We sent Lou some fabric from the Pigment range by Cotton and Steel and she made this beautiful Wiksten tank dress out of it!

Here's your chance to get to know Lou a little better - Here's a brief Q&A we did with her.

Hi, my name is Lou. I live in Oxfordshire in the UK. My days are usually filled with looking after my two little girls and sewing!

When did you start sewing?

I started sewing about 6 years ago, not long after the birth of my first daughter. I was feeling a bit lost, so my Mother in Law taught me how to sew (whilst holding my then tiny baby). I was a complete beginner and still remember the feeling of achievement at sewing a simple envelope cushion. It felt so good that I had made an actual thing!!!

Why do you love to sew?

I love to create and I love to see designs come to life. I'm also a fabric addict, so I need to sew to have an excuse to buy more fabric! Both before and after I started sewing, I tried so many different crafts, from painting to jewellery making and sewing is the only one I stuck with!

What do you love to sew most?

It's got to be quilts. I love designing and choosing the fabrics and seeing it come to life. Could happily never baste a quilt again but I suppose that's part of the quilt making deal. Having said quilts, I also love dressmaking, pouch and bag making and generally sewing. Except curtains. I hate making curtains!

What, or who, inspires you?

Oh, it has to be Instagram. I'm a IG addict but that's because it is filled with so many different makers, styles, tastes and designs. It's hard not to be inspired by all the amazing things people are making and sharing over there!

What are your go-to colours?

I probably lean more towards the pinky/purple colours but I also love teal and you can't beat a good rainbow!!

Any advice/tips?

Don't be afraid of trying something new. I hear alot of people say they would love to try curves, Foundation piecing or dressmaking, etc. but are intimidated by it. Don't be! It's just sewing; not hostage negotiation! Give it a go and don't give up, it might be your next new passion!

Recommendations (books, sewing supplies, craft fairs, etc.)

Oh, you mentioned craft fairs. I'm going to say, if you get a chance, go to the Festival of Quilts! There's so many amazing quilts, so much shopping (soo much!) classes and lectures and you get to meet people in real life who normally exist on your phone!

What do you like to do when you’re not sewing?

Free time and I'm not sewing?? Err...

Who is your favourite Disney character?

I'm going with Anna from Frozen, shes quite feisty and I like that!

If you had a pet fox what would you name them and why?

Freddie, although that's a bit boring for a fox! Is it bad that this is the question I thought longest about?? 

Follow Lou on Instagram and check out I'm Studio Lou for loads of cool stuff. She makes the best quilt blocks we've ever seen!