Sewist Profile - Yazmakes

I had the pleasure of teaming up with Yasmin from @Yazmakes for our recent giveaway. Where she made up a pattern from the Archive catalog. She's shared a little bit about her make and her sewing journey below.

What inspired you to start sewing? 

So honestly I was not a fan of sewing tech at school because the fun of experimenting and learning from your mistakes was not exactly conducive to a good grade. I actually always credit my friend Ruth as my inspiration to start sewing. I remember complimenting this amazing one-of-a-kind top she was wearing in our first year of uni and as soon as she said “thanks, I made it”, I was hooked!

I was so eager to start sewing I didn’t even wait to get a sewing machine. The first garment I ever made was a hand-sewn strapless mini dress in some of Spotlight’s clearance bin stretch fabric - yes, I only wore this once. 

From there, Ruth taught me how to thread my own machine and I learned everything else from sewing patterns and Google. Lots and lots of Google!

[Note from Amy: I too struggled in the high school environment, I failed  my 4th or 5th form sewing class. So glad neither of us gave up!! ]

What's been your biggest sewing fail so far?

There have been many! What springs to mind is any time I’ve tried working with chiffon (if you know, you know) and as I haven’t taken the time to fully learn the art of pattern making, my self-drafting efforts can be very hit or miss (sometimes hit, mostly miss).

Why did you choose this pattern and what was the inspiration for your final garment? 

As our collab was running in June when winter kicks off, I really wanted to create a wintery garment that was also something special to mark the giveaway. I had the idea for a mid-weight wintery dress to layer with long sleeves and thermal leggings to fill a gap in my winter wardrobe and the maxi version of the Smultron dress just jumped out at me!

What did you make it in?

The timing was perfect as the week I was picking my fabric from Drapers, they came out with their ‘Gwyneth’ canvas weave linen cotton blend in some beautiful wintery colour-ways. I chose the shade ‘Oatmeal’ because I tend to reach for neutrals in winter but I had to fight for my life not to take home the ‘Fairytale Pink’. I did eventually end up buying this for another project though, don’t worry!

Overall, such a beautifully soft fabric to work with and the weight is great for any season.

Any tips for sewing this pattern? 

As always, the instructions on Sanna’s patterns are brilliant and clear. One thing I might do differently next time is opt for straps that tie up into bows just so the strap length can be customised. I would also say this is the perfect pattern to try out decorative or contrast topstitching if you’re keen to dabble.

What’s your next planned project?  

I’d love to make a second pair of Protea Pants by Paradise Patterns to try the non-pleated view. It’s such a cool pattern and a rewarding sew!

I’ve also been saying for years that I want to make a coat. The Martina Coat by Vikisews was recommended to me by @theweekendproject and I think a dark green version is calling to me…

Your chiffon pain resonates with me so so much! I did my first uni collection in chiffon and for someone who wasn't a confident sewer at the time it was a world of pain! 

How ever the Smultron in this canvas must have been a dream to sew!! You've definitely inspired me to want to make one. 

Amy x