Image: Melissa Arras
You’ve said that, “the creative process of gathering fabric, cutting it into shapes, stitching it together and wearing it, completely transformed the way I feel about my body.” Why do you think that making your own clothes can be so empowering?
Firstly, I had to really connect with the shape and form of my body, not through measurements, but through feeling every curve and muscle. Then I had to connect with the way my body moves through the day. My clothes need to allow me to cycle to work, sweat, feel sexy, fill my pockets, dance, bleed etc. But most importantly, every single day when I wake up and put on my own art I have to connect with my inner artist which has completely transformed the way I feel being in the world.
Has your relationship and the way you feel towards the items you make changed over the years?
Yes definitely! I do look back on some things and think, what was I thinking! Surprisingly, it has taken me a long time to learn to make basics well. Just yesterday, I finally made the perfect shaped tank top for yoga which I have been meaning to make for ages!
How would you encourage people to begin making their own clothes?
I spent three years teaching beginners how to make their own clothes before I released my own range of patterns so I have tried to cram the instructions full of helpful tips and tricks. I think a great way to begin is by coming on one of my workshops so that you can learn how to trouble-shoot in a supportive environment. If you are first starting out at home I recommend buying one of my kits so that you know you have all the right materials and haberdashery ready to go.