Creative of the Month: Emily McLeod
Hi, I’m Emily. I mostly sew for myself and my wife and take immense satisfaction from making something that it is fitted to my own body and style. When I started sewing in 2020, what surprised me was how valuable it became for my wellbeing. During the day I’m a researcher working in conservation and sewing is a chance for me to switch off from the world and focus on creating something with my hands. It is so restorative and (mostly) relaxing.
Community is a big part of sewing for me, both online and in person. I live, work, and sew on Wurundjeri and Bunurong land in Naarm/Melbourne and am fortunate to be a part of the wonderful Saturday Sewcial sewing group (@Saturday.Sewcial). We meet to sew, chat, and share ideas. I love how sewing can be an act of resistance against the world of consumerism and am always inspired by the many sewists I follow who use their craft to promote social and environmental causes.
Local Inspiration
If a fellow creative had a few days to explore the creative side of your city/town, what would be your recommended itinerary?
Include sight-seeing, markets, galleries, shopping, and eating out!
For fabric shopping, I usually visit Drapers Fabrics (@drapersfabrics) or The Fabric Store (@wearethefabricstore) which are, conveniently, both on Brunswick St in Fitzroy.
If it’s a nice day, then I love a walk around Studley Park. You can walk along the river, visit the flying fox colony that roosts there, and finish with some scones at the boathouse.
For some sweet treats, I recommend Gordon St Bakery (@gordonstbakery) in Footscray for one of the best almond croissants in Melbourne (big claim, I know) and Casa Nata (@casanata.melbourne) in Thornbury for incredible Portuguese tarts.
For markets, check out the Rose St market (@therosestmarket) in Fitzroy or have a look at what’s on at the Abbotsford Convent – they have a range of performances, exhibitions, and markets throughout the year.
What's the best seasonal event or festival in your area that celebrates creativity, craft, or textiles?
My two favourite events are Melbourne Frocktails (@melbournefrocktails) and the Sew Melbourne Garden Party (@sew_melbourne). Two delightful opportunities to get together with other sewists you know and meet those you don’t yet know.For non-sewing creativity, check out @westfootscrayarts for a local writers festival, @tildemelbourne for a trans and gender-diverse film festival, and @melbfringe for Melbourne’s Fringe festival.
Your Sewing Specialties
What kind of sewing do you love most? (Garments, quilting, mending, embroidery, etc.)
While I do have a scrappy quilt that has been a WIP for over a year, I usually sew garments. I love sewing dresses but have recently started making some boxy shirts for my wife and have been surprised at how much I enjoyed it.
Who knew collars could be so satisfying! I only sew with wovens (can I confess that knits scare me?) and use natural fibres, usually linen or cotton. After reading Sundressed by Lucainne Tonti I started thinking a lot more about the kinds of fabrics I can use to minimise the environmental impact of my sewing.
To start, I switched my overlocker poly thread to cotton thread – there’s never any tension on the overlocked seams so no risk of snapping thread. I love a print and right now, find myself gravitating towards anything with stripes!
Your favourite recipe to share
I love good food but am not the most natural in the kitchen. Fortunately, I married someone who not only loves to cook but excels at it.
So, no great recipes from me but if you need someone to prep all the ingredients for dinner and do all the dishes afterwards, then I’m your gal.
Your favourite sewing pattern
What is your all-time favourite sewing pattern and why?
It’s got to be the Free-Range Slacks by Sew House Seven (@sewhouse7). I’ve made both versions for myself and my wife and currently live in the wide-leg version that I lengthened to full length.
Current Projects
What project/s do you have currently on the go?
I’m making the newly released Hanni Dress by Iggi Patterns (@leonieay_) to wear to my sister’s wedding. This dress reminds me of the vintage walkaway dress but with more inclusive sizing. I’ve had fun altering the sleeve shape to create a look that suits me and am loving the cut and style of this pattern! I’ve been thinking lately about clothes that have built-in adjustments to accommodate for bodies that change or fluctuate across days or years. Patterns like the Hanni Dress, with the adjustable ties, allow you to wear your clothes for longer and on more days and I am here for that!
I’m also just about finished with a second Tofino Top from Helen’s Closet (@helens_closet) for my wife. I just need to add the button and buttonholes but am really dragging my feet on this last part!
Your Pattern or Fabric Pick from our store
I do love a good block print fabric, so I’d choose the Anemone Indigo Cotton Block. This cheery print would make a perfect summer dress.
In fact, I’d probably make another Hanni Dress with it and spend my days twirling around in it!
Dive into the vibrant world of Emily on Instagram: @emily_sews
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