Creative of the Month: Kathleen Phillips
Hello! My name is Kathleen. I live in the leafy North-Eastern suburbs of Melbourne with my husband, two sons and dog (a very judgmental and demanding greyhound!)
I grew up with sewing around me. My mum would sew my sister and I party dresses and would also help out with school play costumes. She bought me my first machine in my early 20’s and I would sew only occasionally. It wasn’t until I had my first son in 2021 where I took up sewing with great enthusiasm.
Being mostly home bound with naps and easing COVID restrictions, I couldn’t stand the idea of housework while the baby napped, nor could I sit idle. I needed to be creative! So I sewed and found that it sustained me throughout that first year of motherhood and beyond!
Now almost everything I wear I have sewn myself. Not only has it given me enormous confidence in my sewing skills, but I am wearing clothing that truely reflects who I am and as a result I feel beautiful (somewhat!) each day because of this. Most of all, the sewing community is THE loveliest and most supportive one I could have hoped for. I’ve made so many friends through this wonderful activity.
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!
This is so hard! Obviously in the CBD you would visit the NGV, Museum, many of the laneways and of course for fabric, Tessuti and Drapers. But if you come to the North-East a visit to The Fabric ReStore in Eaglemont is essential for all your sewing needs.
It is full of second hand fabrics, notions and patterns. Well worth a visit! Further up the road is The Cloth Shop in Ivanhoe. And then I would visit both the Preston and Greensborough Savers Stores. After which I would head to the Preston Market for lunch and groceries.
What's the best seasonal event or festival in your area that celebrates creativity, craft, or textiles?
Frocktails and the Sew Melbourne Garden Party! For creativity in arts and music, then WOMADelaide is my annual pilgrimage. (BEST music, vibe, food trucks, homegrown artists and crafters… highly recommend)
Your Sewing Specialties
What kind of sewing do you love most? (Garments, quilting, mending, embroidery, etc.)
I love searching for op shop / second hand fabrics and being inspired by them. But most of all, making jeans gives me the most satisfaction.
Your favourite recipe to share
Aunty Andy’s Dal -
1/2 cup mixed dal,
2 cups water,
1tsp of ginger paste,
1tsp garlic paste,
1/2 tsp turmeric,
SaltPressure cook on high for 8 minutes
Add fried curry leaves, 1 tsp garam masala and 1/2 cup coconut cream.
Delicious!
Your favourite sewing pattern
What is your all-time favourite sewing pattern and why?
Hand down the Zadie Jumpsuit. It suits all body types and all ages.
Current Projects
What project/s do you have currently on the go?
Once I finish my Helene Jeans by Anna Allen I will get onto my Melbourne Frocktails outfit!
Your Pattern or Fabric Pick from our store
Soft Stitch Compote Jacquard by Merchant and Mills Fabric. Beautiful colour, soft fabric - that is high quality
Dive into the vibrant world of Kathleen on Instagram: @so.sew.bean
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