We’re so happy to introduce you to Liz Elliott from Thread Faction Studios. Going forward, part of the Sew Fab Bundles are focusing on helping you learn more about the designers in the sewing community. We’re spotlighting ALL of the designers in the bundles.
It’s been an absolute joy to work with Liz. Read below to learn more about her and she handles criticism. She shares some great ideas!
Liz Elliott is the designer behind Thread Faction Studios
What would you have done differently when you first started sewing if you knew then what you know now?
Well, I started sewing when I was six and it would have been super helpful if I understood that the foot peddle didn’t need to be peddled! It would have made my sewing speed a lot more consistent 🙂
How do you structure your days?
My days are governed largely by family and school demands, but the work bit goes something like this: Kiss the kids goodbye at around 7:30 as they head off for school with their dad, and then sit down at the computer and go! go! go! I whip through the customer inquiries, administration, and marketing work as fast as I can, and then hopefully by lunchtime I start working on the current design project. Then at 2:30 it is school pick up time 🙂
Where and how do you work best?
I work best in the cool and quiet of the early morning. There is nothing better than sitting down at the computer with a nice strong coffee at 3 am and just Getting. Things. Done.
What tools do you find indispensable when sewing?
Well, I am a stretch sewing girl, so I can’t get by without my overlocker, wonder clips and my duckbill applique scissors.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Well this is not specifically sewing related advice, but when I was feeling overwhelmed as a kid my dad always used to say ‘How do you eat an Elephant?’ the answer being ‘1 bite at a time.’ NOW, I would obviously never actually eat elephant, but this little saying always helps me when things are looking insurmountable. Start at the start and keep going forward one thing at a time and you will get there in the end.
What is still your biggest challenge?
Parenting. Parenting is hands down the hardest most challenging thing I have ever done, or will ever do. Sewing/designing is child’s play in comparison to this
What’s your best advice for handling criticism?
I just like to remember that you can’t be all things to all people so you are never going to be everyones favourite. Then when you receive criticism, try and take the emotion out of it (the emotion belongs to the person delivering the criticism not you) and try and get the message instead – there is always room to improve.
How do you balance work and family demands?
In a word, badly. Well that may be overstating it, but I am not doing a perfect job. Just trying everyday to get as much work in as possible while still remaining flexible enough to get to all those things that the kids feel are important: sports day, school play, you know, all the stuff.
What’s next for you?
Well, I am working on a little side project to do with my passion for zero-waste sewing, so stay tuned to find out.
Thanks for letting us get to know you Liz ! We can’t wait to hear more about zero-waste sewing!
Thanks for learning about Liz, you can check out her patterns and blog here. And be sure to check out her Instagram feed (she just released a free pattern) here. Sooo cool!
There will be more giveaways for the Sew Fab Bundle, be sure to stay tuned for the remaining 5 designer spotlights!
Leave us a comment about what kind of patterns you would like to see in the next bundle (we’re already working on it). 🙂
*Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.