The Seamstress Tag
Hollie of Hollie Sews set up this tag at the weekend as a way of getting to know more about the bloggers and vloggers in the sewing community and I thought I’d jump in and join in.
So… are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin.
- Who are you?
Nice easy one to get started with. I’m Hayley, I live in Hampshire with my husband Andy and, if I go on about it enough, soon a puppy. I really want a dog but we live in a rented house so we need to see if we can butter up our landlord. I love cups of tea and slices of cake and the best way to spend a Sunday evening at the moment is with Mr Poldark! - When and why did you start sewing?
Like many I grew up watching my Mum sew, who learnt from her Mum. My Nan was an amazing seamstress and made her own wedding dress nearly 60 years ago. I’m very lucky to be in possession of the pattern she used for her dress. I did textiles at GCSE but then didn’t really pursue it much after school. It wasn’t until I started discovering blogs about 4 years ago that my interest was reignited. A combination of an interest in vintage fashion and a love of being creative led me to make my first circle skirt by following a tutorial. I kind of picked it up and put it down for a few years until Andy and I moved in together and we had a spare room that I took over as my own. Now it’s my lovely little sewing space and I can’t stop! - What is your favourite or proudest make?
Probably my recent Rosie dress by Cotton and Chalk. It came with an issue of Simply Sewing magazine and I loved the slight 40s style of it with the waist inset and gathering at the bust and shoulder. I think in a ditsy floral print it could be reminiscent of a 40s tea dress. Although maybe not with the neckline being as low as it is. It was a little indecent at times the first time I wore it. I used this pattern to have a go using rayon twill, which is lovely and has a gorgeous drape but can be quite slippery. I’m so pleased with how it turned out.
- What is your most disastrous make?
One that was supposed to be a super simple “one hour” make. New Look 6483. It was my one fault. I was lazy and didn’t finish the seams properly. Having been used to using medium weight cottons I thought I could get away with just using my pinking shears. Nope. As soon as I washed it the first time those ends frayed like you wouldn’t believe, creating holes in various places around the side seams and facing seams.
- Where is your favourite place to go fabric shopping?
Near me the best place is probably C&H fabrics in Winchester, but I don’t go there very often because it ain’t cheap! I mostly shop for fabrics online, I love Sew Over It – so many beautiful fabrics! - What is your most used pattern?
Haha! Most definitely the Margot Pyjamas from Love at First Stitch by Tilly and the Buttons. I’ve made two of my own, one pair for my sister and have plans to make a few more. You can’t go wrong with a good pair of P.J’s! I always find shop bought ones to be too short and don’t comfortably fit my bum. So a made to measure pair was a no brainer!
- Your most dreaded sewing task is…
Fitting adjustments. Obviously, the fact that you can make adjustments so that a pattern fits you perfectly is great and the main reason most of us like to sew our own clothes. But when you got odd proportions – small on top, big boobs, little waist, huge hips and bum to name but a few it can be a little overwhelming when you end up with a pattern piece covered in sellotape. I need to try out some of the patterns that are drafted for the fuller figured ladies! - And your favourite sewing task?
Pressing seams. you can start to see things coming together when you press your seams and it helps to give a better finish to the garment. - What is your favourite ‘sewing entertainment’?
I prefer listening to music or the radio. I get easily distracted if I put on a movie, plus the noise of the sewing machine drowns out the sound so then I get frustrated that I don’t know what’s happening. - Printed or PDF?
Printed! I’ve not tried a PDF pattern yet, but I have just purchased the new City Break Capsule Wardrobe collection by Sew Over It so am getting myself ready to delve in! - What sewing machine do you use?
A Brother XN2500. It’s a good first machine but it’s getting a little clunky now and I think it’s starting to struggle to keep up with the demand so I am looking to upgrade. I’d love a quieter machine, if anyone has any suggestions?
- Do you have any other hobbies?
Yes! I love baking but try not to do it too often… I have a problem with temptation! But I love cooking proper good home-cooked meals as well, from roast dinner to risotto and perfecting my bolognese! Other than that I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and discovering new cities.
So there we have it. Now you know a bit more about me. I’m not going to tag anyone, but if you decide to join in on your vlog or blog please do comment below to let me know so I can have a read!