Meet the Lamazi Makers - Andreia @jasmine.needle

Welcome to the first in our new series of blogs - Meet the Lamazi Makers 💕 

We have so many wonderful makers in our community who are constantly inspiring us with their makes and we are excited to get to know them a little better. 

First up is Andreia, aka @jasmine.needle on Instagram. When we say Andreia blows our mind with what she creates from our remnants, we are not over exaggerating. Let's find out a little more...

Viki Sews Vanessa Dress (made as a top) and Cecile DIY Chloe Skirt in See You At Six Evening Meadow EcoVero™ Viscose Rayon Sateen

How did your sewing journey begin?

I grew up around fabrics and sewing machines. I was in a childminder instead of nursery, and she was a family friend. They became more like a family and like my grandparents. The mom (my childminder) was a retired seamstress, and both daughters worked in textiles factories. One as a machinist and the other as a pattern cutter. They had these lovely old pedal Singer machines, and I’d spend a lot of time rummaging through their fabric scraps and hand-sewing dolls’ clothes while they sewed. So I’ve been sewing, or around sewing, since I can remember.

Viki Sews Hermina Top and Megan Nielsen Protea Skirt in Sweet Vines Cobalt Blue Cotton Broderie Anglaise Fabric

Pick a favourite - wovens or knits?

This is a hard one. I used to prefer knits, because I used to think they were easier to fit. But I think I actually much prefer sewing with wovens now. I love both sewing and wearing woven garments.

What is your favourite type of garment to sew?

I don’t have a favourite garment type, I don’t think. I like different projects for different reasons. I enjoy sewing trousers because I find them an easy and straighforward sew. Same with knit tops. But I also enjoy complicated garments for the challenge. I think my favourite projects are when I’m able to create the vision that I have in my head.

Megan Nielsen Dawn Jeans in Breeze Enzyme Washed Linen

Name 3 things you love about sewing?

1- I love being able to make unique clothes that fit my personality and allow me to express myself. 
2- I love the mindfulness aspect of it and how it has helped me through tough times.
3- I love being able to fit clothes to my body, as I struggle with certain types of ready- to-wear garments.

Self Drafted Skirt in Art Gallery Fabrics remnant and Patterns for Pirates Relaxed Raglan Sweatshirt in Cosy Colours Brushed Back Sweatshirting (Peach Soft GOTS Organic Sweatshirting is a great alternative)

What do you do with your fabric scraps? Do you have a favourite remnant/scrap project?

(We love what you make with remnants and would love to hear more about how you choose what remnants to buy and then how you decide what to make with them? Is there a minimum length you buy? Or do you let the fabric call to you?)

I have huge piles of fabric scraps. I keep the biggest pieces in big plastic boxes, divided into knit or woven, and smaller ones that wouldn’t work for anything (together with waste from the overlocker and thread) in a big laundry bag. I tend to use the smaller ones to stuff anything, like a doll or a cushion, but I’d like to try making a coat with scraps sandwiched between organza one day. I also have some smaller ones that I keep apart for embroidering or making jewellery. I like using scraps to finish the back neckline of knit tops, which can be woven or knit. It gives the item such a nice finish. I’ve also used them for appliqués, headbands, etc.

Fleur Top using a remnant of Sorona Linen Blend

Viki Sews Imelda Dress in Sorona Linen in Bordeaux

I love mixing fabrics. I browse the remnants section and choose what calls out to me, which is usually based on colours and patterns. Sometimes, I can immediately visualise what to do or how to combine two completely different fabrics. More often, I just buy it and then figure out what to make with it later. This may happen soon or years later; there’s no rule! I just go with the flow and wait until my brain visualises it or the right pattern comes along. There is no minimum length that I buy either! I think I once bought a 20 cm length, and it became the top part of one of my favourite tops! I try to be as mindful as possible when buying fabrics nowadays. But sometimes I see them there, and they’re such a good deal that I can’t resist temptation.

I Am Pan top made from 2 remnants of See You At Six Viscose

Do you have a sewing tip to share with fellow seamstresses? 

I think my biggest sewing tip, which has saved me fabric (I can use as scraps!), is to use a pattern cutting layout given in a pattern, as an initial guide, but then rearrange the pieces myself. Sometimes, cutting on a single layer also helps save fabric. If I’m buying fabric, I always buy the recommended amount, as I don’t want to end up with insufficient fabric for the project. But I buy remnants so often that this really helps optimise the cutting layout, and I’ve been able to make garments with much smaller lengths than the pattern recommends just buy changing the cutting layout.

Self Drafted Skirt using 2 remnants of needlecord

Thank you for taking part Andreia and we have loved getting to know you. Stay tuned for more makers who will be taking part soon.