You've probably been following our newsletters for a few weeks now, we usually write about sewing tricks and online learning tips, but we are shaking things up this week!
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For our newest segment, Thread Tales, we are interviewing sewists around the country to talk about their sewing journey.
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I've had the pleasure of interviewing Johanna Ali of So Very Jo, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I followed her blog and noticed that she's pattern-tested for several independent pattern companies. Plus, she has a killer style and a knack for color and prints.
Apart from being an avid sewist, Johanna is a Systems Test Engineer, which initially entails testing software to be operated by users on cruise ships.
Since I have been working at G Street, most of the conversations I had with customers who love to sew work in the realm of engineering. Perhaps there is an unwritten rule to this, and that sewing is akin to problem-solving. Whatever it is, there needs to be a research paper done about it!
Now, let's chat with Johanna and learn more about Pattern Testing and her sewing journey. We'll continue with the interview below, which was carried out through a Q&A via email throughout the month of June 2022. Some text has been edited for clarity.
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Johanna Ali of So Very Jo |
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C: Hello Johanna! Tell us about Pattern Testing. It sounds exciting to be part of a pattern designer's process. Could you talk us through that process?
J: When I first started sewing, I joined all the Facebook sewing groups... and that's when I learned about pattern testing. Initially, I would sign up for as many (Facebook groups) as I could because it would give me an opportunity to learn how to sew something new.
I'm more selective on who I pattern test for now, but I still do them. As (a) System Test Engineer… I am usually looking for defects. My profession lends to this because I can spot issues with pattern instructions right away.
How does a pattern tester contribute to a sewing pattern design and its instructions?
So, I usually read the pattern instructions first to find any typos or issues with the instructions and make notes of them or report back to the pattern designer if this is what they want. Then I print out my size and put it together. I try to follow the pattern instructions as given because this is how a beginner will read the instructions. I always have the novice sewist in mind because I know that was me once upon a time.
I also like doing pattern tests because it feels like I had a little part in their journey as a pattern designer.
Absolutely, several sets of eyes help and I'm sure the pattern designers are thankful for any help they can get. Many of these independent pattern designers are self-run.
How long have you been sewing? What types of projects do you usually sew?
I purchased my first sewing machine in January 2014. I ordered it off of Amazon. I started sewing small projects and then worked my way up to sewing for myself. I'm currently into summer sewing, as many of us are right now. I'm into flowy dresses and skirts.
Do you sew for yourself, others, or a bit of both?
I mainly sew for myself and sometimes for my son. I do take on commissions if asked. It really just depends on what it is. I know my limits.
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"I want to learn as much as I can about sewing. I love it!" |
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When and why did you learn how to sew? Was there someone or an event that inspired you to take up sewing?
I remember taking home economics in middle school, and we made a patchwork pillow. Then I didn't really think about sewing again until 2014. This is when I saw Mimi G (DIY fashion guru) on Facebook. She was wearing a gorgeous skirt, and I wanted to know where she got it. I soon found out that she was not selling the skirt but the pattern for the skirt. I thought, well, I can do that. That's when I decided to purchase my first sewing machine, and the rest is history.
I love that determination, fearlessness, and gusto! Was that your first ever garment sewing project? How did it go?
My first sewing project was a "30-minute pencil skirt". This skirt took me at least five hours, and it wasn't even wearable once I was done. Everything that I could have done wrong, I did wrong. I cut the fabric in the wrong direction. Then I attached the elastic wrong, so I had to unpick that. Imagine unpicking seams from a jersey knit fabric. That was not fun, especially when you have no clue what you're doing. Then, my hem was crooked, so I started to unpick that and then gave up. My sewing machine sat in a corner for three months after that. I felt so defeated.
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Johanna modeling her first sewn garment. |
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"(My) hem was crooked, so I started to unpick that and then gave up." |
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Regardless of feeling defeated, looking at the photo of your wearing the skirt, it seems like you were really thrilled with what you've achieved! And, it really didn't seem that bad!
Since then, what do you wish you knew about sewing now that could have helped you complete your first project? Was there anything you wanted to improve?
I think that I set way too high expectations. I went into my first project thinking I could just watch a YouTube video, be an amazing sewist, and whip up this skirt. How hard could it be, right? I should have also watched more tutorials before jumping right in. I needed to learn some basic techniques and terminology. I needed to know how to sew in a straight line! Lol
You learned the hard way, and in some cases is necessary. Mistakes are the best lessons! But, what would you like to learn more about sewing?
I want to learn as much as I can about sewing. I love it! This has really been the longest hobby I've stuck with, to be honest. I would like to learn more about pattern making... I want to learn how to draft patterns to be able to design my own patterns and also to alter existing patterns.
