Men who sew: meet Jake

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Creating unique pieces to share on your blog or Instagram and inspire others: the sew & blog combo is all the rage. It's exactly because the number of Sewists keeps multiplying that Fibre Mood is featuring a Sewist every now and then. Get to know Jake from @frae_couture .

Jake

What inspired you to start sewing?

I've always enjoyed dressing up. Costumes and theatre were my thing growing up. I even learned to hand stitch as a kid. I also love making things and never seemed to find exactly the style of clothes I wanted. A friend of mine showed me what she had been making for years and I decided to buy a sewing machine. That was two and a half years ago. 

 

How did you learn how to sew? 

As I said, I had a very good friend who sews. She taught me the basics and then I just learned from watching videos, reading pattern instructions, and generally figuring it out. I still have a lot to learn though!

 

When it comes to handicrafts, are there any new challenges you'd like to take on?

Well, at the moment I'm actually teaching myself to hand stitch and work with leather. I've always wanted to make durable clothing and accessories (bags etc). 

 

How would you convince someone who doesn’t sew to give it a go?

I'd tell them it's addictive. And that they should stay away from it at all costs for fear of losing themselves in sewing! I'm kidding, but honestly, I'd just tell them about the immense satisfaction you feel when you wear or use something you've made yourself. And that it's fairly simple, all it takes is patience. 

 

What does your workspace look like? And where is it?

My workspace is in my living room in my small apartment near Montmartre in Paris. But, depending on the project, it can go from my small sewing table (an old Singer machine from the turn of the century) to my entire apartment. I have quite a few antiquities and old paintings lying about so I like to think of my space like a 1920s tailor shop. At least when it's tidy. Generally speaking, a project tends to take over my flat and all semblance of order disappears. 

 

What made you decide to start your blog or Instagram page? 

I wanted something to push me to create and sew regularly. I never thought it would grow much but the sewing community is wonderful. Once I started posting, I couldn't and didn't want to go back. 
 

Where did you get the name for your blog or Instagram page? And why that one in particular?

Originally my name was just Jake_couture. Highly unoriginal. So, I decided to change things up. My family name is Fraser (an old Scottish name). I shortened it to the first syllable which sounds like the word fray. That can either be interpreted as to fray - as in a fraying cloth (which I found appropriate) or fray (as in a fight or struggle - and struggling definitely is part of learning!). The French word for fresh is also "frais", pronounced similarly to fray. And so, Frae_couture was born. 

Where do you get your inspiration for your blog or Instagram page?

Everywhere really. I get weird looks from people in the street because I tend to stare if I like what they're wearing. I'll try and work out how I could make that jacket or that hoodie. I use movies a lot too and just scrolling through Instagram. 

 

And which other blogs  or Instagram pages do you enjoy or inspire you?

Well this will sound biased but I love Fibremood's international side and its diversity. @Oliviercoud also helped me a lot with different patterns and ideas. I've recently been chatting a lot to @kemani.designs and really love his stuff. The main leather work account I take inspiration from is @Esthete_custom. Another guy who lives in my area is @pom_made. His detailing and trousers especially are incredible. Otherwise, there are so many amazing female sewer accounts. @Happy_as_a_bee_ or @joliesbobines for example and @mapurnia. 

 

Of all your creations, which one do you think is the very best? Which one are you proudest of?

Tough question. I tend to apply myself more when I'm creating for other people. For example, I've done a few backpacks for friends and family as presents - I did one last year in velvet and jacquard. I feel the detailing and durability made it one of my best pieces. But funnily enough, when it comes to my proudest piece, it's a weight vest I designed and made for home workouts during the first lockdown last year. I've used that basically every day since with added weight and it hasn't budged.

What future projects do you have in mind?

Well I have a couple of "orders" for family and friends. I've got a jacket/coat for a friend made with tartan. Otherwise, I'm in the process of making a waistcoat for my father who wants to try on a gentleman's look. And I have a woollen skirt lined up for my mother. And at some point, I want to make a full aviator's jacket with a piece of veal leather I got in a local leather market and synthetic sheepskin. But as that will probably be stitched by hand, it's going to take a while. 

 

What tips & tricks would you like to pass on to Sewist(a)s who are just starting out?

Use the right needles. The number of times I messed something up because I couldn't be bothered. That and just take your time. Rushing never works. I still do it occasionally and always end up taking whatever I'm making apart and starting over. Also, if you're going with basics like a t-shirt or underwear (anything in a stretchy material), and if your machine has one, use an overlock stitch. It will save time and avoid the cloth getting deformed from being stretched out. Oh and don't hesitate to reach out. Asking on Instagram or any other platform always yields answers. 

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