Interview: Alicia (Wietholter) Miller of Swoon Patterns

Today I'm excited to share an interview with Alicia of Swoon Patterns.  This month's theme for Sew Your (Pattern) Stash has been Accessories and Pajamas, and Alicia's patterns are my favorite for bags and similar accessories.  They are incredibly well drafted and written.  The Swoon Patterns Facebook group is one of the best and offers lots of encouragement and ideas (and no negativity) and Alicia's business practices are admirable.  In the two years since she began Swoon Patterns, she designed an amazing number of patterns and seen outstanding growth and success.  Read on for more insight into Alicia and Swoon Patterns. And don't miss the giveaway at the bottom of the post!  (*note - I do not use my affiliate links in interview posts.  If you would like to support my blog and use my affiliate links, please see the affiliate tab at the top.)

Who:  Alicia (Wietholter) Miller  *Update: Alicia Wietholter became Alicia Miller in July 2015 when she got married!

Company: Swoon Sewing Patterns 

Find Her:   Website    Facebook Group    Facebook Page 

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Interview: Jeanine Thomlinson of Scientific Seamstress for Sew Your (Pattern) Stash Women's Month

I love learning more about the people behind the blogs, patterns, and beautiful photos I see in the online sewing world. Jeanine Thomlinson is one of those people and I am excited to host an interview with her today. This month's theme for Sew Your (Pattern) Stash 2015 has been sewing women's patterns/sewing for yourself, so Jeanine seemed like a great person to feature. You might be familiar with her as the Social Media Coordinator for Scientific Seamstress and for her beautiful and creative sewing.  

Where can we find you online?

Scientific Seamstress (Blog)

Scientific Seamstress Fan Page (Facebook)
Scientific Seamstress Lab Group (Facebook Group)

Can you tell us about your family?

I have two kids – 2 girls ages 4 (“Berry)”and 2 (“Cheeks”) and a husband- a cute Brit. 

How did you connect with Carla at Scientific Seamstress/Sisboom?

I won some patterns from You Can Make This when I first started sewing and picked out the Sisboom Sophie. I was MEGA impressed with the quality of directions and how EASY it was to assemble the pattern pieces and was an instant fan. I was always suggesting Carla's patterns to people and then one day she messaged me about a job. Best job ever! I accepted and then told the husband I got a job when he got home from work.

Besides sewing and handling social media for Scientific Seamstress, do you have other interests, abilities, or super powers? 

I love painting – not house painting, but my hobby pre-kids was canvas painting and I sold a few pieces. You can still see my painting incorporated into sewing here and there.

How did you get your start with sewing? What prompted you to sew your first item? Why did you decide to start sewing?

I started sewing in 2010 after I had my first daughter. I was bored being JUST a mom and desperately needed a creative outlet and canvas painting was just way too hard to set up with a baby about and no regular to myself hours to work. My great grandma gave me her sewing machine to start and then six months later my mom bought me a newer simple model. (Great Grandma's was very old and kept jamming up and frustrating me)

Was there a project that specifically “hooked” you? One that when you finished it, you thought, “I love this and I think I love sewing forever?

The Sisboom Sophie. It was my first piece. I thought looked as pretty as the pattern picture and I was in shock a pattern could get me (a total amateur who had had less then great results up to then) to sew something that looked as nice as depicted.

How much time do you spend sewing each week (or working on a sewing project, if not actually using a sewing machine)? 

Uhhmmmm..... can I plead the 5th? I spend probably 2-3 hrs a day on sewing or cutting fabric to sew.

What is it about sewing that you enjoy and are passionate about? 
I find sewing to be my sanity. It is my relax. My calm. I'm the type of person who has a VERY hard time being still. I need to be creative or I start getting very cranky and frustrated with everything and everyone. I am passionate about getting people to love sewing and especially sewing for themselves. Women's sewing is a big deal for me.

Which types of women’s clothing do you most like to sew (casual, comfy, dressy, etc.)? Do you have a favorite pattern to sew for yourself, one that when you wear it you feel great?

I usually sew casual - or mom chic as I pretend I am lol. I have to be able to wear what I sew while I chase two kids! I LOOOVE wearing the Sisboom Shana with tights and the Angie and the new Carolina Mae! And.. and... and... lol!

What would you say to someone who has never sewn for themselves? How would you encourage them to give it a try? 

