I used a skirt that my mother handed down to me for this pattern and it was really fun to see what I was able to keep as a part of the pattern.”
Keira
Sewing Gave Keira the Freedom to Create Her Own Style
Chapter 1 of 6
How it began
I started sewing in 2018. I have always loved the idea of making my own clothing and I'm a very creative person with a huge flair for fashion, so it just kind of made sense for me. It's actually surprising it took so long because I had been asking my mother to teach me my entire childhood but there was always something that got in the way of us finding time and then I also tried to take a costume construction class in college but it was difficult to get into so I was never able to enroll. Several years after college I was talking to my now husband about how I wished I could sew because I just love fashion and want to be able to express myself more through a unique, individual style. And he is the man among men because right away he hit the Internet to see where I could take classes in our area. He signed us both up for a clothing construction class in our area and we started sewing together! It wa s so fun to be able to share the learning process with him and honestly he was more of a natural at it than I was! He really wanted to learn how to adjust clothing and make alterations because he is tall and lean and it can be difficult to find things in the US that fit him well. Now he basically has a custom closet 😂
Chapter 2 of 6
What it gave her
When we finished our class, I moved on to other classes my teacher was offering and learned how to make different styles of bags and lingerie. By the end I felt like there was nothing I couldn't do and I set off to collect patterns and second hand fabrics. I'm not against getting fresh fabrics, but I love to go thrift for second hand items because it really sparks my creativity and, honestly, I can buy a lot more in one go if it's second hand pricing. I love to give fabrics another life and consistently create clothing from curtains, table clothes, sheets, shower curtains, blankets, etc. I also think that it adds to the challenge! You have to learn a lot about fabrics, how they hang, fold, and move on the body, to sew well. It's been such a fabulous journey of self growth, pride, and creativity. Sewing truly makes me feel a freedom within myself.
Chapter 3 of 6
More from her story
I spent about 6 years collecting fabric and sewing patterns, finishing a few projects here and there in my off hours. Now my collection is pretty insane, so it's time to get to business and remake my wardrobe! I've just started taking on up-cycles as well and that is a new and challenging endeavor! The types of patterns that I mostly collect are vintage from the 50's-80's. I love reimagining these classic styles. I'm the kind of girl who feels best in a dress, so I mostly make dresses and skirts, but I just love the playsuits from the 50s and 60s that have a matching detachable skirt!! I still sew modern clothing and get most of my patterns from verified Etsy shops and mood fabric because who doesn't love a free pattern!
Chapter 4 of 6
What it gave her
Rosys patterns really caught my eye because they are so feminine and sleek. They give goddess energy and I just love the way they make me feel. I would love to see more and more people sew and create their own unique flavor of clothing and accessories! I believe that we are all creative beings, and that talent has nothing to do with learning a new skill. Anyone can do it! The more you practice the more it becomes something you were born to do. Learning new skills is not just fabulous for your mental health and health of your brain as it ages, it's good for your confidence! Sewing can teach you to be patient, resilient, and detailed.For me, sewing has become a sanctuary. It's almost like meditation or something. I always feel better after spending a few hours deep into a project. It's become so much of who I am that I am about to start a sewing channel on YouTube and all other social platforms in the hopes that I can inspire others to depend more on themselves for what they need and want to see in their lives. My ultimate goal is to eventually learn how to draft my own patterns so I can partner with other designers to create unique and inspiring collections for people to try.
Chapter 5 of 6
Her advice
I know sewing can be an intimidating, time consuming, and expensive hobby to take on, but I challenge people to start anyway. Start small and use YouTube to learn how to hand stitch. Go to goodwill and pick up a used sewing machine or ask a family member if they know anyone who is retiring theirs. I started out with a $20 machine from goodwill that needed a lot of love and care, but I still use it today for certain projects and she hums right along with me! You can solve any problems through trouble shooting and YouTube is a great resource for learning the inside and outs of using, cleaning, fixing, and maintaining a machine. Start with something you can see and be proud of! A pillow, or an eye mask for your bedroom! Make a coin purse or a little clutch! Take on a tote bag! There's someone who can walk you through it step by step on YouTube, I promise. And when you are ready to try a pattern, Rosy has amazing patterns! She also has a community built in that you can join to get advice, encouragement, and help whenever you need it.
Chapter 6 of 6
Her Rosys make
My first project with Rosy's was the Audrina dress. I loved that it was easy to understand what was going on with the pattern, had good instructions, and was easily simplified with the option to have a lined or unlined dress. I was able to knock it out in a very short time and had a beautiful dress that could be worn for many different types of occasions. This project was especially exciting for me because it was the first time I was taking a finished garment and upcycling it! I used a skirt that my mother handed down to me for this pattern and it was really fun to see what I was able to keep as a part of the pattern. It took creativity and planning to get it just right. It really lit my creative fire and now I am on a sewing rampage! One of my favorite things about sewing is that it seems like no matter how much you've made, you learn something new with every project! So far, the most interesting project I've worked on was taking a down blanket that was going to be tossed and instead trying to turn it into a down jacket! It was a nightmare lol. Working with feather stuffed fabric is certainly an advanced project in my book. I learned so many valuable lessons while working on that project - like little feathers will be found in every nook and crack of your project room until the end of time. It's practically as bad as glitter! But it was totally worth it. I can't wait to share the journey of making it with my community come fall.
Tools for your next make
Five evenings, one make
Tap an evening when it is done. We keep your place.
A pattern on us, every month
Save her words
“I used a skirt that my mother handed down to me for this pattern and it was really fun to see what I was able to keep as a part of the pattern.”
“So far, the most interesting project I've worked on was taking a down blanket that was going to be tossed and instead trying to turn it into a down jacket!”
“I learned so many valuable lessons while working on that project - like little feathers will be found in every nook and crack of your project room until the end of time.”
Meet the maker
Keira
“I started sewing in 2018. I have always loved the idea of making my own clothing and I'm a very creative person with a huge flair for fashion, so it just kind...”