Meet the Team: Anna

We are  a multi talented lot here at Make. You might not realise the wealth of skills and fabulousness that we have on board here so every now and again we will be showing off one of our team on the blog. It's a great way of finding out what we get up to not just at Make but in our own creative pursuits too.

First up is... Anna Weseman

Job title: Workshop tutor and part-time advisor. Pictured here looking fab at our last Make Sewcial.

Coffee or tea? Tea

 Favourite Cake/ dish at Make: A lovely indulgence is the avocado and blue cheese melt but I also love any of the savory muffins.

What adventures have led you to Make?

Some friends were raving about a new fabric shop in Plymouth. I am a bit addicted to fabric shops so I went to have a look and met the lovely Lizzy and Lou. After a chat I ended up rushing home and piling examples of my own makes in the car to show Lizzy. Both Lizzy and Lou liked what I had made and they gave me the confidence to believe that I had enough knowledge and skill to run some sewing workshops.

When did you start sewing/making?

I started when I was a little girl; both my grandmas were seamstresses and they encouraged my sisters and I to sew. Both ladies were a real inspiration, they made beautiful clothes for us including fur trimmed coats and party dresses. My sisters and I were always making doll’s clothes and soft toys, and the passion continued to grow as I did. However it wasn’t until my thirties that I would openly admit to sewing my own clothes, it just wasn’t cool when I was a teenager and young adult.

What is your favourite/proudest Make?

Anything my teenage daughter allows me to make for her and she then wears out in public is a massive seal of approval. When my children were little I didn’t have the time or space to make them clothes, so now I feel very proud when she chooses to wear something I have made her.

Most used sewing/making tool?

I recently bought a hemline gauge which is a small ruler with a sliding guide on it – so simple but fantastic for enlarging/ decreasing patterns and measuring hems. Can’t believe it’s taken me 30 years to discover it!

What's next up on your sewing/making table or what craft would you like to try your hand at

This year I am trying to challenge myself with my projects- not just churning out clothes. I attempted a hat which was not very successful. My next project is to make a shirt for my husband. I have only made him some pyjama bottoms so this is a step up to make something more complicated.

Sewing tip?

It’s only fabric! Just go for it and be open to try new things.

If you would like to see what Anna is up to why not try out one her workshops?

https://www.makeat140.co.uk/collections/workshops/products/zipsforbeginners-asimplecushionworkshop

https://www.makeat140.co.uk/collections/workshops/products/ana-lineskirtworkshop