MD Sewist Spotlight: Kiki Adamovics

Tell us about a favorite recent project.

I’ve made a couple pairs of jeans using the Jalie pattern. They were  fun to make and are very wearable. I  free motion embroidered my beloved  Castagnari Lily button accordion on the back pockets of one pair. They have become my official accordion party pants.  Now that I have also taken up the banjo, there will probably be a pair of banjo pants in my future.

What is your favorite sewing tip/tool?

I really love Swedish tracing paper. It is such a great tool. You can see through it – sew it. I can’t imagine sewing straight from a pattern now.  My tip would be to make a muslin or sew up half the swedish tracing paper to check for fit whenever  you are trying a new pattern. At first, with the muslin, I felt like I was wasting fabric making something that wasn’t wearable. Now I just cut it up after I am done and make produce bags or gift bags.

Where do you sew ?

I have a room that is a combination art and sewing studio, music room and library. I can have my sewing machine and serger out all the time but have to set up and take down the ironing board. Last year I set up a cutting table in our basement. Getting the cutting table  ( adjustable trestles with a removable top ) was the most important thing I could do for myself as a sewist. No more scooting around on the floor – sore knees or accidentally cutting into the rug.

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

I am in the middle of sewing for summer weather – just finished the  Juliet blouse – a Boutique Chic pattern and plan on making several more tops and maybe two pairs of shorts. I am going to try to make one pair of shorts from my pants sloper. Draping techniques could be next …