Each week throughout the summer we’ll hear from a designer about a pattern or book that caused them to head in a new direction and helped form their career. It’s the pattern that changed their life.
Rachel Pinheiro is a Brazilian sewist who now lives in the U.K. She began sewing in late 2009, first taking some local classes and then advancing to learning pattern drafting. She now considers herself to be a sewing fanatic. She’s loved fashion since childhood and is putting that love to work sewing her own wardrobe.
Rachel is also an avid blogger. On her site, House of Pinheiro, she enthusiastically chronicles her sewing successes and failures in a way that makes you feel like you’re along for the ride.
Today, Rachel is here to share the pattern that changed her life.
Here’s Rachel:
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When Abby asked me to talk about a pattern that changed my life, I didn’t know where to start. I sat in my sewing room with a ‘cuppa’ mentally making a list of the patterns and books I used. In the last six years it was plenty. That’s because although sewing clothes is my main passion I tend to dabble in all types of crafts. I just have a curious personality and enjoy the challenge of trying something new.
I became really nostalgic thinking about old projects; every one of them. Each pattern had something to learn from and a reminder of how much left there is to learn. So in a way every project I sewed changed my life. Together they harnessed a sense of self-confidence. Every accomplishment (and failure) playing some part of my development as a sewist.
There is one pattern that was pivotal on my sewing journey. My garment is nicknamed “Sherlock’s House.” Actually it’s my only project to have a standalone name so you can tell it certainly has a fond place in my heart.
Sherlock’s House is a Mohair wool cape made out of Vogue 8674. An homage to my favorite detective. It was my first challenging project – a lining, a collar, and expensive fabric. Scary stuff at the time!
Rachel wearing her “Sherlock” cape made with Vogue 8674.
After dealing with all tricky bits, overcoming my own fears and inexperience the result was something I was very proud. Looking at the cape now, I’m awe that I made that at that point of my journey almost four years ago! It carries the biggest sense of “you can sew anything you want it”.
Rachel wearing a skirt she made to go with the cape using Cynthia Rowley’s Tulip Skirt 2512.
Following the cape I tried to carry the same feeling with me over to every new project. Of course I fail but I don’t let the fear of failing stop me. So the pattern that changed my life is the pattern that showed me if you put your mind to it you can sew anything.
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Vogue 8674 is the pattern that changed Rachel Pinheiro’s life.
McCallPatternCompany (@McCallPatternCo) says
That is so cool! We love Rachel so much, and it’s thrilling to learn we’ve been part of her fabulous sewing journey. Thanks for this, Abby!
Debra Belton says
Gorgeous! can you also provide the pattern number for the black and white dress you are wearing?