Creative of the Month: Elise Gray

Tell us a little about yourself...

Hello, My Name is Elise and I live in Highfields Queensland, which is just north of Toowoomba.  

Whilst sewing and creating is a big love in my life, I have a lot of other passions that also keep me busy.  

I have a family, I work full-time as a public servant, I am a Scout Leader which gets me out and about in the community and I can't forget my beautiful garden/veggie patch.  

How did your sewing journey begin?

I have been sewing since primary school and remember upcycling myself little outfits.  I grew up on a farm so had to use whatever materials we had on hand.  

I really started honing my skills around 10 years ago.  

After the birth of my daughter I set up a sewing room, this allowed me to I sew whenever inspiration struck or I had a few spare minutes.  

I think making my own clothes not only helped me accept my post baby body but it was something that helped me remember who I was as a person, becoming a Mum is all absorbing. 

Do you remember the first thing you ever sewed?

The first thing I ever sewed by myself I was about 12, it was terrible. I made a skirt and "boob tube" out of a long skirt....let's not talk about that.  

I remember the first thing I made following a pattern.  

A friend from work offered to teach me how to read a pattern, before then I had just been choosing my own adventure, lots of hits and misses.  

It took us all day, but I ended up with the most beautiful purple floral halter dress at the end. 

This is when I fell in love with garment making. 

What inspires your work?

I use a lot of bright colours and patterns.  I am inspired a lot by nature,  I wear a lot of florals.  

I don't really follow any rules, I make what I like and wear what I make.   

What kind of sewing do you love most?

Definitely garment, but I do dabble in lot's of textile art.  I enjoy embroidery, applique, Sashiko and crochet. 

I have done a few quilting classes and that is the next skill I am working on. 

I want to make myself quilted jackets and bags.

What project are you most proud of and why?

This is a hard one because I am proud of everything I make, I love strutting around in my hand made garments "Oh yes, I did make this!". 

I am particularly proud of my Denim Jacket. 

The only unfortunate thing is that people don't ask if I made it because it looks professionally finished.....if I do say so myself lol.  

Any sewing fails or funny moments you’ve had along the way?

Many fails, though I try super hard, I always und up sewing something inside out when I am using fabric that looks the same on each side.

What’s your go-to sewing tip, favourite tool, or fabric you love to work with?

I much prefer sewing with wovens. 

I pretty much exclusively sew with wovens now.  Much harder to get the fit right but I find the finished product is so much better. 

My top 3 tips: always sew a toil, use good quality thread and use your good fabric.....no one gets to see it in your stash.  

Who or what are your creative influences?

Teachers ha ha ha, I am often asked if I am a teacher as I seem to give off teacher fashion vibes.

Are you working on anything exciting at the moment?

I do pattern testing so I am working on a pattern test for an Australian patterns designer now.  It's all hush hush until the pattern is released. 

Is it complete yet? Not even close!

What advice would you offer someone just starting their sewing journey?

Buy good quality thread, if your thread is breaking, it may be the quality not the operator. 

My favourite recipe is from my year 9 home economics book.  It is Jelly Slice, it looks fancy but is so easy. 

You can be as creative as you want with colours and toppings. 

I love adding a layer of fruit before the jelly, make it look extra special.  

Anything else you’d like to share with the community?

I think it's really important to support local businesses.  You will recieve much better quality product from your local fabric store or maker. 

I buy locally or from Australian artists whenever I can

I am also really passionate about sustainability. 

Fast fashion is a massive waste of resources.  It is not cheaper to make your own clothes, but it is so much more rewarding. 

  

Explore the creative universe of Elise Gray on Instagram: @Seweliseium