Introducing Our Exciting New Monthly Series: Sewist Feature!
We’re thrilled to bring you something special each month in our newsletter: Sewist Feature!
In this vibrant new feature, we’ll be diving into the creative journeys of our long-time Style Arc customers – our talented sewists who inspire us every day! Each month, we’ll showcase their sewing stories, favourite Style Arc patterns, personal tips, and how they bring their unique vision to life through every stitch.
This is more than just a Q&A – it’s an opportunity to celebrate the passion, creativity, and innovation that thrives in our Style Arc community. Get ready for fresh inspiration, clever techniques, and an exciting peek behind the sewing machine of those who’ve made Style Arc a part of their crafting world.
We can’t wait to share the first Sewist Feature with you – stay tuned for some serious sewing inspiration!
1. How has your sewing journey with Style Arc evolved over the years? Are there any patterns that hold a special place in your wardrobe?
Up until 2010, I didn’t know anything about Indie pattern companies and online sewing communities. And I considered myself an intermediate sewer with 35 years sewing experience, using the big 4 pattern companies and BurdaStyle magazines. I discovered the BurdaStyle online sewing community which in a round about way, introduced me to several Australian girls using the same platform to communicate. And this is how I found out about Style Arc. @meggipeg posted a photo of herself wearing one of SA’s early patterns called the Milly Knit dress. With the help of @busylizzie I learnt to buy an online pattern and ordered the Milly Knit dress immediately. This dress pattern elevated my knit sewing skills, and it was from there that I have loved all the knit patterns that I have purchased from Style Arc. The Milly Knit dress holds a special place in my heart as I didn’t make one just for myself but several for my Mum. Mum loved wearing her Milly knit dresses and she found them comfortable to wear, especially when she had to move into a care home and sat around most of the day. They looked so lovely on her and I think I will always remember my Mum in these dresses.
2. When did you purchase your first Style Arc pattern, and what pattern was it? How did it shape your sewing experience?
My first Style Arc pattern purchase must have been in 2012/2013 and I bought a number of patterns. The Milly Knit dress, the Laura Knit dress and the Heather Woven dress. The two knit patterns really elevated my skills and knowledge of sewing with knits and the Heather dress pattern taught me a lot about fit and the adjustments I needed to make with a Style Arc pattern to suit my body shape and height. Back then, instructions were minimal but having used BurdaStyle patterns for years, I was accustomed to very minimal instructions. I also happen to love working out the construction steps in my head, long before I start sewing.
3. You always use the most beautiful fabrics, so we want to know—what comes first for you, the fabric or the sewing pattern?
The fabric always comes first these days. Fabric shops are few and far between compared to the 1970s when I became obsessed with making my own clothes. When I see a lovely piece of fabric in a shop or online, I try to envision what that fabric would look good as, and I will purchase the amount I think I will need and then find the right pattern. Buying fabric is faster than making it up and I now have quite a large fabric collection waiting it’s turn. And when I see a Style Arc pattern that I love, 9 times out of 10, the fabric is already waiting in my collection.
4. Have you noticed any changes in your sewing skills or preferences since becoming a Style Arc customer? How has it influenced your sewing style?
My sewing skills and preferences have changed since purchasing my first Style Arc patterns. I have learnt several new methods of construction and finishes to clothes that I haven’t learnt from other pattern companies, and I do love learning something new when sewing. Since menopause, my body shape has changed, and I really don’t like fitted clothes as I used to and that is where Style Arc has catered for women who have gone through this change in their lives. I feel good in these clothes, and I feel on trend. You just have to look at the @sewover50 community to see women making and loving their Style Arc pattern clothes. The Bob pants, the Hope dress and the Montana dress would have to be the most favoured patterns in my demographic.
5. What advice would you give to someone just starting out with Style Arc patterns, especially for their first make?
My advice to someone starting out would be to choose a pattern that has few pattern pieces and an easy fit/wear style. One of my very favourite patterns which I have made at least 8 times, is the Montana dress and I think this would be an excellent starting pattern. The Ellis knit tee is also a good pattern to use for a start into knit sewing. Take your measurements carefully and even get a sewing buddy to double check them and then get started. Sewing is a wonderful skill to have.
Follow Marjorie’s sewing journey on IG here!
Happy sewing!
♡ The Style Arc Team