Creative of the Month: Tarryn Elysee

Hi, I'm Tarryn. I've been sewing for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting beside my mum while she made cushion covers, curtains and other bits and pieces for our house, while I'd use whatever fabric scraps were left over to make clothes for my toys.

As I got older, I took Home Economics at high school and, from the very first pair of pyjama shorts I made, I was hooked. That eventually led me to study fashion design, and I've now spent the past 15 years working in the fashion industry as both a designer and product developer. I've worked for all sorts of brands, from small independent labels right through to a luxury fashion house.

No matter where I've worked though, my favourite part has always been the fabrics, pattern making and actually figuring out how a garment comes together. Even after all these years, I still think it's pretty amazing that you can start with a flat piece of fabric and turn it into something you can actually wear.

The funny thing is, I'm pretty much the only one in my circle of friends who loves sewing, knitting and just about every other craft imaginable, so that's really where the idea for Piccolla came from. I wanted somewhere I could share what I'm making, pass on some of the things I've learnt over more than 20 years of sewing clothes, and hopefully meet some like-minded people who get just as excited about fabric and making things as I do.

I also really want to encourage more people to give sewing a go. I think it can seem a little intimidating when you're first starting out, but it's such a rewarding skill to learn. There's something really satisfying about being able to say, "I made this"

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! 

If you're visiting Brisbane, I'd start in Fortitude Valley. While you're there, make sure you stop by The Fabric Store (@wearethefabricstore) for beautiful deadstock fabrics. Then, if you really want to dream, head around the corner to Alla Moda Fabric Collection (@allamodafabriccollection84). They have the most incredible range of high-end designer fabrics. It's impossible not to leave feeling inspired… although your bank account might not thank you.

From there, I'd head into the city and book the free Clock Tower tour at Brisbane City Hall. It's one of Brisbane's hidden gems and offers a fantastic view of the city. While you're there, wander through the Museum of Brisbane (@museumofbrisbane), it always has interesting exhibitions.

To finish the day, I'd head over to South Bank to explore the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (@qagomastore) before taking a stroll along the river and finding somewhere for dinner or a drink. 

I'd definitely say garments are my speciality, especially those made from woven fabrics. That's where I feel most at home, and I love everything from drafting the pattern through to the final finishing touches.

Lately though, I've fallen down the knitting rabbit hole. I'm teaching myself to knit because I've always loved vintage knitwear, especially those beautiful pointelle and lace patterns.

I'm definitely not ready to call it a speciality (I've still got plenty to learn), but my dream is to one day knit my own collection of vintage-inspired cardigans and jumpers.

Your favourite recipe to share

Cooking isn't my speciality. I'd much rather spend the day in my sewing room than in the kitchen. That said, I have a handful of recipes that I've perfected over the years. My lemon melting moments are always highly requested by family and friends.

Your favourite sewing pattern
What is your all-time favourite sewing pattern and why?

My favourite pattern isn't actually a commercial pattern, it's the basic corset block I drafted while studying fashion design. It's probably the pattern I've used more than any other because I know it fits me perfectly. If I ever need to make a dress in a hurry, that's the pattern I reach for every time.

For anyone just starting out, though, I'd recommend giving my Marlow Drop Frill Top a go. I designed it to help build confidence while teaching techniques you'll use again and again, making it a great first garment project. Can be found at www.piccolla.com/freepattern

Current Projects

What project/s do you have currently on the go?

How long have you got? I always seem to have a few projects on the go.

At the moment, I'm re-knitting the Holly Jumper by The Cardigang (@thecardigang). I actually finished it once already, but clearly something went very wrong with my tension because, despite making a bigger size than I needed, it turned out absolutely tiny. The sleeves were practically at my elbows. So I unravelled the whole thing and am now starting again. Hopefully, second time lucky.

I'm also making the May Jeans from The Fabric Store (@wearethefabricstore). I've cut out all the pieces, so technically I've started them, but I'm still mentally preparing myself for the amount of topstitching involved.

And then there are another four or five summer dresses I've half-started... plus an overflowing bag of fabric scraps that I'm determined to turn into something one day because I hate throwing perfectly good fabric away. There's always something on the go.

Dive into the vibrant world of Tarryn on Instagram, Tiktok & Pinterest: @piccolla_studio