Vintage Style, your way! With Gretchen Hirsch
Its time to meet the designer behind the stunning Gertie for Butterick collection of vintage-inspired patterns as well as the beautiful book Gertie Sews Vintage Casual. We caught up with the super talented and oh-so glamorous Gretchen Hirsch to discover all about her life as a pattern designer with a penchant for vintage fashion.
Hi Gretchen, how are you? Whats currently on your sewing table?
Im wonderful, thank you!We've recently finished shooting an autumnal pattern design for Butterick. Its a beautiful 50s-inspired day dress in jade green. I might make another version for myself!
FREE vintage sewing patterns to make this weekend!
Whats been your favourite pattern you've designed so far and why is this?
Oh thats a tough one! I'm very proud of my Charm Patterns Lamour Dress, because it's based on an authentic Hawaiian convertible halter dress design from the 50s, it has separate cup sizes up to a DD, and the instructions go over some of my favourite high-end techniques like underlining and using spiral steel boning.
Do you find it helps to teach workshops where you can use your own patterns?
Definitely! I know my own patterns so well, that it helps with fitting and construction to use them in my workshops. I designed my next Charm Pattern specifically for use in workshops, since teaching is so important to me.
What is it you enjoy most about sharing your skills?
I love seeing how excited my students get when something fits them perfectly! Its also very satisfying seeing them learn new skills like making pattern adjustments for their body.
Whats your favourite part of your job and why?
I like that every day is different! Since I do so many different things (designing for Butterick, Charm Patterns, fabric design, and teaching and travelling), it's never boring.
Vintage style is such a large part of your aesthetic, if you could have anyone's wardrobe throughout history whose would it be and why?
Probably Marilyn Monroe! I constantly re-watch Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire for the costumes.
We featured Gertie's pattern (Butterick 6412) as the free gift with Love Sewing Issue 60 - find out more here.