Just go for it! And MUSLIN !!!!! Muslins are soooooo totally your friend when sewing for yourself! Pick a pattern that resembles stuff in your closet to start - plenty of time to get creative later - and pick fabric you would love in the mall.

What do you think is most important for women to keep in mind when sewing for themselves? 

Again, muslin. Getting a great fit is key to loving what you make and feeling good about yourself in your clothing. And always wear your good bra when you are trying on your muslin.

What is your favorite sewing tool you own? 

Other than my machine? My gluestick.

What item currently tops your sewing wishlist? (machine, tool, pattern, fabric). 

A Babylock Destiny.... lol. I'll be dreaming on that a long time! But I really love nautical prints and florals. I can't wait for the upcoming in spring new Jennifer Paganelli line!

Do you have a pet-peeve sewing mistake that drives you crazy whenever you do it - something that shows we are all Sew Not Perfect? 

My pet peeve sewing mistake is when I sew a right side to a wrong side – with the serger. I HATE unpicking those and I always feel so silly that I made such a simple mistake.

Thank you, Jeanine for taking time to tell us more about yourself and for encouraging women to sew for themselves!  

Be sure to visit the Scientific Seamstress blog and shop Sisboom patterns. In celebration of Australian fans on Australia Day you can use code AUSSIEDAY30 for 30% your purchase in the Sisboom etsy shop.

Also, Monday, January 26 is the last day for the Ultimate DIY bundle. If you've been considering it, don't wait any longer! And, the Girls' BundleUP sale and blog tour is going on until February 1. You can get a great deal on the Sisboom Gabriella Fae pattern as part of the bundle - as well as other great patterns (see my post on the Potato Chip Skirt by Tie Dye Diva).

Finally, don't forget this is the final week for the January Link Up for Sew Your Pattern Stash (2015) - the February Link Up will begin next week. For January we have a prize for a random link up participant - a $15 gift certificate to Imagine Gnats shop! You can also participate in Scientific Seamstress's Just for ME January. This week's theme is Knock It Off! and you can read about it on the blog.

Meet Rebecca of Candy Castle Patterns: An Interview

Meet Rebecca, the designer behind Candy Castle Patterns and Euro Fabric Shop.  She lives in the Netherlands (a tiny country in Europe next to Germany) and has four kids.  Rebecca worked in dentistry until her youngest daughter was born.  Due to her daughter's complicated health issues, they completely had to turn their life around, and she's pretty pleased with how it’s settled down now!  You've probably seen Rebecca's designs, if you haven't already sewn some of them.  Her Bubblegum dress was nominated for the Little Leading Lady Award in the 2014 Red Carpet Awards for Pdf Design, and the doll version of that dress was featured in the 2013 Designer's Challenge at Pattern Revolution.  Her Peppermint Swirl Dress (and doll version) are very popular among sewists and little girls alike - you can't resist the twirl power!  If you've spent any time in the Candy Castle Patterns Facebook Group, you  know how much fun it is to share photos, join sew-alongs, and get advice and help.  The group is celebrating 3,000 members this week!  Rebecca is very present in the group and lots of fun.

Besides sewing and designing, do you have other interests, abilities, or super powers? 
In the evenings, you can find me in the gym mostly, lifting weights. I like to cook and bake, especially together with the kids. They all have their own favorite recipes.

I’m also a fantasy geek, comic book nerd, and a true gamer (World of Warcraft), although the latter has been eliminated throughout the last years due to a lack of time. A true blood elf warlock by heart, though! I love watching shows with my other half; Game of Thrones and Spartacus are my all-time favorite shows, Walking Dead is a close runner-up.

Can we talk about your fingernails?  I think an added bonus of your patterns is seeing your different nail polishes and designs in the instructional photos.  I think my favorite design I’ve seen is the rainbows in the Soda Pop Polo Shirt pdf.  Are your nails always done?  Do you do them yourself?

I have always done nail art, because it makes me feel like I’m all on top of the game even when I don’t have makeup on. The kids usually get to pick the scenery mom is going to put on her nails. In dentistry I had to keep my nails very short of course, so it’s an added bonus that now I can not only show off my designs, but I can also grow my nails!  I always do them myself and it’s really not that much work! I do my nails once or twice a week and spend an hour at most – usually while we watch one of our shows. The secret is white nail polish – two layers underneath any design – and to always polish your nails. That way, it will become part of your routine, and it will in the long run, strengthen your nails and avoid breakage! My nails are always done, expect for once every couple months when I give them a two-week ‘breather.’ I totally feel naked then, though!

