Sewist Interview – Agy of Green Issues

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 This wonderful sewist is all into recycling and refashioning and turning something outdated into something new and hip!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!