To many in the creative community, Jen Hewett‘s name is synonymous with mastery of craft: she’s widely revered for her prowess in printmaking, an artist with a true grasp of her talents. A print maker, surface designer, textile artist and teacher based in San Francisco, CA, Jen’s style is unmistakably Jen — a knowingness of self that comes from years of developing her taste, skill set and confidence. But she’ll be the first to tell you that it wasn’t always like this.
Growing up, Jen was one of four African American children at her Catholic school, so she found comfort in a uniform that allowed her to blend in. It wasn’t until Jen attended the University of California at Berkeley did she discover the freedom to dress as she pleased and find her own true sense of style. While working a corporate job, Jen took a screenprinting class for fun, igniting her passion and artistry in tactile creative works. Jen moved from printing on paper to eventually printing on fabric. In 2014 she started a project called “52 Weeks of Printmaking,” where she honed her skills in block printing with a soft carving medium. In that same year she learned how to sew her own clothes, and combined her newly mastered craft of block printing on fabric with sewing complete garments. She then launched a new project — “Print, Pattern, Sew,” a process Jen documented on her blog in which she block-printed fabric and then sewed it into a complete outfit for herself.
The lessons and tactics learned from that project have been distilled into her new book, Print, Pattern, Sew: Block-printing Basics + Simple Sewing Projects for an Inspired Wardrobe. The book (which is out today!) is a treasure trove of knowledge that coaches novices and experts alike through the process of creating block-printed garments — it’s like one big, handy how-to guide that breaks down everything from tools needed, to navigating mistakes, to easy-to-read steps on each project. Print, Pattern, Sew also includes seven full-size original patterns, so you can get started right away. With projects that include making your own tote bag, apron, fold-over clutch, cap-sleeved blouse, and more, it’s hard to choose which project to tackle first!
To celebrate the launch of Jen’s book and get to know more about her process, I interviewed her below to talk about everything from her beginnings in both sewing and block-printing to her community and self-care rituals. Read on to learn from Jen’s stellar advice and see how you can get a copy of her new book. —Kelli
Today we’re giving away 10 copies of Print, Pattern, Sew (thanks, Roost Books!), so to enter for a chance to win, please leave a comment below sharing your favorite creative hobby — or one you’re hoping to start — by May 28, 10 am EST.
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Photography by Jen Siska
from Design*Sponge http://www.designsponge.com/2018/05/qa-jen-hewetts-new-book-print-pattern-sew-giveaway.html
from Home Improvment http://notelocreesnitu.tumblr.com/post/174146347144
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