Candy and sweets play a big roll in your company - you even recommend snacks to enjoy while reading through your pattern and participate in Sew-Alongs.  Do you have a favorite dessert?
I love all things sweet!! We bake a LOT here, the kids all have a day in the week that they pick a recipe to cook or bake with mom (not just sweet treats, they also like to ‘help’ me cook dinner). I love cupcakes and candy, but cake is my favorite. Any kind of cake - especially with chocolate!   This is currently my daughter’s & my favorite.  (Chocolate Oreo Cake - and Google seems to do a good job with the translation if you want to give it a try!)

How long have you been sewing?  How did you learn? 

Bubblegum Dress using Euro Fabric
& Bias Tape from Rebecca's shop

Bubblegum Swing Dress

I’ve been sewing since I had a place of my own. 
My mom got me a machine for my birthday when I really knew nothing about sewing.  It turned out the best gift ever. My sister has a degree in fashion design and I always had my nose right in her business. Although she designed mostly bridal wear, couture maternity outfits, and other out-of-my-alley-stuff, I really enjoyed watching her design and work, and tried to understand how it was done.  (She is still my go-to advisor – I swear she drafts up a perfectly fitted, tailored pants in just thirty minutes, and she does it the old fashioned way – pen and paper!)  Sewing was not my main priority – it was the designing that attracted me, and sewing was something I just taught myself using mostly old-fashioned sewing books from the 1920s. Starting out, I created ill-fitting garments for myself – dresses, skirts, shirts.  Designing is difficult and takes a lot of practice!  I didn’t really wear those things outside the home! 


What is it about sewing and designing that you enjoy and are passionate about?
To be able to design onto a body and adjust clothing and sizing to accommodate the recipient - that is what makes sewing awesome.  You don’t need to work with generic sizes as you do when you buy a pants from a store.  Also, I very much respect and appreciate the old-fashioned sewing ethics.  If you own one or more of my patterns you may have noticed how I always point out couture etiquette rules (such as where buttons should be according to couture etiquette and on which side a pocket should be, or which way a wrap should go for a female garment, etc.). Oh, and you probably have noticed I’m a crazy bias tape fanatic! Almost all my patterns use bias tape, and I’m very thorough in making sure everyone is taught the correct, beautiful, fool-proof, old-fashioned way of attaching bias tape. I love my grading & drafting books; the old-fashioned ones mostly. The math & precision is right up my alley and I love seeing a project take shape. I really enjoy the technical aspect of designing.

Free pattern available
in doll, child and adult sizes!

When did you begin Candy Castle Patterns?  How did it come about?  How was the name chosen? 
I don’t think I ever ‘began’ Candy Castle Patterns; it was always right here. I was always creating & designing, but it was always on the backburner. It wasn’t until my youngest daughter was born and in need of more medical attention than I could offer her with a daytime job that I could actually turn what I loved doing into something more serious and dedicated. My oldest daughter came up with the candy theme (though in all honesty, she is not the only sweet tooth here; we all are!). 

I love how clear and encouraging your pattern tutorials are.  They are great for building confidence and learning new skills.  Have you had someone in your life who encouraged you and taught you new things?  Is that something you specifically had in mind when you started designing your own patterns?
My sister and her creations have definitely been a huge encouragement. I remember she had her first fashion show where one of her bridal gowns was being modeled, and I couldn’t make it due to work. I went through the pictures and she looked so happy and so fulfilled – I was equally proud! Although I design things so completely opposite of hers, I still feel a bit of what she felt that day of the fashion show, each time I receive a picture from a customer  of a little girl wearing an amazing dress. I love enabling people to do things they didn’t think possible with their skills.

Candy Castle Patterns Peppermint Swirl Dress

Do you have a favorite pattern you've designed, or one that has a special memory or sentiment attached to it?
My personal favorite must of course be the Peppermint Swirl Dress. It was just a silly thing in my mind that I had, that took a lot of uncommon and strange math. I decided to just give it a shot and sew one up – when I sewed together that last seam… Well, I think the whole neighborhood knew!   I think I even yelled for Kari to come see, while we all know my sweet friend & great help lives half a world away.

