Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Designer Spotlight-- Kylie of Little Moo









Today's Spotlight Designer is Kylie of Little Moo





Established in 2009, Little Moo Designs began with a focus on children’s clothing and accessories and then quickly took a turn in specialising in bespoke hobby horses. After a number of years of custom orders, Kylie decided to put pen to paper and put some of my patterns out to the big wide world.

Little Moo Designs patterns aim to teach skills which can be readily interchanged between your sewing projects, making them valuable learning tools in your own creative journey.
Etched with a bohemian vibe, Little Moo Designs patterns are created for levels from beginner to intermediate. With a love of textile blends, they gear towards mixing leather and cork fabrics with woven fabrics.

Based in South West Queensland, Kylie is a self-taught sewing artisan with a passion for sharing her love of sewing with others.

Let's learn a bit more about Kylie: 




How long have you been sewing and what inspired you to start designing your
own patterns?
I have been sewing since my childhood, both my nan and mum taught me. However, I
really became addicted to sewing after my first daughter was born, 8 years ago and I
was excited to make clothes for her.
My inspiration for designing patterns was a natural progression from many years of
making bespoke custom hobby horses in my business. So much ‘design’ went in to each
and every order that the next step for me was to put my sketches into sewing patterns.

What do you love most about your job?
I really love the whole process of pattern design. From the initial sketch of a bag design
to completion of the pattern. What makes me the happiest is seeing the design being
made by my customers all around the world! I do a little happy dance each time I see a
finished bag made using a Little Moo pattern, it is such an honour to me.

What is the hardest part of the design process for you?
I am a bit of a procrastinator, I get easily distracted and while I am writing one pattern up
I have 3-4 others on the go….it is hard to stay focused on just one idea at a time.

What do you enjoy doing when you aren't working?
I live in Queensland, Australia where we have the most amazing beaches and country
escapes. I love camping with my family and catching up with my friends and enjoying the
outdoors.

What is your favorite pizza topping?
BBQ Chicken and pineapple.

What is your favorite thing about bag making?
I am a big lover of textures. So my favourite part of bag making would have to be
matching fabrics with cork and leather and hardware. I often spend hours on this to try
and get it right. With so many options in fabric it is easy to get lost doing this!

What is your least favorite part of bag making?
Cleaning up….

Is there a pattern of yours that is your favorite?
I am a pretty big fan of clutches, so I would have to say the Gossip Clutch and The
Tainted Love Clutch are equal favs.

What is your favorite pattern by another designer?
I love and admire a lot of designers work. My absolute favourite is Jen Kennedy from
One Thimble and Ainslee Fox Boutique. Jen’s designs are so much fun to make and
stretch my skills which I love.

What is your favorite snack?
Strawberries and blueberries.

What is your favorite piece of bag hardware?
Rivets! I seem to rivet everything these days.

What machine do you sew on most often?
When I am designing, I use my Brother NS-50 as I like to ensure my designs can be
sewn on domestic sewing machines, this is important to me. When I am using leather, I
use a Vintage Singer, it is a workhorse and was $10 at a garage sale! I don’t believe you
need expensive sewing machines to sew bags, knowing your machines capabilities is
the most important skill you can learn.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to bag making?
Ask for help if you need it, read the pattern a few times before you begin including all the
tips and tricks that the designer gives you. Give it a go, what is the worst that can
happen! And in my Masterclasses, I always say, “we don’t make mistakes, they are
design features.”
Who is your favorite fabric designer?
That is easy, Hawthorne Threads hands down.

What is the best compliment you've received as a designer?
“I have never sewn a bag before, I always thought they were too hard, but I used your
patterns and had great success.”
I LOVE that people are willing to give things a go!

How organized is your sewing space? Are you a mess maker or everything in
it's place kind of person?
I wish my sewing space was neater. Let’s say I am a mess maker but I know where
everything is.

What is your favorite color?
I really love all colours, but at the moment I love mustard and black.

What is your favorite thing to listen to while working?
I do love Pandora Radio and usually shuffle through songs on there. I love old school
R&B, Fleetwood Mac and blues. But I listen to most music.

Is there anything you wish others knew about you or what you do?I am a huge
believer that we can use sewing to make positive change in this World. The mission
behind Little Moo Designs is exactly that. Keeping sewing alive through the generations
with on trend sewing patterns, teaching masterclasses and being the Australian
Ambassador for the Sew Powerful Purse Project are what I hope to continue to
undertake so that positive growth continues.

How do you make sure that your patterns are accessible to bagineers? How do
you promote your work?
I use the social media platforms of FB and Instagram and I sell my patterns on my
website, Etsy and Craftsy. I travel teaching masterclasses and sewing retreats which are
extremely popular (and fun!)

Check out all the patterns that Little Moo has to offer on her website, Etsy shop, or on Craftsy

While your there, pick up Kylie's latest pattern, the Gossip Clutch!


You can connect with Little Moo on facebook, the Little Moo Facebook group or on Instagram.
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2 comments:

Abbe Coury said...

Great interview! I am excited to try some Little Moo patterns!

zeb312 said...

It's so nice getting to know each designer. Thank you!!!