JULIE (@joliesbobines)
Who are you and where do you come from?
I was born in Paris and have been passionate about sewing for over 20 years. A graphic designer by trade, I now work at Fibre Mood for the French community and collaborate with many sewing brands to promote patterns and fabrics. I'm lucky enough to live in the city I love with my daughter Lola (14), who has a passion for dance and is studying at the Opéra Comique. My parents are also keen on art and culture, and at home, we sing, dance and create a lot.
When and why did you start sewing?
I've always loved fashion and even as a little girl I knew what I wanted! But as I grew up, I realised that I could never find exactly what I wanted. I started sewing when I was 20, with a corsetière-crinolière called Béatrice Moreau. She taught me the basics of sewing. I then took evening classes in Paris for several years. But it was when I started my blog about 12 years ago that I got into sewing, almost compulsively!
When did you start sharing your creations on Instagram and why?
First, I had a blog, then Instagram came along, and some sewing friends asked me why I didn't use Instagram and I replied that I didn't see the point, haha! I think what I liked about it at first was the instantaneous aspect, sharing projects but also slices of life. My main satisfaction is that even today, it still makes people want to sew and arouses their passions.
Where does your Instagram name come from?
It wasn't easy to find a pseudonym! I wanted to call it "arsenic et petites culottes" (a blog whose name I thought was brilliant) but in the end, I chose Jolies bobines (@joliesbobines), which had something to do with sewing and Parisian expression. There were 2 of us at the start, hence the plural. It was with my friend Manon that we decided to launch this blog. Initially, we wanted to share all kinds of our favourite things. In the end, by mutual agreement, I kept the blog because sewing quickly took on a very important but obvious role.
JULIE & FIBRE MOOD
Why are you a fan of Fibre Mood?
The style of the patterns is modern and trendy, and they always come together perfectly! I rarely run into difficulties when I sew a Fibre Mood pattern, even the most complex ones. And I often learn new techniques. What's more, they often lend themselves to different interpretations and allow you to make the designs your own, both in terms of fabric choice and modifications you make to the patterns.
How did you join Fibre Mood as a Conversation Manager?
I was contacted by Fibre Mood before the launch of the first issue. They were looking for a French blogger who knew enough about the sewing community to join the team and help launch this new magazine and its innovative concept in different countries, including France.
What exactly does your work for Fibre Mood involve? What do you do for Fibre Mood?
I manage the community of French bloggers, proofread the French instructions for each edition, a bit of translation correcting both stylistic and technical errors. This can be newsletters, the Fibre Mood Academy videos, website articles, etc. I look after the Link party for the French and Spanish community. Share ideas with the marketing team. I also work on one-off events, such as the Salon Créations et Savoir-Faire in Paris. And help Valentine during the sewalongs for the release of each edition... In short, anything that has to do with France for Fibre Mood! And, of course, I regularly talk to the team about upcoming projects. I can't wait to see them again, Ghent is not far away!
JULIE & PATTERNS
What's your favourite Fibre Mood pattern?
I can answer that question today, but I may change my mind tomorrow ;) Babette, the perfect high-waisted jeans, Molly and Irma, the quilted (or not) jackets with a thousand possibilities, Meryll, with godets in the skirt and puffed sleeves that sweep me off my feet, Holly, with her gathers and her funnel neck, Martha, the essential trench etc etc etc....
What's your favourite Fibre Mood edition?
Special mention for the Special 2 edition: with Marcia, Rhonda, Sasha... So many superb patterns in this issue! But in each of the editions I find what I am looking for. I haven't had time to sew all 381 Fibre Mood patterns! 381 already! And to think that the next edition is coming soon! SOS ;)
Which of your creations have you worn the most?
Can I have 2? Babette and Rya!
Which creation are you most proud of?
Like all mums, when you manage to sew a dress that your child likes, it makes you very proud. If I had to choose one outfit, it would be the Tanita and Claudie outfit I sewed for Lola and photographed on the beach.
Where do you find your inspiration?
"I find inspiration everywhere: on the street, in shops, on catwalk shows, on Instagram/Pinterest, in films... and of course from other sewistas on social networks.
Do you regularly carry out hacks? What's your favourite hack?
I like to make patterns my own, and the proof is in our book "Sew A Unique Wardrobe", co-written with Fibre Mood and Céline @ten_years_apart, which includes Fibre Mood pattern hacks and pattern/fabric interpretations. #hackmeifyoucan
But I don't always do hacks, I have a passion for fabrics that can radically change the look of a garment! I like to get away from it all and choose a fabric that's different from what's recommended.
What was your most popular Instagram post?
The dresses I made for my daughter, I think! But also, the very colourful projects.
Do you have any top tips for other seamstresses?
Never give up! As I always say to my daughter: I didn't know how to sew before I sewed ;) Don't be afraid of making mistakes, because it's by making mistakes that you learn the most.
If you look at ready-to-wear clothing, and not just the bottom of the range, you'll see that the finishes are rarely perfect! So, take a step back! By sewing your clothes, you can achieve beautiful finishes and I find that extremely gratifying.
Are there any Fibre Mood sewing projects in the pipeline?
The next edition, of course, with a super crush in sight, but even under torture I won't say anything ;)
