Arlo Vest and Georgia Trousers made with FS Potting Soil Midweight linen

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

Hello, I’m Madison! I have been creative since I was really little, from drawing dress designs, to ballet, to film photography. The very first time I used a sewing machine, I was a Counselor-in-Training at an arts camp. They assigned me to a sewing class and I learned as I went. When I went to college, I got a job in the campus costume shop and took a few costume design classes. I learned so much from the head of the shop! She taught me how to read and cut patterns, adjust sleeves, use an industrial serger, dye fabric, and so much more. And most importantly, how to correctly use an iron after I set it too high and almost ruined one by melting the fabric!

My parents bought me a sewing machine in college so I could sew in my room, but it got put away for a few years while I settled into adult life. I pulled it back out in 2020 during lockdown with the desire to refamiliarize myself and improve my skills. I haven’t looked back since then! I’ve upgraded my sewing machine twice, took a patternmaking and grading course, and have even released my own sewing pattern, the Sylvia Shorts. And most importantly, I have my own iron that I have never ruined!

 Why do you sew?

I sew because I want to feel empowered in my clothing. I turned 30 years old during lockdown and found my body changed subtly but enough that my clothes didn’t feel “right” anymore. I started sewing my own clothes to have the freedom to make things fit exactly how I wanted. I also loved that so many indie pattern designers were making patterns based on real human body measurements, so I often didn’t even have to make adjustments. That pushed me to learn patternmaking so I could make something fit exactly to my measurements while also bringing my own visions to life.

In addition to sewing clothing for myself, I also love making things for others. I’ve always loved gift giving, and making gifts feels so personal. It feels like I’m giving a little part of myself to each person.

Arlo Vest and Georgia Trousers made with FS Potting Soil Midweight linen

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

Home is currently in Atlanta, though I grew up in Los Angeles and went to college in a small town in Vermont. I find that my real “home” is those I share my space with – my life partner and our two cats. We’ve created a cozy environment with individual spaces where we can play in our own creative practices, while leaving our shared spaces full of life and energy. We’re surrounded by books, records, movies, and little knick knacks that bring inspiration. When I’m not sewing on the weekends, I love going out to thrift stores, used book stores, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and other unique places to further fuel that creative spark.

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

I’m not sure it was my first encounter exactly, but I did ballet growing up. My teacher was a former New York City Ballet dancer and, to me, she was the epitome of beauty and grace. I admired the way she always looked put together and the self assuredness of her movements. She kept things simple, but elegant and timeless. As I’ve grown up, without even realizing it until now, I’ve strived for that same sense of beauty. Knowing exactly who you are and not worrying about following trends to stay relevant.

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

Absolutely! Before going into sewing full time, I taught yoga for 9 years. One thing I always preached was making the poses work for your body, not the other way around. Now that I have a better knowledge of garment construction and patternmaking, I’m always intentional about making clothing fit my body, not the other way around. Every body is individual, and even our own body will change throughout our life. We do not have to fit ourselves into a mold that was not made with us in mind. When my clothing fits me in a way that I like, I spend less time adjusting or worrying about sitting in a specific way. Instead, I get to live my life freely and be present in my body and mind.

Arlo Vest and Georgia Trousers made with FS Potting Soil Midweight linen

What are your seven favourite sewing patterns? 

So tough to choose! One of them has to be the Demeter Dress by Anna Allen. It was one of the first patterns I made that I still wear to this day. I also love her Pomona Pants and Persephone Pants. Before the Persephone Pants, I had never sewn “hard” pants with a zipper. I was really intimidated but the instructions were amazing. Finishing them gave me a lot of confidence to try more advanced patterns.

Another item I reach for frequently is my Peppermint Magazine Wrap Skirt, and of course my Fabrics-Store Paola Jacket!

Lastly, I have to toot my own horn. I love my Sylvia Shorts pattern for lounging around at home and I’m very excited about the Marzipan Mini Skirt pattern I’m working on now!

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

I am very blessed to work for a female owned small business. The three of us spend our days together, encouraging and inspiring each other. Without them, I would feel very isolated in my practice. On the weekends, I lock myself in my studio and get hyper focused on my current projects. Going into the office during the week allows me to connect with other creative thinkers and see things from new perspectives. Our group chat is also a safe space where I can ask for their opinions when I feel stumped on a color choice or design element.

How important is it to make something with your hands?

It is SO important for my mental health. I often get stuck in my head with swirling thoughts. Creating with my hands allows me to get out of my mind and into my body in a creative and healthy way. At night, I don’t always have time to sew so I love to knit on the couch. Also, I’ve recently learned tambour embroidery and that has quickly become my new favorite way to keep my hands busy and my mind at ease.

Arlo Vest and Georgia Trousers made with FS Potting Soil Midweight linen

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

For New Years Eve, I made my entire outfit, including a disco ball beaded bag. That entire outfit is probably my most rewarding project! The skirt was my own pattern. I made my first corset top. And I designed, drafted, and beaded the entire bag myself. Plus I did most of the work in just 10 days! Despite seeing flaws in the bag, it is my pride and joy. I really want to focus on creating heirloom quality pieces and this bag felt like a big step in that direction.

What is more important to you – the process or the final product (ie your garment)?

Both! With every project, I find I learn something in the process. It could be something entirely new, but it could also be learning how to improve a skill I already have. The final product is also important because it becomes a tangible reminder of where I’ve been, and a way to connect with others. Who doesn’t love receiving a compliment where you get to respond with, “thanks, I made it!”

What does success mean to you?

I think it changes depending on the season of life. Ultimately, success means living the life I want. But for right now, success is making something I’m proud of. It’s really easy for me to see what I want to improve upon. Instead, I want to switch my focus to the wins and celebrate what I did well.

Arlo Vest and Georgia Trousers made with FS Potting Soil Midweight linen

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

I made the Arlo Vest by Sewing with Liliya and the Georgia Trousers by Vivian Shao Chen. The Arlo Vest has been on my list for a while. I love its versatility! Right now, in the winter, I can wear it with jeans and a turtleneck. Once the weather changes, I think it will look great with linen shorts or a mini skirt. And I really love the ties to cinch in the waist. I chose the Georgia Trousers because I have wanted to sew a pattern by Vivian Shao Chen since 2020. I find myself reaching for the trousers I have in my closet from ready-to-wear stores often, so I challenged myself with the Georgia. I think these two patterns look great together as a set, but will also give me a lot of wear as separates!

What is it like working with fabrics-store linen?

I love the colors, texture, and weight of the Fabrics-Store linen! One of the first linen fabrics I sewed with was a cheap version from a big box store. While I love the garment I made, I find it scratchy and stiff so it’s not a garment I reach for often. On the other hand, the Fabrics-Store linen is soft, with the perfect balance of sturdiness and drape. It’s not too heavy, and not too light. It washes beautifully and I think will only get better with age!