Can you tell us about your sewing space and machines?
Here in the Netherlands, houses are VERY small in comparison to yours. Our country is tiny and densely populated, so houses are tiny, like doll houses. A big sewing studio would be a dream – until that comes true, I have a very cool sewing space. It’s a fairly roomy  storage under the stairs (originally a closet where we just kept coats & food!) that I completely turned into a little sewing studio. It has chevron walls, pictures of me & my sis, drawings of the kids, inspirational prints, and everything that otherwise motivates me. A desk with my machines, some shelves, a drawer cabinet for my supplies and notions. I can be pretty messy while I sew, and the good thing about it is I can just close the door of the studio whenever it’s time for dinner or –shock- someone comes over unexpectedly! It’s okay that it’s small – it’s all I need; after all, I do not sew a lot. I mostly spend my working time at the computer, and so I have a very big desk with two computers, completely littered with notes, pens, drafting and grading books and empty coffee cups (I do clean up once or twice a day!). My grading & drafting books are like my bibles for designing, and I always have them near; they’re all smudgy and worn out of all that use and reading. 

I have a Brother sewing machine/embroidery machine that’s fairly new – that sewing machine Mom gave me for my birthday years ago was the one I used until it gave out! My serger is a second hand old lady; she is over 25 years old and all out of metal parts. She is like a tank and will plow through anything! I love her!

What is your favorite sewing tool you own?
It’s not a tool I guess, but I like the embroidery machine feature on my machine. Turns every garment into something special.

Can you think of a memorable sewing project that didn’t go right - something Sew Not Perfect – that you had to abandon or work to correct?  Or do you have a pet-peeve sewing mistake that drives you crazy whenever you do it? 
I have many of those.  Sometimes, a design doesn’t look like I want it to – or much worse. It’s all part of the process. Sometimes I decide it’s not worth it and I don’t like the project at all, so I trash it. I had that with a cowl neck dress last fall.  Sometimes, I really do like the project and I keep on drafting until it’s perfect, even if it takes me weeks.  (Below: During the recent Soda Pop Polo shirt Sew-Along in the Candy Castle Patterns Group on Facebook, Rebecca ran into a bit of a hitch with the Snow White version of her top, and came up with something even more amazing!)

...And came up with this instead!

The embroidery on this top didn't go right

So she cut it off...

How much time do you think you spend sewing each week (or working on a sewing project, if not actually using a sewing machine)?  How much time do you spend designing and/or running Candy Castle?
I do not sew much, perhaps 2 or 3 times a week. I’m a fast seamstress, so that works to my advantage, but I do make crazy work hours. Candy Castle takes over twice the amount of time that a fulltime day job takes – SO totally worth it though!

 Any hints what 2014 might hold for Candy Castle Patterns? 
I have a very busy schedule all planned out for this year. Fully booked. However, I’m way behind already, and often, my schedule is much more optimistic than I can actually manage to put out.  I have some ladies' designs in the works and a very long list of everything else I wish to design this year. As always though, 2014 will also be filled with Sew Alongs, because I simply LOVE having everyone around to sew together, chat with and share inspiration!

Thanks, Rebecca, for taking time to answer a few questions and give us a peek behind Candy Castle Patterns.  Be sure to stop by the Candy Castle Patterns Facebook Page, Facebook Group, and Website to join in on the fun and check out all her designs and fabric.

Candy Waltz Collection featuring Candy Wrapper Vest,
 Sugar Plum Fairy Skirt, and Licorice Bits Legwarmers. 

Rebecca wearing the soon-to-be-released
Cherry Cosmopolitan Dress for Women.

Butterscotch Bloomers

Triple Layer Cake Tunic

Meet Kari Steiger - An Interview

Meet Kari (Care-ee) Steiger  She's 34, has a husband and two daughters (ages 3 and 4), lives in North Carolina near Charlotte, and blogs at Thats-Sew-Kari-blogspot.com.  

You have probably seen Kari around a lot - as a pattern tester for various designers, a contributor on Pattern Revolution, and as an assistant to Rebecca at Candy Castle Patterns (CCP on Facebook).  I love Kari's take on patterns and the way she chooses fabric, pays attention to details, and puts her own spin on the patterns she makes.  Seeing her work, I was surprised to learn she has only been sewing for about a year and a half, so I asked her about it, along with a few other get-to-know-you questions:

Is it true you haven't been sewing for a long time?

