MY SIZE

We chat to Donna about her aim to help sewers get the most from her SIZE:me sewing patterns

Tell us a little about yourself and SIZE:me?

The business name was the most difficult to come up with but it’s a play on sizing labels in shop bought items. When we make clothing for ourselves the size is size ‘me’ not small, medium or large!

Until very recently I was based in Bradford, West Yorkshire but have made a big move across the Channel to France! This has enabled me to get back into teaching and hosting French Sewing Retreats in the summertime, something I’m very excited about.

It was my teaching that inspired me to become a pattern designer.

Years of seeing how people struggled with instructions made me determined to produce accessible patterns for all levels.

In a previous career I was an engineer and when it came to designing, the two careers came together. When lockdown hit my teaching business I took the time and opportunity to start working on the designs and have never looked back.

What types of garments does your collection include so far?

The collection so far includes nine easy-to-wear and make wardrobe staples, which transcend seasons. I have a very simple boxy tee, two skirts, two blouses, dress, jacket, coat and the most dramatic wide-legged trousers.

What resources do you supply sewers when they decide to make one of your patterns?

Ok so this is my biggest passion! Every sewing pattern has a free to access YouTube tutorial that goes through each and every step, this combined with my very descriptive written instructions regularly sees feedback saying that the patterns are like a mini sewing class! This is the biggest compliment and my greatest achievement so far.

How do you decide what patterns to add to your range and do you have a favourite so far?

Usually it’s very simple – it’s something I want to wear! This makes it difficult to choose a favourite so let’s go with the pattern that I have made the most variations of and that has to be the Vienne Dress as it’s so hackable.

This year, I’m trying to be more focused and look for gaps in my collection that need to be filled and not just be selfish and please myself!

What would you say is the biggest problem that faces sewers who sew at home?

I have taught dressmaking for the past decade and have seen first hand, how people struggle with pattern instructions. This, along with finding time, I believe is the biggest problem home sewers face.

Knowing this inspired me to design my patterns with instructions that are truly written with a beginner in mind – no assumptions, no gaps and packed full of helpful hints and tips. I’m also with the sewer every step of the way with a free YouTube tutorial to stitch along to so they don’t feel alone and can begin to build confidence in their abilities.

Do you have any new patterns in the pipeline?

I have very recently been working on a new block to increase my size range and promised not to release any new patterns until this was completed!

Thankfully the tests are in my inbox to be assessed as I write, so fingers crossed I can get started on the new designs very soon!

I have a few in the pipeline including a shirt, a dress and a jumpsuit. They will be added to the Serene Collection as they’re all based on comfort, I’m very excited about these!