complete beginners, and the one thing that people tell me again and again is that they were surprised at how destressing sewing is. Because you have to concentrate, all other worries just take a secondary space in your mind. So I would definitely advocate sewing for mindfulness. Also, if you are interested in sustainability, sewing can help (to a certain degree, though it’s not necessarily sustainable in itself), especially if you use it to mend, refashion or upcycle. 

What is your biggest fear/frustration with sewing and/or knitting?

I think even after 10 years, I continue to be frustrated with my lack of skill in some areas. I know this is definitely a perfectionism issue, but I want the clothes that I make to look as if there were shop bought and they are not always like that. I am getting better and better all the time, but there are always areas of improvement. 

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

I have three main areas I write about on the blog: sewing (of course), sustainability and style. So in each area I am looking at different sources of inspiration. For sewing, I like to think that I get inspired by the gaps in my wardrobe and what I actually need, but I do get swayed quite often by a new pattern (especially Fibre Mood lately) or by the wonderful sewing community on Instagram. And Pinterest, a lot of Pinterest! For sustainability, I write a lot of post based on my knowledge from my professional life, but trying to link that back to sewing and how people can apply the information I’m providing to their creative lives. I’m really glad that the sewing community is talking so much more about sustainability! On this topic, a shout out to Kate from Time to Sew who is one of the pioneers of sustainable sewing. Lastly, with regards to style, I get a lot of inspiration from the minimalist and ethical fashion bloggers (not necessarily sewing related), like Style Bee. I really enjoy minimalist styling challenges like the 10x10 Challenge, as it’s a great way to encourage wearing our handmade clothes more often. 

What does your work space look like? And where is it?

I am super lucky that I have a sewing room all to myself. It’s our second bedroom. This is both a place to escape the real life, but also a good way to contain my sewing mess to one space that is just my own. I have designed and furnished it to suit my needs perfectly, I even have a large cutting table on wheels, plus space for all my fabric, notions and the 4 sewing machines to be perfectly stored and organised. But don’t imagine there is no room for creative mess!

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

Absolutely! I get so much joy from comments, especially those that really exchange ideas and opinions that I had not thought of myself. I try to write posts to generate conversations, and invite readers to contribute as well, not just reviews and style posts. 

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

I really want to continue making shoes, it’s so incredibly rewarding. My next projects are leather trousers and a pair of jeans made from reclaimed denim from an old pair. I love leather and I have used in the past, but that together with all the difficulties of trouser fitting will be a challenge indeed. The reclaimed denim idea also came from the sewing community, with two wonderful projects from Ada Spragg and Sewing Tidbits.

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

When we start, we want to sew EVERYTHING. However, I only learned through experience that I need to be a bit more mindful about my sewing projects. A beautiful fabric might not translate to a garment you want to wear. You might love crazy prints, but you work in a corporate environment, so you will never get to wear that vintage lobster dress. Sew for the life you have and be mindful about every single make. Also, figure out what imperfections you are willing to live with and what will make you never reach for that garment. And if you can’t live with them, take the time to fix them instead of making something new. 

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