Sewist Profile - The Sewcialite
Archive's director Amy asked Lorraine to answer some questions about her sewing passion and the garment she recently made from a Archive sewing pattern. Lorraine from @the.sewcialite has made up the Protea pants from the designer; Paradise Patterns.
What inspired you to start sewing?
Although my Mum taught me to use a sewing machine when I was 8, I was actually inspired by a student teacher in my class to sew clothes - when I was 26! During her teaching placement in my classroom, we got talking and discovered we both love crafting, and she was the first person I'd ever met who sewed her own clothes. At the end of her placement, she gifted me Tilly Walnes' book, Love At First Stitch, and I have been sewing clothes since that very day. I owe my love for sewing clothes to her!
What’s your favourite garment you've ever made?
This is a really hard one. My favourite garment would have to be my velvet Vogue 9253 dress. I still haven't washed it even though I'd worn it a few times - I'm too afraid to ruin it!
Why did you choose to make the Protea pants pattern/what was the inspiration for your final garment?
When I first saw Sanna (from Paradise Patterns) post this pattern, I was in love with the pleats and the relaxed silhouette. I wanted to be as cool as her, haha!
What did you make it in?
This was made in a gorgeous black wool crepe from The Fine Cloth Company. I would say it's a medium to heavy weight fabric, and I think it was the perfect fabric for this. It has a really nice drape but is still weighty enough to hold the pleats' shape.
Any tips for sewing this pattern?
Don't skip over any of Sanna's steps! The sneaky dart inside the pleats really do make them stay in place much better!
What’s your next planned project?
I'd love to make some overalls as I've been gifted some beautiful hardware by my dear friend Bri. Perhaps the Harlene by Merchant and Mills would be good!
Archive has teamed up with Lorraine to giveaway an Archive Pattern. To enter Lorraine's giveaway, check out her instagram here: @the.sewcialite
Note from Amy: The pants look gorgeous!! The wool crepe was a great choice. I can imagine they feel very luxurious to wear.
Comments