This week I have a Sewist Interview to share with you! This wonderful sewist is all into recycling and refashioning and turning something outdated into something new and hip! YAY…I’m loving this…I have a rather large pile of clothes which….ummm…lets just say SHRUNK and no longer fit me…..So turning them into something else which I can actually use, sounds like a good idea to me!
When did you start to sew?
I started sewing when I was 10.
Who taught you to sew or are you self-taught?
It was a bit of both my mum and school. My mum used to make all my dresses and I would just watch – she even sewed my wedding dress! I was taught cross-stitch in primary school, and when we progressed to secondary school, we (boys and girls!) were taught how to sew a cushion cover and a draw string bag. It wasn’t until I reached my late teens that I got really interested in sewing, and my mum taught me a lot of good hand-sewing techniques, but I still haven’t mastered sewing from dress patterns yet. Plus, I still fear my sewing machine – I’m just afraid of it jamming, not to mention the sewing tension.
What sort of things do you like to sew?
I enjoy sewing clothes from old ones. I do a lot of experimentation with fabrics too.
Do you like to use patterns or do you prefer to make it up as you go along?
I’m terrible at patterns, but I love to deconstruct my old clothes to make new ones. I enjoy the process of looking at the garments in my wardrobe and then figuring out how they can be given a new lease of life.
Have you made something that is your all-time favourite creation? If so, why?
Can I have two favourites? 🙂 OK, my all-time favourite is the LBD that I created from two old black dresses. One was just worn out and not showing up as black, and the other was a lace black dress that my friend passed on to me. I combined them both together to get an LBD for a great night out!
Do you have a favourite fabric type you prefer to work with? Favourite Fabric line or fabric designer?
I think I’ll write down what I don’t like – satin and silk fabrics. They are very difficult to manage and I don’t think I have the patience to deal with them however beautiful they are. I love the fabric designs of Marimekko – they are so colourful and make me feel happy!
Any sewing secrets you would like to share?
Always check your work every few minutes. I didn’t do this once when I did some appliqué to a t-shirt, and ended up having to unpick and resew everything. I wasn’t too pleased!
What type of machine/s do you have?
Singer (the model number is worn out but it is a basic one)
Do you have any sewing goals?
I would love to improve my appliqué skills, and learn how to do pattern design.
Any UFO’s?
Yes! I have a work-in-progress blanket made from old t-shirts. I’m currently knitting it using the rainbow loom.
When do you find time to sew?
Anytime when my son is at school, when it is very quiet.:)
Do you have a dedicated sewing space or room?
Oh my gosh, I wish did have a dedicated place. My sewing takes me to every part of my flat (much to my husband’s annoyance). Here’s a photo of where I keep my sewing materials!
Do you have any other hobbies you like to indulge in?
I love to read, and currently I’m reading White Bread, which is about the social history of the store-bought loaf. I also enjoy sharing a lot about refashioning with the community where I live.
You can find out more about Agy here:
BLOG * FACEBOOK * TWITTER * PINTEREST
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Thanks for a FUN interview Agy! 🙂
If you or someone you know have some sewing to share why not do it here with us, by scoring yourself your very own interview! Simply email me and we’ll chat! 🙂
Same goes for any Pattern Designers wishing to share your creativity! Email me to be featured in our pattern designer Series! 🙂
Happy sewing!
Agy is just so creative!!! She can take something pre-loved and refashion it into a new garment that doesn’t look refashioned. I love her style!!!
I love Agy’s creativity. I wish there were more hours in the day to be able to do more crafts.
We love having Agy in the nest at Facebook group Bowerbirds Journal. The group is a sustainable living on-line international community. Agy and me are interested in refashioning. She inspires me +++.
Me too! It’s very inspiring….and I have no shortage of clothes to refashion….just the time to do it! :0
Oh so do I!!! pity we could repurpose yesterday’s hours! LOLLLLL
Yes she is indeed very inspiring Karen! 🙂
I like this upcyclings.
Greatings Ute
Thanks for stopping by Ute! 🙂
Thanks for having me over, Christine!
My Pleasure! 🙂
Love the Little Black Dress. The T-shirt blanket looks cool too. A great interview.
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
That’s amazing, Agy! Very creative 🙂
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