About
Not Sew Basic started out of my love for sewing. Both my grandmothers and my mother have all been sewers which encouraged me to learn the craft. I actually started sewing when I was in middle school when I took a home economics class. Yes they still had those in the 90’s! It was actually quite amazing. We learned to sew, how to cook simple meals, how to set a table, and the manners that go along with eating at that properly set table. I eventually joined the home ec club I had so much fun. I recently found one of the first things I ever made with a sewing machine while in that class. What is it? A pendant with my middle school nick name “Mickey”. A real piece of art I know.
I did not sew very much after middle school, but I did pick it up again when I went to college. My friends always went to a Renaissance festival, and I helped to make everyone’s clothes. I would sew late into the night in my small houses and apartments without air conditioning. I would make bodices, chemises, tunics, and pants. The bodices were made out of heavy fabrics and included boning. I learned how to add grommets and lace to make everything look a little fancier. This was well before I had Google to rely on when the instructions were unclear. I stumbled my way through it all and made some really pretty things that I still wear to Halloween parties.
From there I would take a break again for a few years after college. I finally took up sewing again in the past decade due to my dislike of shopping. I can never find exactly what I am looking for and the clothes I do find always seem to be constructed poorly. My favorite articles of clothing are the ones I have made or repurposed. They fit me well and I continue to get better and better with every new skill I learn. I have had many family members and friends over the years suggest I do something with this skill. So here I am!
My goal is to create a space for beginners and experienced sewers to learn something new, to read a pattern review, or to get a new idea from one of my projects. I came up with the name Not Sew Basic in the hopes that I can help you go beyond the pattern fundamentals to make something that you feel fantastic wearing. I have made so many things and I have endless ideas for pattern adjustments and maybe even a few original patterns of my own! At the end of the day, I want you to enjoy sewing and I hope that I can help you along your way to being a better sewist.
You can follow me at all the social links found on this site. I usually go by the name PeppySewist. Don’t be shy! You are more than welcome to say hello! I hope to hear from you soon.
Jennifer McKee
The PNW August 2019