The combination of sewing and social media is very popular for creating unique pieces, posting them on your blog or Instagram, and inspiring others. And because the number of dressmakers around the world with their own blog is constantly increasing, Fibre Mood regularly showcases a Sewista who has turned a pattern from Fibre Mood into an original pattern hack. This month, we present Julia from @JLkreativ and her #Rya pattern hack. Discover her beautiful creation here!
Hi, my name is Julia, I'm 55 years old and I have not only been active with my sewing machine for many years, but on Instagram too as @JLkreativ and on my own blog under julialutter.de
When I was still at preschool, I was allowed to sew the first straight seam on my grandmother's sewing machine. My grandmother, who sewed almost her entire wardrobe herself, gave me the sewing bug. She taught me not only sewing, but also knitting, crocheting and embroidery. Among the rest of my sporty family, I was more of an outsider. I even started sewing my own dolls. When I grew out of playing with dolls, I started sewing for myself. I turned old sheets into clothes, trousers, etc. I did everything without a pattern and also by hand; I only inherited my grandmother's sewing machine after her death.
Then, in my early twenties, I had a machine and dared to have a go at making my first patterns: a blazer and corset dress. With the birth of my children, the sewing machine took a break for over 18 years, during which time I discovered painting. When I suddenly had a painting block, the sewing machine came back into use and now – like my grandmother – I sew most of my clothes myself. If you don't count the break, then I've been sewing for almost 50 years.
When the sewing machine was brought out of its hiding place many years ago, there were only a few providers of sewing patterns. The internet was still in its infancy and you had to rely on the patterns offered by local shops.
This has changed in the meantime. A highlight for me was actually discovering issue two of Fibremood magazine, which I saw by chance at a train station kiosk. If issue one wasn't out of stock by now, I would have all the previous issues.
The Rya pattern came at just the right time, because I was missing a casual transition coat that could be sewn quickly. I sewed the first model with wool and according to the instructions, which meant not using a seam tape on the hem but instead overcasting and stitching the edge with the overlock.
Since the summer didn't really want to say goodbye and I still had a great linen fabric that I wanted to make a casual shirt with, I picked up the Rya pattern again. I shortened it as far as the fabric reached and left out the curves on the lower hem. The side pockets were superfluous and the breast pockets had to do without the flaps. The short Rya became one of my favourite garments for late summer because I can wear it both as a casual shirt blouse and as a 'jacket' over a top. Even in autumn/winter, thanks to its ample width, it is great over a polo neck.
I sewed my third Rya for a holiday to the North Sea in October, when a warm lining was essential. The wind and temperatures were too much for the first woollen Rya. This time, I also shortened the cut due to a lack of fabric and straightened the lower hem. I also created a lining, which was relatively easy. Like the original cut, the lining has no facing, cuffs and collar. For this, I chose a light quilted fabric. I moved the breast pockets further down, replacing the side pockets.
I think I'm still very much shaped by my teenage days, when I sewed clothes without patterns. Of course, the results often looked the same. By sewing a lot using patterns I have now learned a lot and developed a feel for where I can change a pattern or use a fabric that is not necessarily recommended. If the idea doesn't come up in my head, I turn to fashion for inspiration. Often there is a pattern that, with a little skill, can be changed so that it resembles a high-street garment or I can adapt a pattern to my needs. For example, trousers without pockets don't really work for me. Whether patch pockets on the back or side pockets on the front that are subsequently inserted into the pattern – the main thing is a pocket. If I prefer a V-neck to a round neckline, then I will remodel. Of course, sometimes something goes wrong but this happens less and less with increasing experience. You just have to trust yourself.
Do you want to sew your own Rya? You can get the pattern here!
