Enjoy an interview with Jen Beeman of Grainline Studio!  She designed the Squirrel for Making No. 2 / FAUNA.

Tell us how you got started in your craft.

I started sewing about 24 years ago when my mom taught me to sew. After a few years off in my late teens and early 20’s I went back to school to become a pattern maker. I then worked as a pattern maker for about 6 years before I quit to focus on my sewing pattern business full time and that’s where I am today!

What is unique about your designs?

For our line of sewing patterns we try to make clean, modern designs that women can wear every day and that can be made again and again with clear, professional instructions that result in a professional finish. We tried to carry that over to our Making project as much as we could via our instructions.

Why are you excited about the project you designed for Making?

We don’t usually get to design quick fun cute little animals so we had an excellent time working on this. It was also nice to work on something that didn’t have to fit a human body! I think the squirrels little ears and fluffy tail are definitely our favorite part of this project.

What's your favorite color?

Nobody ever believes this because I make so many grey and denim blue garments, but my favorite color is actually green. Every shade, forest, kelly, sprint, even that weird yellow-green that is so divisive, I do not discriminate when it comes to green. It makes sense once people think about my plant obsession and my tendency to decorate my house/studio in neutrals with tons of plants everywhere!

If you were going to create something just for fun today, what would it be?

Ooph hard question! I have such a long list of things I want to make, clothes, quilts, knits, it’s hard to figure out what to pick!

If you could collaborate with three people, who would they be and why?

I’ve already collaborated with two amazing designers, Karen from Fringe Supply & Carrie of Madder (and Making!) so I’m very lucky in that regard. I’d love to collaborate on a knitting pattern at some point, I originally wanted to be a knitwear designer when I went back to school before I fell in love with pattern making, so that would be really fun!

What currently inspires you most?

The most inspiring thing to me, and what keeps me going day after day, is seeing all the amazing projects people make from our patterns. Nothing is more motivating than seeing people excited about their new finished project.

Thanks Jen!