Sewist Profile - bcreates

Becky from @bcreates_ has made up the Maggie Dress Pattern from the designer; My Keeper. Archive's director Amy asked Becky to answer some questions about her sewing passion and the garment she made. 

What inspired you to start sewing? 

My nana has always been an avid sewer. I was having art/crafty nights with friends in 2018 and one night I painted a big square of fabric with big block shapes. I thought it would be cool to do one similar and make it into a laptop case/ pencil case for study at the time. That grew into screen printing fabric and sewing up lots of handy bags and pouches to sell at markets. It then naturally progressed into making clothing because I’ve always enjoyed expressing myself through what I wear- always enjoying buying second-hand clothes. It’s just been up and up from there!

What’s your favorite fabric of all time? 

Linen!!!!!! Particularly gingham linen. A lot of my makes could be considered ‘elevated picnic blankets’. I just think you can’t go wrong with a nice gingham linen. 

Why did you choose this pattern?

I have always admired My Keeper and so I was tossing up between the two of her dress patterns Archive stocks. I don’t have a lot of square necklines so I was drawn to that. Then the puff sleeves and billowing tiers are always an easy win for me, I have a big collection of puff sleeve tiered dresses so I thought another couldn’t hurt. The orange is a bit of a left field choice for me, because I wear a lot of what someone described as ’Neapolitan’ type colours (pink, cream, other neutrals) but I’m working on building some different colours into the mix and this fabric caught my eye. I was hoping to make a dress I can feel effortless and comfortable in, but also make a bit of a splash when I enter the room, this will do just that. 

What did you make it in?

I made this dress in the ‘Yellow Orange Cotton Linen Tiny Gingham Air Wash Finish - 140gsm’ and it’s a dream! It’s got enough drape for it to float around, but it is also a good weight for the puff sleeves to have their *moment*

 The linen from The Fine Cloth Company is really second to none, so it was a no brainer to go with one of them! Although it took everything in me to not pick a pink, which as previously mentioned, my wardrobe is bursting with! Perhaps I’ll have to make another. 

Any tips for sewing this pattern? 

I did find that some of the steps weren’t explained as detailed as they could have been, which would be a bit tricky if I were a beginner who hasn’t sewn a dress like this before. However, I managed to make sense of the slight gaps having sewn similar styles before and it came together really nicely. Sera from My Keeper was also really helpful along the way whenever I messaged her, because I’m a stickler for getting things right and wanted to double check some bits I was questioning. I’d advise taking it slow and making sure you understand the step before ploughing ahead. If you want to ask any Q’s to someone who has sewn this before then my DM’s are also always open! I like how the sewing community can support one another with advice as we sew up our garments. 

What’s your next planned project?

I’d really love to make the Protea Pant by Paradise Patterns which you can find on Archive too! I’ve been meaning to make a pair of pants that aren’t just an elasticated waist, but still have the look of ‘I just threw this outfit together and I look very chic but I’m also very comfortable’ - I think these pants fit that brief!

Note from Amy: 

I love love love the fabric choice. I also am trying to wear more colour. After living in Melbourne my wardrobe turned black so it's taken a few years to un do that! Thanks for inspiring me to try get some colour into my next make.