I bought my sewing machine right after my 33^rd birthday.  My mom sewed growing up and I know I sewed some Barbie clothes and hair scrunchies, but it’s a very faint memory.

What prompted you to sew your first item?  Why did you decide to start sewing?

Hmmm…. I had wanted a sewing machine for a while. I had come across Hayley from Mouse House Creations on Babycenter and always admired her work.  Seeing her craftiness made me want to try.  I actually had purchased a sewing machine the previous fall, but returned it right away because I was sure I wasn’t going to have time or be any good.  But, the desire never died so I decided to try it when I received money for my birthday.  My first item I sewed was a cloth diaper using Walmart clearance flannel and a pre-fold that I hated using.  I didn’t even have a pattern, just sort of winged it.  It was a bit small so I upcycled an old t-shirt for the next.

Christmas Dress using Peppermint Swirl Dress Pattern from Candy Castle Patterns

Was there a project that specifically hooked you?  One that when you finished it, you thought, “I love this and I think I love sewing forever?"

Early on, my friend commissioned me to make her sister a diaper bag.  She took a big leap of faith in me and I made it my mission to deliver.  It turned out so adorable and her sister loves it.  That was my first major project and when I was done, I couldn't believe I had made it! 

You've said that it quickly became evident that sewing is your passion.  What is it about sewing that you enjoy and are passionate about?

I enjoy the entire process. I love going to the fabric store and mixing and matching.  I am a very visual person so I try to picture how everything will work together.  I am very detail-oriented so I also like to focus on adding the extras.  It’s my escape; my time just for me to be creative.  And, especially since becoming a pattern tester and trying to focus on my blog as well, I also enjoy photographing my girls.  I love seeing their excitement and their energy translate into their photos.

Besides sewing do you have other interests, abilities, or super powers?

I enjoy reading, baking cookies and spending time with my family.  

How did you get connected with Rebecca of Candy Castle Patterns?  Pattern Revolution?

We met sort of by accident, actually.  I got offered the chance by Pattern Revolution to review her Bubblegum Dress.  I had a question and messaged her, not realizing she was several hours ahead.  She messaged me back and we just never stopped!  Robin Hill was just forming the Pattern Revolution Blog shortly after I found the PDF group.  I sent her a message and said I was interested.  I’m lucky she said yes!

Kari's Cinderella Version of Candy Castle Princess Dress (the dress the mice make for Cinderella)

Would you tell us about your sewing space and machines?

I sew in my bedroom, literally 2 feet from my pillow…LOL.  I have the Sauder sewing table from Walmart that closes back up, but of course, mine is always open.  I have a Singer Fashion Mate sewing machine, a Babylock Diana serger and a Brother PE500 embroidery machine. My poor husband sleeps through most of my sewing.

What is your favorite sewing tool you own?

It’s a toss-up between my embroidery scissors and my seam-ripper.

What is number one on your sewing wishlist?

I’d love to upgrade my sewing machine to one that cuts my thread for me.  But first, I’m upgrading my camera!

What ways have you found most helpful for developing your sewing technique and skills?  Do you use YouTube videos, blog articles, online classes, pick up new things from pattern tutorials, have someone who shows you in person?

I have learned the most from pattern tutorials.  When I first started testing, each time, there was something that I had never tried before.

Kari's Signature Style sew-along entry
for Project Run & Play

How much time do you spend sewing each week (or working on a sewing project, if not actually using a sewing machine)?

Hmmm, probably too much! I sew several hours a night, every night almost.  I take my time and enjoy the process.

And finally, can you think of a memorable sewing project that didn't go right - something Sew Not Perfect – that you had to abandon or work to correct?  Or do you have a pet-peeve sewing mistake that drives you crazy whenever you do it?

The Minnie Mouse cut-out in the back of my daughter’s dress took me 3 tries to get it right.  I had a vision of what I wanted it to look like, and finally, I nailed it.  I don’t give up easily.

My biggest pet peeve is the print of the fabric not being centered or straight.  I try to take the extra time to think through the placement of everything, including what will be lost in the hem.  Sometimes, I overlook something and it drives me bonkers.

Be sure to visit Kari's blog to see her latest projects and pattern reviews.