Subscriber Profile; Ruan

Each month I get to find out more about one of my amazing subscribers, Ruan (@theyorkshiresewgirl) has been subscribed to the Classic Box since June 2020

Tell us about your sewing journey. When and how did you start sewing?

I was one of the people that became inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee TV series.  I happened to watch a series just after my eldest boy was born and something just flicked a switch inside me.  I’d been looking for a hobby to make sure I had a little ‘me time’ and I thought this might be something I’d like to have a go at.  My initial idea was to make craft items but after attending a local sewing course I just knew that making garments was the way forward for me.  There is just something magical about creating something that you can wear!  I’ve never looked back.

You have been subscribed to the Classic box since June 2020, what made you want to sign up?

I decided to sign up when we were all in lockdown last year.  I had been watching a few people on YouTube do their unboxing vlogs and absolutely loved seeing what was inside the boxes each month.  Being at home a lot more meant I had more opportunity to sew than I’d ever had before, so getting a monthly subscription box really got my creative juices flowing. I also think we all needed cheering up a bit while we were stuck at home and having the box turn up once a month was like a ray of sunshine, a little present to myself!

Do you have a favourite box since you started your subscription?

There’s so many favourites but I have to admit that June’s “Escape To The Country” box was my favourite because of the stunning double gauze fabric. I think I’d pretty much cut out my pyjama pattern within 24 hours of receiving it! I’d never sewn double gauze before and was always a bit scared to give it a go.  I had no reason not to try it out when the box dropped through my letterbox and I wasn’t disappointed!  I’m already planning other double gauze projects and when the most recent box had some more delicious double gauze in it, I was delighted.

What is the best thing about receiving a monthly box of sewing goodies?

Having a gorgeous box of surprises coming through my door each month is so exciting.  It exposes me to new independent companies and to try fabrics that I may have never chosen before.  There’s always a cheeky discount in there too so I often take advantage of that.  Even my postie knows when the box is due!

Do you have a favourite make from your subscription?

Oooh this is a hard one.  I’ve made all sorts of items using the subscription box but I think my recent Myosotis dress by Deer & Doe is maybe my favourite (other than my double gauze PJ’s of course!).  The viscose fabric is such beautiful quality and it was a dream to sew with.  It has the right amount of thickness and drape and was in such a gorgeous autumnal colour.

Are you working on anything at the moment?

I’m trying to adjust to my ‘normal’ now.  Juggling work and life commitments is hard at the moment.  Sewing has unfortunately had to take the back bench recently.  Something about that has made me realise how important sewing is to me, so to help balance everything out, I have been making some very simple patterns.  Patterns that I can cut out and sew up relatively quickly.  I’m still dreaming of making my pink gingham Heather Blazer by Friday Pattern Company though….can you still get away with that in the winter?!?  Why not!