INTERVIEW #131 ALEXANDRA MASSON
Name: Alexandra Masson
Occupation: Video Content Creator
Based in: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Website: massonlifestyle.com
Instagram: @amassonlifestyle
Hi Alex, welcome to A Sustainable Closet, can you please tell us more about yourself?
I’m a video content creator, I focus on teaching people how to make their own clothes and I also show people how to draw inspiration from fashion (ready-to-wear designs to high-end designers) and create these thru commercial sewing patterns.
What’s your relationship with clothes, when did you get interested in fashion?
To be honest, I’ve never been a clothes horse or someone who is heavily interested in fashion. I get inspired by the trends, and the colours but my focus on garment apparel is mostly to ensure things fit properly. Most people who sew or aren’t part of the fashion world don’t realize their clothes don’t fit properly nor do they realize that the majority of the ready-to-wear clothes they purchase are made of polyester. I got interested in fashion (and actively doing something about it) because I got tired of my clothes not fitting. It got to the point that nothing, not one garment that I purchased off the racks fit properly. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands, and the rest is history.
How would you describe your style?
Classic, comfortable and functional with a little flair of fun. I do live in the Midwest in the United States so I can’t quite go full-blown out-of-this-world sartorial splendour or my neighbour might look at me like I’m losing my mind. I’m all for looking my best but I don’t do well with clothes that are uncomfortable or don’t serve me in my day-to-day activities.
How would you describe your closet?
Not gonna lie, it’s messy. I like to keep things pretty organized in my life, but my closet is just not one of them. In my defence, it’s not that big and I have made every single garment in it, so I know pretty well what’s in there.
You also sew regularly and write at Masson Lifestyle, why did you start the blog and who are your readers?
I sew just about every day and I produce videos once a week at a minimum for myself and for a company out in the United Kingdom. That doesn’t include sewing for fun…. I started the blog as an outlet for my sewing hobby but once my 10-year-old business had to close due to Covid, I found myself with plenty of free time. So I dusted my sewing machine and decided to pick up right where I left off. I have always been very creative and I needed an outlet to once again put colours together, and textures and create just for the sake of creating. I love commercial sewing patterns and fabrics. As we say in the sewing community collecting patterns and fabrics are two mutually exclusive hobbies. When you think about the history of sewing patterns and how far back it goes, it goes way back. I also find it very interesting how many high-end designers such as Dior, YSL, Valentino, and Halston amongst others created commercial sewing patterns for the everyday woman. Some of these patterns are worth big bucks… but only if you can find them. It is mind-blowing to think that a used sewing pattern (tissue paper and instructions) created by Dior 50 years ago has only gone up in value.
Eventually, I started posting videos on YouTube and figured someone would want to read about them. I’ve learned from being a business owner not to rely on social media or another blog to save my content. I wanted to make sure I owned it and was able to control it. So if social media or a blog was gone forever… my content will live. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I was going to be able to monetize it. My usual subscriber is women like me, who for one reason or another can’t find clothes that fit them and decided to make their own clothes. It’s a slow process but incredibly rewarding.
What are some of the frequently most asked questions when it comes to sewing?
Most of the questions I get are about how to make “X" garment. There is a reason why my sew-along videos have the highest views of all and eventually become the evergreen video as far as longevity goes. If you start to sew and try to read a commercial pattern from the Big Four (aka. Butterick, McCalls, Vogue and Simplicity ) it may look like a different language. So many people watch the videos because I demystify how I get from point a to point z by sewing a garment with them so people can follow along with a step-by-step “ this is how you do it” video.
What could be a good exercise for anyone who would like to start sewing?
Start with something small like a case for your sunglasses or a t-shirt pattern. There are lots of videos on YouTube for Sewing Beginners that will guide you on what you will need to start or how to perform simple tasks like how to thread your sewing machine. Then take a leap of faith and start. At first, it may not look perfect but as you keep practising it will get better. It’s like making pancakes. The first one never looks right but as you keep making them they will look perfect. Also, enjoy the process, remember Rome wasn’t built in a day. Sewing is the same way.
What are the items you need and what do you need to think about buying your first sewing machine?
Besides a sewing machine, you will need a pair of sharp fabric shears, sewing needles, thread, seam gauge, tailoring snips, chalk pencil, pins, measuring tape and the one tool that will become your BFF… the seam ripper. As far as purchasing your first sewing machine, don't go crazy buying an expensive sewing machine. For garment apparel, you just need your machine to do four basic things…. Straight Stitch, zig-zag stitch, reverse and being able to make a buttonhole. That's it!
What is the most fun item you have ever sewn yourself that you are the proudest over?
I’m about to finish a coat from a Rachel Comey Vogue V1711 sewing pattern. It is now out of print but I suspect once I post a few pictures whatever pattern is out in the wild will get scooped up. It’s been challenging but also fun because I picked a plaid wool deadstock fabric (that is a total fraying diva) and the sewing pattern has been an interesting one to discover with unique pattern pieces that make you go “hmm” but I’m almost done and I can’t wait to wear it. It is 100% of the most beautiful and softest Italian wool. It will be one that I will proudly wear and double bonus I know it will fit too.
What pattern would you recommend for those who would like to use the holidays for sewing?
If you want to make yourself an easy dress perfect for beginners with great instructions, then I highly recommend the Cielo Dress from Closet Core Patterns. Looking to make gifts? Try the Jude Beanie from StayStitch Patterns for a quick make with 1/2 yard of fabric. Looking for a dress for NYE and got plenty of time? Try Vogue V1919 or V1841 pattern. They are both Badgley Mischka patterns and are absolutely stunning.