Curated By You: Pauline Sarwan Makes A Linen Faux Jumpsuit
Faux Jumpsuit made with FS KENYA Midweight Linen
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
My name is Pauline, I am French and I’ve just celebrated my 29th birthday! I am multi-racial, my father is Indonesian, my mother is also mixed from Tunisia and Germany and I myself was born in New Caledonia. When I’m not sewing at home I am a leatherworker for a French luxury brand. I studied fashion design and then started my own fashion brand with three partners. It was a great learning experience but proved to be overwhelming so I decided to step aside and pursue my own way.
Why do you sew?
Before working as a leatherworker, I never thought about designing or making a piece of garment for myself. Sewing was something I did as a job. Yet, since last year, sewing became a real hobby. Thanks to Covid 19 quarantine I had time to go through Instagram (very thoroughly!) and discovered a whole sewing community and indie pattern companies: it was a revelation! I started making one jacket and never stopped. Sewing for myself really helped me acknowledge my body, even though sometimes I still suffer from body dysmorphia, it allows me to express myself creatively. I try to document my process as much as I can- from sketches to process videos and photo styling, I think it’s fascinating. Sewing has also become essential because I don’t find what I like in my size in French stores. Size inclusivity in France is pretty late compared to English speaking countries for ready-to-wear collections but also amongst pattern companies.
As a child, what was your first encounter and memory of beauty?
I would say everything about my grandmother. She liked antique furniture and to dress me in beautiful dresses with detailed collars and flower prints and nice leather shoes. She always looked amazing with her hair beautifully done and clothes that had lasted more than 30 years. Growing up in Paris helped me appreciate beautiful architecture which is something I am now always paying attention to when travelling anywhere else.
Where is home and how does it affect what you do?
Literally home is where I have always been living, in a suburb very close to Paris. I recently moved with my partner so I am daily learning what it is to live with someone you love alongside running a house. Being close to Paris is really important to me because I love going out to restaurants, exhibitions, fabric stores… Paris is also well known as a fashion capital so I think it may have affected my love for fashion.
Faux Jumpsuit made with FS KENYA Midweight Linen
What was the first thing you ever remember making on your own? Tell us about this memory.
It is very hard to remember the very first make because I think I have always loved using my hands. At fifteen, I remember creating my very first leather bag, a copycat version of the famous Kelly bag from Hermès by using an uploaded pattern of make- your- own paper Kelly bag maquette. I sourced the leather, tools, metal hardware and I self-taught myself saddle-stitching: it was a mess! But I was very proud of it and I think that was the main thing.
Do you have a community of crafters/ makers around you or do you find you are on your own?
Four months earlier I would have said that I was on my own but since I started my Instagram account I can definitely say that my community has grown. I am so happy to connect with people sharing the same hobby from all around the world! It’s very stimulating as there are so many inspiring and kind people.
Faux Jumpsuit made with FS KENYA Midweight Linen
How important is it to make something with your hands?
Well, I would lie if I told you that making something with my hands is not important since I am literally handmaking things every day at my job and sewing at home. I feel so emotional when I am in the process of making: from pride and happiness to guilt whenever I make a mistake. What I love also about handmade craftsmanship is that you learn every day; from making mistakes, or reading a book, by glancing through Instagram or through someone at work. Passing on savoir-faire is likewise very important to me.
What does success mean to you?
I aspire to simple things in life. I think success is to blossom in everyday life, at work, with family and friends, or through a hobby.
Faux Jumpsuit made with FS KENYA Midweight Linen
What have you chosen to make out of FS linen and why?
I have chosen the FS KENYA Midweight Linen because first I had a real crush on this color! I chose this weight as it lends itself to make a garment for summer. For a long time, I was also eyeing the Papao Pant pattern from Ready to Sew, which is a French pattern company, and thought it was a perfect match. I also had in mind to make a faux-jumpsuit with this pant and asked the Instagram community for recommendations on the most suitable top. The Cielo top was very popular so I decided to give it a go! What is so great about making a set is that you can make your fabric the most profitable when cutting. Now with all the scraps, I am planning to make a hat and scrunchies so this fabric will be fully used.
