How did you first get into sewing?
Well, my mom was a professional tailor, so my very first acquaintance with sewing was when I was maybe 6 -7 years old and decided to sew some princess dresses for my Barbie. The attempt resulted in my mother calling a technician to repair her Veritas machine.
So obviously, there was a long pause for several years, and I would, at the most, make some minor adjustments to clothes. Three years ago, I actually started. The reason? I had trousers that I liked very much and wanted a new pair, so I decided to give it a try… ever since I’ve been sewing.
How would you describe your personal style?
If you had asked me this before the pandemics, I would say combine un-combinable. Then we had these 2 pandemic years of jumpers/pyjamas! But I like to be unique. I guess this is why I love sewing so much because it allows me to create something that no one else has. You will usually meet me in natural fabrics in subtle colours and clean, simple lines, mostly accompanied by some scarves.
What are your best sewing tips/tricks?
Iron, iron and iron and wait … iron. When I started sewing, I used to ask for advice from one old lady. She told me that ironing is 50% of sewing; I stupidly doubted her.
Guess what? She was spot on. I guess this is a common mistake of all newbies; they want to sew fast… it’s only later that I realized the joy it brings when taking the time, as the outcome is much better. So I literally press every single seam when sewing, and once the garment is finished, I iron it once more. The clothes look really neat and professional.
What are the best (and worst) bits of sewing?
I have two best bits: First, selecting a fabric, where my imagination goes loose and second, cutting the fabric, as I am already thinking about the sewing process; what I need to concentrate on, I am envisioning individual steps (I usually need to adjust all patterns length-wise as I am 152 cm tall).
And worst? But of course, the winner would be unpicking, hence trying to avoid it as much as I can. So much that I have a pile of “I`ll unpick that later when the light gets better”.
What’s your most memorable sewing mistake?
When I applied the interfacing on the wrong side (aka right side, which was visible). I had no more fabric left and had to undergo a lengthy process of unpicking the interfacing… a couple of hours later, I was able to continue with sewing.
What’s your proudest sewing moment?
When I managed to sew a lined piece of garment, which actually was a Cap Sleeve Vest made out of cashmere with taffeta lining.
Do you have a favourite fabric you often choose?
This changes with the season, but always a natural fibre. I used a lot of jersey (going back to jumpers/pyjamas-period), but lately, I’m thrilled about any kind of denim and chambray.
Which fabric shop/s do you usually buy from, online and/or Brick & Mortar?
I usually shop online from kattun-stoffe.de, juni-design.com and merchantandmills.com
What would you want to say to someone who’s trying to get started in sewing?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as they will make you perfect! I would definitely recommend TAL patterns, they helped me tremendously on my sewing journey, and that is due to the clean lines of their patterns and the best instructions ever.
One last piece of advice, notches, do not neglect them, they are on the pattern for a reason, believe me!
What is you next project?
Haha, a Cap Sleeve Dress for a friend. It’s a lady whom I met when studying in England and whom I have always admired. So when she asked me for a dress, I felt so honored.
What do you do when you’re not sewing?
Working, I am in IT business so working from home full time. All right, that was not so much fun. Usually, try to go out as much as possible with my four-legged Yorkie companion. I also run. This year I decided to make it official and train for my first half marathon (where I, of course, will run in self-made clothes). And secretly… I search for patterns.
Thank you for making and sharing Beata!
NAME
Beata Basar
@beata.basar
FROM
Originally coming from Slovakia, for past 5 years I live in Germany. Not the first time living abroad, but the first time when I didn’t speak the language, so all ups and downs that came with it, but I’m learning. 😊
FAVOURITE TAL PATTERN
This is a very difficult question, as I like all of them…hmmm… I guess my all time favourite is Apron Dress and then Cap Sleeve Dress, V-neck Jumpsuit. I must admit, because of Three Pleat Skirt I came to realise, that I actually like skirts (never before had one).
LISTEN TO WHILE SEWING
When sewing I listen to musicals or Pink Floyd, something I can sing along to (or more like humming to)…. I can’t listen to anything else, otherwise I start making silly mistakes. The issue is I usually sew at night and the volume of music needs to be somewhat controlled.
Oh thanks for sharing, so inspiring. I am on a real sewing spree at present and it is fabulous to see what others are making.