Grecian Getaway: An Expert Sewer's Voile Point-of-View
August 06, 2013
You may have first heard of Katarina Roccella in our Nördika release post. She's responsible for this collection's amazing video. Katarina has just returned from a refreshing family trip to Skopelos, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. This island can only be described as visual paradise, and it's easy to see how much her latest projects were inspired by it.
We've caught up with Katarina to talk about her experience and latest use of two gorgeous fabrics from our Voile collection. Keep reading to hear about her trip, project inspirations and even recommendations of use for Voile.
So far, what sewing projects have you created using Voile?
I made the summer caftan with a matching shabby flower and the summer tiered twirl dress for my daughter.
What is your favorite thing about Voile? Do the prints inspire a specific feeling, or image for you?
The whole collection is really stunning and it was tough choosing only a few prints to sew with. But since I knew I would be taking my creations with me to Greece, I chose the blue prints (I'm obsessed with photographing my creations and imagining the best locations to showcase the designs and prints). The traditional Greek combination of blue & white was perfect for the prints I chose.
What uses or projects do you recommend are best suited for this fabric collection?
Voile's fabrics are excellent for garment sewing, specifically for summer projects. I would use them for accessories (bandanas, scarves, headbands and different crafty flowers: think small and big pompoms for weddings and other embellishing crafts) and clothing (especially tunics, blouses, skirts and dresses), but would like to try them for quilts too. I saw some amazing quilts on the web made with Voile fabrics.
(see more photographs of the Skopelos islands here)
Do you have anything else planned to make with Voile?
While being on the beaches in Greece, I regretted not having made one of those large Gypsy-type headbands for my girls. I'd also love to make some more garment pieces and patchwork cushions, too. And definitely a small quilt.
Can you recommend needles and thread combinations (or even techniques) to use with the fabric?
Sewing with Voile is really easy especially if you have right type of needles and thread. Regarding needles, I'd recommend size 9 sharp needle or any other small size needle appropriate for lighter weight fabrics. For the thread, use some fine thread--it shouldn’t be heavier than 50 weight thread, and I read some great reviews about Aurifil Mako 50wt quilting cotton for use with Voile fabrics.
Voile fabrics have a characteristic beauty that is sheer and crisp, not unlike the scenery around Skopelos. Between them, the prints and texture of the fabric also have a balance of weighlessness and a drape that layers beautifully.
Katarina has posted the Summer Kaftan Dress tutorial on her blog, and is currently finishing up the Tiered Dress tutorial. You can stay up-to-date on her tutorials by following her on Twitter. You can also check out our Free Sewing Projects page for this, as well as many other sewing projects.
We're grateful for her continued engagement with our fabrics and our aestethic point of view! I had a fun time looking through her beautiful stream of photos on her flickr, and was especially intrigued by her linoleum cuts and prints so I've chosen a couple as the closing statement to what I hope was a visually uplifting post.
(All photos courtesy of Katarina)
Sew on,
Lorena