ABOUT ELKE
Hello, I am Elke, live near Mechelen, work in the pharmaceutical industry and have 2 grown-up daughters. My Instagram account is @elke_handmade. I do sew regularly but then getting it posted on Instagram is another matter....
When and why did you start sewing?
I used to make barbie dresses with my mum and later dresses with which I proudly went to the gala balls - after all, I was wearing a unique piece ? . We love being creative with all sorts of things here and gradually the sewing bug got hold of me.
ABOUT FIBRE MOOD
What do you like best about sewing with Fibre Mood patterns?
I have been a Fibre Mood fan from the very beginning! Finally there were patterns that were innovative and fashionable. I always look forward to the day when the magazine arrives in the mail, to immediately start looking at what things I could make. The instructions are very clear and the tutorials helpful. I usually opt for simple patterns.
Do you have a favourite Fibre Mood pattern/edition?
The Arlette skirt, from which I also like to make a plain straight wrap skirt. The Pina skirt, Elodie dress as a blouse, Alice jumper: these are good fitting basic pieces. The Hettie skirt is also a favourite. I also made a Lulu blouse which was quite successful (this is already a more difficult pattern for me!)
ABOUT ELKE'S ERICA HACK:
Why did you choose the Erica pattern?
I had found inspiration on Instagram for an oversized top with V-neck and (the popular) ties on the side, and was looking for a basic pattern with sufficient width at the shoulders. That's how I ended up with the Erica T-shirt.
How did you come up with the idea for your hack?
I quite often invent something myself when I don't have a pattern immediately in mind; it's not always according to the rules of the art then but I learn from Instagram and videos! Taking good sewing classes is still on my wishlist.
How did you proceed?
- I found my first version a bit roomy so I made another narrower version (see photos with 3 copies).
- In doing so, from the Erica pattern (sized up on the front and back ), I widened the shoulder 1 cm and lowered the armhole by 5 cm;
- then made a slightly curved V neck (13cm below the neckline).
- The side seam has been narrowed (1.5 cm at the top, 3 cm at the bottom).
- The top is also 12 cm shorter.
- The front panel is lined, the back panel finished with bias tape. The ties are 25cm long.
Do you have a golden tip for sewistas regarding this hack or pattern?
It is, I think, at its best with a slightly stiffer fabric.
Do you make pattern hacks more often? What do you like about them?
If I have seen something nice in a shop or online, I often get the urge to make something similar myself. Then I look for a pattern that is as close as possible, and try to adapt a few things. Where possible, I will simplify the pattern. I like simple things - partially because I fear I won't be able to handle more complex patterns, but also because complicated things also take up a lot of time ?
ABOUT SEWING
Which creation are you most proud of?
If my daughters want to wear it, it is already successful for me! I am also proud of my creations in beautiful fabrics (such as Dries Van Noten - deadstock fabrics from at The Fabric Sales)
Where do you find inspiration?
On other sewing accounts, and fashion brand websites
Do you have any Fibre Mood sewing projects planned?
Too many to mention! So many ideas, so little time, many will recognise this. That's why I often use the same pattern.... I definitely still want to make the London, Viola and Uzma top, the Leanne, Kika and Josephine dress and the Ines top and Gedda skirt as a set. To get the most out of the pattern I would make these in different types of fabric, to get a different effect each time. I will also try my hand at trousers with a zip fly! ?
