We’re thrilled to introduce our ‘Maker of the Month,’ Tina, whose Instagram handle is @tina_soli.
Tina won with her beautiful Belle Woven Dress, which she created and gifted to her mother for her 75th birthday.
Check out our Q&A below to learn more about Tina and her sewing journey.
Q & A with Tina
@tina_soli
Q1) What motivated you to learn how to sew? And how long have you been sewing?
As a kid and teenager, I experimented with knitting and sewing, creating clothes that were mostly not usable, but fun. My inspiration at that time came from learning from and copying my grandmother, who was an amazing knitter, and my mom, who used to sew “mother and daughter” outfits for us in the seventies and early eighties.
After my teenage years, I didn’t sew anything for a long time—until 2020, when I decided not to buy any new clothes for a whole year. By June 2020, I was having bad withdrawals and really craved some new summer outfits! I had a big stash of old vintage duvet covers and figured out that I could make something out of them. I looked at different Instagram posts for inspiration and got started. For the sewing techniques I didn’t know, I just tried them out (failed a lot), googled, or watched YouTube videos. I first sewed a dress, then a skirt, and another dress, a couple of pants and blouses, and then—I was hooked!
Q2) What percentage of your wardrobe is me-made?
I think 90% of my summer wardrobe and 20% of my winter wardrobe is me-made. I think it’s way more fun to make summer clothes than winter clothes! Living in Norway, which has a LOT of winter, I should probably start sewing more for winter, but…
Q3) What are your top 3 Style Arc sewing patterns? And is there a pattern that you have made on repeat?
#1 Belle Woven Dress – This is my absolute favourite dress pattern. It’s festive and yet so comfortable. I have made 3 Belle Dresses and am planning a 4th—a black winter version with longer arms and a longer skirt.
#2 Loddon Pants – I love, love, love the high rise and wide legs. I’ve made 2 and have a couple more colourful and “flowery” pairs planned.
#3 Olivia Dress – It is so easy to wear and easy to sew. I have made it both as a dress and as a top.
Q4) Your winning entry featured a dress you gifted to your beautiful mother! Do you sew for others often or only on special occasions?
I don’t normally sew for others, only for very special occasions as gifts, like this dress for my mom on her 75th birthday (as seen in the image). It brings me a lot of joy to see how happy she is wearing it.
For me, sewing is a hobby where I can relax, take my time, make mistakes, be creative, and have fun experimenting. Taking commissions seems to bring me too much stress and too many expectations.
Tina
Here’s how to enter:
1. Follow us on Instagram @stylearc
2. Tag your Style Arc creations on Instagram #samakersep2024 before the end of the month
The MAKER OF THE MONTH will be selected by the STYLE ARC team and contacted via Instagram direct message before being announced on our Instagram and featuring in our newsletter.
We are so EXCITED to see your FABULOUS creations and continue to grow and support our sewing community!
Happy sewing!
♡ The Style Arc team
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