Interview with @Herzenssachennaeht
We meet Karin in March 2024 in the press area of h+h Cologne. She brought the trademarks of her blogger photos with her to Cologne: curls, a smile, and radiating joie de vivre – and the interview unfolds in exactly the same way: with lots of laughter and ease.
Furthermore, Karin and Ellen share a very special connection: In just a few days , Karin's long-awaited new sewing book, "No Half Measures," will be released, on which Ellen contributed as pattern maker . Reflecting current trends, Karin Moslener's fourth book focuses on new ways to personalize and enhance one's wardrobe in a time-saving manner.
Save the date: The release date is November 4th, 2024.
But now let's get to our interview:
When/why did you start sewing?
As a child, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, who worked as a milliner. I found it particularly fascinating to watch her working on her treadle sewing machine in the kitchen.
Unfortunately, she never taught me, my mother, or my siblings how to sew. After her death, family discussions led us to conclude that she deliberately chose not to pass this knowledge on to us because she found the profession very demanding and wanted something different for us.
But none of that could stop me from taking adult education courses and learning to sew as a teenager in the 80s.
This enthusiasm waned in my twenties because I had other interests then. It started up again when I was pregnant : I sewed everything from a crib to baby clothes . Back then, there weren't that many children's sewing patterns available, but I made the best of it.
What do you particularly enjoy about sewing?
I enjoy everything about sewing: both the process of making it from cutting to the last stitch, and then wearing the clothes I've created myself.
Which was your first pattern from Schnittmuster Berlin?
My first pattern was the Pauline cardigan.
How did a hobby become design sewing?
I was approached. For me, authenticity is key in design sewing. I really only want to sew what I like, which is why I'm only in three design sewing groups where that's possible without pressure. One of them is Schnittmuster Berlin.
Which is your favorite pattern from Schnittmuster Berlin?
My favorite is the blazer Quete.
What changes do you need to make to our patterns?
Nothing at all! I only adjust the length, but I always have to do that. Your patterns are top-notch, and I'm happy to pay a little more for them because I know I'm getting quality. And that's exactly what my students in the sewing classes say, because your patterns are extremely popular there too.
What do you do with all the things you sew?
I wear 80% of my clothes myself, and I give everything else away to friends. I also give away pieces that others say suit me well. Of course, I enjoy the compliments, but if I don't like a beautiful garment on myself, I give it away without hesitation. After all, I'm fortunate enough to be in a position to sew myself a new favorite piece whenever I want.
And finally, the obligatory question: Which was your first sewing machine?
That was a source of privilege.
Karin (55 ) is married, has a daughter, and worked for 25 years as a nurse in the emergency room. Since 2016, she has been self-employed as a sewing instructor, blogger, and author of several sewing books. For two years, she was a sewing expert on the WDR television program "Daheim & Unterwegs" (At Home & On the Go) .
Karin's books:
Karin Moslener will soon publish her fourth sewing book with EMF Verlag. Following "Children's Sewing School," "Heroes of Childhood," and "Sewing School for Potterheads," her next book is "No Half Measures."
