Here at ByAnnie, we love building relationships with people in the sewing community. We enjoy learning from other talented makers, and seeing our patterns and products through the eyes of others.
We recently partnered with Caroline, from Sew Can She, who has just finished our Divide and Conquer bag.
Caroline is a talented sewist, blogger and busy mom of four. She said, "Even though we're all busy, fitting in time to sew (or do whatever else you love) makes life more than just a day-to-day race to the finish."
See what else Caroline has to say in this exclusive interview, and be sure to visit her blog to learn more about her experiences making Divide and Conquer!
Q&A with Caroline of Sew Can She!
ByAnnie: When did you start sewing?
Sew Can She: I started sewing younger than I can remember! When I was about six I was making teddy bears and doll clothes by cutting fabric out of discarded clothing.
BA: What are your favorite types of sewing projects to work on?
SCS: I love sewing bags and quilts. But small projects that I can finish the same day have got to be my favorite things to make.
BA: What was your proudest sewing moment or biggest accomplishment?
SCS: My first quilt was a queen size simple block design that I made for my daughter when she was 8. Even though I can look at that quilt now and see 100’s of mistakes, I love it and I love that she still wants it on her bed years later.
BA: What is your favorite part of creating your blog?
SCS: I love receiving and answering emails from my readers and seeing their projects - made with my patterns - on Instagram. It always makes me smile.
BA: What sparks your creativity?
SCS: Beautiful fabric. Modern designs I see in magazines. And seeing things at the store and thinking ‘I could make that better!'
BA: What is your favorite sewing tool or notion?
SCS: People will be surprised, but I can’t get along without my surgical seam ripper. Sometimes my OCD side just won’t let me let mistakes lie - and this tool helps me unpick stray stitches so fast.
BA: What advice would you give to beginners or less experiences sewists?
SCS: Don’t give up. If you get stuck, ask for help. And sew at least a little bit every day!
BA: What was your favorite part about making the Divide and Conquer bag?
SCS: My binding skills are improving so much! That’s my favorite thing about ByAnnie patterns - they challenge me and help me learn and improve my sewing skills every time.
BA: What was the most difficult part about making Divide and Conquer, and how did you overcome it?
SCS: Sewing the strips around the curved corners and making them perfectly curved. Watching Annie in the Add-on Videos really helped. And slowing down to be more accurate!
See what other ByAnnie bags Caroline has made!
And, find out how they can work for you.
Nesting Baskets are both adorable and functional. Great for any room in the house, they provide organized storage in three different sizes.
The Ultimate Travel Bag is a ByAnnie favorite. With plenty of zippered and slip pockets, plus a spacious interior, you'll be able to pack all the essentials while travelling in style! Caroline and her friend used Annie's video tutorials to help them create this stunning bag. Videos found on Bluprint.
Zip It Up is a streamlined zippered organizer perfect for carrying circle rulers, project pieces, patterns, electronic devices and so much more. The pattern includes instructions for two sizes, so you'll be able to create something special to fit your needs.
Collaborate With Us!
Are you a blogger, designer, maker or influencer who wants to be featured on ByAnnie.com? Email us at [email protected] for more info!
Be sure to sign up for our email list to get the latest scoop on new patterns and products, useful information, sales and more. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!
Sew Can She: Divide and Conquer