Author Q & A
Can I buy the book directly from you?
Yes, you can! I sell it from my main writing site, right here. But unfortunately, it's not discounted (you can find it discounted on Amazon and Barnes & Noble) and you have to pay for shipping (unless you live in Cincinnati--in that case, we could probably arrange something). But the advantage to buying it directly from me is that I will sign it for you and ship it.
Why did you write this book?
I’ve always had an interest in women’s history and the history of the domestic (I have a Master’s in literature, and my thesis was all about 19th century domestic fiction). Until very recently, sewing wasn’t “hip” in the mainstream sense. But now it’s been rediscovered by young women and embraced as part of their creative identities. We think this is a new phenomenon, but I knew from my graduate work that this same thing had happened many times over in the last few hundred years. I really wanted to investigate that ebb and flow, specifically how some generations of women were able to view sewing as creatively empowering, while for others, it was a skill forced upon them that felt stifling. I wanted to talk about all of this in a smart—but accessible—way that would appeal to modern women who love to sew. Of course, the chance to design all of these fun, retro-inspired projects was too great to pass up! I’m a passionate sewer and DIY-er, and I love to collect vintage fabric (any fabric truthfully!) and textiles. I’ve long been itching to create fun projects with them. This book allowed me to combine the research I love (I’ve always been a footnote-follower!) with the creative process of sewing.
What makes Sew Retro different than other sewing books?
There are so many absolutely amazing sewing project books out there! (I own many of them, and I spend hours drooling over the beautiful projects.) But there hasn’t been a book that looked at the history of sewing, and then combined it with retro sewing projects to help celebrate that history. There have been some really good academic treatments of the history of sewing (like essay collections), as well as some books that look at just one time period (like Barbara Brackman’s books about Civil War quilts) but nothing with mass appeal that pulled it all together and took a long view of sewing.
Are you a professional pattern drafter?
No, but that means that I understand everyday sewers because I’m one of you! My background is in writing, but I’ve long had a keen interest in sewing, design, and patterns. I took home ec in high school (though I learned far more from my mom), and I’ve been sewing ever since. My goal for Sew Retro was to create projects that beginners (with some basic knowledge) could tackle, and more advanced sewers could modify and take to another level if they wanted. When I sew for myself, or for my kids (a toddler, and a baby on the way), I often create my own patterns (from sketches I would be far too embarrassed to ever show anyone!). But just as often, I use store-bought patterns.
Are the projects 100 percent historically accurate?
All the projects are based on research and/or pictures I found from the decade the project represents. I spent hours flipping through resource books and old magazines with pictures and descriptions of everything from vintage purses to aprons to hats. I also found a lot of great resources online. I’m proud of the projects and their historical grounding, but they’re updated to appeal to modern sewers.
Do you have to spend a lot of money to sew and use vintage textiles?
No! This is why I love to sew and especially love to re-use old textiles. I should clarify, sewing can be very expensive if you use high-end designer fabric, or buy high-end machines. But you can get great results with a $100 machine and $5/yard fabric (or less!). A lot of my favorite retro-inspired fabric (like Amy Butler and Michael Miller) retails for $8 - $10/yard—not too bad for smaller projects. Also, I am always scouring flea markets and antique stores for things like vintage handkerchiefs, tablecloths, sheets, aprons, and cuts of fabric. I try not to pay more than $1 - $2 for a handkerchief, $2 - $5 for a sheet, or $8 - $12 for a tablecloth or apron. Thrift stores are another great source of old clothes you can remake into something else.
Where can I find out more about the history of sewing and vintage sewing?
The Culture of Sewing: Gender, Consumption and Home Dressmaking (edited by Barbara Burman) is a really interesting essay collection (more academic in nature). Another great book is Sarah Gordon’s Make It Yourself: Home Sewing, Gender, and Culture, 1890 – 1930. It’s also academic, but Gordon is an excellent writer, and it’s very readable and interesting.
Of course, there are many good Web sites and blogs dedicated to vintage sewing, fashion, patterns, and instruction. In no particular order, a few I’ve come across are:
· Vintagesewing.info
· LanetzLiving.net
· Sewvintagepatterns blog
· Fashion-Era.com
· Sewretro blog
· Sewretrochic blog
· Sewretrosoyou blog
· DressADay blog
· The vintage sewing group at Sew-Whats-New.com.
