New Designer: Madswick

What inspired you to start sewing?

I love making things. My mom is an incredible seamstress, so I always felt that if I wanted to wear something I could just make it. Of course, that came with its own challenges, at first I didn’t like the sewing aspect. It was hard and frustrating. Most things I made didn’t turn out how I wanted them to. It was a frustrating step between designing and getting the final product. But after years of practice, I found that I love sewing almost as much as designing . . . almost.

[Response from Amy: I felt the same. I really just wanted to whip things up and them magically work. The tedious toiles for perfecting patterns was so hard for me when I first started out. But you're right over time it becomes easier and even enjoyable!] 

What is your biggest sewing fail? 

There are too many to count. As a creative person, I have spent plenty of time making mistakes and trying to make things above my skill level. In my junior year of high school, I decided to make my own prom dress. I draped a really intricate bodice on my dress form and started stitching it up. The fabric, which had a lot of texture, started to stretch out as I sewed all of the tucks and pleats. I spent the entire night before the dance pinning, sewing, and adjusting the bodice over and over again. Eventually, I got it to be the same size as the lining. The worst part was I didn’t even like the result, but I didn’t have anything else to wear. Everybody knew I was making my dress, and I felt like I had to pretend I was really proud of it. Years later, I’m proud that I put so much effort into it, but I still don’t love the result. 

[Response from Amy: OMG I respect anyone who tried to make their ball dress so so much! Yes you should absolutely be proud of the immense amount of effort you put in. I'll never forget Mia Sully's dress at my high school, I couldn't believe she made it and I was in awe of it. I also had a similar situation, where my dress maker pulled out last minute and I also had nothing to wear. I wore a dress from Lippy. If there's any NZ millennials reading this you'll get why this was so devastating! ]

What was the first garment you made that you felt really proud of? 

In high school, I made a simple princess-cut dress that took me weeks to make. It was my first time using a commercial pattern, and I was determined to do it without additional help. I was shocked when it actually fit and it has held together for over a decade! It was the first time I was able to make a garment I had envisioned in my head, something I still struggle to do as my ideas get bolder. 

[Response from Amy: Love this <3 ]

What sort of garments does Madswick feature? And why these items? 

Madswick features highly-detailed designs. Basic garments are essential to a wardrobe, but when I take the time to design or make something, I want it to be elevated above basic. I design things I can’t just find in a shop. I achieve this by adding little details in a garment like tucks or utilizing unique shapes. I love having patterns that allow someone to level up or down. Each pattern is designed to be made over and over again by changing subtle details that create different looks. 

[Response from Amy: This is such a great concept! If you're going to put in effort to make your own clothes I love the idea of making something so unique.]

What’s your all-time favorite fabric? 

Linen! I feel like I can make any type of garment from linen as long as I change the weight of it. It looks expensive, it's comfortable, and it has the prettiest drape. 

[Response from Amy: Ahhh I'm so impressed you narrowed it down to one!]

What are you sewing right now? 

I am about to create the first sample of a raglan sleeve dress that I’m in the process of designing. Hopefully, it will become a future pattern!

[Response from Amy: oooow I can't wait to see this, I've always had a soft spot for raglan sleeves.]

What’s next for Madswick? 

More patterns! Next month, I am heading an Instagram challenge called Sew Small September with Nat Della Selva. She is the creator behind Neighborhood Patterns. Our aim is to create more awareness for small pattern and fabric shops in the sewing community. After that (and taking maternity leave), I plan to create more patterns for adults and littles.

[Response from Amy: I hadn't heard of sew small until now, what a great concept! It really aligns with Archive so much. I look forward to hearing more. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Madswick! ]