Featured Blogger: Sarah of Pattern Runway

Posted by Mary Egan on Jul 22, 2013

A woman wearing a black dress with a white bird pattern

For this week's featured member, we reached out to Sarah, the designer who runs the Pattern Runway blog and has an Etsy shop by the same name. On her blog, she offers free patterns and projects and she has a unique sense of style. Dig into her Q&A below!

Can you tell us a little bit about your blog and when you started it?

I started my blog halfway through 2011 in response to the huge lack of modern fashionable sewing patterns that replicates current fashion and fit, and to be a voice contributing to keeping the craft of sewing and sewing well alive and flourishing. Prior to that I worked as a teacher, teaching fashion and design, and did work as a Product Developer/Garment Technician, which I still do. My blog and patterns aim to teach the tips and techniques that I have learnt along the way to give your garments a professional finish. As sewing often isn't learnt, taught, or passed down from previous generations, there is quite a need for education. I love to sew my own clothes and have sewn since I was very young. I love to see others enjoy it and feel the sense of accomplishment and self reliance. Blogging has been harder than I thought and I so appreciate all the effort that goes into creating all of the amazing blogs out there. RESPECT!

What is one of your favorite projects you've ever made?

For me sewing dresses are my favourite. I feel a huge sense of accomplishment when I finish one. One of my favourites at the moment is my Coffee Date Dress (seen in the lead image of this post). It's very wearable for day and night.

Where do you find inspiration for your creative projects?

I follow a lot of blogs, from fashion to craft to interiors, that keep me full of ideas and motivation. I also love to shop, not necessarily to buy, but to investigate garment finishes, and construction and to look at what styles would make great patterns.

Which of your craft projects took the longest to finish?

Developing your own patterns definitely takes ages. I underestimated how long my Drop Waisted shirt dress pattern would take to create and perfect. It looks like a simple garment, but there were several complex decisions to make that just took me ages! It took several toiles (muslin/mock up) to decide on where to cut the waistline of the dropped waist, getting the proportions just right, and deciding on the final shape of the slightly rounded baby collar. Although I can be a very quick sewer when needed, I actually sew rather slowly as I like every step to be perfect and I know that I won't wear it or be happy with it if it's not quite right — slow and steady wins the race is how I approach most projects!

Describe your personal style in 3 words.

Not quite sure how to describe it but it's a combination of relaxed, tailored, and classic.

When I'm not crafting, I can be found...

Whipping up sweet treats in the kitchen. My husband very generously bought me a Kitchen Aid for my birthday (oh yeah!) and it's been in constant use each week.

If you were to be cast on a reality TV show, which one would you choose and why?

Ooh, that's an easy one! I am in love with a show here in Australia called "The Block." Its a home renovation show where couples compete against each other to renovate rooms of a property each week. When the properties are finished, they are all auctioned and the contestants win any money above the reserve! Its highly addictive and I would love the chance to be on it but the timing never seems right. I love interiors and often dream about switching careers from fashion to interior design.

Be sure to check out Sarah’s blog, Pattern Runway!

Each week, we feature a CraftFoxes member who is doing great work! Want to be featured right here? Upload your favorite craft projects today. If we choose you as next week’s featured member, we’ll send you a CraftFoxes T-shirt, and we'll link to your blog or handmade shop!