Hello everyone!
Hope you're having a fantastic week so far. Just yesterday, S and I stumbled upon a hidden garden right next to our usual route to school. It's been there all along, but somehow we never noticed it until now. The weather has been absolutely perfect—sunny and warm—and it made our little discovery all the more delightful. By the way, S is turning 12 today! She’s been counting down the days and has already mapped out her entire celebration. From treats at school to sushi and ice cream after her dance classes, she’s leaving no stone unturned. Oh, and our favorite chocolatier is whipping up something special just for her. We’ll definitely swing by later to pick it up. I think it’s going to be a memorable day for her.
Now onto today’s Ask Me Anything segment, which comes from Cherie. She sent over a few questions via email:
**1) What do you recommend for someone transitioning from an advanced beginner to an intermediate level seamstress? I’m keen on moving beyond basic projects like skirts and knit tops to more intricate designs. Any tips on how to get started?**
First off, my top piece of advice is to dive in headfirst and embrace the process. Practice makes perfect, but reading up on techniques or even joining a class can be incredibly beneficial. One approach is to challenge yourself with each new project. For instance, we’ve put together a sewing syllabus that breaks down skills progressively. (I really need to update it with some of our newer patterns—I’ll get around to that once I carve out some time.)
Don’t hesitate to try new things, ask plenty of questions, and take your time. Rushing through a project often means missing out on valuable lessons. Take, for example, my current project—a Chanel-style jacket using a Claire Shaeffer book and Vogue pattern. It’s a slow burn because it incorporates a lot of couture techniques that are brand-new to me. I’m breaking it down step by step, and while I won’t finish it anytime soon, I know I’ll pick up tons of skills along the way. (And yes, I still need to finish my muslin!)
Another tip is to explore resources like the Threads archive DVD—it’s packed with articles covering pretty much every sewing topic imaginable. You’ll find loads of practical tips there. Finally, remember not to get discouraged if things don’t turn out exactly as planned. Every misstep is part of the learning journey.
**2) What’s a typical day like for you, and how do you manage to fit in your personal sewing?**
Since we moved from New York and I gave up my studio space, finding a balanced routine took a bit of trial and error. Now that I work from home, I’ve learned it’s crucial to start my day with physical activity—whether it’s running, yoga, or barre. Otherwise, I feel like I’m stuck glued to my desk all day!
On some days, I’m mostly hunched over the computer drafting instructions, sketching, formatting patterns, and replying to emails. Other days, I try to keep my distance from screens while I’m cutting fabric, sewing samples, or snapping pictures. My job is so varied depending on where I am in the design process, so each day looks slightly different.
Most of my enjoyable sewing happens on weekends. Last weekend, for instance, I traced a pattern and cut out fabric for a project I’ve got brewing. During the week, I try to limit my personal sewing to quick tasks like stitching a seam or two while waiting for S to finish her homework or violin practice. Distractions happen though—I can get super engrossed in what I’m making, so I have to be careful not to lose focus on work.
**3) How do you stay so slim?**
Ah, this question always catches me off guard! Honestly, it’s a mix of genetics, staying active, and being mindful of my diet. I’ve always tried to maintain a balance between exercise and enjoying food. Whether it’s running or dancing, movement is key for me. Plus, cooking at home helps me control portion sizes and ingredients. I’d say it’s less about strict rules and more about listening to my body and making choices that feel right.
That’s all for today! Let me know if you have any other questions—I love hearing from you. Have a great rest of your week!
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