RYN
Couture sewing is all in the family
Ryn is one of our most advanced students and she’s amassed the most breathtaking fabric stash! We’re always excited to see what gorgeous textiles she’ll unveil for her next masterpiece. She sources fabrics from all over — including Minerva’s Bower in Katoomba and online, a favourite for natural fibres and a Friend of CAFA offering a student discount. And talk about keen — Ryn travels from the Blue Mountains to attend class every week!
CAFA: When did you start sewing?
Ryn: My mother emigrated from Greece after the war and, despite speaking no English, got her first job in a couture atelier. She trained there for five years and became a couture dressmaker for 60 years. She first taught me to overcast seams when I was 5 or 6, but I hated it and avoided sewing for decades. In my forties, I returned to it to make Disney dresses for my daughter. By then my mother was too unwell to teach me, but she had already passed on her reverence for beautifully made clothes.
CAFA: How would you rate your skill level when you started?
Ryn: Intermediate. I could use commercial patterns but struggled to get a good fit, and I felt some designs didn’t suit my proportions. I didn’t know how to adjust styles to make them work for me.
CAFA: What did you hope to learn when you started?
Ryn: Fitting and high-end ready-to-wear sewing techniques. My mother never compromised on fit and she instilled that standard in me.
CAFA: What inspired you start the Diploma?
Ryn: I wanted to build knowledge systematically and gain the skills to pattern-make and sew any garment I choose. It also lets me explore special projects and garments along the way.
CAFA: What have you learnt?
Ryn: I’ve learnt patience and the value of taking my time to achieve good results. Mistakes are part of the process — I can fix them and move on. Accuracy, preparation and basting make all the difference. It may take multiple toiles to achieve a beautiful fit. I’ve also learned to invest in good tools and equipment. Sewing has become my creative escape and future retirement hobby. I love meeting like-minded sewists and growing my stash of quality fabrics (often found at great prices from other students!).