Interview with @Bikeandsewing

Elke (@bikeandsewing) has been part of our design team for some time, but we are meeting her in person for the first time at h+hCologne, the trade fair for handicrafts and hobbies.

We are still a little excited, because Elke just strolled down the catwalk of the Bernina fashion show in a self-designed outfit and we were all on the edge of our seats.

Less than 30 minutes later, we are sitting here in the press area of ​​the trade fair with a cafe latte, surrounded by influencers from the scene who are recording podcasts and giving interviews.

Somewhere in the hall below us, the beats of the next fashion show are thumping, and everything here feels alive.

Almost as lively as Elke, but her energy is hard to beat - and so is her outfit.
We gazed at her jacket almost reverently.
The Atlanta jacket is truly one of a kind: a color somewhere between mango, brass, and ochre; the patch pockets have been omitted, the hem lengthened, and the hood briefly replaced by the collar of the Liz jacket . A patterned lining brings a smile to your face, and the iron-on motifs by Emilia Earhart make it clear: this is a bomber jacket!

She was wearing Ahlbeck trousers without back pockets in a tartan pattern, and the top also seemed somehow familiar to us, but Elke had to explain it to us:
The sweatshirt... is a blouse!

Specifically, the Adelaide blouse , cut on the fold, with a wider neckline and no collar, as well as a 5 cm wide cuff. It features an iron-on transfer by Iris Apfel.

 

And Elke tells us about these changes to the cut as if it were a walk in the park for her, and we are simply thrilled.

Once we managed to tear ourselves away from the outfit, we finally got started:

1. When and why did you start sewing?

I actually started during lockdown. Before that, I'd sewn a little bit here and there, but due to the pandemic, I ended up sewing a very special combination: a mask to match my skirt. Yes, and that's how it really started.

2. What do you particularly like about sewing?

I simply love it when I wear the finished items and feel completely comfortable in them. That's my special moment.
That's why I also make sure that the cuts and fabrics are really suitable for everyday use, because I want to be able to wear my designs to work without any problems.

3. Which was your first pattern from Schnittmuster Berlin?

My first pattern was the Marie dress. That was in 2020. I think I googled "wrap dress pattern" and that's how I came across Marie. Back then, I wasn't very good at sewing, so it was quite a challenge. But after that, I kept coming across more and more patterns from Schnittmuster Berlin, and I learned something new with each one.

4. How did your hobby become design sewing?

I could hardly believe it, but Ellen contacted me via Instagram.

I remember being totally surprised and incredibly happy. I'd wanted to join your design team for a long time, but I didn't dare ask. It was truly a dream come true for me.

And that's when my boyfriend also started to get enthusiastic about it, and we made it our goal to take better and better photos.
He enjoyed photography before, but now we had a real reason to invest our time and energy in it: finding locations, adapting to the weather, and it's become a shared hobby. We both love it!

5. How many cuts did you get from us?

Over 50.
I have them all neatly organized in folders and always look forward to each new sewing pattern.
When I see the new pattern in the design sewing team , I always immediately have a whole outfit in mind, and so I often sew not only the new pattern, but everything I have in mind to go with it.

6. Which is your favorite pattern from Schnittmuster Berlin?

So, I sewed the Quince dress twice and I absolutely love wearing it. Actually, I love all my dresses.

But I also really like the Isa jeans , because I'm a sucker for jeans with a bit of flair. I've even sewn two pairs of Isa jeans in a very short time – one in dark denim and the other in a vibrant aquamarine. They're now among my favorite pairs of pants.

And I've already sewn three Atlanta jackets using the Emilia Earhart version, and the pattern hasn't even been available that long. I think the Atlanta jacket pattern is fantastic.

7. What do you need to change about our patterns?

Nothing at all. Not even the length. I'm 1.70 meters tall and wear a size 40. It always fits perfectly.

8. What do you do with all the things you sewed?

I simply love wearing most of them myself, all the time. And I give a few pieces away to loved ones.

9. And as always, this question cannot be omitted: Which model was your first sewing machine?

That was a source of privilege.

Elke's Instagram account is @bikeandsewing. She is 52 years old, a mother of a 20-year-old son, and a trained occupational therapist. For over five years, she has worked as an integration aide at a comprehensive school. Being part of a good team and enjoying her work are important to her— as is sewing .