I’m Laura Casey, founder of Sew Different, I initally started Sew Different as a sewing blog where I could let loose my initial designs and over the last ten years it has grown into the business it is today. I am so lucky to have a team who are so passionate about sewing.
“I will make toile after toile until I have something that I would be happy to wear”
How did your sewing journey begin?
What first sparked your interest in creating patterns for other people to sew?
I have always been passionate about clothes and couldn’t find patterns that really inspired me when I first started sewing for myself.
What does your design process look like from first idea to finished pattern?
My design process is quite experimental. I often don’t have a clear idea of what I want something to look like before I start. I will make toile after toile until I have something that I would be happy to wear. I make for my own size and when I am happy with it I will grade all the sizes. Instructions are something that I seek a lot of opinion on. There is always more than one way to make something and I try to find that easiest or most intuitive route.
How do you approach fit across different sizes?
What makes a truly great sewing pattern in your opinion?
A great sewing patterns has good illustrations in my opinion. But that's because I’m a visual learner.
What are the most common challenges home sewists face - and how do you design to support them?
Choosing the right fabric for the right pattern is a common problem, especially for beginners. We always recommend the type of fabric and weight to help the sewist choose a suitable fabric.
What inspires your designs?
Inspiration tends to come from seeing beautifully dressed people and from things I want to wear myself.
What does your typical day look like?
I know it is cliche to say that no two days are ever the same - but in my job, no two weeks or even months look alike! I can be designing one day, packing boxes another, attending shows and assisting on workshops and then there is always paperwork - a necessary drag but I've got more self discipline with it than I used to.
What advice would you give to your younger creative self?
What is next for you?
Sew Different is expanding. We have just doubled the size of our studio. Our workshops are full into next year and we are planning to accommodate more people in 2027. I would love to increase our range of limited edition fabrics, and now that we have a bricks and mortar shop, as well as an online presence, that will be something I look forward to. We are already working on a new collection of patterns for next Spring not to mention the Christmas box - a themed gift box that we particularly enjoy. Creativity is all about ideas.
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Creative Threads is our interview series celebrating the people behind the makes - from designers and makers to creative business owners and inspiring members of the wider sewing community. In each feature, we take a closer look at what inspires them, how they got started, and the small details that shape their creative life.
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