Hi there fellow sewist! My name is Madeleine. Founder and owner of Sewist’s Lab.
Sewists’ Lab Owner, Madeleine, in sewing class. Making button loops by hand.
Sewing has been part of my life on and off since I was 11, when I sewed my first cushion complete with frills! I have loved the craft ever since then, and my guess is, so have you, since you’re here :).
My cats helping me sew (always)
Are you wondering about how to sew something? Or what fabric to use for which project? I remember the pain of having no idea which fabric was which and what it would be good for and I don’t want you to have to go through that.
I want to help you love sewing as much as I do, by offering the most useful tips about sewing and information about fabric on the Internet.
Join me as I learn and share what I know about sewing and fabric.
Made my niece’s favorite jumpsuit into a top once it got too small for her – she was very happy.
My Story
As I mentioned, I learnt to sew at school when I was 11. Who remembers home ec?
Every year after that until I was 14, I sewed something progressively more complicated. I still remember every garment – I loved them all. After the cushion, I made the best ever 90s flower power loose rayon shorts.
Next was an amazing maroon hoodie with a forest green lining in the hood. By 14, I was getting more sophisticated and made a pair of flowy, buttery yellow, wide leg pants, with an elastic waist – so, so chic (well at least to me).
I was soon forced to take “more serious” subjects at school and had to let sewing go… But I never forgot the pleasure I got from creating, and asked for a sewing machine for my 21st birthday. My wish was granted!
However… after trying to make a pair of silk pajamas (what was I thinking?), I gave up and the machine stayed at my Mum’s house for the next decade.
I picked up sewing again in my 30s and have been at it on and off ever since. I started back with an upcycling course, where I met some lovely friends.
Since moving away from my home country, I’ve been very content to be a part of in-person and online sewing communities.
In the middle of a sewing project and watching an online course at the same time.
My neighbor is a fashion designer and lifelong sewist, so I took private lessons for a year and a half with her and also joined in on her group classes at the local community center.
My classmates and I looking very focused in an in-person sewing class
I am still using my decades-old Janome sewing machine and have added a Janome serger to my collection. I got a projector in 2022 and I’m obsessed! My next goal is to get a coverstitch machine.
Madeleine and J setting up the sewing projector successfully
My cats and I featuring in my sewing teacher’s advertising for 1-2-1 sewing classes.
My favorite fabrics to sew with are linen and jersey (especially now I have a serger!). I also find it hard to look past a beautiful floral patterned rayon.
Now it’s your turn, tell me about your sewing journey and what you love to sew! Leave me a comment below, send me an email or DM on Instagram.