Sew Enduring

Liesl Gibson from Liesl + Co talks trends, style and sewing!

When creating new sewing patterns, how important are the current trends?

I’m not a big fan of trends. I believe in style, rather than trends. Obviously the eye changes with time and silhouettes evolve, so a classic trench coat of 30 years ago probably looks a bit dated when compared to a classic trench coat of today. But in general I try to avoid trends. I prefer to focus on classic, timeless pieces that will endure longer. That said, sometimes I include a trendy detail in a pattern. For example, in our recent Geneva V-neck Blouse pattern I included a lantern sleeve option because statement sleeves are popular right now.

Lisboa Walking Shorts Pattern by Liesl + Co

Do you think that the trends on the High Street matter less to dressmakers?

I think in general, trends matter less and less right now. Even in high fashion anything goes these days. People prefer to express themselves through their choices, and designers are referencing every decade and every fashion direction without prejudice these days.

In the end, you should sew and wear what you like, not what someone else tells you is trendy today!

Tribeca Knit Cami Pattern by Liesl + Co

Enmore Halter Dress + Top Pattern by Liesl + Co

Your latest designs, how did you decide what you wanted to add to your pattern collection when it comes to styles?

With most of our patterns, I try to think about what’s missing from our line and what our customers might want to sew.

For our most recent summer 2022 collection, I wanted chic walking shorts, since good shorts aren’t simply shortened trousers. That idea resulted in the Lisboa Walking Shorts, with two different back pocket options and a paper-bag-style elastic waist. I had also been dreaming of narrow-strapped summer styles with built-in bras so you don’t need to worry about bra straps showing, and that resulted in two styles for the Enmore Halter Dress + Top, which is a really chic little summer dress (with pockets!) and our Tribeca Knit Cami that has two neckline options.

Dressmaking has become even more popular since the COVID pandemic and lockdown, what are the benefits of making your own clothes?

Where to begin! First, you get the satisfaction of making something with your own hands in an age when so few people have the opportunity or time to do so! But on top of that, creative freedom, the ability to wear something no one else is wearing, and the chance to make something that fits YOUR body rather than the ‘average’ body are all benefits.

The rise of refashioned garments contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle but it’s also a way of connecting with the clothes in your wardrobe in a positive way. Is this something you like to do?

This is something I like to do! I have a stack of clothing on my desk that I plan to alter when time allows in the next month or two. On some pieces, I’ll just adjust the size a bit or shorten a skirt, but for others I have a wild idea and I can completely re-make the piece to better fit my current preferences.

To view the more sewing patterns available from Liesl + Co – www.hantexonline.co.uk/liesl-patterns