Becoming a mum and seeing a wonderful keepsake quilt made out of baby clothes inspired Lauren to learn how to sew...
By Lauren Tedstone
my grandmother gave me a sewing machine in my early teens, which at the time I did nothing with. I had no interest in sewing. What started the desire to sew many years later, was seeing a wonderful keepsake quilt made out of baby clothes and I wanted to make one for my young children. I dusted off the sewing machine and set to teaching myself how to sew. When my children were napping or tucked away in bed, I would get the machine out, watch videos and read tutorials. I went from singing “Wind the bobbin’ up” at morning playgroups to evenings spent actually winding the bobbin up on the machine! Growing up, I had always been crafty but lost that creative spark whilst training to become a barrister. My first project was an ambitious one but I loved every minute of it, I designed and made a gingham quilt which we still use daily.
GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE
Being a lover of fashion I naturally progressed into garment sewing for myself and the children and have never looked back. Soon after finding my passion in sewing, I applied for the Sewing Bee and to my amazement I got a place on series nine. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I really felt I found myself and my style. I left a quarter-finalist and although I shed a tear, it was tears full of pride. I was so proud of myself for that achievement and I still am! I like to define my style as timeless classics, with others often describing it as chic. I am a big lover of neutrals with my sewing reflecting that.
CAPSULE WARDROBE
My aim is to have a fully me-made capsule wardrobe, full of versatile key pieces. I tend to sew garments I know I will continually wear and love styling my garments multiple ways. Sometimes the simplest of garments can have the biggest impact if styled well! I love the versatility of an elevated basic and also finish my garments to the highest possible level in order to increase their longevity (I love a French seam!). If I had to pick a favourite fabric it would be linen and favourite colour? Probably black! Although I’m a lover of the fashion industry I no longer buy many fast fashion items, if I haven’t sewn them I like to buy second hand or ‘upcycle’ them.
SEWING SUSTAINABLY
I love sourcing ‘deadstock’ fabrics, these are fabrics left over from fashion brands. It means I can keep up with the fashion industry but in
