Intern creates sewing patterns for Selfmade®

"I think it's pretty crazy," says Anna Gottlieb with a smile. She's been interning at Selfmade® as part of her constructor training - and created two amazing sewing patterns for dresses in sizes 46-60. We put her on the spot and asked her about the whole process.

How did you find out you wanted to be a pattern maker?

"I've always been creative, but never thought I could go in that direction professionally. One day I discovered an education as a pattern maker in Copenhagen, and it was just right. Now I'm taking the higher education in Herning and will be finished in a few months." 

Why did you look for an internship at Selfmade®?

"I was working as an assistant in Selfmade's customer service department, and I thought it might be exciting to do an internship in the pattern maker department. I previously interned at a company where clothing was the end product. So this was a unique opportunity to try something completely different." 

How was it something completely different

"When you design a sewing pattern, you have to think about the fact that the customer should be able to choose which fabric they want to sew it in. This places completely different demands on the design, which is challenging and exciting to work with." 

How did you get started designing the two dresses?

"I was given the task of looking at how our sewing patterns for women in sizes 46-60 could be developed. It was exciting, as I myself think there is not much happening in the fashion industry on that front. 

I started to do target group analyses in Selfmade's stores. Here I identified two audiences that were looking for something different. Firstly, an older audience, looking for loose-fitting designs. Secondly, a younger one who wanted the kind of designs that other young people can buy in fashion stores. I chose the younger one." 

How would you describe your designs?

"Both dresses are really flattering because they show off the body instead of hiding it away. I've worked to embrace a wide audience by using smocks, for example, so they're pulled in at the waist regardless of body type. 

In addition, I have made sure that the dresses can be worn in different ways. One has both a long and a short sleeve, so you can choose if you want to show off your arms. The other one has a shoulder flounce that can be worn both on and off shoulder. And I just love the fact that the dresses can have very different looks, depending on the fabric you choose to sew them in."

What is it like to have created your own sewing patterns?

"I think it's pretty wild! I'm proud to have made a product that everyone is so happy with. Many people from the company have complimented me on them, and I'm looking forward to seeing them live among customers." 

What do you dream of doing in the future?

"When I complete my education in Herning, I want to go back to Copenhagen and work as a designer. It could be exciting to be in a fashion company, but it could also be interesting to work with costumes, for example. I'm open to everything."