Maker of the Month – April Spotlight: Amanda from @felixstowesewingschool
We’re thrilled to announce Amanda as Style Arc’s Maker of the Month for April. Congratulations, Amanda!
Amanda’s take on the Style Arc Queenie Woven Dress really stood out. Her skill and thoughtful approach to sewing gave the pattern a fresh and polished feel. With a background in dressmaking and pattern cutting, it’s clear she brings a solid understanding of fit and finish to her projects
Q&A with Amanda
What inspired you to choose the Queenie Woven Dress for your make?
Sometimes it’s fabric first then pattern, or the other way round. In this case I had spotted the 3 metre pre-cut medium weight cotton from IKEA called Flugblomster. A delicious blend of pink/lilac and red with a pronounced and bold swirling authority. Now to find a suitable
Pattern to showcase the fabric design. I’m a fan of style arc pattern, the cut suits my figure without alteration. Queen was the choice as the design lines are so clean giving maximum opportunity to show Flugblomster in all its glory- as well as adding an event of playfulness with the sleeve and skirt flounce.
How long have you been sewing, and what first sparked your interest in it?
I got my first sewing machine when I was 7 and was taught to sew by my mother. Both of my grandmothers were keen sewers and so it was perfectly normal for me to make dolly clothes/quilts/toys then go on to making my clothes. The delight of taking fabric and turning it to a product has never left me – 50 years on! My interest in constructed textiles lead me to take my Degree in Fashion and textiles then post-grad studies in teaching after which I spent many years as a Textiles teacher in High School. A nervous breakdown led me to the decision to leave school teaching and set up my own Sewing School based in my home.
What fabric did you use for this dress, and how did it influence the final look?
See answer 1.
As a pattern cutting teacher, what advice would you give to sewists wanting to tackle the Queenie Woven Dress?
The waist and dart positions make or break this garment. Check the back length and dart position either with careful measuring or making a toile before embarking on your fashion fabric. The apparent simplicity of the dress is beguiling and is enhanced hugely with a beautiful fit. It’s a dress that can work in so many fabrics and is easily modified to give endless possibilities. I always check the pocket position as I have shorter arms than average and want to make sure they are in the right place for my t-Rex physique!!
Thank you, Amanda, for being part of our wonderfully creative community and for showing us just how beautiful handmade garments can be!
Maker of the Month is on Pause for May 2025 – But We’ll Be Back!
We’re hitting pause on Maker of the Month for May as we join in the fun of Me Made May, a celebration of handmade wardrobes and the sewing community! But don’t worry, we’ll be back in June 2025 with more chances to feature your incredible makes.
Want to get involved in Me Made May? Head over to our socials to see how you can join in!
Keep stitching, styling, and sharing – we love seeing what you create.
Happy sewing!
♡ The Style Arc team