AGF Makers Spotlight Winner: Lisa from @sewwhatyoulove
April 06, 2017
Hey there, Makers!
We’re happy to announce the winner of our #AGFMakersSpotlight contest on Instagram for March! As always, this was an extremely difficult decision because all the projects you all submit are so beautiful and creative.
Without further ado, let’s give a round of applause to Lisa from @sewwhatyoulove! She stole our hearts with these beautiful wings made with Wanderer fabrics by April Rhodes. We had a chance to chat with her to find out what inspired her to make this project and learn all about the things she loves.
Feel free to get to know Lisa better with this short interview. ;)
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1. Hi Lisa! Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Hi, I’m Lisa, also known as @sewwhatyoulove on Instagram. I live in Switzerland and am a mom to 2 little ladies and wife to one very supportive husband. I finished architecture school, got an EMBA, worked as a project manager and took a Wilton Master Course in Cake Decoration ;o) before I started sewing on a more regular basis in 2012 after the birth of our first daughter. We were living as Expats in the Mid West of the US (Kansas City) at that time and I was lucky enough to join a sewing circle. I was mainly sewing clothes for my daughter but picked up quilting in 2015 through that sewing circle.
2. When did you start sewing and what are some of your favorite things about the craft?
Although I got my Bernina in 2008 as a wedding gift from my mother in law (I’m really really lucky I know!), I didn’t really start sewing until 2012. A main reason why I love sewing is the fact that I’m able to “sew what I love”, I see an outfit or a quilt and I’m able to just sew it myself. Making a quilt is also really similar to what I learned in architecture school, but designing, “building” and finishing a quilty project is obviously a lot faster than an architectural one.
Sometimes I just want to play with fabric, texture and color and I want to make something beautiful with my own hands. Like in architecture this kind of creative expression is a pure joy in itself. But in contrast to architecture, there are really fast sewing projects that help to satisfy that urge to design and create something, and time is an important factor with two little kids.
3. What inspired you to make these beautiful wings?
I made this fairy outfit as part of my Project Run and Play entry. The first week’s challenge was to create an outfit for our kids that represents a place we would love to take them. Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed of visiting a magical forest – fairydust, unicorns, wings, that’s what my daughter’s dreams are about today. If I could take her to any place, it would be that enchanted forest.
4. How did you find out about AGF and what was your first thought when you started sewing with our fabrics?
I have to admit I don’t really know the exact time a got introduced to AGF. As I started sewing more I found out about the differences of cheap and quality fabrics and the importance of using quality fabrics to keep those handmade items in shape and color. One of the first – if not THE first – FQ bundles I ever bought was April Rhodes' Wanderer collection. I just loved the feelings and the sentiments that come with this line and I’m glad I finally found the perfect project to use it. I found AGF fabrics very lightweight but nonetheless slow to fray, easy to cut and sew and just plain beautiful.
5. What’s currently on your sewing list?
Oh on my sewing list?! You shouldn’t ask a girl about her sewing list. It’s kind of like asking for my age and weight. ;o) My sewing list is really, really, really long and gets longer by the day. What I can tell you, somewhere on there is a dress in April Rhodes Speck Stardust Metallic (yardage and pattern are just waiting for their turn).
6. What are some things you love about the sewing community?
It’s hard to find a group of more warm-hearted, kind, and creative people than those I’ve met through the sewing community. I especially love the diversity, creativity, friendliness and open minded attitude of the sewing community on Instagram. I take pleasure in learning new skills and what better way to do so than to learn and get inspired from others.
Sewing and being on Instagram also connected me to a real life community of like-minded people who share that creative obsession. Quilting in Switzerland is not as popular as in the US, most people don’t even know what I’m talking about. So it took a while to find these touchable (I know that sounds a bit strange) connections, but I’m glad I did and I hope there are a lot more friendships to come.
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I hope you all enjoyed reading this interview! Make sure to post all your AGF projects with the hashtag #AGFMakersSpotlight for a chance to win a bundle of fabrics and a feature on our Instagram and the blog. :)
Happy sewing!
Stephanie