DIY Couture

As many of you know the world of pattern making can be a confusing place.  How many of you have looked at a pattern and felt it was like reading another language or didn't even know where to start?  Well worry no more as we would like to introduce Rosie Martin - the future of pattern making!  Rosie produces visual guides to making trendy clothes; rather than having to decode patterns you can follow the simple step to step visual guides in her books, to make your own fashionable clothes.  Each book allows for individual variations and customisations so you can make a unique piece of couture clothing for yourself.  Find out more about it in our interview with Rosie below:  

Tell us a bit more about your books and how they came about

The books show each stage of making a garment in the form of easy to follow pictures and diagrams accompanied by simple language.  They are aimed to be usable by anyone, no matter what their level of sewing experience, from novice to expert.   Each book will also showcase a few pictures from a guest artist to make the books something to look at often and not just used once. 

I've always found patterns to be very confusing and preferred to work freestyle because of this.  When a friend asked me to help make a corset for her wedding dress and with it being such an important job I bought a pattern as I wanted to ensure it was perfect.  The pattern was so baffling I would have struggled to follow it myself, let alone show her how to make it.  That is when I thought it would be a great idea to create a simplified version.  I thought back to when I was at school learning how to sew and a friend drew it all out almost like a cartoon and it made it so much simpler to follow.  That inspired me to try it myself.

How did you first get into sewing?

I learnt at school, in year 7 I think it was, so that would have been around 1998.  No one else in my family sews but I always found I couldn't get the clothes I wanted in the shops so I started making my own.  I wanted bright colours and I was quite a slim build so had trouble finding clothes that fitted properly.  I then started making clothes for other people too but I knew that wasn't what I wanted to do forever. 

How do you come up with your designs?

I consider the type of clothes I would like to wear myself and I do a lot of research looking at the clothes in magazines such as ID and studying the emerging trends in London. 

How many books are available?

The first book was launched in December  2009 but there will be around 12 available by the end of the 2010. 

How long has it taken you to write those books?

I have been working on the idea as a whole for around 2 years now.  I spent around 6 months sewing every day and taking photos of each step, 2 months doing the diagrams, I also learnt HTML scripting from scratch to design my own website.  I then spent the last couple months improving the website and editing the books.  I have also been doing interviews and preparing for a talk at the Eco Club in London.

So it's been a busy year or so then?  Have you enjoyed it?

It has been hard work but I have learnt so much.  I now have so many new skills and I have really enjoyed designing the books.  I'm also looking forward to the social aspect involved in promoting the books. 

The downside has been having to do everything myself.  I do miss working as a team and having someone to share ideas, and responsibilities with.  It also gets quite lonely working by myself all the time.  I feel like I have to force myself to go out and do things other than just work.   The lack of money has not been too great either!

What tips could you pass to on to someone who like you has an idea they are considering pursuing?

I would say to make sure you believe in your idea, it is not easy and you will also get a lot of negative comments.  You should listen to other people, take feedback, but don't be put off by the criticism you receive.  Also don't worry about the money too much, accept that you will have to sacrifice to follow your dream but that it will be worth it in the end. 

Rosie's books are available to purchase through her website http://www.diy-couture.co.uk/ and through selected stockists.  The books cost £9 each or can be bought on subscription from as little as £6.