Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

Hi everyone!
My name is Lisa Comfort and I run Sew Over It. Sew Over It is a sewing cafe in London, UK, where we run lots of different sewing and dressmaking classes. We also have our own range of sewing patterns and kits too.
Ever since I was little I have loved to sew and make my own clothes, and it makes me so happy that I get to pass on my passion for it every day.

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Tell us a bit about the book?

Sew Over It Vintage is my second book, and it's brimming with projects for every skill level. I really love to empower our students and one of the things we find a lot of people want to learn about is pattern cutting. I find pattern cutting so liberating, but it can also be quite tricky to learn. So in Sew Over It Vintage I wanted to introduce readers to the basics of pattern cutting, without making it at all scary. So I show you how to make a basic bodice block, and then loads of different ways to change it up.

There are skirts, tops, dresses and capes in the book, as well as a wedding section if you fancy dipping your toes into a bit of millinery. And I don't just love styling up my wardrobe, I love making a stamp on my home too, so there are a few home projects in there. Making a pouffe is one of my favourite ones!

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What was the inspiration behind it?

I have always loved vintage but it can be quite difficult to incorporate a full-on vintage look into your everyday lifestyle. So I wanted to create projects that have a vintage twist, but still feel contemporary. I love the fashion of the 20s and 30s - it was such a liberating time for women back then and there was a lot of draping going on, and lovely loose, comfy garments.

Then contrary to that I also love the nipped in waists and full skirts of the 40s and 50s. A full circle skirt is a must in my wardrobe - I have about 10!

Whatever decade is your favourite, you'll find something you'll love to make and wear.

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Which is your favourite project?

Ooh that's a tricky one. I think it would have to be the 1950's Cardie Dress. It's made my attaching a RTW cardigan to a full circle skirt and makes the perfect spring or autumn dress. It looks so put-together and classic. I love tucking things in to high-waisted skirts and trousers but I do not like the bulky waist that you often get - with this project that is eliminated!

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What is your craft space like?

I have a few creative spaces. One of them is in my home - I use our spare bedroom to sew in but when I am writing I prefer to sit on the sofa with my dog Poppy. I'm quite a neat crafter so I don't tend to end up with things everywhere - though when I was working on the book there were so many projects that things did get a bit hectic at times!

I also do a lot of my sewing and writing at work. I have a little office in our north London branch, where I hide myself away to concentrate. I spent a lot of time proof-reading at this desk!

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Have you always been creative?

Yes I have always loved to make things, but as soon as I started on sewing I was hooked and haven't looked back. I love filling my wardrobe with things that I have sewn and made. One of my favourite home projects that I did was to wallpaper our stairs with a gorgeous Miss Print design. It makes me so happy to see that every day. The only thing I haven't managed to get stuck on is knitting - every winter I try and take it up, but I think I just have to give in and admit it's not for me!

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When did you first start crafting?

I used to make dresses for my dolls with my childminder, Mrs Robinson. I was the only girl in my year at school and the boys just did not understand my hobby - I used to get teased about it because it was so uncool. But nevertheless I soldiered on and started learning to make skirts and other clothes for myself. By the time I was a teenager there was no stopping me.

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Who are your crafty heroes?

I really admire Kirstie Allsopp - a TV presenter and author here in the UK. She has really helped the crafty revolution gain speed and is always championing craft and designer makers. If you're in London in September I really recommend checking out the Handmade Fair, which she has organised. We will have a stall there so come and say hi!

I am also inspired by the designer maker scene in London and the rest of the UK. There are so many amazing people out there just doing their thing and creating wonderful products. I feel so lucky to be a part of it.

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Where do you find inspiration?

Living in London I am lucky enough to be a hop skip and a jump away from tonnes of wonderful museums. I love visiting the V&A, the Tate Modern and the National Portrait gallery for ideas and inspiration. I also love leafing through fashion magazines - the images are so beautiful you can't help but feel inspired. Of course I also love vintage and Pinterest is a great resource for digging up old street style photographs. I could while away hours just scrolling through.

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What's next for you?

We have so many exciting things going on at Sew Over It at the moment. We're busy working on new sewing pattern releases, coming up with new class ideas, and I have even started to vlog! (Check out our YouTube channel!) We've also got some secret projects on the go too - I can't reveal too much at this stage so you'll just have to watch this space!

Includes 25 vintage inspired projects for the modern home and wardrobe.
     Following on from her successful first book, Sew Over It Vintage is a brand new collection of fabulous projects from sewing expert Lisa Comfort. Inspired by Lisa's love of vintage style and fashion, the stylish projects each have a vintage twist but still retain the modern style, allowing these pieces to work with and complement the rest of your wardrobe and your home.
     Featuring 25 projects, ranging from jewellery, hats, tops, dresses and bags, to cushions, lampshades, placemats, lanterns and a luxury chair pouffe, there are ideas for those who want to quickly create an accessory on a lazy afternoon as well as suggestions for those that want to invest their time in a large and impressive project.
   There is no better way to inject some classic vintage style into your everyday life.