Do you dream of an outfit and then proceed to find the pattern and fabric you want for that specific outfit?

Here are the 3 steps of my project process.

1. I start with the fabric. Why?

I’m very tactile. The feel of fabric and how that feels to me is my first consideration.

It’s really personal.

Do you overlook polyester based fabrics for natural fibres in your fabric choices?

Well, I’m easily fooled into buying manmade fibres when the technology used to make the fabric feel and breath like natural fibres.

I know fibres don’t breathe but when a fabric is manufactured to provide ‘breathable’ properties, I do buy them from time to time.

2. I absolutely love seeing what people sew via Instagram. I’m on Instagram all the time because I am a social media editor for SewOver50 2 weeks per month (it’s a great team so you might want to volunteer this year).

I see what patterns and more importantly the styles that people wear. You could say, I’m more influenced by my sewing friends that fashion houses influencing my clothing choices.

3. The season I live in will always win with my outfit choice.

Many of you know I love making coats and the occasional French cardigan. Living in Sydney Australia means I have a really short window to wear these clothes but I will also plan and make them each year.

Right now there’s a French cardigan on my sewing table and the sleeves need to be hand sewn into the jacket. This project will sit on the table until March.

Time can be a blessing when you’re working on an intensive project. I do get caught up sewing projects to a deadline – self-imposed of course.

What’s your sewing process?