Learn more about Emily . . .
How did you learn to sew?
I learned to sew initially by myself… just picked a needle, thread and felt out of my Mom’s sewing box and made Troll clothes. Made apparel for myself for the 1st time when I was 4… a ‘cowgirl skirt’ with a jaggedy fringe hem. Hilarious. So, mostly self taught until I was about 10, when I took proper sewing classes.
What other hobbies do you have?
My other hobbies are cooking for a vegan diet, reading and taking walks/hikes.
What is your favorite storage tip for your sewing supplies? fabric stash?
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Tip: Place stash & supplies into clear plastic containers of all sizes; I don’t like having things sit out, but want to be able to access them quickly. If I can peer into containers, that helps.
About how many UFOs do you think you have right now?
UFOs… let’s not go there. I have a short attention span and also get discouraged easily. Also I don’t want to put time into something I don’t love.
How often do you start a new project?
I start new projects at least 1x per week. I push myself to try new things; right now I am on a historical costume kick.
What inspires your sewing projects?
My inspiration for new projects is typically spurred on by either seeing something – an article, a group to be involved with, etc. – or by a challenge. I cannot resist a throw down. And the challenge can be a ‘self challenge’ like use that silk taffeta you bought in NY 8 years ago!
What inspires my projects now is very different than before; now I want to create more complex items and really take the time to ponder and plan each detail. I used to sew to whim before.
When you are in a your creative mood, do you listen to music, watch tv or do you prefer a quiet spot? If it is music, what types do you listen to? If watching TV, what kinds of shows?
When I’m sewing, I am addicted to listening to books. To be able to do 2 things I love at 1 time is excellent! When I am planning – like drafting a pattern or putting fabrics/trims together, I prefer silence so I can focus.
What is your favorite tip for sewing? Or do you have a favorite tool to help you succeed at your projects?
My favorite tip for sewing? If you’re not in love with what you’re doing, stop. Don’t feel guilty about putting something aside. My favorite tool is a really excellent sewing machine. Not a fancy one, but one that has just what I use. Right now my favorites are the Pfaff Quilt Expressions 4.0.
And, more about Emily!
In my professional life I work as a fitting consultant to the apparel industry, working with brands all over the world to figure out how to improve their product fit, sizing and communicate this to their customers.
It’s a pretty sweet job because I get to travel worldwide, take a peak into what brands all over the do to design and produce their apparel. Oh, and I also make time to shop for fabrics while I’m on the road… what girl wouldn’t?
