Meet Tabitha Sewer. Yes, that's her real last name, and a perfect one at that!
Tabitha purchased her first sewing machine only a few years ago and hasn't stopped creating colourful, unique clothing since. After serving in the United States Air Force for over 10 years, earning a Bachelors and Masters degree and several business certificates, she picked up sewing, started a blog, and the rest was history.
Tabitha’s mother attended fashion schools in the Philippines and grew up loving fashion and the creative process. Following her mother's suggestion to purchase a sewing machine, Tabitha became unstoppable.
She loves to mix patterns and bright colours to make extravagant pieces that fit her personality perfectly. She's even designed buttons, buckles, and sewing patterns.
We love Tabitha's unique style, and her commitment to be her bold, beautiful self!
We talked to Tabitha about how she started below!
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Fabric inspires me. I get really excited when I see colour and cool prints. It's very rare for me to find a print that I like so when I do find one, I buy tons of it!
WHO TAUGHT YOU TO SEW?
My Mom taught me the basics as a kid. I didn't really catch on because I wasn't too interested. I was more focused on collecting stickers and erasers. I decided in my later 20's that I was going try again, so I did. I taught myself for the most part. I practiced and practiced. When I needed help with certain techniques, I'd call my Mom for help or I'd drive to her house (which is an hour away) and she'd give me a quick lesson. I've been sewing consistently now for 7.5 years and my Mom still often teaches me something new. There is so much to learn when it comes to the art of sewing.
WHEN DID YOUR SEWING JOURNEY START?
I started my sewing journey in 2012 after I got out of the US Air Force where I served for 10.5 years. I was a stay at home mom that needed something to do so I decided to learn how to sew.
WHAT DOES MAKING YOUR OWN CLOTHING MEAN TO YOU?
Being able to make my own clothes is such a dream come true. I practiced long and hard because I wanted to sew as well as my Mom. I'm not quite as good as her, but I think I'm ok. I love making my own clothes not only because it’s custom made for my body and because I love fashion, but sewing has also helped me mentally. Sewing is a tool that I use to help with my anxiety. After serving in the military, I've had to go through a lot of severe anxiety and panic attacks. Sewing has helped me focus my mindset on something positive and redirect my thoughts on something constructive. Sewing my own clothing is healing for me.
WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR STYLE ICONS?
Blaire Eadie is my fave fashion blogger. She is such a legend!
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST SEWING MISTAKE YOU’VE EVER MADE?
I've had a few! I remember being invited to New York to visit the McCalls office. I was going to meet a designer for Vogue. I thought it’d be cool to sew a Vogue dress. I had one night to make it and let me tell you, it was so ill-fitting. It was so bad that I ended up not wearing it at all. I gave it away and didn't bother trying to alter it. I was so upset that I spent so much time sewing that dress and high hopes of wearing it. Lesson learned is plan ahead so that you have time to fix mistakes.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO A BEGINNER SEWER?
Be patient. You're not going to get it on the first or second time around. Take your time. Walk away if you have to. Just don't give up!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PAPERCUT PATTERN AND WHY?
I love the Adrift Skirt so very much but I think the Nova Coat is my favourite!
Check out to her Instagram and YouTube pages for all of her tips, tricks, and inspiration--you'll be SEW glad you did!
You can find her here:
Instagram ~ @tabithasewer
Website ~ www.tabithasewer.com