She’s all about shining a spotlight on others. But the TAL team has finally persuaded Anki to talk a little about herself: Her personal style, her best sewing tip, why she founded The Assembly Line, and more.
What does fashion mean to you?
– Fashion is about attitude. I love when the clothes one wears become an expression of who you are. And creating your own fashion really gives you the perfect playground to choose colours, shapes, accessories and more, based on your own preference and mood. Believe in yourself and what you’re wearing, and it will all look fantastic!
How would you describe the unique TAL aesthetic?
– Simple lines, contemporary designs, functional yet stylish. Simple with an unexpected twist, something that you can make your own.
How would you describe your own style?
– My personal style includes a lot of unconventional matching, like a dress worn with brogues or a suit worn with sneakers. And layering!
What does sewing mean to you?
– Sewing my own clothes is a conscious choice, for both myself and the planet. My aim with The Assembly Line is to attract not only those who already make their own clothes, but also people who have overlooked sewing as an option to ready-made garments.
How did it all start?
– The Assembly Line was founded in 2017. I had felt for some time that there was a gap between the fashion industry and the crafts industry. At the same time, I wanted to take an active part in the slow fashion movement, by turning sewing into an actual alternative to buying the ready-made garments found on the High street. This meant the joy of sewing had to be made available to as many people as possible.
Spread the joy of sewing sounds wonderful, but how?
– It had to be easy! Easy to find the materials needed and easy to create the garment with a guaranteed high-end result. Even for a non-professional! No more unfinished sewing projects in the closet!
What does the name mean?
– ‘The Assembly Line’ alludes to the customer being invited to the production chain. Of course, ‘Line’ also means a collection within the fashion industry.
What’s the key to sewing success?
– A well-constructed pattern is crucial. Equally important is the guidance! I believe our detailed step-by-step assembly instructions, like an IKEA manual, is the helping hand some makers need to finish. Another hand to hold is our community, a place filled with helpful fellow makers. The kindness and generosity amongst the makers of The Assembly Line world still amaze and inspire me!
Which is your favourite sewing tool?
– My loyal Pfaff sewing machine. It has very few extra features, but it sews straights and zigzags like a bulldozer.
And your best sewing tip?
– My best tip is to iron. Iron. And then iron some more. Most of my sewing failures I would say are a consequence of skipping the ironing.
What are the best and worst bits of sewing?
– I love the satisfaction of making, it’s like active mindfulness. However, for someone as impatient as me, it has to be rather straightforward, I’m not fond of too much complexity or preparation. And I’m NOT fond of ripping, that’s de-mindfulness.
Trust the instructions, take your time preparing the fabric and cutting out the pattern. Also, don’t take it, or yourself, too seriously. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
What’s your advice to someone who’s trying to get started in sewing?
– If you haven’t dared to start yet? Just go for it. Start simple and learn along the way. Trust the instructions, take your time preparing the fabric and cutting out the pattern. Also, don’t take it, or yourself, too seriously. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Swear if you must, take a walk and a cup of coffee, and then get back to it.
And what’s your advice to someone who’d also like to start a creative business?
– I believe one mustn’t overthink it. Like everything else, it’s a process and no one knows everything from the start. Also, everyone makes mistakes. We are only human!
How have you managed to build a company all on your own?
– To make it possible for The Assembly Line to grow, I have some amazing, clever, and fun women helping me with various tasks within all areas of the business, from product development, website expertise to marketing and customer service. They make me happy, humble, and thankful every day!
I love all the patterns I have bought from you. They are so easy to follow and have great tips all the way through construction process. I have bought the puff shirt and (I can laugh now!!!) mis-read the elastic to be 5mm instead of 50mm/5cm! I ended up throwing out that shirt, and have just made up two more with the right size elastic! Really pleased. I have also made your Apron dress, which I love – it turned out really well. I am, at the moment, making up the tie bow blouse, which I am really enjoying. Lesson learned: read and re-read before I start cutting etc. I intend to make up the High-waisted trousers very soon. Your sizing is just great. I have size M around the shoulders and bust-wise I am a size L. I find your patterns are just to easy to alter for my perfect fit. Thank you so much Anki – you are the best!
Thank YOU Dilbe for your very kind words and so happy you are enjoying our patterns!
Love the attitude of laughing at your “learning mistakes” and just make another one! Or two. 😍