MD Sewist Spotlight: Caryl Schiavon

Every other week, we’ll be profiling one of our customers to find out a little bit about their sewing life. This week the MD Sewist Spotlight is on Caryl Schiavon.

1. How long have you been sewing?

I have been sewing about a year. I moved to Portland from Billings, Montana and started making napkins and curtains for my cute pad. I did sew in High School, many, many moons ago, and have made a few items since then. Mostly supposedly Easy patterns — Sew In an Hour and other lies. 

2. Tell us about a favorite recent sewing project.

I just finished a shirt that I made for myself. So happy with it! I made it twice before and had to give it to a smaller family member. The third time was the charm! Ok, I know I should have taken my measurements and traced the pattern on the fancy schmancy swedish tracing paper like Lupine “suggests”. Tears are the sound of learning – Right?

3.  What is your favorite sewing tip/tool?

Tool: rotary cutter. Tip: don’t slice yourself like Meredith did! Lucky for her there is a Zoom Care next door!

4. Where do you sew?

I sew at home when I am doing something simple like the zipper bag, great class! But when I want my hand held through all steps, I head to Modern Domestic!  I have met so many fascinating people there! Rima being the most recent. The other day I was finishing my shirt, Erica had a French Language Radio station on, and Rima (Master Quilter) was singing along with a couple “Merde” thrown in here and there. 

5. What sewing project(s) do you plan to tackle next?

My next project — some pants, a Colette Pattern, and you can bet I will be at Modern Domestic torturing Meredith with silly questions…Am I on the grain? Where is the selvage again? Why did you turn that upside down? Can someone thread my machine??? I forgot my readers AGAIN!!!!