I have a special place in my blogging heart for Salme patterns because one of the very first items that I blogged and received attention for was my neon version of her Loose Fitting Pleated T-shirt pattern. I love that top and sewing it up was a great experience. I was reminded of Salme a couple of months ago when I noticed that she had recently added a few children’s patterns. I can’t wait to try out her little girl playsuit pattern once it gets warm again. If you are not familiar with her patterns you should be. They are simple and classic which means the possibilities are endless. Here are a few of my favorites.
I was very excited when Elisa of Salme agreed to do an interview for the blog so that we can all get to know her better. She has also generously offered a giveaway so make sure you enter with a comment. Details can be found at the bottom of the post.
Interview:
Tell us a little about you and where you come from.
I’m an architect, designer, patternmaker, and diy fanatic with roots in Scandinavia and home in London.
What is your design/sewing background and how did you get started with your business?
I managed to fit in a course in pattern making while doing my master’s in architecture. Clothing and textiles was an interest I’d always had – I’ve been sewing since I was 6 – but I didn’t think it would ever give me a “proper” job. Little did I know, the job market for architects isn’t exactly booming at the moment!
I don’t think I changed careers as much as just shifted into slightly different design work. An architect’s job is not very different from a technical clothing designer’s. Creativity, a technical mindset, attention to detail, eye for proportions, and above all the ability to sit still by a computer and draw lines for hours are the skills needed. ( No my life is not all creative brainstorming, most of it is pretty boring to most standards! )
I got started simply because I couldn’t find any patterns out there that I liked. I remember looking for a playsuit pattern as those were a huge trend, but couldn’t find one. I couldn’t believe it. Obviously, the big sewing pattern companies were not keeping up with the trends. So I started selling my first five designs on etsy, with poor images and not many different sizes, but people kept asking for more.
It’s been amazing to follow how sewing has been revitalised in the last few years. Once associated with the likes of my grandmother, sewing classic suits for herself and knitting amazing woollen socks for us grandkids, there’s now a young crowd of diy fashionistas out there with an appetite for trendy, fresh designs.
Where do you get the inspiration for your designs and how would you define your style?
People ask me all the time about how I come up with ideas. I have so many ideas I can’t sleep at night! Inspiration is everywhere, there is almost too much of it. I obviously look at fashion magazines but the most inspiring thing for me is to get my hands on some lovely fabric and start experimenting.
As for my style, it’s definitely very simple. If I had a clothing line I would add more detail, but for sewing patterns I feel like I don’t want to give people an overly designed garment, as I want them to add their own touch to it instead. I would like for two girls in a dress made from the same pattern to be able to pass each other on the street and not realise it’s the same design!
I think my Scandinavian roots also show in my designs. Even if I try to make something different people always comment on it looking simple, modern and Scandinavian!
I noticed that you recently added a couple of hip children’s patterns. Where did the inspiration for these come from and will there be more?
My nieces and nephews have definitely given me the inspiration to start thinking of children’s clothing. There’s a lot of kids’ patterns out there, but nothing that really relates to my style, so I saw a market there. I think kids can look chic and modern too, and don’t necessarily need to wear kiddy prints and bows all the time. Having been to France a lot lately I really love all their children’s clothing shops, French kids are so stylish!
I have a few new designs in my head so there will definitely be more children’s patterns in the near future.
Which is your favorite of your designs and why?
My favourite is always the next one on my mind!! Otherwise the Silvia Dress is probably my favourite at the moment. I know a lot of people who sew like the vintage look, which is not really my style, but this one has a bit of a vintage, girly flare to it making it a bit different.
Where do you see your business going in the future?
I’m full of ideas for the future. My fan base is continuously growing which is amazing. I’m blessed to be able to work full time with Salme at the moment, so I’m furiously working on new patterns and will be releasing several monthly going forward. I’m always as excited about releasing a new pattern, and in awe over the fact that someone actually buys them!
I would also love to design some fabrics to go with my patterns and am planning to find time for this in the future.
Elisa has offered $7 US towards her shop for one lucky reader. To enter simply leave a comment with the pattern you would choose to buy if you win (or even if you don’t 🙂 Comments will be open until Sunday night at midnight and the winner will be announced on Monday morning. Good luck!
67 Comments
I would make the Silvia Dress for sure! I already have some pretty pink fabric picked out 🙂
I love Salme patterns!Thank you so much for the giveaway!I would definitely choose the Silvia dress!It’s been on my to-sew list forever now!
Love Salme patterns and have so many on my Etsy wish list! I made the paper bag waist skirt last year and it came together really well, but I’d like to have a go at the pussy bow dress next 🙂
I have never heard of these patterns, but they are so pretty. I would love the Loose fit Pleated shirt pattern.
Thanks for sharing a favorite!
I’ve been wanting to try a Salme pattern forever! I’d choose the Minna Blouse. I’ve been really into making wearable separates lately!
I would love the pussy bow dress or the sundress!
I love the pintuck blouse…it’s my favourite shape this season!
The silvia dress definitely
It is a difficult choose but Sleeveless Pleat Front is very beautiful.
Thanks for the awesome interview, Kelli & Elisa! I honestly can’t believe I haven’t made one of these patterns yet! I would probably make the playsuit, since it totally fills the need for easy, one-step, warm weather clothing which is what I wear 90% of the year!
There are quite a few I’d love to make, but top of the list has to be the Silvia. Or the Sandra.
I’d love to try the Sandra Dress (I have and love the Kimono top).
