Sewing Projects

Hobby

Hobby

As a child, I used to dream of becoming a fashion designer. Somehow, at around 13, I became insecure and thought I wouldn't be capable of doing that for a living. Due to fear of "not being creative enough", I actively did not pursue that education and career path.

But my curiosity in fashion design never left me. I was beyond lucky to receive a sewing machine as my 26th birthday present from my partner, and finally delved into the world that I had always admired as a child. Sewing became one of the hobbies that really drove me to stay curious and creative.

I had never touched a sewing machine before I got one, so I had to learn everything from scratch. Neither have I ever learned anything about making clothes. Youtube and TikTok tutorials were (and still are) my teachers. I learned how to draft patterns and to this day, I still very much prefer doing that instead of following a ready-made patterns. Aside from my "passion for fashion," another main reason why I wanted to sew was to make my own clothes and have them exactly how I want them. So ready-made patterns don't really do it for me.

I strive to be as sustainable as possible. I've repurposed many of my old clothes into something I would wear a lot again, usually those from fast fashion brands that are not so timeless or were ill-fitted. I also try to get deadstock fabric to work with through thrifting or buying from deadstock-specific webshops.

Repurposed clothes

Below are examples of my creations made from an already existing item in my wardrobe that I didn't wear enough. I turned them into something with a bit more personality–one that aligns well with my personal style.

Zara light ribbed hoodie pullover turned into buttoned top. Buttons used as closure on the sides of the shoulder and outer arm seams, as well as the front of the torso.

Zara cropped blazer turned into a sleeveless vest with lace belt. Snaps installed on the collar to close and create asymmetric look.

Thrifted pleated skirt repurposed into a part of a blouse. The skirt became an inner layer of a vest with hook and eyes as closure.

Reinterpreted designs

These are some of my creations that were inspired by pieces from either my favorite fashion designers or brands that are out of my budget. I reinterpreted this pieces to be more wearable for daily activities and to fit my preferred aesthetic better.

These creations started with the question, "Can I make that myself?"

Inspired by Belgian designer Olivier Theyskens, specifically his F/W 1998 collection, featuring hook and eye and cut-out details. I reinterpreted into these two black rib knit jerseys with hook and eye details. One with front closure and the other with horizontal cut-out detail above the bust.

Inspired by an A-line mini dress with bow details by Ganni. To match my own style better, I applied pleats and plain cotton fabric instead.

Inspired by another Belgian designer, this time Dirk Bikkembergs, I reinterpreted a piece from the S/S 2004 collection. I used jersey knit fabric, repurposed from an old Zara bodycon dress.

Though I was never formally educated in sewing, I always strive to try out new methods and ways to make clothes. I had to go through many trial and errors, as well as (unfortunately) many wasted fabrics.

Through learning how to make clothes, I've come to appreciate well-crafted garments, fabrics, and the attention to detail that is required in dressmaking.