I’m so excited to share another community profile with you this week! Hilda is one of those makers who is incredibly productive – I have no idea how she manages to make so many awesome things and I love following her sewing adventures! I love what Hilda made for this shoot – she chose the Darling Ranges dress and made the View C dartless dress with bonus belt made from gorgeous natural linen from our studio. She then took it up a notch by adding her own belt buckle and I’m so in love with this effortless chic look that i need to make myself one now!
We asked Hilda a million and one questions about her sewing journey, her involvement in the sewing community and what she made for our community photoshoot and I really hope you enjoy reading what Hilda has to say!
What did you choose to sew for this project?
I chose the Darling Ranges dress as I thought this dress is perfect for summer/autumn weather we are currently in. I made the dress in Oatmeal linen, paired with coconut buttons. This is definitely my normal style. I try to sew mindfully these days where I only create something I like to wear.
Were there any new skills you picked up using your pattern?
I definitely loved how the placket and neckline came together! I don’t think I have sewn any with that method before and I certainly love the finished look.
With the belt, I did experiment a little – I bought this gorgeous Resin Buckle from Etsy and made my own belt to compliment the dress.
What do you love about your new outfit?
This dress is so easy to wear, to dress up or down.
- To run few errands, I can simply wear this dress with sneakers.
- For Sunday sessions, I can easily add the belt and complete the look with sandals/flat shoes.
- For a date night, heels will definitely elevate the overall look.
How did you learn to sew?
I started sewing only few years ago, in 2016. Each year, I try to come up with a new year resolution to learn something new that is going to be beneficial. I am referring to life skills!
In 2015, I realised that I wasn’t domesticated enough so I thought why not learn how to sew. I don’t have any family or friends who sew here in Perth, and I had to force myself to do some research to find myself a teacher to get some sewing lessons. I then came across to Rita Sewing Room in December 2015 and I booked myself to her beginner sewing class. The rest is history.. I am now a self-confessed sewing addict. I am very grateful to sew-alongs and our online community, I can finish a garment without having to go to classes anymore.
What do you mostly sew/who do you mostly sew for?
Let’s be real here. I am selfish. I don’t sew for anyone else but myself. Well, maybe few things for my husband when I first learned how to sew… but not anymore.
What’s your favourite things to sew?
I love sewing pants! I don’t know why, but when it fits perfect, it gives me so much satisfaction!
What do love about sewing?
I love how sewing gives me the space to think, slow down and focus on the project I am working with. I work in a high-pressured role with a very dynamic team; where my mind is running a million miles per hour. Somehow sewing keeps my sane and gives me the sense of achievement.
What do you hate about sewing?
I just hate it when I don’t understand an instruction and the pictures didn’t make sense. When this happens, my project tends to become abandoned for few months before getting my attention back.
What’s your sewing kryptonite/what in sewing makes you want to burn everything and crawl under your table to cry?
My sewing kryptonite has to be overlocking too fast and you know what happens… (When it overlocks the undesired part of your garment). Goes to the bin it is! Like Marie Kondo says, if it doesn’t bring you joy, bin it!
What do you wish you had known when you first started sewing?
I wish someone would have told me to only sew what I am going to wear in a fabric that feels comfortable against my skin. Less is more, indeed.
If you could be someone’s fairy sewing mother, what gift of knowledge/skill would you bestow upon them?
If I could be someone’s fairy sewing mother, I would have advised them to:
- Invest in a good sewing machine & overlocker
- Only work with a project that you know you can finish (start with an easy project and work your way up in terms of difficulty)
- Stay true to your fashion sense. Don’t start a project just because everyone else does.
What has been your crowning sewing moment/creation/achievement to date?
My biggest achievement has to be my ‘Chanel couture Jacket’. I learned so much throughout the hundreds of hours spent in getting this jacket finished. Not to mention the amount of hand sewing involved. I followed online classes to gain new skills and I am glad I did.
How are you involved in the sewing community?
I am part of the Maylands Sewcial Club where we gather every second Saturday of each month with like-minded ladies. It’s been really fun getting to know other sewers in my local community. I have also recently joined the Minerva Blogger Network where I would write a blog for them once a month.
How would you recommend new sewers get involved in the community?
Learning to sew is not hard. Get involved, join your local sewing community and be adventurous! There are so much help out there. There is nothing Google cannot help you with :)
I really hope you enjoyed meeting Hilda! You can find her on Instagram @sew.h_factor
I can’t wait for next week to introduce you to the next Community Project Feature!!
Meg xo
