Today we get the opportunity to interview our own talented Barbie!
How long have you been sewing?
I started sewing in the summer of 2016 and haven't stopped since.
What inspired you to start sewing?
I was pregnant with my youngest and I wanted to make him and his siblings some matching outfits for the hospital. I saw some on Etsy but thought it would be more meaningful if I made them myself. I never could have imagined how much I'd love to sew and it became more than just a hobby.
Biggest mistake you've made on a project?
When I first started sewing I would keep forgetting to mirror the pattern pieces that said too. I made this mistake a few too many times in the beginning as I just would forget because I'd be too excited to move on to the next step. Luckily I have been able to not make this mistake as much because of an easy method I picked up. To help me not forget to mirror the pattern piece, I fold the fabric I'm cutting over (when the space allows), place the pattern piece down and cut it out. This allows me to cut both mirrored pieces at once and it even is a great idea when cutting stripes.
Current favorite pattern?
That is so hard because I do like to mix them up but my go to is the Like a Boss
Batwing top from Pattern Emporium. I just love the fit so much and it is perfect year round. Plus I can easily dress it up or down.
Current trend you love and want to recreate?
Always seeing those cute woven sundresses on Pinterest and I definitely have that on my list to make!
Favorite print from So Sew English?
That is so hard because there are so many great ones but I have to say that Jody has always been my most favorite print. I love the placement and types of flowers on the print plus the color-ways are always so beautiful. Every time I see a new color-way I have to have it!
Something that still challenges you.
V-necks still get me because I find myself trying to over perfect that crisp V and it starts to head into the other direction. I have told myself to just leave well enough alone when I make them.
Any tips/tricks you picked up?
Something I have picked up along the way is that I run out of thread that fits my regular sewing machine I can utilize my serger and large cones of thread instead. With my serger next to my sewing machine I set the cone on my serger and thread it through the tree, but instead of threading it through my serger I then thread my sewing machine. Since the thread goes up through the tree on the serger and down through my sewing machine, it is a breeze to sew and I don't have to worry about going out to buy thread that fits my sewing machine.
If you had to choose a favorite tool, what would it be?
My rotary cutter is hands down my favorite tool. I do use scissors for some parts of pattern cutting but nothing beats the swiftness of the rotary cutter to get around the pattern piece.
Favorite fabric base to use, and a fabric base you'd like to try more.
I have always loved double brushed poly spandex because it is so buttery soft and incredibly versatile. I have made a few things with Liverpool but I definitely need to try it more because it is an awesome fabric.