Hi, I'm Sareeka and I live in Walthamstow, UK. I’ve been sewing for around two years now and have made a full wardrobe. It sounds dramatic, but I’d say sewing has changed my life. I know it will be a lifelong hobby and it’s become a huge part of my identity and how I live my life.

The first garment I ever made was the Modern Sewing Co. Over Shirt. I pattern tested for Hetty when she was re-releasing the instructions, and I found it tricky but also surprisingly manageable. It took me a while to finish, but when I did, I couldn’t believe I’d made something so beautiful. That moment really changed things for me. Starting with something relatively tricky as a beginner turned out to be the best thing I could have done. 

Once I finished it, I thought: if I can sew this, I can sew anything!

I’ve worked for sustainability-focused companies and have known for a while the impact of fast fashion. I hadn’t bought anything first-hand for years, and learning to sew felt like the natural next step. Life finally slowed down enough for me to give it a go, and once it did, there was no turning back.
 
Now I wear me-made garments almost every day. I feel the most comfortable, the happiest, and the most stylish in them. I gravitate towards soft, natural fabrics that feel good on my body, and I always choose patterns that are relaxed and wearable.
 
My sewing machine is my pride and joy and permanently lives on my dining table (much to my partner’s dismay). I have a Janome J3-20 and it’s such a powerhorse, it’s sewn through extremely thick denims and wools and is somehow still alive and working.

I’ve made so many Modern Sewing Co pieces now it’s hard to keep track, but if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the Leila Shirt. I’ve made it countless times. I love the flowiness, the pretty back gathers, the loose, comfy fit, and the collar. It’s just perfect. I recently hacked the front piece to add gathers there too, and I love how it turned out. 

I’ve often used Indian cotton handlooms for this pattern and really recommend them as they drape nicely and feel so light in the summertime. I know I’ll be making this pattern on repeat, for a very long time!

Another favourite is the Darcy Coat. I’ve made versions in thick wool, oilskin, gabardine, and even a cropped one—this pattern is so versatile. Each version feels completely different and has given me a coat for every season.

The wool one is my proudest make ever (also maybe one of my proudest achievements!). There was a lot of love (and maybe a few tears and sleepless nights) poured into it. It’s one of those pieces I put on and still can’t quite believe I made. I get compliments every time I wear it, and I know it’ll be in my wardrobe forever.

The French Smock is another one of my favourite patterns. I recently hacked the pattern to make the version pictured with a button-down front instead of the placket. It’s such a classic, made in ticking fabric that I had left over from an upholstery project. The other versions I’ve made are in thicker, twill and denim fabrics and are great layering pieces that look put together.

I’ve also made many more Over Shirts, the Zero Waste Pouffe (so great for my scraps!) and lots of Frida shirts (below is me making my first quilt wearing one!). I’ve recently bought the Celia Dress, so really looking forward to making that next.

I’ve now built my entire wardrobe, customised to my body and my style and have also found my happy space! Sewing for me is like therapy, it grounds me, focuses me and brings me back to my body. Handmaking something from scratch makes me feel more connected to myself and the world around me.
 
I’m very considered about the patterns and fabrics I choose. I try and avoid ‘trendy’ sewing patterns, opting for classic ones that I can come back to time after time. I want each piece to last a lifetime, and the classic, timeless feel of Modern Sewing Co. garments is just perfect for that.
 
The Modern Sewing Co.’s aesthetic is exactly my style. Their patterns are my most-used, and everything I’ve made has become a wardrobe staple. I know I’ll be wearing them for years to come. 
 
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@sareekasews