How did you first get into sewing?
Sewing and other textile crafting has always been a part of my life. Growing up my mother always had a textile project going on, either it was sewing clothes, knitting or an embroidery. In a family with four daughters, our mother made most of our clothes. An early memory for me is going to the fabric store with my mother, looking at pattern catalogues and picking out fabrics to buy. Usually it was not the most expensive ones.
I myself continued with the practice into my teenage years, while having aspirations of becoming a fashion designer. I studied various courses in pattern construction, sewing and fashion illustration. But over the years, my interest in other forms of textile craft and art gradually overtook my earlier dreams. I didn’t sew clothes for many, many years. It’s first during these past few years that I picked up the interest in sewing clothes again.
How would you describe your personal style?
I like simple silhouettes. Sometimes more dramatic and sometimes with a sporty twist. Yohji Yamamoto is and has long been an inspiration for me. I always have a pair of well tailored trousers with wide legs in my wardrobe as well as long shirts and cardigans. I also love using belts to change a silhouette.
Which is your favourite sewing tool and why?
My favorite sewing tool is the point presser/clapper. When I started to use these I saw a big difference in the end result of the garment.
What are your best sewing tips/tricks?
The first tip is to baste before you sew. When you want a really neat and professional result this is the way to go.
The other tip is to use a point presser/clapper to press your seams. When I studied pattern construction and tailoring in my mid twenties, I had a teacher, tailor Ove who showed me completely new ways to use an iron, not just to press seams, but to form the garment. That was a game changer for me.
What are the best (and worst) bits of sewing?
The best bits of sewing nowadays is definitely the process. When I was younger I didn’t have the same patience as I have today, I was more focused on getting finished, but now I really enjoy basting, ironing and being precise.
There is really no worse bits, but for me sewing in jersey fabrics is a bit of a challenge. I just can’t seem to get it right.
Do you have a favourite fabric you often choose?
I love fabrics with some structure, like wool or crispy poplins. Not too long ago I started to sew in linen and completely fell in love with it, so that is also a favourite of mine.
Which fabric shop/s do you usually buy from, online and/or Brick & Mortar?
Korps is an online store with lovely linen and wool fabrics that I lately buy from.
What would you want to say to someone who’s trying to get started in sewing?
Start with a TAL pattern. As a teacher I know how important it is with good instructions and illustrations and TAL patterns are definitely one of the best ones out there.
And just start sewing, it is so much fun when you once get started.
What is you next project?
To make trousers with a really good fit. I have purchased the TAL regular fitted trousers so really excited to see how that pattern is.
What do you do when you’re not sewing?
I am an art and textile craft teacher with a big passion for textile art. When I’m not teaching young children or making something with my hands I really enjoy to exercise and spend time outside in nature and the Swedish forest. I run, hike och take slow walks, and swim in the lakes nearby.
Thank you for making and sharing Annika!
NAME
Annika Björndahl
@textilstil
FROM
I live in Gothenburg, Sweden in an old charming apartment.
FAVOURITE TAL PATTERN
I love them all, but have two favorites. The V-neckdress because the neckline is absolutely gorgeous and the Oversized shirt because it’s a pattern that has a lot of variety. Depending on fabric, size and length the shirt can have completely different expressions.