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25 Comments
Janet Bockman
Hi Pauline,
I enjoyed reading about you and think you are a very talented young woman! You are going to go far in life…keep up your creativity! I find working with my hands is so therapeutic, whether it is sewing/stitching or doing artwork. I loved the art on the wall behind you…that face is just wonderful! Did you paint that?
Many blessings to you Pauline and thank you for sharing!!
Warlene Rene
This outfit is so clean. Love the color as well
Pauline Sarwan
Thank you so much Warlene!
Diane Latham
Pauline, I love your sense of style, and I also love that color on you! Keep up the great work you’re doing!!
I don’t have a “perfect” body either. Very few people do. You do you very well, and you are stylish and trend-setting. I hope you post more of your projects to give us inspiration.
Diane
Pauline Sarwan
Thank you so much Diane, your words go straight to my heart! Yes I think there is no perfect body, bodies are unique because they’re all different but it took me so much time to think that way and finally acknowledge mine!
I don’t know if I’ll have this opportunity again but you can still follow my sewing adventures on Instagram @the.casual.sewing !
Marla Myers
I am inspired by your story. Keep sewing and believing in your dream.
Did you sew the lovely black and white gingham “outer garment” or “coat” you are wearing? I think it is wonderful and I would like to make one. Please share whatever information you can about it.
Pauline Sarwan
Thank you so much Marla for your kind comment!
Yes, I made it! This is actually a dress with a lot of ease but it is easily adjustable because this is a zero waste pattern depending on the width of your fabric! You can find the diagram on Birgitta Helmersson’s website, the dress is called “ZW gather dress”!
Deirdre Packer
Pauline, I so enjoyed reading your story. You are very inspiring. And, I believe those in the sewing community are the best people around.
Pauline Sarwan
Thank you so much Deirdre! And I totally agree, people in sewing community is the best! They’re both inspiring and so kind, I am so happy to have discovered them in Instagram or even there!
Kathy Brothers
I love your story, and your beautiful style….including my favorite Arizona Birkenstocks, which I’m wearing now. Keep shining brightly!
Pauline Sarwan
Thank you so much Kathy! I love these Arizona Birkenstocks, need to start a collection…
A B
How Beautiful!
Your love of Fashion really shines through! Your Fabric choice, Color, and Design reveal a Talent that suits you well! Displayed as well in the very cool Architectiral Design of your Admirable Studio! Thank You Most Kindly for sharing your Beauty with us! What is “within, and without” is Indeed Inspiring!!!
Pauline Sarwan
Thank you so so much AB! I am truly touched by your kind words!
Susan Donze
Wonderful post. Would love to see your bags as well!
Pauline Sarwan
Thank you Susan! Unfortunately I can’t share bags I’m making at work because of confidentiality agreement but I have already posted other bags on my IG account and will make more in the future for sure!
CLAUDIA NEWKIRK
Thank you for posting. I love you clothes and you look great wearing them. You are amazing , beautiful, and interesting.
Pauline Sarwan
Thank a lot Claudia! Your words go straight to my heart!
Shari Thorley
Absolutely stunning!
Pauline Sarwan
Thank you Shari!
Janet Campbell
Your outfit looks lovely on you. I appreciate your efffecient use of fabric. I like the adjustable table in one of the pictures.
Deb Dugal
The adjustable table is from IKEA. I have the same one in white.
Pauline Sarwan
Thank you Janet! I don’t like to waste fabric, there is so much things to do with scraps! This Ikea table is the best, I lower/rise it when I’m sewing or cutting fabric, my back feels way better!
Pauline Sarwan
Exactly Deb! This table is so convenient!
Mary Himmer
What a heart warming story. Thank you for sharing so deeply of yourself.
Pauline Sarwan
Thank you so much Mary! Your comment really means a lot to me!