Sew News Capsule Studio: Meet the Designers

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The Sew News Capsule Studio was something completely new for us, and I can tell you that this collection of patterns 100% would not have happened without the amazing creativity and hustle of the pattern designers. This group of women is the only reason this collection exists, and for that, I am so thankful. Create an amazing pattern? For a collection of pieces that all coordinate? On a super-fast timeline? These ladies answered the call, and then some.

Salzburg Jacket: Adrianna Appl of Hey June Handmade

Adrianna Appl designed the Salzburg Jacket, a lovely lightweight jacket with some details that make for an interesting sew. Plus, she is amazing. And I occasionally run into her at our local brewery because we both live in Golden! One day, we’ll get her in-studio for a podcast recording…one day! Adrianna started Hey June Handmade seven years ago to provide simple patterns that are easy to sew and easy to wear. She loves to share new patterns, pattern hacks, sewing tips, and customer creations on social media and the Hey June website. Adrianna lives with her husband and three daughters in a 5th wheel while they build their dream house. Visit her site, join her Facebook group or find her on Instagram.

Niagara Skirt: Meg Healy of BurdaStyle.com

Meg Healy designed the Niagara Skirt for the Capsule Studio collection. She had me at waterfall hem! Seriously, a pattern that’s comfy and dramatic? Meg has been such an amazing influence on my sewing, particularly through our work together for the Sew & Tell podcast. She is the reason I sewed a jumpsuit and a bathing suit this year—inspiring woman! Meg studied Fashion Design in NYC where she also interned for Vera Wang as a pattern maker. She’s now the editor, lead educator and face of BurdaStyle.com, the world’s largest online sewing community. Keep up with Meg on Instagram as @meg.says.sew and @burdastyle.

Remmel Tank: Kimberly Payne of Straight Stitch Designs

Kimberly Payne is the sewist, pattern design and all-around one-woman show at Straight Stitch Designs. She also designs for Sew News magazine, including our sew-along patterns, and let me tell you: she is as kind as she is talented! A lovely human, a talented teacher and, lucky for us, a terrific collaborator. When Kimberly isn’t sewing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids in Seattle, WA. Her Remmel Tank is the stuff warm weather sewing dreams are made of! No darts, exquisite floaty fit! Visit her site or check her out on Instagram!

Emerson Tote: Bianca Springer of @thanksImadethem

I can’t remember exactly when I “met” Bianca Springer (it was on Instagram), but I knew I was in the presence of creative awesomeness. Whether she’s experimenting with fabric manipulation, turning rainbow stripes and/or Ikea fabric into stunning, one-of-a-kind garments, playing with vintage patterns or just being a super supportive member of the online sewing community. Bianca is an inspiration. She designed the Emerson Tote for the collection, with her daughter’s help. Bianca is a native of The Bahamas who learned to sew at her mother’s side. She now resides in Pearland, TX with her husband, daughter and son. They all serve as endless inspiration for fabric experimentation and hand-embroidery designs. She teaches group and private sewing to anyone willing to learn. Visit her site or find her on Instagram!

Shavano Pants: Erin Weisbart of Tuesday Stitches

When I think about people who have been on the forefront of making sewing a more inclusive space, I think about Erin Weisbart. Her models, her designs—she gets it and she is an asset to the community. Erin designed the Shavano Pants for the collection, a pattern which has stolen its way into the social media manager’s heart. They’re easy to sew and effortless to dress up or down. And because she is so amazing, she believes that every day is another chance to play dress up. She promotes inclusivity, representation, self-love, and self-expression through sewing. She publishes patterns as Tuesday Stitches. Visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

Antero Shell: Amanda Carestio of Sew News

And…me! I’m so excited to have published my very first pattern as part of our first installment of Capsule Studio. My pattern—the Antero Shell—was inspired by a self-drafted design I made last summer – which has slowly become a wardrobe VIP with lots of potential for fun pattern hacks. More on that very soon! Thanks so much to everyone who helped make Capsule Studio great, and a big thanks to everyone who has purchased the collection, or even just looked through to find your own inspiration! Happy Stitching! Amanda P.S. Want to browse the whole Capsule Studio collection? Check out the digital lookbook here. Featured Image left to right: Emerson Tote by Bianca Springer and Salzburg Jacket by Adrianna Appl of Hey June Handmade, Remmel Tank by Kimberly Payne of Straight Stitch Designs and Shavano Pants by Erin Weisbart of Tuesday Stitches, and Antero Shell by Amanda Carestio and Niagara Skirt by Meg Healy. All photography by Harper Point Photography