Im sure most of you have seen Sunnis lovely sewing blog by now, but did you know she also is a purveyor of wonderful sewing notions and tools? (She has single-handedly made available old-fashioned belt covering kits. I bought a couple from her and couldnt be more pleased!) I am delighted to bring you this sponsor chat with you and introduce you to her (shes amazingly talented) and her beautiful wares sold at A Fashionable Stitch.
Please introduce yourself, Sunni. My name is Sunni (pronounced like the weather forecast sunny) and I sew. Ive always been an artistic sort, especially the kind that appreciates and loves to create. I live in Utah and am married to another artistic sort who is a composer/sound designer. I think the phrase necessity is the mother of invention would be an apt description of what Ive become at this point in life. Ive always had an affinity for fashion and in order to have the clothing and style I desired, Ive had to make my own. Little did I know that it would turn out to be something of a serious addiction, in addition to being such a creative outlet for me. Its also one of those things in life that for me, has opened so many doors. I went to school to be a musician, and though in my heart I still am, sewing is what I feel I was really meant to be apart of. I created a blog, under the alias The Cupcake Goddess in 2007 and have been documenting my journey with sewing ever since. Its only been recently that I changed everything over to my company name, A Fashionable Stitch where I hope to continue helping and inspiring others to sew their own fashion.
What inspired you to start A Fashionable Stitch? Ive always had a dream of working for myself. Its something that Ive always wanted to do, even when I was young to own my own shop! My intense love of sewing and owning my own shop sort of fell into my lap as I was looking for some specific tools at my local fabric store and was unable to find them. An idea of having a shop where everything I wanted beautiful handmade pressing aids, pincushions, sewing patterns, fine ribbons and interfacings, belt buckle kits, etc., could be purchased in one place was born and now, here I am trying to make it happen.
You are a prolific seamstress, Sunni—when did you learn to sew? What is your favorite project to date? Ive been sewing since I was a kid. I started out with scraps of fabric my mom would give me and barbie clothes. When I went to middle school, I took a class in general sewing where I learned how to work the sewing machine and make a few basic things like a pillowcase. In high school I took more sewing courses and learned how to read sewing patterns and sew clothing. I didnt sew much during my college years but after I picked it up again and this time really got interested in making my own clothing and above all, having them fit me perfectly. I think my favorite project to date is the recreation of a boyfriends jacket that I constructed just this past fall. It really is a pretty gorgeous piece, made from a 1970s vintage pattern. It was my first tailoring project and one that I gush over when people ask me about it while Im wearing it.
You’ve been steadily adding more and more notions and tools to your shop (like hair canvas and patterns); what is your vision for A Fashionable Stitch in the future? My long term goal for A Fashionable Stitch is to carry all manner of fine sewing supplies. When I go to many of the fabric chain stores these days, Im becoming increasingly aware of how hard it is to find fine sewing supplies. I think there are still some great items out there, but I also see items that I feel have fallen into the quantity vs. quality category. Things like sleeve boards which used to be made of wood and now are made with metal which doesnt absorb moisture the same way. My vision for A Fashionable Stitch is to sell items that are not only hard to find, but also items that arent measuring up and giving us the quality, we as sewers, garment sewers in particular, need.
What is your favorite item you’re selling at the moment? Why? Im very excited about the hair canvas! When it finally came, I was shocked that it was 70 wide alot with even just 1/2 a yard! A little definitely will go a very long way. Im gearing up to be carrying more natural fibered stabilizers and interfacings too. These types of sewing staples are great to have on hand and even more importantly easy to buy from one shop than from several different shops which is a big deal to me.
What advice would you give a new sewer as far as notions that are “must have” to enable a well-stock sewing station? If you are new to sewing, I think its important to have good quality tools. If you are serious about getting into the craft and let me add that it is and can be very rewarding youll end up paying less if you invest in some of the good stuff to begin with. As far as notions go, youll always be in need of thread, interfacing, buttons and zippers, and a well stocked sewing stash will always have these. These are things I always need and of course, they vary with each different project. Youll naturally accrue thread I always check my thread stash against my next project just in case I have a color that will work before purchasing new thread. With interfacing/stabilizers, buy a little extra than you need. I always buy at least 1 yard extra, because I know Ill be using it in loads of different projects too. Its good to have a lightweight, medium weight heavy weight on hand. I use silk organza and/or cotton muslin for lightweights and hair canvas for medium to heavyweights. You can also learn to be a little thrifty while at the same time investing in good products. Buttons and zippers are a great area to do this in! Before throwing out old garments, take off their zippers and buttons and keep them for your sewing stash even if they are boring. Sometimes the right button is all about being inconspicuous.
Thank you Sunni for the wonderful interview! Be sure to check out her Facebook page in addition to the blog and shop, and sign up for her shop newsletter to keep abreast of the latest product she is adding!
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