In the Studio with Laura from Sew Chic Patterns

It's been a few weeks since I wrote a post for the "In the Studio" series, but you're going to laugh when you find out why.... I have been searching high and low in my sewing room for the fabric I bought specifically to go along with my pattern of choice and I can't find it ANYWHERE!! I may have to resort in pulling out every single piece of fabric in my wardrobe just to find this 1 yard piece of a nude nylon knit. I plan on making Laura's slip pattern, Valentine Slip. I am determined to find this fabric tonight, so as soon as I get the slip done I will post my review of the pattern!

As with all of the other posts in the "In the Studio" series, I start with an interview with the pattern designer. This week I have featured Laura Nash from Sew Chic Patterns. I had the opportunity to meet with her last September and we had a great chat! I am a fan of vintage-inspired garments, but I'm not always sure I can pull it off. (see this post for my thoughts on this topic.) I'm really excited to try one of her garment patterns! (But I'm going to start on a slip to gain my vintage sewing confidence! LOL) 

I asked Laura to answer some questions to help us see the life of a vintage-inspired pattern maker. Enjoy learning more about Laura Nash owner and creator of Sew Chic Patterns!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in the western United States where my family moved a lot. My dad was a mechanic and he spent his early life building funny cars and inventing products for the race car circuit. It is not a very family friendly profession, so my mom was occasionally a stay-at-home mom. She liked to cook, and also did some sewing. I remember her at the sewing machine from about age 3, making matching dresses for me and my sister. At about age 10, I began to exert my own sense of fashion, and asked my mother to teach me how to sew. By age 13, I was inventing a few things like bras, blankets and clothes for Barbie. At age 17, I designed a wedding gown with petticoat, for my mother’s second marriage.

Through the event of my own marriage and arrival of 4 children, I continued to sew for my family, and eventually began sewing professionally to supplement the family income. I was still dabbling in many other creative endeavors, including, knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, stenciling, calligraphy, woodworking, furniture making and finishing/refinishing, home decorating, upholstery, house plans, landscaping…. but each thing requires its own set of tools and needs practice. I came to a point where I knew I could not be “expert” in everything, so I cleaned out my closet and decided to put all of my energy into sewing. I still do photography, web design and graphic design, to fulfill the needs of my company, so my life isn't completely one dimensional, but to my family, it sure feels that way!

What is a typical work day like?

I begin the day by answering email and Craftsy student questions, and checking social media for any new developments that may need my immediate attention.  Then I move to the current task with the highest priority (ie: closest deadline!) be it at my sewing table, updating my website, or writing directions for a class or a new pattern (all of these need doing right at the moment!). Things with lower priority like blog entries, or tasks that keep me at the computer for long periods of time are saved for evenings and weekends, “watching” shows with my husband but really getting more work done.  It’s a really nice thing that my days are not all just alike, but the down side is that it’s easy to get distracted and side tracked from my real priority- designing new patterns.  It’s a good day when I can make at least some progress on a new pattern!  

What made you want to be a pattern designer?

There has been nothing I like doing more than creating and sewing. I always wanted to become a designer, but as a young girl I guess I didn't have very high aspirations because I somehow thought college was way out of my reach. Being a mother was also important, so I put that goal in front first, and have always been glad that I was able to stay home with my children.  

Victory Jacket - LN1414

Did you go to school for fashion? If so, where? If not, how did you get into what you’re doing?

When I my youngest child started pre-school, I began working toward a college degree.  I started at the community college level taking night and TV courses, transferring to Oregon State University. My degree is a Bachelor of Science, so there were technical requirements like lots of math!  Pattern making does require more math than people might at first assume.

What inspires the patterns you make?

While in college, it seemed like I was always at the library in the fashion magazine archives working on assignments.  At first, I didn't pay that much attention- I was there to complete the task- but then one day it hit me that what I was looking at was very much works of art and had a level of detail not seen in clothing for years. From that point on, I began an earnest study into the works of the early designers, and it has since influenced my design and personal style ever since. We all still need to be present in the modern world, but what I try to do is extract the same tasteful eloquence and use it to our best advantage.

Tia Dress - LN1312

Who is your favorite fashion designer?

