I’m Lisa Falconer, founder of The Avid Seamstress, an award-winning sewing pattern brand that recently celebrated 10 years. My designs are known for their thoughtful details and timeless aesthetic, and I’m passionate about encouraging makers to slow down and enjoy every stage of the sewing process.
“Once the first toile is made, I will keep it on the mannequin for a while and play with ideas until I have that "yes" moment.”
How did your sewing journey begin?
My love for sewing started when I was 7. My mom taught me how to sew, knit and crochet and I fell in love with sewing very quickly. It has been a constant part of my life. At the time, the sewing world looked very different - sewing patterns were only made by the big 5 and all the fab indie sewing brands had yet to emerge.
What first sparked your interest in creating patterns for other people to sew?
I started teaching sewing at a little cafe in North London and, through this experience, the idea for The Avid Seamstress sparked.
What does your design process look like from first idea to finished pattern?
The designs are always very personal, I only create pieces I want to wear and steer away from trends to ensure they are timeless. Once the first toile is made, I will keep it on the mannequin for a while and play with ideas until I have that "yes" moment.
How do you approach fit across different sizes?
When the patterns were first developed, the size range went up to a UK 18, and this has since been extended to a UK 26. Expanding a size range is a considered process - ideally involving redrafting, new blocks and careful grading - and this is something that continues to be worked towards as the brand grows. In the meantime, we take great care to ensure that the integrity of each design remains consistent across all sizes. Proportions, balance and overall silhouette are always carefully considered, so that each garment feels true to the original design, regardless of size.
What makes a truly great sewing pattern in your opinion?
When I see how happy customers are when they make the sewing patterns. Seeing someone feel great about themselves from something they created is the biggest boost for me.
What are the most common challenges home sewists face - and how do you design to support them?
Confidence is often the biggest challenge. Many sewists doubt their ability or feel unsure when approaching new techniques. I always advise making a toile of a garment first. This offers numerous benefits - road testing the instructions, seeing fit and making mistakes without the worry. Then, when the true garment is made, it's often a much more pleasurable experience.
What inspires your designs?
Inspiration comes from everyday life: simple silhouettes, practical details and garments that feel easy to wear. Inspiration also comes from the act of sewing itself - considering how a garment is constructed and how it feels to make.
What does your typical day look like?
A doggy walk always starts the day! For the last two years, I have been working part-time. Starting in May, I'll be able to focus 100% on The Avid Seamstress. I'm looking forward to working on new sewing patterns, kits, writing instructions, packing orders and planning upcoming retreats and workshops. A big focus for me next is video tutorials and extra support for making the garments.
What advice would you give to your younger creative self?
Trust the process and never give up!
What is next for you?
I've just started offering fabric which is super exciting. I'm also signing up for more shows as these are so special.
You can follow Lisa on Instagram @theavidseamstress and see The Avid Seamstress patterns on our website here.
We’re really looking forward to welcoming Lisa to our Chichester Studio for a weekend workshop on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May. It’s shaping up to be a lovely, creative couple of days — and there are just a few spaces left if you’d like to join us.
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