I am very pleased to finally introduce our next project for Sewing Around The World! After lateley Anna from paunnet sewed and presented the Katja shirt, for April Rachel from House of Pinheiro made her version of the Silvia Coatigan. Her inspiration was – as she herself told us – a “simple and clean, modern and classic crop coat ” and so she hacked Silvia and managed to get exactly what she wanted!
She kept up the basic cut with shawl collar and extended shoulders, but made a shorter version and sewed side pockets instead of the actual pockets. Also she placed a double-breasted bottom border in the front part. Rachel’s jacket is unlined but still warm enough for crazy April days, because we had the great fortune to win wonderful Merchant & Mills from England as sponsor for this Sewing Around The World project!
I think some of you already know Merchant and Mills : a shop with wonderful fabrics, traditional haberdashery and sewing tools and also an own pattern line. Merchant & Mills also has an online store and a very friendly customer service! For her jacket Silvia Rachel chose a great boiled wool in gray (November Sky)!
I think once again it is amazing how patterns can change to a totally different cloth while changing little things and using different fabrics and colors. A great jacket! Considering that it is not so long ago that Rachel started sewing, just take a look at her already quite well-known sewing blog House of Pinheiro and browse through all the great things she made! I think this definitely will bolster up all beginners to sewing!
We would like to introduce Rachel, who actually comes from Brazil, but lives, works and sews since few years with her husband in London, a little more with the following interview. Have fun reading and thanks again, dear Rachel, for this great jacket and the wonderful photos that she also all are made by herself…
20% discount voucher for Silvia Coatigan: rachelandsilvia
valid until 27.04.2016
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Present yourself a little bit (name, age, children, name of the blog, age, city where you live, what you are doing when you are not sewing, …)
Ola everyone. My name is Rachel. I’m a Brazilian expat in England. I started my blog House of Pinheiro in 2011 as a medium to document and connect with other sewists. Today most of my interactions happens on my social media channels (IG /Twitter/ Snapchat @houseofpinheiro) while the blog continues to render as my digital notebook. Once a year I write a recap post. I always surprise myself how much I had accomplished the year before. You have to look back to appreciate your body of work. Having a blog is a great way to see how far along one grown in skills. Sewing & Blogging are only hobbies for me but creativity consumes my thoughts. So many projects and a never ending list of things to learn and do .
When did you start to sew and why? How did you learn to sew?
Many people are surprise to learn I’m relative ‘new’ to sewing. I started the end of 2009. My sewing skills have grown from local classes to professional pattern drafting. Where I learned a diverse range of techniques both here and my home country: with private tuition and professional courses. I have tackle a range of projects from basics knits to complex as jeans or Bras. I love learning new techniques and will throw myself at anything.
What are your favourite clothes? Do you have a fable for something?
Over the last 2 years I have been editing my personal style where I introduced wearable basic pieces with interesting design details or construction. I enjoy looking at trends while have total control on how I want to represent myself. My intention is to have a wardrobe full of well- made, beautiful and individual clothes. Fashion is a passion and I sometimes enjoy discussing currenty elements. You may enjoy reading my thoughts on nautical style (http://houseofpinheiro.com/2016/01/my-thoughts-on-nautical-fashion.html)
What is the sewing project you like the most?
I will always answer whatever it’s on my sewing table right now. I tend to enjoy complex projects long term with a few quick instant gratifications.
Do you only sew for you or also for other people (husband, children, …)?
I dabble in all types of sewing. I mainly enjoy making clothes for myself but I have sewn dolls, kids clothes and clothes for others. I enjoy quilting and hand sewing projects like embrodeiry and cross stitching.
From where do you get your ideas? Do you buy patterns or do you invent your own ones?
Mainly from my own closet and lifestyle. I enjoy dressing up. I used to alternate between picking the fabric first or picking the pattern first. working without a final idea. Now I make a mini capsule wardrobe where i use fabrics and patterns as joint inspirations to create a cohesive collection. I have less time to sew so I appreciate a more conscientious way of picking projects.