It’s very difficult to pick just one!  Charles James and Cristobal Balenciaga (the persons, not the brand) are definitely among my favorites!  The big designers that did their own design work, such as Madeleine Vionnet, definitely get my respect.  

What is the best thing about what you do? The hardest thing?

The best thing is design! I absolutely love the process of creating a new style, and combining it with fabric is akin to giving it life and personality.  The hardest thing is explaining to another through a few words and pictures how to repeat the process. At times I must change the style, simplify, or standardize the procedure to keep it from being too big a challenge.

Out of all the sewing patterns you created, which is your favorite?

I love them all for different reasons, but my favorite is Fifth Avenue. This one was a design competition winner many years ago, earning a $1000 to start my business. I would put out this kind of work all the time if only we all had more reason to get dressed up!

Fifth Avenue - LN1311

Do you have a favorite pattern designer, (other than yourself!)?

Someone I really admire that has no design credentials, but has studied the craft and has a ton of talent is Ana Stepalica of Stepalica Patterns. Another indie designer whose designs are near perfection is Yuki of Waffle Patterns. Her presentation is spotless and all of her fabrics are perfectly matched. That tells you something about her quality of workmanship.

What is your favorite fabric type?

I love luxurious fabrics of all types, but taffeta is my favorite. It will keep its shape and is great for both straight and full skirts or dresses and can work well with pants and shirts too. I made my phantom capri pants from taffeta. I can wear them all day and they never look wrinkled. In plain colors, the fabric still has an upscale feel, but allows the design work of a style like Fifth Avenue or Tia to take front stage. I even love the sound that it makes!

Phantom Capri Pant - LN1106

What is your favorite sewing tool?

The number one rule for all my tools is they must be easy to use and guide me to fast and flawless accuracy, and one favorite tool that does this is my Dritz E-Z Hem Gauge.  I use this tool for everything that needs to be turned and pressed with a fold line before I sew, such as binding, trims, patch pockets, hems, facings, center fronts, belts, and on and on. Just lay it down and fold your fabric up over the edge and press (it has markings to line up your raw edge).  

Where do you go when you need to get away from it all?

The internet! Sometimes the beach. It’s being with my young grandchildren that really is the most fun.

What is your favorite food?

I have an awful strong sweet tooth that must always be kept in check. Isn’t chocolate one of the main food groups?

What is the most common fabric/sewing-related question people ask you?

One question people ask is do I draw designs before I make them. The answer is not usually. I do have a few sketches of eveningwear from my Gowns by Laura days that I’m determined to get made one day, but usually an idea lives in my head nagging me constantly until I get to it. After it’s made, I do have to draw the flat, but it’s quicker to draw one style that is, than all the ones that might have been.

Another question people often ask is do I make everything I wear. That one is also a no. I don’t alter either. If I can’t live with it as it comes off the rack, then I don’t buy it. I want to put my sewing time into things I will really enjoy, love, and feel great in, not sewing t-shirts and altering clothes with mediocre appeal.

Valentine Slip - LN1207

What is one fashion trend you love? Hate?

I love the vintage trend! There are quite a few trends I don’t care for. Graphics on everything, bleached and torn jeans, garish colors. I don’t understand why people would want to wear leggings as pants, or actually anything that is too tight, too low, or too skimpy.

Are you working on any new patterns? Can you give us any behind-the-scenes info?

I just finished a redesign of the Pendleton pattern. It was one of my earliest patterns and it’s been out on the market for quite a while now. Rather than retire it, I decided to give it a refresh so to speak. I’ve finished the first sample and will be starting on view B soon. It has a whole new personality now, and can’t wait to show everyone! The only thing left to decide is whether I should also give it a new name. What do you think?

The Original Pendelton Dress - LN8002

Thank you Laura, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer a few questions! You can check out her website here, Sew Chic Patterns. Do you have questions for Laura? Post them below and I will try to get you an answer! 

If you would like to purchase your own Sew Chic Patterns along with a fabric order, check out our selection of Sew Chic Patterns now. 

Stay tuned. I will be reviewing the Valentine Slip pattern very soon! (As soon as I find the fabric I bought for it, but it is lost in my closet!!)

Happy Sewing

~ Julie