Hi everyone!
As I wrote to you some time ago, I've been thinking about a series of posts to introduce you to the Textile Industry!
It all started when I realized that many people are so interested in making a living out of Fashion, but don't know a thing about how a garment comes together or the work behind each step of clothes making. So here I am, sharing with you all this interview with Abby Elaina from Pschh, I Can Make That!
In her site, Abby shares her projects on how to make your own garments and personalize them. In her videos you'll find all kinds of tips and you can see all the steps involved in making a piece, from the choice of design, buying the supplies, cutting and sewing! And not only do I find her steps very easy to follow, I just love the designs she chooses and the design of the site itself.
Ana: What was your first idea when you created 'Pschh I can Make That'?
Abby: Well, without even realizing it, I've been saying "Pschh I Can Make That", about a lot of retail items throughout my life. I didn't grow up with much money, so a lot of the time when I wanted something, I had to make it myself. It finally clicked that I wanted to start a blog last year when I was shopping through Anthropologie's online catalog and came across a dress that I loved, but thought the price was a little excessive. I wanted to remake the dress myself, and have my husband film me, so I could share with other women what exactly goes into making your own clothing, and often how simple it can be. The concept of recreating something that you may not otherwise be able to afford, or just making it your own, is a natural thought process for me, and sharing that with others has been a really fun experience.
Ana: In your site you wrote you've been sewing since early childhood. How did your love for clothes making first appear?
Abby: Sewing has been a large part of my life since before I can really remember. I had two wonderful teachers in my life, my mother and my grandmother who really supported and inspired me to pursue every art form imaginable. My mother had me sewing on buttons and working on my stitching at a very young age, and my grandmother had me constructing simple garments by the time I could reach the sewing pedal. Though I think it took me until my early teenage years, after I had created the majority of pieces in my wardrobe, to realize that I really loved designing clothing and sewing, and to truly appreciate the knowledge I was given. Being raised in an environment where creativity is not only nourished, but greatly encouraged, really played a large role in shaping who I am now, and my love of sewing.
Ana: Do you think it is important to have training in that area before attempting to sew your own clothes?
Abby: Yes, absolutely. The basics of sewing should be mastered prior to attempting to sew the more advanced garments, but the basics are much easier to learn than many initially believe. I think some beginners can get easily frustrated and give up when working on projects because they haven't fully learned the basics yet. Having a firm basic knowledge, makes it much easier to follow patterns, and even design clothing yourself. There are plenty of beginner projects perfect for practicing, I suggest making curtains, pillowcases, blankets, or aprons as first projects for beginners. You'll never know it all, I still learn new techniques and am constantly trying to improve my sewing all the time.
Ana: What books or sites would you advise for people who are just getting started, still learning how to use their sewing machine?
Abby: Youtube is the best resource for watching technical tutorials, you can find virtually any information on sewing imaginable. I do have a few go-to books that I frequently refer to. For the best in universal sewing basics I suggest Simplicity's Simply The Best Sewing Book, you will learn everything from pattern placement, stitches, finishing seams, collars, cuffs, pockets, buttons and zippers. For those interested in learning about fabric, I suggest Textiles by Sara J. Kadolph, which is an extensive look into every type of textile, how fabrics are made and what they are used for. Finally, for those looking to create their own patterns, or get into fashion design I suggest How to Make Sewing Patterns by Donald H. McCunn, this book gives a great break-down of pattern making and a good insight on garment construction.
Ana: Many of your projects are fairly simple and anyone with a sewing machine could do them. Still, do people ever write or comment with questions, for instance, the width of the stitches or what needle to use with a particular fabric?
Abby: Yes absolutely. I actually often get asked why I don't go into greater depth when explaining the technical part of each step within my Episodes. The truth is, there are thousands of tutorials online teaching you how to do every possible sewing technique, my tutorials take it a step up from that, and show you how to construct garments in a simple, creative way. I consider my projects to be "Beginner Friendly", but I do offer a rare glimpse of how your favorite garments can be constructed for far less than you think. I do encourage everyone to post their questions on my blog, I always answer technical sewing questions, or refer them to a specific video or pattern for further help.
Ana: You almost always try to find an already existent garment that you will later change, instead of doing it from scratch. Is that because it is faster or because the tricky part is making the patterns?
Abby: It's a little bit of both, but mostly, I just love the idea of reusing materials and "upcycling". I think there's something really cool about turning something old and unwanted into something beautiful and treasured. I do make garments from scratch, but I will always use existing pieces and fabric first if possible. I also often reuse pockets, zippers, buttons, and even collars from old clothing. Why spend extra time and money to create something new, when it's already sitting unwanted in the thrift store for a couple dollars? My favorite projects are typically finding old vintage clothing, ripping out the seams, and resewing the entire garment in a new, fresh way.
Ana: You usually cut the fabric with the cutter or pattern pinned on top. But for less experienced people and especially when cutting slippery fabric, would you advise on drawing the pattern on the fabric before cutting, so they can see what they are doing?
Abby: Sure! Whatever works for you. I typically use paper patterns because it's a great way to keep each piece of the project organized and labelled during construction, but I also use chalk pencils for marking.
Ana: What were your favorite projects so far?
Abby: That's difficult to say! As for the projects on my blog, I'd have to go with Episode 2, my recreation of the ruffled Modcloth Dress. I spent so much time on that bodice, and always get so many nice compliments while wearing it.
Ana: Is there a garment you made from scratch that you would like to show us?
Abby: Oh my goodness, I have so many. I have been on a serious vintage pattern kick recently. Here is a dress I recently made from a 1955 Dress Pattern:
Vintage patterns are a little bit more difficult to complete than ones made in the last 10-20 years, the terminology is a little different and not as "user friendly", but still really fun!
Ana: Any last piece of advice?
