Hi everyone, I’m Sally! I’ve been sewing and making since I was a small child, crafting is something that brings me so much joy and I find it’s so good for my mental health, too.

I’m predominantly a sewer (sewist, seamstress I never know what the correct term is). Sewing handmade clothes is my favourite thing to do, but I also love sewing things for my home and making craft projects such as project bags for my knitting and crochet and laptop and book/kindle cases. You may have seen one of my Quilted Laptop Sleeve as a tutorial here on the SIY-Sew It Yourself blog.

I am hugely inspired by vintage style fabrics, I love Liberty prints, florals, polka dots and stripes, and I love nothing more than seeing pretty fabrics come together in the form of a patchwork quilt. I really got into sewing patchwork quilts when my children were little (they’re teenagers now – where does the time go!) and whilst being a stay-at-home mum I set up my own little website and Etsy shop selling patchwork quilts and personalised cushions.

Moving onto more recent sewing times… I’m loving my work as a sewing content creator. I share my sewing makes over on my YouTube channel and on Instagram, and I also create content for sewing businesses, fabric and pattern companies. It’s a job that I absolutely love!

When it comes to sewing my own clothes, I usually take inspiration from the High Street; I love to see what’s trending and if there’s anything I like, I usually look at the sewing patterns I already have and see if I can adapt them to be more on trend or more up-to-date with recent styles. My favourite types of fabric to sew and wear are probably viscose and linen-viscose blends. I prefer clothing that drapes rather than is too structured.

My advice to anyone who wants to start sewing is to just go for it! It can be easy to be put off by fear of failure and even wasted fabric. Believe me, I’ve had a lot of both in my time, but every ‘mistake’ was something learned and every time you try you will get better. There is no better feeling than creating something with your own hands, in my opinion, and the mindful nature of sewing is so calming.

I’m looking forward to bringing you a new tutorial this summer, and I hope you’ll look out for it!

Sally x

Connect with Sally

Instagram: @secret_life_of_a_seamstress

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SecretLifeOfASeamstress 

Blog: https://www.secretlifeofaseamstress.co.uk/ 

Facebook: @secret life of a seamstress

Email: sally@poppyandprimrose.com