I’m certain there are others! And of course, don’t forget eBay and Etsy as sources for vintage patterns, fabrics, textiles, and feedsacks.
What other authors and/or designers inspire you?
I’m so gaga over everything Amy Butler does, I almost can’t stand it! I love fabrics from Michael Miller, Anna Maria Horner, Joel Dewberry, Robert Kaufman, Alexander Henry, Judie Rothermel (especially her Aunt Grace line), and many of Moda’s designer lines (like Urban Chiks). My bookshelf is overflowing with sewing books: I love Amanda Blake Soule’s resourcefulness (Handmade Home), Amy Karol’s funky energy and bend-the-rules approach (Bend the Rules Sewing), Lotta Jansdotter’s modern simplicity (Simple Sewing), Celine Dupuy’s Euro-flair (Simple Sewing with a French Twist), Betz White’s stylish eco-smarts (Sewing Green), Anna Maria Horner’s amazing color aesthetic (Seams to Me; Handmade Beginnings), Jenny Ryan’s sense of the adorable (Sew Darn Cute), and the many voices and pieces of inspiration in The Crafter’s Companion. Also, as I write about in Sew Retro, Jean Railla’s book from a few years ago, Get Crafty: Hip Home Ec, had a big influence on me. And of course, I can’t imagine modern life without Martha Stewart, whose aesthetic and passion for the details I greatly admire.
What else do you write about?
Writing about sewing is just the icing on the cake. Magazine/web writing is my day job, and I’ve been a full-time freelance writer since 2002. I write for lots of big consumer sites and titles, specializing in home/garden and health/fitness topics. I’ve written for American Baby, AOL.com, Better Homes & Gardens, Country Gardens, Creative Home, Decorating, Do It Yourself, Fitness, Garden Ideas & Outdoor Living, Health, Kitchen & Bath Makeovers, Natural Health, Oxygen, Runner’s World, Self, Woman’s Day, Women’s Health, and many others. I also write a blog for ASICS about being a mom and a runner. Find out more at my writing site: JudiKetteler.com.
Do you Twitter and use Facebook ?
Yes, my Twitter handle is @judiketteler. I use Facebook mostly for family and close friends (to post funny pictures of the baby and say random things), but I’ve also created a Facebook fan page. You can also follow me on Pinterest.
Yes, you can! I sell it from my main writing site, right here. But unfortunately, it's not discounted (you can find it discounted on Amazon and Barnes & Noble) and you have to pay for shipping (unless you live in Cincinnati--in that case, we could probably arrange something). But the advantage to buying it directly from me is that I will sign it for you and ship it.
Why did you write this book?
I’ve always had an interest in women’s history and the history of the domestic (I have a Master’s in literature, and my thesis was all about 19th century domestic fiction). Until very recently, sewing wasn’t “hip” in the mainstream sense. But now it’s been rediscovered by young women and embraced as part of their creative identities. We think this is a new phenomenon, but I knew from my graduate work that this same thing had happened many times over in the last few hundred years. I really wanted to investigate that ebb and flow, specifically how some generations of women were able to view sewing as creatively empowering, while for others, it was a skill forced upon them that felt stifling. I wanted to talk about all of this in a smart—but accessible—way that would appeal to modern women who love to sew. Of course, the chance to design all of these fun, retro-inspired projects was too great to pass up! I’m a passionate sewer and DIY-er, and I love to collect vintage fabric (any fabric truthfully!) and textiles. I’ve long been itching to create fun projects with them. This book allowed me to combine the research I love (I’ve always been a footnote-follower!) with the creative process of sewing.
What makes Sew Retro different than other sewing books?
There are so many absolutely amazing sewing project books out there! (I own many of them, and I spend hours drooling over the beautiful projects.) But there hasn’t been a book that looked at the history of sewing, and then combined it with retro sewing projects to help celebrate that history. There have been some really good academic treatments of the history of sewing (like essay collections), as well as some books that look at just one time period (like Barbara Brackman’s books about Civil War quilts) but nothing with mass appeal that pulled it all together and took a long view of sewing.
Are you a professional pattern drafter?
No, but that means that I understand everyday sewers because I’m one of you! My background is in writing, but I’ve long had a keen interest in sewing, design, and patterns. I took home ec in high school (though I learned far more from my mom), and I’ve been sewing ever since. My goal for Sew Retro was to create projects that beginners (with some basic knowledge) could tackle, and more advanced sewers could modify and take to another level if they wanted. When I sew for myself, or for my kids (a toddler, and a baby on the way), I often create my own patterns (from sketches I would be far too embarrassed to ever show anyone!). But just as often, I use store-bought patterns.
