Our line of sewing patterns is best described as timeless and classic with a modern silhouette. We design and write patterns with all levels of experience in mind, especially adventurous beginners. Alina’s mantra: “If you set your mind to it, you can do it.” 

All of our patterns include extremely clear step-by-step instructions with tips, tricks, and additional links to full photo tutorials of various sewing techniques.

Want to make pants, but aren’t sure what understitching is? No problem. Want to make a jean jacket, but have no idea where to begin with sewing flat fell seams? We’ve got you covered.

Our goal is to teach you along the way. But if you think that means you’re going to end up with something out of home ec class, think again! All of our designs include professional details and finishes–even better than you will find on most ready-to-wear clothing.

My name is Alina and this is my creative outlet.

My history with sewing includes a cheap sewing machine with terrible tension problems, a subsequent hatred for sewing, a second try, a newfound love, an Etsy shop, an offer for my goods from Anthropologie (I didn’t take it), a custom upholstery shop, and finally, discovering the world of indie sewing patterns.

Sewing has become so many things for me; a craft, a hobby, a versatile and useful education. But, something funny happened the deeper I got into the rabbit hole–I gained confidence, I figured out who I wanted to be, I gained a new perspective and a new pair of eyes.

When clothes fit you, when you have the creative control over every detail, and when you have the ability to take a pile of fabric and notions and turn them into something both beautiful and useful–well, that’s where the magic happens.

My formal education is in marketing and advertising. I am self-taught in both sewing and pattern drafting. Once I discovered sewing (the second time around), I found it came to me naturally and I quickly advanced to sewing professionally. Once I discovered indie-designed sewing patterns–it sounds dramatic but, my life changed.

For the next year, I delved deep into pattern drafting textbooks. I was already drafting for myself, and the magic of not only sewing, but designing what I was about to sew was the stuff my dreams were made of. Hundreds of hours of learning and training later, I’ve been able to expand this to a line of women’s sewing patterns, which is something I have the utmost appreciation for.

In “real” life, I’m married to a Navy man and I’m a full-time homeschool mom to four kids. We move a lot and we adventure a lot. We are currently living in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, serving with the U.S. Marines. I spend my days teaching, learning, and sewing in 60-second increments.

Press

Threads Magazine Oct/Nov 2020 Edition – Fulton Sweater Blazer in “Pattern Review” Column

Sew News Magazine Apr/May 2020 Edition – Fulton Sweater Blazer in “Notch Above Blouse” Column

Sew Magazine April 2019 Edition – Fulton Sweater Blazer in “Indie Pattern Picks: The Best from Independent Designers” Column

San Diego Voyager Article: Meet Trailblazer Alina Strain March 2019

San Diego Voyager Article: #GirlBoss: Redefining What a Boss Looks Like February 2019

Cotton & Flax Balboa Fabric Lookbook  November 2018 – Chi-Town Chinos

Sew News Magazine Aug/Sep 2018 Edition – Chi-Town Chinos in the “Get the Look” Column

Indiesew Spring Summer Collection 2017  – Hampton Jean Jacket

Indiesew Fall/Winter Collection 2016 – Chi-Town Chinos + Expansion Pack No. 2