We’re excited to celebrate Michelle (@sewverymuch) as our Maker of the Month for November 2025!
We love hearing about each person’s unique sewing journey, and we hope you enjoy learning about Michelle as much as we did. Discover her story, from her sewing beginnings to her love of accessories, and be sure to check out her Instagram page to see all her wonderful makes and her adorable Wicker Darling bags!
Q&A with Michelle
@sewverymuch – November 2025 Maker of the Month
How did you first get into sewing and what keeps you inspired to create?
Most of my clothes were sewn by my clever mum when I was growing up – in fact even when I was at university, she was still making my clothes! We always had the best time at the local department store or the bargain fabric place picking fabrics and patterns – I always had an idea or inspiration (usually from Dolly magazine, although I was also inspired by Esprit and Sportsgirl – it was the mid-80s after all!) and we’d find the perfect fabric and the rest would be the magic from mum’s hands and sewing machine. I was very spoiled in that regard, and never that interested in sewing for myself. But when I left home at 21 and moved to Canberra, I had my Oma’s sewing machine with me. I was a very poor graduate but still loved clothes so my friends encouraged me to “start small” and make pyjamas from an easy Big 4 pattern. I ended up making four pairs for me and my friends, all in madras cotton! And they were button up shirts! Then I started sewing skirts and shirts for work, and I never really stopped. And here we are, 35 years later, still sewing all my own clothes and still loving it.
Your style is amazing! What’s your favourite way to style your Hope Woven Dress?
It’s rare for me to go out without some kind of accessory – the beauty of the Hope Dress is that lovely neckline which accommodates a statement necklace rather nicely! Add some colourful earrings, a brooch and a unique handbag (shout out to my latest obsession of Wicker Darling bags!) and I’m the happiest sewist out there. My fish Hope Woven Dress was sewn especially for Brooches by the Bay – an annual event held in Brisbane for accessory lovers from all over Australia. I had a lot of fun planning how to style that dress – in fact, the fabric was inspired by a statement fish necklace I wanted to wear on the day.
Is there a Style Arc pattern on your Wishlist that you’re excited to try next?
I recently purchased the Zalia Extension Pack which I am excited to try – mind you I haven’t even made an original Zalia yet! I’ve also been loving the Bronte Woven Dresses I’ve seen being made – it’s such an elegant yet unique shape, and I’m excited to give that a go.
What is a piece of advice that you would give to yourself when you first started sewing?
This is actually a difficult question to answer! When I first started sewing for myself, I was incredibly brave for someone who really had no idea what she was doing. I was doing buttonholes as my first project! Later I would use raw silks to make blouses, all without an overlocker. And my makes were usually colourful and against the grain of the typical corporate black workwear. Having said that, I got into the habit early on of finding a great pattern, adjusting it to fit my body, and then using that pattern time and time again. Kind of like what I do these days with the same half dozen patterns used constantly. If it ain’t broke, I guess! So, what would I tell young 21-year-old Michelle? Probably to be more organised with her space. Living in shared rentals meant sewing time was at the dining table when everyone else had finished eating. My housemates were always cross with me leaving half-finished projects out, and I probably should have considered some form of portable storage so I could pack up each night. These days I have my own sewing room – and I still am not organised!
Pictured: HOPE WOVEN DRESS + STANLEY (PELICAN BAG)
Pictured: HOPE WOVEN DRESS + MISS MORESBY FABRIC
Ready to join in?
Now’s your moment to sew, style, and shine! Entries will pause over the holiday season, so this is the perfect opportunity to create something fabulous and be ready to enter in 2026.
Don’t miss your chance to be featured. Pick your fabric, choose your favourite Style Arc pattern, and get sewing! Post your make on Instagram and tag us with @stylearc for your chance to win a $40 voucher and be celebrated as our next Maker of the Month.
We’ve updated the tag to @stylearc to make sure all entries are found, as Instagram’s algorithms have been causing some posts to be missed.
We can’t wait to see your creations and celebrate your talent!
Until next time, happy sewing from Style Arc team.