Featured blogger: Julia Bobbin

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Creating unique pieces to share on your blog and inspire others: the sew & blog combo is all the rage. It's exactly because the number of bloggers keeps multiplying that Fibre Mood is featuring a new blogger every month. This month we'll get a glimpse of what it’s like to be Julia, the woman behind ‘Julia Bobbin’, a blog that will have you itching to make your own creations.

Julia profiel EN

What made you decide to start your blog?

‘I started blogging because I was looking for a way to record, showcase and share all my sewing creations and tutorials in one place. It also allowed me to see how my style and skills have evolved and changed over the years. What's more, blogging is a fantastic way to communicate with the sewing community, which is always so lavish about heaping on positive feedback, encouragement and sharing its wealth of knowledge.’

How did you learn to knit and sew?

‘In August 2009 I took my first sewing class. I was fed up with clothes that fit badly and sewing itself seems like a nice hobby to take up. In just a short span of time, my weekly sewing class became the highlight of my week. I was kind of shocked at how crazy I was about it. It didn't take long before I was spending all my free time sewing, watching online tutorials and unravelling sewing mistakes until I was sure I'd really gotten it down.’

‘In 2013, after having had my first child, I started my first course in knitting. After having taken this basics course, plus loads of online tutorials, I taught myself to knit. I learned to appreciate and enjoy the slow process of creating. It was my creative outlet during those early days of motherhood, when time and sleep were scarce and sewing just wasn't an option.’

Have you always been so creative? Did you enjoy being creative as a child?

‘I've been creative for as long as I can remember. I played piano, performed in musicals and plays and loved painting and crafts. However, I wouldn’t say that I was really passionate about it until I discovered sewing.’

Where did you get the name for your blog? What made you decide to go for that name in particular?

‘I've always been fascinated by the simple little bobbin in my sewing machine. Despite being small and rather unobtrusive, the bobbin is something you simply can’t do without when sewing. So I decided to pinch the name to create my alter-ego.’

What would you say your finest creation is? Which one makes you the most proud?

‘That answer is forever changing. I'm quite proud of my leather jackets, since I really took my time to make sure they fit perfectly. I also adore my purple organza trench coat because it shows a different side of my style and showcases my new sewing techniques. However, for the time being I'd say that my loveliest creation is the evening dress I made for a sewing event here in Australia. This sequinned dress has largely been sewn by hand. It was an insanely huge job, but once I was able to wear it I felt amazing.’

Do you encounter any challenges when it comes to the handiwork setting?

‘Time! The more you create, the more you want to create. Time is a serious challenge, especially if you have a family and other obligations.

Where handicrafts, such as knitting or sewing are concerned, what is your greatest fear?

‘When sewing, I'm most afraid of wasting gorgeous fabric on something that isn’t quite right or that I don’t end up liking. When knitting, I often catch myself knitting 'in the round' to avoid having to attach the finished pieces.

Where do you get inspiration for your blog?

‘Instagram: the hashtags I love scrolling through best are: #sewing, #couture and #sewfrosting.’

What does your work space look like?

‘My work space is part of a multi-purpose room that I share with the rest of my family.  My fabric cupboard and creations help put me in a creative mood.’

Is there anything you’d like to try making in future?

‘My biggest plan for 2019 involves a pair of leather trousers and a bra. However, what I'm most excited about is creating an 18th century gown. Talking about evening wear on steroids! These gowns are the very height of couture. It will take oodles of time and patience, but that’s a challenge I'm more than happy to take on. ’

Do you have some tips & tricks you’d like to share with beginning sewers and knitters?

‘Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Try things out at home, watch tutorials and just give it a try. Mistakes are what help you make progress and will help you become acquainted with your personal style. And if things go wrong, there’s always the seam ripper...(wink)’

Atelier Bobbin

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