OLFA Interview – Raven Pratt
OLFA Interview – Raven Pratt
IG: RavenMaureen_
Website: ravenmaureen.com
A sewing, fashion, and DIY enthusiast shares her love of making by offering tips and tutorials for like-minded individuals.
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Introduce yourself to our readers – where are you from, how long have you been sewing, your specialties.
Hi! My name is Raven Maureen and I currently live in Jackson, MS with my husband and fur babies. I’ve been sewing since I was a teenage. I primarily sew my own clothes and garments, but I will occasionally make things for the home like quilts and curtains.
Are there other makers in your family or friends group? How often do you get together to create things?
I’m currently part of this local sewing group that has monthly meet ups - through Seam Work. We usually get together for dinners and discuss recent projects and life updates.
You have so many great tutorials on your website. Which are a few that you feel everyone who sews needs to watch? Please include the links to those you select.
Thank you! That’s a tough one - I have so many! I’ve heard great things about my zip fly tutorial. Here’s the link:
http://ravenmaureen.com/2024/10/25/how-to-sew-a-fly-front-zipper-on-pants-step-by-step-tutorial/
Can you explain how pattern weights are used? How are the ones you manufacture unique and different from what’s on the market? Tell us about how you make them and where you get the inspiration for the designs.
Sure! I’m not a fan of pinning my pattern pieces to the fabric. I think it’s a little tedious, so I prefer weights. My weights are handmade by me with epoxy resin. I pour the resin into moulds and once they cure, they come out in these beautiful shapes and designs.
I originally got the idea a few years ago when I started using resin to preserve my wedding bouquet. I realized that the weight and size of the moulds were perfect for pattern weights and the rest in history.
Your patterns are published so sewers can purchase them at fabric and craft stores. What brands do you publish under and where can readers find yours?
I’m a Know Me pattern designer which is under the Big 5 umbrella (ie: Simplicity, McCalls, Vogue, Butterick and Know Me). You can purchase my pattern at Simplicity.com and Joann Fabrics.
What inspires your designs? Is it the fabric, an upcoming event, or just a whim from your imagination?
All of the above sometimes! I’ve made entire capsule wardrobes for vacations, I recently made a 1920’s flapper costume just for fun. I always like to wear what I make so it absolutely has to make sense for my lifestyle.
Can you walk us through your design process from concept to the final pattern? What are some of your first steps.
It starts with an idea, a sketch or even something that I’m inspired by. For my first pattern I really wanted a tuxedo blouse in my closet. The idea came to me really fast for that one.
What has been your all-time favorite project to work on? If it’s hard to pick one, how about several?
I love sewing outerwear! I don’t get to do it often, and when I do it’s a very small window of time to wear it because I live in the deep south.
Have you noticed your tastes have changed over time?
Absolutely! As my skills have gotten better, my style has matured and I find that I enjoy more challenging projects. I also used to wear a lot of loose fitting clothes. I feel like I’ve moved more into fitted/tailored clothing as I’ve grown.
Do you try to keep up with trends or utilize your instincts instead?
Both! I like to walk into trendy stores and see what the girls are wearing these days and challenge myself to make it. I’m also inspired by things that I see in everyday life. And a lot of times, I’ll notice that something is lacking in my closet and I’ll have the urge to make it.
What are your favorite colors to work with? Least favorite or one you avoid? And what about the fabric design.
Are you a fan of prints or stripes or something in between.
I think a lot of people know me for my love of leopard. Recently, I’ve been really loving strong colors like red, and white and challenging myself to pair black with more interesting pattern choices. I love to sew with wovens. I’m really into poplins lately.
What upcoming fashion trends or pattern making techniques are you excited about?
I’m always excited for the new year trend reports and what will remain from the current year.
How do you see yourself evolving in the future? Is there something you still like to try?
I see myself hopefully, still learning, still inspiring and still teaching in this community. Nothing is off the table. My motto is “never say never.”
When you step away from the studio, how do you have fun?
I really enjoy Zumba. I’m a certified Zumba instructor and I teach two nights a week at a local gym. It’s a fun way to exercise, build a community and get other people excited about fitness! When I’m not teaching Zumba I love trying new restaurants with friends and family.