Just Patterns Ines dress made with FS Fiery Red Linen

Could you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into sewing?

Hi! I’m Shreya, and I’m based in Austin, Texas with my husband and two enormous cats, Juno and Plato. My background is in economics/consulting, and I now work in people strategy and development.

I’ve always loved working with my hands! Growing up, I loved painting and drawing, I even attempted to dabble in sculpture… but I decided to attend a sewing class on a whim in 2018 and was instantly hooked.

Why do you sew?

There is something really magical about being able to turn a flat piece of fabric into something with form, dimension, and personality! I also feel like sewing itself is an act of grounding – it brings me back into my body and focused on the present moment/what’s in front of me.

Looking back, I remember spending hours as a child drawing pictures of dresses instead of doing my homework (much to my mom’s dismay haha). So it’s also really special that I now can actually create the ideas that I used to just have in my head.

Just Patterns Ines dress made with FS Fiery Red Linen

Where is home and how does it affect your creative practice?

This question really made me reflect, because my sense of home has changed so much over the years. I grew up in Austin, but moved to London for university, having only visited once before… in hindsight, I think this might be both the bravest and craziest thing I’ve ever done! I fell in love with the city, and ended up building my life/community/career there – so for many years, London was home.

I moved back to Austin a few years ago with work, and at first I really struggled to let go of my “past life”. But I’ve learnt to embrace and appreciate each city for the unique things they offer – and Austin now feels like home once more. I think my heart will always be split between the two of them!

Creatively, I’m inspired by the warmth, colour, and vibrancy all around me here. And the endless summer definitely fuels my love of sewing floaty dresses year-round!

As a child, what was your first encounter and memory of beauty?

My grandmother. She was the kind of person who made elegance look effortless! She was always impeccably dressed in beautiful saris, in lovely vibrant shades (clearly where I get my love of bright colours from!) She also was a great appreciator of beauty – everything from her wardrobe (many pieces of which she had designed and made herself), to her beautifully decorated home, through to her stunning garden with every rose variety imaginable.

She is also my sewing inspiration! She made all of my dresses for me as a child, and I still remember the thought and care she took with each detail. I think that this early connection between clothing and creativity, and how something you’ve created can hold emotions and love, really stayed with me.

Has your sewing practice changed your relationship to your body image and self-acceptance?

Absolutely. I used to spend way too much time thinking about the “numbers” of my body – size, measurement, weight, etc. But once I started sewing, I started to view my body as something that is living, changing, and something to be honoured/appreciated rather than constantly criticised. It’s not always easy, but I am trying to get better about making things that meet me where I am today, instead of who I think I should be at that moment.

Just Patterns Ines dress made with FS Fiery Red Linen

What are your seven favourite sewing patterns?

• Summer Vibes Dress – Karmme Apparel
• Lora Dress – True Bias
• Blanca Flight Suit – Closet Core Patterns
• Yma Dress – Ose Patterns
• Lois Dress – Tessuti Patterns
• Protea Pants – Paradise Patterns
• Peony Dress – Fabric Godmother

Do you have a community of makers around you or do you find you are on your own?

I had been feeling really isolated after our move from London, and Austin Frocktails was one of the first social events I went to in Austin! I met a ton of lovely people, and created my IG account so I could stay in touch with them. Through this, I also started connecting with amazing sewists around the world – and this community gave me a deep sense of connection, and really helped me move through that lonely season. Since then, many of the lovely sewists I met on IG have also become real-life friends, which brings me so much happiness.

How important is it to make something with your hands?

It’s one of the best part of sewing IMO!! I find a ton of joy in creating something tangible- and it has also been a powerful way to slow down, be present, and ground myself in the moment.

What has been the most rewarding sewing project you’ve completed so far and why?

My Richmond Coat, by Tessuti Patterns! It was my first “real” coat, and extra special because it was made from a wool I’d bought from a much loved local haberdashery.

There were a ton of steps that needed to be followed meticulously – and I made things more challenging for myself by fully block-fusing the outer shell, and pattern matching the plaid stripes on my fabric. But I also really enjoyed giving this project my full attention (and listening to plenty of great audiobooks during the making of as well haha) and finishing it felt like a huge milestone in my sewing journey.

Just Patterns Ines dress made with FS Fiery Red Linen

What is more important to you – the process or the final product?

The process – sewing is my way of decompressing. People are often surprised to hear that I don’t consider myself a fast sewist! I do spend a lot of time sewing – it’s my favourite way to unwind from work or destress – but it does take me quite a while to pin, press, finish each step. But I enjoy that. I usually put on an audiobook, and it becomes part of a ritual of unwinding. I think it’s one of the few activities that lets me be fully engaged with what’s in front of me!

What does success mean to you?

Success, to me, is about feeling grounded in who I am, and being able to create from that place. I like to make things that bring me joy – whether it’s a beautiful fabric, a special design detail, or creating something a little frivolous, just because. I’m not overly focused on perfection; if I find myself getting frustrated, I have to remind myself that this is supposed to be fun lol!, and mistakes are how you learn! So I try and orient my sewing practice around that as much as possible too.

What have you chosen to make out of FS linen and why?

I’ve chosen the Just Patterns Ines dress! This is my second time making the pattern – my first version was a print with piping that I made for my birthday last year. I think these seam lines are so elegant and sculptural, and perfect for pairing with this gorgeous linen. It’s ideal for the hot summer we’re having, and I feel that the linen brings out the flow and shape beautifully.

What is it like working with Fabrics-Store linen?

A Joy!!! The color, the texture, the drape! Sewing with this fabric was really special. I loved that it was easy to cut, press, and sew – and there are a ton of beautiful colours/weights available, so you’ll be able to find the perfect pairing for any project.