Meet Lindsey Marsh of Sew to Grow

I first met Lindsey Marsh at the My Patch quilting retreat in May last year where she was participating in the same workshop as me. In January this year, I went to a leather bag workshop she taught, also at My Patch where she told us about some new patterns she was about to release.

I was lucky to be able to edit and pattern test for her and I now have two fabulous editions to my wardrobe. Both the Emerson Skirt and Flatter Me Frock are sooo comfortable and were relatively straight forward to make (especially the skirt).

I thought it would be great to meet Lindsey, so without further ado I present Lindsey Marsh.

Lindsey wearing her “Flatter Me Frock”
All images are Copyright Sew to Grow and are used with permission

1. Tell us a bit about you?

Hi Everyone!!! My name is Lindsey Rae and I am so excited to meet you. I am originally from a small country town in East Texas. On summer break from Uni, I fell in love with a sweet talking Aussie and moved to Australia 3 years ago.

All my life I have been surround by creativity, sewing, and inspirational women that have led me down this path to create Sew to Grow. Through the years I have had many jobs within the sewing industry: from managing a patchwork shop, to designing patterns, and I was even the State Manager for a sewing machine distribution company. In May of 2014, I left the security of my well-paying job to follow my dreams of owning my own business. I currently have a range of seven sewing patterns, from how to work with leather to clothing. Each pattern is thoughtfully designed to teach you a new skill or technique. I also have a passion for teaching others and seeing their skills and confidence flourish. So in addition to designing, you will also find me teaching workshops, and on YouTube sharing tips and tricks.

I am honestly so blessed to do what I LOVE every single day!

2. When did you start sewing?

I taught myself how to sew when I was 16 years old. One day I decided to pull out the old clunky Kenmore sewing machine, read the manual, and threaded it up. I then set the task to designing my first little handbag. I had absolutely no clue what I was doing, but I finished with something that looked similar to a bag shape. From that day on, I was hooked on sewing. I keep that bag in my sewing room to remind myself everyday just how far I’ve come but more importantly that everyone starts somewhere.

3. How long have you been designing patterns?

I have been designing bags and clothes since I began sewing 11 years ago. I wrote my first sewing pattern when I was 19 years old after I started working in a patchwork shop and teaching classes.

Sunday Market Cluth designed by Lindey Marsh – Sew to Grow
All images are Copyright Sew to Grow and are used with permission

4. What do you love about designing; where do you draw inspiration from?

The thing I love most about designing patterns is teaching other people new skills and sharing my love of sewing. I am so passionate about growing this industry and getting the younger generation of sewers excited to make and create. I also love designing clothing, wearing it out, and having people ask, “Where did you get that?” I proudly reply, “I MADE IT!!!!” I absolutely love those moments!!

I draw inspiration from old books, people watching at the beach, and Pinterest. Everybody loves Pinterest!!

Urban Outlook Leather Tote designed by Lindsey Marsh – Sew to Grow.
All images are Copyright Sew to Grow and are used with permission

5. What’s currently on your cutting table?

I have started designing a pair of women’s shorts and pants pattern. I am also making up a couple of my new Emerson Wrap Skirts to send to shops. Like most sewers, I have heaps of projects on the go.

Lindsey wearing her Emerson Wrap Skirt.
All images are Copyright Sew to Grow and are used with permission

6. What’s next for you – where do you see yourself in two/five/ten years’ time?

This may sound funny, but I dream of having my own TV show. I want to inspire the world to sew and shout it from the rooftops!!! I would like for Sew to Grow to inspire a sewing revolution. I am also building another side to my company: Sew to Grow Your Business. Without our local sewing and patchwork shops, this industry will drastically suffer. I plan to offer business consulting, videos, workbooks and programs to help grow craft and sewing businesses around Australia.

Where can we find you? (FB, Instagram etc)

Website: www.sewtogrow.com.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sewtogrow

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCothbFWHPGBJ2Kjwje9Rp7g

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sewtogrow

I really loved making both the Flatter Me Frock and the Emerson Wrap skirt. The skirt was very quick to make and very straight forward. The dress took a little more concentration, but if you’re an intermediate sewer you’ll be fine. I hadn’t done gathering for quite some time so had to re-do that bit a few times but that was operator error, not the fault of the pattern.

I made the largest size in both patterns. Next time I make the skirt I’ll go down a size; there was a lot of gathering in the back for the size of my waist but as I always wear tops over my skirts you can’t see that when I wear it.

The bust darts are in just the right place for me and as I have a high waist, the higher waist of the pattern suits me too. It was really nice to make something that fitted so well and I’ll certainly make both these garments again.