This week in our ‘Meet the Maker’ series, I’m happy to introduce Magdalena from the pattern label Vagabond Stitch. She’s pretty new to Makerist.com, but has already really caught our eyes in the team with the clean and functional lines of the patterns, and fresh fabric choices.
- Describe yourself in 3 sentences – name, age, location, hobbies and interests etc.
My name is Magdalena, I’m 32 years old and I live in Germany. I design children clothes patterns and for last few years sewing is my main hobby and passion. - How did you find sewing as a passion and what was it that made you decide to become a pattern designer?
There was a time when I considered sewing an old school grannies hobby until I got into the trap and became a sewing addict. It all started when I lost my job while expecting my first child. This was quite a positive experience because I was pushed to finally follow my impulse and devote my time to something I actually enjoy. I took some sewing classes, bought tons of fabrics and started a small handmade baby clothes brand. At first, it was a temporary solution to my work from home mom situation. Then I realized that, working for yourself it the most satisfying job I’ve ever had. Looking for a professional challenge I found the courage to start designing my own patterns.
- Do you follow news, trends or insights on Crafting, sewing, DIY? Where do you get
your news – is it through magazines, blogs, newsletters?
I’m trying to follow the trends, mainly from random surfing and admiring other peoples sewing creations.
- Do you consider sewing and pattern design a hobby or is this your full time job?
Are you lucky enough to be able to concentrate fully on sewing?
I’m lucky to work as a pattern designer as a full-time job. I have started with no big investment and I’m betting on a slow organic growth.
- What’s the best sewing tip you can offer? How did you discover it?
There are so many tips and techniques out there. I bet I don’t know half of them.I remember spending hours on trying to finish a binding in a particular way until I found the technique that works best for me and I enjoy doing. What I want to say is there is more than one way to skin a cat. If something doesn’t work out the first time don’t give up, be adventurous and look for another solution. I guess this could be said not only for the sewing.
- Most of your patterns call for sewing with jersey – do you have any special tip here?
My Tipps for sewing with jersey. My number one tip for sewing with jersey is –get a serger if you still don’t have one. Also – knits, unlike the wovens are so forgiving if do a mistake – keep calm and eyeball these few millimeters that you just cut wrong.
- What’s the latest sewing project you’ve completed?
My latest sewing project is actually two new patterns. I always work on two or three projects at the same time. This way if I’m stuck with a decision I leave it for a few days while working on the other patterns and meanwhile come up with a solution. I’m making two different footed rompers for newborn babies. I’m expecting my second baby in few months and felt the need to sew something tiny and cozy.
Also, I’m busy building up my own website for Vagabond Stitch! That’s a big project as well:)
