Hello Joann! Can you tell us a bit about you and Pipe Dream Patterns?

I started sewing when I decided to make a quilt as a wedding present for some friends. While I was getting supplies, I picked up some fun fabric and a sewing pattern and thought, the instructions are in here, how hard can it be?

Roll on a few years and I just felt that sewing gave me a great way to express myself. That is one of the reasons I learned to pattern cut. I was always hacking the patterns I bought as I’ve never felt any of the pattern companies really fitted my style or cut for my figure so I thought I’d try out starting my own line. To say it was challenging is an understatement!

Can you tell us a bit about the Anya pattern?

The Anya was designed in tandem with the Tara basics set. I wanted a set of spring/summer basics which could also be whipped up for a simple elegant evening look, whereas the Tara was designed to be an autumn/winter set which can easily double for workwear wardrobe.

The style of the back was the first feature I had in my head. Then I wanted a simple neckline to go with it because it was designed to be a basic after all and if I had two busy necklines then you probably wouldn’t want to make the design in a loud print. 

The Anya sews up so quickly that I’ve seen myself put one together about an hour before I need to start getting ready for a night out. A dress comes up just as quickly as a top or bodysuit which is super handy.