December is always a busy month full of excitement and wonder. Whether you are getting ready for the upcoming holidays or looking forward to the New Year, it's hard not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. Well, we couldn't be more excited to bring you this month’s Member In Focus. Silknvintagetc (Susan) has been a member for a little over a year now and she has jumped right into all the fun, posting informative reviews and joining contests from the get go. Not only is she a amazing sewist, but a dancer as well. She models her makes in the most elegant poses and her arms look amazing in her sleeve creations! Let's learn a little bit more about this ballerina New Zealander.
Member Since: 11/22/21
PR Name: Silknvintagetc
Full Name: Susan Rudolf
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Silk_n_vintage_etc/
Gorgeous Sleeves! Left: Pattern Fantastique - Vali Top Right: Simplicity 8644
When did your love of sewing begin?
In the 70s all girls were taught sewing at school starting when we were 11. I continued making clothing during my teenage years as there was no such thing as cheap imported clothing. My sewing dwindled to nil as a busy mother and worker. In October 2021 during a COVID lockdown I was bored and made a skirt and top with what I had at hand. The addiction just grew and grew and now the garden is seriously neglected.
Top photo: Susan at age 11, in her "First outfit made in a school sewing class" Skirt print: "At the time I loved the maple leaf design as I was born in Canada"
Bottom Photos: Susan at age 17, in her Style dress
What is your background? Tell us about where you work and where you live. We would love to know more about your family.
I live in a rural setting called Eureka, just outside the city of Hamilton, New Zealand. I was born in Nelson B.C. Canada to a Swiss father and NZ mother. I later travelled extensively. My daughter was born in Montreal and I lived in the Eastern township of Sutton, Quebec. I returned to NZ and later had a son. I became an empty nester only this year. I am now a Manager in my field of social work. My other love is dancing; ballet, jazz and hip hop, which I take lessons in.
Susan with her Family
Susan performing ballet and jazz. Pink Wrap Top: Papercut Patterns - Coppelia
Do you have a favorite fabric to sew with?
Any natural fibre, so linen, cotton or a blend including silk blends. I have recently started making knit garments because they are such quick makes. I also have favourite fabric brands such as Lady McElroy, Liberty, Robert Kaufman, Eglantine and Zoe and Nerida Hansen.
Nerida Hansen Cotton: Deer & Doe - Myosotis Dress
Robert Kaufman Combed Cotton called ”happy hilltop”: McCall's 7131
100% linen: New Look 6224
What are you sewing right now?
I am in the planning stage of making wrap garments to enter an instagram challenge. For that I have decided to toile the Roseclair tiered wrap dress by Cashmerette and I have purchased some beautiful silk to make a skirt inspired by a Dolce and Gabbana one. I have started making a simple M 7022 but I love a good competition so the skirt is going on the back burner.
Susan in her most recent wrap top. Papercut Patterns - Estella Top
What is your Ride or Die pattern? You've used it multiple times and never want to be without it.
The Brumby Skirt by Megan Neilson patterns. I have made 5. The shape gives me a waist. The contoured waistband and the pockets are great. It provides options for topstitching which I enjoy.
Susan in two different renditions of Megan Nielsen - Brumby Skirts
Tell us about other PR members you are inspired by and would love to meet IRL:
Sharon from Sharon sews (Sharon M). I also watch her on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SharonSews). She still reviews after all these years.
I also look out for Vivmomsews who I also enjoy watching on YouTube.
When I see a new review by them, it's like meeting a friend in another venue than you are used to seeing them in.
PR member: Sharon M
Where do you sew? We would love to see photos of your sewing space.
In the open plan dining/kitchen. I have a whole room for my sewing paraphernalia but I don't like being hidden away. The dining room is sunnier.
Susan's Sewing space and crazy fabric stash.
Which is your primary sewing machine?
Soon after we met my husband bought me a second hand Janome combi DX which has an overlocker on one end. It sat in a cupboard for years and my husband thought it would never see the light of day. It is a heavy metal framed workhorse but I lament it not having any fancy stitches.
Has the pandemic changed how and why you sew? Did you find that your sewing was impacted since 2020? If so, how?
Only in a good way because the pandemic brought me back to sewing with a roar. I am even contemplating starting a small Youtube sewing channel as we have little New Zealand content.
"This Beach is Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, where I grew up and we go each summer and stay in our caravan."
Thank you so much for sharing, Silknvintagetc, you are an inspiration to our community!
Connect with Silknvintagetc on PR and see more of her reviews in her Review Gallery.
"My husband supports my hobby and accompanied me to Auckland Frocktails in October, as I didn't know any other sewists in the flesh." - Susan Rudolf
Susan in her McCall's 7969.
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