Designer Spotlight- Lisa of Andrie

Today's Designer Spotlight designer is Lisa of Andrie Designs:

Andrie has just launched the Andrie Designs Classics collection; a collection of patterns designed to be simple and quick to construct, yet effective and classic in design. The first pattern in this collection is the Classic Carry All and Handbag Tote pattern. They are patterns designed for all kinds of makers, both for those who sew to sell or just for themselves. 

Andrie features a wide range of sewing patterns for all levels of sewing and with easy to follow instructions and unique designs. Let's learn a little bit more about Lisa:

How long have you been sewing and what inspired you to start designing your own patterns?

I have been sewing since I was around 8 years old I think (so a good wee while! LOL!). I started out designing my own patterns purely though identifying a gap in the market so to speak - I was after an insulated lunch bag pattern to fit a specific sized lunchbox and couldn’t find one so had a go at creating my own!

What do you love most about your job?

Probably seeing all the gorgeous creations my customers make with my patterns! Everyone has such wonderfully different approaches to fabric combinations etc., and it’s just SO awe-inspiring to see what they come up with! I love it!

What is the hardest part of the design process for you?

Making all the pieces or features of my design ‘fit’ just right in reality. I have a bit of an OCD tendency and can be quite particular with my designs and how they come together in the end.

What do you enjoy doing when you aren't working?

Spending time with my two young children, my husband and our mini fox terrier Toby.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Haha random! I probably love chicken, mozzarella, mushrooms and onion with barbecue sauce and smokey barbecue drizzle at the moment (I think!)

What is your favorite thing about bag making?

Probably getting to play with gorgeous fabric and hardware etc. and transforming them into something practical and eye catching.

What is your least favorite part of bag making?

Cutting out all the pieces! If someone could do that for me, and interface them all as well, that would be SUPER!

Is there a pattern of yours that is your favorite? 

At the moment I’m probably loving my Classic Carryall Handbag & Tote pattern the most.

What is your favorite pattern by another designer?

I really like the Break The Rules Wristlet by Emkie Designs. The piecing on the outer panels is so fun and a great way to use up scraps!

What is your favorite snack?

I don’t think I can pick just one sorry! It would have to be a good coffee and Lindt chocolate balls…

What is your favorite piece of bag hardware?

Hmm…. As boring as it sounds, probably the rings - D-rings, O-rings and rectangular rings! For me, they seem to be an integral part of bag making and are just so versatile!

What machine do you sew on most often?

I have two Bernina’s so use both of them when sewing - my B350PE is my newer one that I saved up and bought myself a couple of years ago, and my 1120 is one my mum bought around the time I was born and is what I learnt to sew on all those moons ago. She’s since gifted it to me and it will be treasured for a long time yet I reckon! Plus, it runs as good as the day she bought it which is fantastic too!

What advice would you give to someone who is new to bag making?

Start slow with a few easy, entry level bag patterns from reputable designers who provide clear and thorough instructions, and don’t be afraid to ask questions  We all have to start somewhere, and asking questions is a great way to learn and clarify exactly WHY things are done the way they are.

Who is your favorite fabric designer?

At the moment I’m crushing on Alison Glass but I am keen to try some of Libs Elliott’s Tattooed collection at some point too… Seem to have a thing for all things colourful and rainbow-like! LOL! :)

What is the best compliment you've received as a designer? 

Ooh… Um… I guess the best compliment I’ve received would be to do with how well written my patterns are, how easy they are to follow, and how clever they are with all the pieces “magically fitting together” in the end.

How organized is your sewing space? Are you a mess maker or everything in its place kind of person?

Haha I’m definitely an ‘everything in it’s place’ kind of gal! I’ve always been tidy and organised… I think it goes hand in hand with the OCD traits and being ‘particular’ about things LOL :D

What is your favorite color?

At the moment it would have to be a combination of teals, aquas, dark/peacock blues and purples! <3

What is your favorite thing to listen to while working? 

Usually I prefer the silence funnily enough as when the rest of my family are home it’s pretty noisy haha. However if I decide to pop some music on, it’s usually Ed Sheeran’s Divide album these days (SUCH a great album!!).

Is there anything you wish others knew about you or what you do?

I guess I would like readers to know how particular I am and that it most definitely flows through to my patterns and style of writing. I don’t like the term ‘perfectionist’ as I don’t believe anyone or anything can be ‘perfect’, but I definitely strive to produce top quality patterns that are super easy to follow and will give professional results each and every time.

How do you make sure that your patterns are accessible to bagineers? How do you promote your work?

My patterns are all available via my website (www.andriedesigns.com), my Etsy shop and Craftsy store. I also share on my social media (Instagram and Facebook) and will usually share my customers makes rather than mine as I feel they’re a LOT more inspiring!

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