Today we are getting to know Jen and Autie, the creators of all things sewing at iCandy. We also got to know them in Season 2 and were amazed at their skills (they made a boy's leather bomber jacket--from scratch--it was phenomenal). So, without further adieu....here are some Q&A's to get to know each of them a little better. Thanks Jen and Autie for joining us in All-Stars!!!
Jen
How did you learn to sew?
Growing up, my mom would sew when needed. However, she didn't really enjoy it. So when I was 15, and started to show interest in learning, she had a friend of hers give me official sewing lessons. We sewed several garments together, and I learned so much from her. I learned how to cut and choose a pattern size, how to ease into curves by making a princess seam dress, I even made a pair of overall shorts out of denim, and learned how to do decorative topstitching. When it came time for prom and formals, I was able to make my own. It was so fun to be able to make my own clothes as a teenager! I really hope that my daughter will someday do the same.
Do you have any bad sewing habits or sewing pet peeves?
I get so mad at myself when I make careless mistakes! Like not double checking EVERYTHING before I sew it together. I hate when I put a sleeve on inside out, or really any mistake I have to pick out. Once I do make a time-consuming mistake, I do learn my lesson and become more thorough!
What are you favorite fabrics to work with?
I never thought I would say this, but I really love sewing with knits! Starting this blog helped me get out of my comfort zone and once I became comfortable with knits, I just love to sew with them. The majority of my wardrobe is made out of knit, so it is nice to be able to make things for myself and my daughter that are comfortable and stylish. I enjoy sewing with most woven fabrics too, but knits are so forgiving in the fit department, that it is so nice.
When you are not sewing, what do you enjoy doing?
I love so many things! I love spending time with my family going on bike rides, hanging out at the beach, swimming, hiking, and just being outside. I also love to watch movies and go out to dinner with my husband. I love fashion and shopping, but don't do that very much any more... Reading, (am a total book worm) hanging out with friends, going on vacations.... I could go on and on!
Autie
How did you learn to sew?
I watched my mom sew all growing up...and I loved having a mom that could make anything! But I didn't sew until I actually met my husband. His mom is very into quilting, and embroidery, as I've mentioned on iCandy. We had sort of an unusual circumstance, where we were engaged, long distance for 9 months. I was finishing my degree at BYU, and he transferred to play baseball for ASU for his sernior year. I was lucky enough to get to go down to Arizona to visit him about once a month, for a weekend, and watch him play. Collegiate sports are very time consuming, so I actually didn't spend a lot of time with my then-fiance, but my awesome MIL always had a project to do, or something new to teach me to pass the time while he was busy! I learned to sew and quilt and I consider this ability to be such a blessing!
Do you have any bad sewing habits or sewing pet peeves?
oh man! I know everyone feels the same way about this one, but how about when you're sewing along and really getting something accomplished on a big project, when you raise the presser foot, scissors in hand and about to snip some thread strings...when you realize there's only one thread to cut....Your bobbin thread ran out...long ago...like maybe an inch or two after you started. Shoot me!
Who do you sew for?
I mostly make things for my house, for my daughters... and with Jen's help, I've now learned to sew a few things for myself (how stinkin' fun is that!) So, with a few exceptions, I just sew for the benefit of my family...and because I love it so!
When you are not sewing, what do you enjoy doing?
It's funny, I sure know what I used to love to do when I wasn't sewing...but now, when you ask me what I like to do in my spare time...other than sewing, I don't think I have much other time to spare! I love organize and re-organize, I love to spend time with my kids teaching them new things, playing games, etc. I love going for family bike rides, watching my son's baseball games, and my daughter's cute gymnastics class and smooching on my baby's cheeks! My life is full and busy, with not much time to spare, but it's a great life, and I try to love every minute!
I missed season two, so I am really looking forward to what you two come up with this season. (So exciting!)
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