Today in my series of interviews with sewing bloggers on their connection between sewing & style, I’m delighted to feature Winnie of the Scruffy Badger Time. I’m a fan of hers because her spunky attitude is visible in her blogging and her clothing. She makes beautiful feminine outfits that are never too girly, and she’s clearly having a blast as what she does!
I’m Winnie from Scruffy Badger Time. I’ve always loved making things, & loved clothes & if you listen to my Mum you’d find out that apparently I was always hogging the camera as a toddler. So it’s sewing that really is my obsession, & blogging about what I sew allows me to let out some fun & play round in front of the camera! And I run. Kind of. I’ve avoided running until my recent years but have been sewing since I was old enough to thread a needle.
Describe your style.
In general I have a fave set of colours & prints: reds, blues & purples in florals, stripes & dots. I think I tend to the “vintage”- but this can be such a wide category! I love the 50s silhouette with nipped in waists, but also enjoy a lovely 60s shift dress, throw in some sewing details & a sprinkling of nautical/ floral & that could be me. I guess that leads to rather a schizophrenic style, especially as I make for work & for play & only a few things can I wear for both occasions. My work colleagues have benefited from my growing sense of individuality that I think I have become more confident since blogging….I try to stretch the boundaries in what is a traditionally corporate environment & love the ability to mix up pin stripes with scallops, a smart shirt with a fun print, & release piping into the office!
Describe what you sew.
Everything I can! I do not buy anything with the exception of tights/ socks & bras, but even the latter I will attempt at some point.
What inspires or influences your style?
Other bloggers are a massive influence & catch me altering any sense of sewing direction I may have been trying to focus on. I do love looking at old pictures, fashion shoots etc and I think I experienced genuine relief when I realised the difference between style & fashion.
I look at every day as a chance to play dress-up. How do you play dress-up?
Wigs. Lipstick and heels. Silly poses. Definitely for my blog.
How does your passion for sewing influence your style?
I like that I can see details on clothes people are wearing, & mentally store them away as a puzzle to complete a garment I make in the future. I like the ability to add details to something that anyone in the sewing blogosphere could make that makes it unique & my version. Ric rac & piping are my personal gold medalists in this instance!
Does your passion for sewing influence the style of those around you?
I have influenced people to notice what I wear & recognise that it might not be High Street fashion, & it might be bright & loud, but that’s because I made it & that’s who I am. I even have male work colleagues promoting my sewing, with “she makes all her own clothes you know” (said positively)
What about over time: Has your style changed with time? Have your sewing abilities changed with time?
Style changes with all sorts of influences & what you are doing. If I stop working in an office I will dress very differently during the week. But that is an opportunity to create. I am sure like everyone else, my sewing skills are in continual improvement as I stretch & challenge myself in what I make.
What about in the beginning: Did you learn to sew so that you could have a certain style?
I learnt to sew when I was a child, having my first sewing machine when I was about 8 years old. I was far more interested in making dolls’ clothes than anything for me! My Mum did all of that. Although I do remember the very first outfit I made for myself – a mandarin collared sleeveless top with a circle skirt! Plenty of help from my Mum though :-)
Does your style require that you are able to sew?
I would say yes as I would not be able to afford any of the clothes that I like on the High Street.
Anything else you would like to say about sewing and style?
I’d never really thought about it like this before – thank you for the opportunity!!
Comments 6
Winnie has such a fun, unique style! I’m always so happy when she posts a new garment!
I love Winnie’s sense of style, so colorful and fun, but always put together. Great interview!
Great interview! I do enjoy Winnie’s style (and her wigs!), and somehow hadn’t known about this series until she posted a link on her blog. I saw a bunch of familiar faces there, so you bet I’ll be going back to read some more!
I love Winnie’s blog, it is blogs like hers and yours that have re inspired me with my sewing. Great interview.
Gosh, just found this; & soooo glad I did, Erin, because Winnie is one of my favorites, & this is a nice way to find out a bit more about her. Thanks to both of you!
“I like that I can see details on clothes people are wearing, & mentally store them away as a puzzle to complete a garment I make in the future.” I love doing that!!