I'd like to put out a pattern someday. We'll see.
When I learned how to pattern draft in college, everything was hand-drawn, but nowadays, you can create your patterns on computer-aided-design programs like Adobe Illustrator. Would that be something you'd like to try?
I would like to learn both methods of pattern drafting. I actually just saw an ad on Instagram for someone who teaches pattern drafting using Adobe Illustrator. I've never used illustrator before and I'm looking forward to learning something new.
Your appetite for learning and sewing is infectious. You're making me want to jump into my sewing space and whip up a fun sundress.
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A print and color connoisseur. Johanna doesn't only have the sewing skills, she GETS color too. |
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I'm curious to know, how do you tackle a sewing problem? There are no wrong answers here, but I'm guilty of stepping away from my project a little too long before I can return to it with seam ripper in hand! Are you the same way? Or are you able to persevere and push through to completion?
I like to think I'm pretty resourceful. I may not know the answer, but I know how to find it! I am the queen of google and YouTube University. I'll just look it up on the internet. You'll be surprised at how many other people might have experienced the same issue as you and have posted about it on the internet or written a blog post or tutorial addressing the issue. Now, I really dislike working on a project for too long. I lose interest and get bored, and then I don't want to finish it, so my pile of unfinished projects is very small. I usually stick with a project until I finish it, but it can't take me more than a few days. lol
My go-to online sewing source is Reddit. I'll search through discussion threads if there is a particular problem I can't solve or something I'd like to experiment with. If I'm at work, I'll ask my colleagues for their opinion on a matter, and working at a fabric store, almost everyone sews.
What advice would you give to a new sewist?
Oh man, this is a great question. I would start off by saying to give yourself grace and learn as much as you can. Sewing takes practice and some patience. Watch as many YouTube tutorials and read as many sewing blogs as you can. I would also suggest signing up for a few pattern tests, which will help you learn new sewing techniques.
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"Sewing takes practice and some patience. |
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Lastly, if you could take three sewing tools to a deserted island on your own, what would you choose? And why?
I would choose my serger. Would you consider a serger a sewing tool? Lol Well, I’ve become a bit of a sewing snob and I won’t sew without one. There’s nothing more satisfying than a nice clean serged seam. Love it!
I would also bring my Clover seam ripper because we ALL can’t live without one. I think I got my seam ripper at a sewing conference many, many moons ago. I’ve purchased several others throughout the years but always go back to my old faithful.
Lastly, I would bring tracing paper and a tracing wheel. I know that’s technically two, but they go together. I use tracing paper with just about every project I sew with any of the big four pattern companies. I don’t cut out my size in case I want to use the pattern again for someone else, so I trace out my size on my fabric using tracing paper and a tracing wheel. For tracing (pattern markings)… I use an old rotary cutter and take out the blade and use a blade that doesn’t cut. That way, I don’t have to use a small tracing wheel, and I don’t damage my pattern.
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Me-made outfits galore! Follow @soveryjo on Instagram for the latest updates on her latest projects. |
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Nifty! I have never traced my pattern markings like that before - I've got to try that. I often cut the largest size available in the packet, cut notches to my size, and fold the paper to reveal my pattern size, then use the tracing wheel and carbon paper to transfer markings onto the fabric.
It's incredible how techniques can differ from sewist to sewist. If it's a new technique that I've never heard of before, I will try it and see if I'll adopt it into my process.
Thank you, Johanna, for taking the time to indulge us. As for pattern testing, I would love to try that out too. Maybe I'll pattern test some of your designs one day!
I wish you more sewing wins, and may your bobbins never run out in the middle of stitching a seam. 😊
And thank you, dear readers, for reading thus far! If you're new to sewing and are interested in pattern testing, look out for independent pattern companies. A quick Google search should provide you with a list of designers. Visit their page, and usually, a call for pattern testers will be at their website's footer. Sign up, apply and see if you get chosen to test a new pattern design!
To follow Johanna and her sewing projects, check out her Facebook, Instagram, and Blog. You'll be so inspired.
This will be one of many Thread Tales interviews. I hope you've enjoyed reading this as much as I have put it together. If you have, please let me know. Sometimes I feel like I'm talking into a void. I'll be delighted to know someone out there is listening! And, if you have any content requests for sewing tips and tricks, let me know!
Until next time, Happy Sewing!
Carla
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For More Sewing Techniques, Tips & Tricks |
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Did You Know? 🤔
You can get feedback directly from the instructor during the online course. Post your questions on the Discussion panels throughout the course player. You can even attach a photo of your work!
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Catch up on our previous newsletters from this month! |
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