Grainline Crew | Lexi
There has been a lot of change happening at Grainline Studio in the new year. We have new patterns coming out and 2 new staff members here to make Grainline Studio even better! We are going to be introducing the new members on the blog in these up coming weeks along with some updates from our creators. We are psyched to introduce you to Lexi! Read on to find out more about her and what she does at Grainline Studio.
Where are you from? I grew up in the northwest suburbs just outside Chicago.
When did you start sewing and what is the first thing you sewed? I learned how to sew in home-ec class in 5th grade. We made pillows which I thought were soooo boring... so I made a pattern for an elephant pillow, which they actually still use today! I really started to sew passionately though, that summer before 6th grade.
What do you do for Grainline Studio? At Grainline - I sew muslins and samples for our new patterns. I help proofread the instruction booklets and pattern pieces. I suppose I'm also a brainstormer and self proclaimed "behind the scenes" photographer.
What is your favorite Grainline pattern to sew? As I am still fairly new, it's hard to pick favorites. But, I would love to make the Alder Shirt Dress, the Cascade Duffle Coat, and the Portside Travel Set! That being said, one thing I love about the Grainline patterns I HAVE made so far, is that they are all really fun to sew! I'm not just saying that because I work here! You don't just make one and done; you'll want to make more and more.
What is the funniest thing you have made? I've been freelance sewing for almost a decade, so I've gotten a lot of strange requests over the years! I think some of the funniest would have to be- a body sail I made for a paddle board enthusiast, or a GIANT coin costume I made for a kickstarter video.
What do you do outside of Grainline Studio? Outside of Grainline- I still have a few lingering freelance clients. I work as a lab tech/tutor at Columbia College Chicago (where Jen and I graduated together), and I'm a "preservationist" at the School of the Art Institute's Fashion Resource Center.
What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago? It's a hard choice because I love Chicago! But #1 has to be the Garfield Park Conservatory and #2 going for dim sum in Chinatown!
-Written by Sarah