Are the projects 100 percent historically accurate?
All the projects are based on research and/or pictures I found from the decade the project represents. I spent hours flipping through resource books and old magazines with pictures and descriptions of everything from vintage purses to aprons to hats. I also found a lot of great resources online. I’m proud of the projects and their historical grounding, but they’re updated to appeal to modern sewers.
Do you have to spend a lot of money to sew and use vintage textiles?
No! This is why I love to sew and especially love to re-use old textiles. I should clarify, sewing can be very expensive if you use high-end designer fabric, or buy high-end machines. But you can get great results with a $100 machine and $5/yard fabric (or less!). A lot of my favorite retro-inspired fabric (like Amy Butler and Michael Miller) retails for $8 - $10/yard—not too bad for smaller projects. Also, I am always scouring flea markets and antique stores for things like vintage handkerchiefs, tablecloths, sheets, aprons, and cuts of fabric. I try not to pay more than $1 - $2 for a handkerchief, $2 - $5 for a sheet, or $8 - $12 for a tablecloth or apron. Thrift stores are another great source of old clothes you can remake into something else.
Where can I find out more about the history of sewing and vintage sewing?
The Culture of Sewing: Gender, Consumption and Home Dressmaking (edited by Barbara Burman) is a really interesting essay collection (more academic in nature). Another great book is Sarah Gordon’s Make It Yourself: Home Sewing, Gender, and Culture, 1890 – 1930. It’s also academic, but Gordon is an excellent writer, and it’s very readable and interesting.
Of course, there are many good Web sites and blogs dedicated to vintage sewing, fashion, patterns, and instruction. In no particular order, a few I’ve come across are:
· Vintagesewing.info
· LanetzLiving.net
· Sewvintagepatterns blog
· Fashion-Era.com
· Sewretro blog
· Sewretrochic blog
· Sewretrosoyou blog
· DressADay blog
· The vintage sewing group at Sew-Whats-New.com.
I’m certain there are others! And of course, don’t forget eBay and Etsy as sources for vintage patterns, fabrics, textiles, and feedsacks.
What other authors and/or designers inspire you?
I’m so gaga over everything Amy Butler does, I almost can’t stand it! I love fabrics from Michael Miller, Anna Maria Horner, Joel Dewberry, Robert Kaufman, Alexander Henry, Judie Rothermel (especially her Aunt Grace line), and many of Moda’s designer lines (like Urban Chiks). My bookshelf is overflowing with sewing books: I love Amanda Blake Soule’s resourcefulness (Handmade Home), Amy Karol’s funky energy and bend-the-rules approach (Bend the Rules Sewing), Lotta Jansdotter’s modern simplicity (Simple Sewing), Celine Dupuy’s Euro-flair (Simple Sewing with a French Twist), Betz White’s stylish eco-smarts (Sewing Green), Anna Maria Horner’s amazing color aesthetic (Seams to Me; Handmade Beginnings), Jenny Ryan’s sense of the adorable (Sew Darn Cute), and the many voices and pieces of inspiration in The Crafter’s Companion. Also, as I write about in Sew Retro, Jean Railla’s book from a few years ago, Get Crafty: Hip Home Ec, had a big influence on me. And of course, I can’t imagine modern life without Martha Stewart, whose aesthetic and passion for the details I greatly admire.
What else do you write about?
Writing about sewing is just the icing on the cake. Magazine/web writing is my day job, and I’ve been a full-time freelance writer since 2002. I write for lots of big consumer sites and titles, specializing in home/garden and health/fitness topics. I’ve written for American Baby, AOL.com, Better Homes & Gardens, Country Gardens, Creative Home, Decorating, Do It Yourself, Fitness, Garden Ideas & Outdoor Living, Health, Kitchen & Bath Makeovers, Natural Health, Oxygen, Runner’s World, Self, Woman’s Day, Women’s Health, and many others. I also write a blog for ASICS about being a mom and a runner. Find out more at my writing site: JudiKetteler.com.
Do you Twitter and use Facebook ?
Yes, my Twitter handle is @judiketteler. I use Facebook mostly for family and close friends (to post funny pictures of the baby and say random things), but I’ve also created a Facebook fan page. You can also follow me on Pinterest.