May is the Month of Skirts here at Sewtropolis and we’re kicking it off with the introduction of a new pattern line at the shop: Sewaholic Patterns from Vancouver-based designer, Tasia Pona. We recently ‘sat down’ (okay, we emailed…) with Tasia to learn a bit more about her… read on and check back in after the interview to learn more about our our special Sewaholic offer!
[designer Tasia Pona models the Pendrell blouse, pattern available at Sewtropolis]
Tell us about Sewaholic Patterns! What kind of woman are you designing your patterns for?
Sewaholic Patterns creates pretty, versatile sewing patterns for the pear-shaped women! The styles are designed to fit and flatter a pear-shaped figure, although it's easy to adapt them for any body type. I wanted to make patterns that are easy to sew but fit well, versatile enough to make over and over, and most importantly, flattering and comfortable! The woman in my mind likes to look feminine and pretty, pulled-together without looking too fussy or overdressed. She sews because it's the best way to get unique, fashionable clothing that fits right.
OK, now a little about you... answer these questions three...
How did you learn to sew?
I learned to sew from my mother, when I was a little girl. She let me use her fabric scraps for Barbie doll clothes, so that's how I started off my sewing adventures. My Barbie was oh so stylish! She had a suede miniskirt, a cape, all kinds of awesome things that no other Barbie doll had! That's the greatest part about sewing, being able to make exactly what you want, regardless of what's in fashion or in the stores, and get it to fit you properly. After outfitting Barbie with a wardrobe of great items, I moved on to sewing for myself. In high school I took sewing (every year!) and afterwards, I went on to college and completely my degree in Fashion Design. So I've been sewing nearly all my life!
What's your favorite style of skirt?
I love all kinds of skirts, but my favorite is a full gathered or pleated skirt. I like my skirts to be comfortable and flattering, and I find pleated or gathered styles have the best of both worlds! Pockets are a must, and I like them roomy and functional. I do also love circle skirts, anything that floats out when you twirl around is good in my books! Bonus points for petticoats and contrasting linings. Whatever style of skirt you prefer, skirts should be feminine, flattering, and fun to wear!
What's on your sewing table right now?
The Crescent Skirt, for the Sew-Along! I'm making it up in a pretty red cotton print, and I'm still looking for the perfect bright turquoise for a coordinating slip. I do have a few other projects on the go, including a Vintage Vogue dress from the early fifties in teal wool. I found the most amazing vintage glass button to finish off the dress.
What can we expect to see from Sewaholic this year? Any new patterns on the drafting table?Most definitely, there will be new patterns this year! My goal is to release at least four new patterns this year, to build up the collection. All of the new styles will work together to build a pretty, handmade wardrobe! Dresses, skirts, jackets, trousers - several exciting new designs are in the works!
We heard through the grapevine that we can get some help from the designer while working on our Sewaholic patterns! Tell us about your sewalongs!
What's a sew-along, you might ask? A Sew-Along is like a long-distance sewing meet-up. Like when two friends who live in different cities go see the same movie separately together, and then call each other to talk about it afterwards. It’s like that, but for sewing!
We all sew the same pattern, with our own choice of fabric, and then I’ll post step-by-step photos of the sewing instructions. We’ll sew a little bit every day or so, and the posts will be there for those who work at a more relaxed pace. Everyone who's sewing along can ask me questions along the way if they get stuck, and when it’s all done we each have a pretty, finished project! I also post tips, tutorials, and designer's recommendations - plenty of reasons to stop by and check it out, even if you're not sewing along at the same time.
The great part is that there’s a whole bunch of us doing it together. What I've found from the first Sew-Along is that sewist are generally kind, helpful people. People will comment with their own suggestions and tips, what worked for them, and offer opinions and alternate methods. At the end of it all, we've all learned something new, even the intermediate and advanced sewists! And it's incredibly helpful for beginners to be able to sew with confidence, knowing there's a whole group of people who will help them along the way.
Let’s see the patterns!
The Crescent Skirt
The Crescent skirt is the newest offering from Sewaholic and is a fun and flirty skirt – perfect for summer! With roomy pockets and the option of an above or below the knee length, you can make up a few for the weekends and a few for wearing to work!
The Pendrell Blouse
The Pendrell Blouse was the first release from Sewaholic Patterns and is perfect in one of our summer voiles! This beginner level shirt works on its own or paired with a suit.
Check out the Pendrell sewalong posts for great tips on how to sew up this sweet little blouse!
[View A]
[View B]
Thank you Tasia for taking the time to answer our questions! Check out Tasia’s blog and keep up with new releases by following her Facebook page.
As a special offer* during the “Month of Skirts” come in and pick up a copy of the Crescent skirt and we’ll include two hours of Q & A Studio Time** with your purchase. The Crescent skirt sewalong is currently underway, so you’ll have access to great tips on sewing your skirt! If you get stuck, come on in to use your Q & A Studio Time and get some extra help from one of us. The Crescent Skirt is appropriate for an Advanced Beginner – if you’ve taken one of our level 2 classes such as pajama bottoms or bias cut skirt, this would be a great next pattern for you.
And watch for our June schedule – we’ll be celebrating a Month of Shirts and devoting our full line up to summer blouses! Patty will be teaching the Pendrell shirt on June 20th!
*offer ends May 31st, 2011
** Q&A Studio time is halfway between independent studio time and personal one-on-one instruction and is geared towards sewists who are able to work independently with some assistance from our staff learning new techniques.
While Patty made her shirt for her husband who is an accountant and works downtown. (who modeled in exchange for being allowed to play with Lucy the beautiful basset hound). Patty chose a cotton woven fabric by Oliver+S - has a lighter hand and is more conservative.
