Name: Nicky
Blog: https://sewandsnip.wordpress.com/
Where did your love of crafting start? Where did you learn your skills?
I have always been creative, enjoying painting & making things as a child. I then started sewing as a teenager. Firstly with school sewing lessons, learning the basics of dressmaking and patchwork and then sewing at home to make things for myself. When I started a family of my own, my hobby grew as I made dresses for my daughters, things for my home and the occasional makes for friends.
I am mainly self-taught, through a lot of trial and error, and was luckily enough to have a friend close by who sewed so I could swap notes with her! I do love to learn, so if there is any opportunity to listen or watch someone crafting or attend a workshop I’ll be there!
What is your favourite craft activity and why?
Sewing is my favourite pastime, but I also knit and crochet. I enjoy the challenge of making something unique. I don’t really have a favourite item to make but I do like waistcoats and corsets.
How do you choose the materials that you work with?
The fabric I choose depends on the project doing but I often find the fabric comes first, I can’t resist all the fabulous selection out there.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from everywhere. I carry a notepad with me to jot down little sketches and notes. It could be something I’ve heard, read or seen (fashion, architecture, nature, etc.).
Which items can you not live without when crafting?
I have found over the years that having the correct tools helps considerably. Sharp scissors and pins are of course a must, but also:
A loop turner to make your dainty button loops
Hem gauge to ensure evenness
Eyelet pliers. These make the job of adding eyelets to a finished article a lot less scary!
Out of all of your projects you have made, which one are you most proud of and why?
I am proud of a number of my projects such as the cot quilts I made for my grandchildren and my boned Victorian Corset, but to date, I’m most proud of the top I made for the Simplicity Bloggers Challenge as it won the Vintage Make Category. This may get knocked from the top of the list later in the year though when I see my daughter wearing the wedding dress I’m planning to make for her!
Do you have any top tips that you would like to share?
Apart from having the correct equipment, my tip would be to take your time. Read through the instructions of what you are going to attempt before you actually start. I find sometimes I’m so enthusiastic to start skipping this, but only end up having to unpick something and take longer in the end.
Do you have any favourite designers or brands that inspire you?
I am particularly inspired and I love the work of Alexander McQueen and Vivian Westward.