I love the look of their patterns but I’ve never tried them. I think I’d buy the pintuck blouse, because it looks very versatile!
I like quite a lot of the patterns, but I think I’d choose either the yoke dress or the color block dress.
I’ve heard of Salme patterns, but not really come across many of them, but wow! So many gorgeous patterns! I think I’d have trouble choosing! I really love a lot of them! I’d have trouble choosing between the colour block dress, Sandra dress, kimono sleeve dress, the playsuit and the pussy bow top. I think it’s safe to say that I’d probably end up ordering more than one…
I’ve been wanting to give their patterns a try! Sign me up!
Lovely to hear more about Elisa! I’ve been eyeing the peplum top pattern for a while – I think the peplum has the perfect amount of flare and I love the simple keyhole detail. But looking at her patterns again I just got distracted by the sleeveless yoke top. I’d probably get both! Thanks for offering the giveaway!
I would love her pattern especially the yoke dress. Very modern.
I would love her pattern especially the yoke dress. Very modern.
Her sundress has been on my wish list for a while now, although I’ve always wanted to try a playsuit. I like the simplicity but elegance of her patterns.
I have never tried any of these patterns. My current favorite is the pintuck blouse.
I would choose the flounce top or the double layer camisole. Thanks for reminding me of her pattern line!
Oh I’ve got the sundress on my summer to do list in both the standard length and as a maxi. I’m really glad you posted this as there is not a heap out there on Salme patterns in the blogosphere, and they are beautifully stylish patterns.
That t shirt was the first of your posts i read! I’d love to try the colour block dress.
Ah best giveaway ever! I’d probably choose the Loose Fitting Pleated T-shirt 🙂 I love everything though! I was really impressed with her kimono top sewing pattern when I made it.
I love the pleated T shirt and the version you did. Would love to win!
Wow, how have I not heard of this company before? The Kimono sleeved top just made it onto my wishlist…
Great giveaway! Can I please be entered for the Colour-Blocked T-Shirt? Thanks!
Awesome post! I have always loved the look of Salme patterns but never actually given them a try – the Sleeveless Pleat Front Dress makes my heart go pitter patter 🙂
I’d love to have the Color Block Dress. Love it!
The sleeveless pleat front dress. I have some beautiful silk from Mood Fabrics LA waiting to for it!
Thanks so much for sharing this interview, and great giveaway with us. It is always interesting to to learn more about designers and how they came to do what they do. If I won, I would either buy the fitted panel skirt pattern or the hidden button shirt – both would be good workwear staples.
I like the silvia dress, or the colour block dress, or the double layer camisole, or the kimono dress…. I could probably go on
I have been eyeing the Loose Fitting Pleated T-shirt pattern for awhile… so thats my answer!
I love the Hannah shirt and the Sleeveless Pleat Front Dress, but all of her patterns are lovely.
I’d love to try the Loose Fitting Pleated T-Shirt pattern. I love your version, and it would be such a great staple in my wardrobe!
I like the hidden button blouse
I’ve been eyeing her Peplum Top for awhile, so I’d go with that one. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
I would definitely buy the Pussy Bow blouse pattern. I wasn’t quite sure it was my style, but looking at it again, I love it!
There are so many beautiful patterns but I’m leaning towards the Sandra or Silvia.
I love Salme patterns! I’ve bought a few, but haven’t made them up yet. I would choose the kimono top. Thanks for the giveaway!
This a a great post. I probably would go for the Double layer camisole.
Oh yay! Perfect timing I just doscovered Salme and I’m in love. I want them all! But if I had to pick one to start probably the Yoke Blouse.
I love a good bow blouse, so I think I would choose the Pussy Bow Top. But, really, it’s so hard to choose!
I have been dying to try the Hidden Button Blouse!
So hard to pick, but I think I would go with the Pintuck blouse. So many beautiful patterns!
I’m really intrigued by the playsuit since I love me a good romper!
This comment has been removed by the author.
I’d really like to try the technique between Hidden Button Shirt. Lovely simple clothes.
The Pussy Bow Dress/Top is exactly the pattern I’ve been looking for! Win or loose, that pattern will end up in my stash!
I haven’t tried Salme patterns yet but I’ve had the Pussy Bow dress and Pintuck blouse on my wish list forever
I really want to try a jumpsuit/playsuit so I would buy that one if I win 🙂
Tough call! Probably the pussy bow blouse or the kids kimono top playsuit.
I think I would try the playsuit.
in love with the bib top! and everything else too 😉 thanks for introducing me to Salme! hehe time to add more to the stash
I want to make the romper. 🙂
I want to make the romper. 🙂
I would love to try the Sandra dress, or the Pintuck blouse, or the playsuit, or…. I can not really choose actually!
Tough to choose just one!! I think I would like to try the kimono dress 🙂
I have just made the peplum skirt and the pleated T-shirt and love them both! They fit me so well with little effort on my part haha. I would love to try the kimono top next 🙂
It would be so difficult to choose! I would love to try the sleeveless pintuck/pleated dress or the Sandra dress. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
I’d choose the colour block dress, i like its simplicity.
Thanks!
I made the salme jacket pattern and loved it. Very impressed with the wide selection of interesting patterns. Hmm…maybe the peplum blouse?
Silvia dress, for sure!
Hmm…the playsuit I think but the Hannah top is super tempting too!
Oh funny! I was just going through these patterns today, debating which I’d like to purchase first – I think it would be the color blocked tee or the double layer camisole. Both lovely basics!
I totally want to make the Loose fitting pleated t-shirt. I even know what kind of fabric I could use! 🙂