Ana Jankovic is a regular contributor to Sew News; offering her expert advice in the Pattern Play column. She describes herself as a computer programmer who expresses her creativity by sewing in her free time. Ana lives in Belgrade, Serbia and is well known for her garment expertise. Visit her blog to learn more!

The Tell Me More Interview:

1)       What is your sewing pet peeve?
Fusing and interfacing has always been such a dull thing for me! The beginning of every new project is so interesting, and I’m usually very anxious to start with actual sewing (my favorite part of the work). Over the years I’ve realized it was an absolutely necessary step in the process, so I try to be as patient as I can while fusing and to do it right.

2)       Who taught you to sew?
I was self-taught. I've always been interested in various crafts and sewing was the one I was easily hooked on. My mom used to sew some simple garments (basic skirts and sleeveless blouses) and I watched her as she was cutting fabrics and threading her machine. Soon afterwards I tried it myself and it was fun! I recycled old garments to make new ones at first and slowly learned about fabrics. It’s been 18 years since my first stitch on the sewing machine.

3)       I love to embellish my projects with piping and topstitching. Also, I’ve kind of developed fetish towards all kinds of pleats and folds – I just love them.

4)       Who do you sew for most often?
I sew for myself almost all the time. I’m not a professional seamstress, and sewing for others somehow kills all the fun that I usually feel while working. Sometimes I make something for my mom or for a friend, but those are really rare moments.

5)       What’s the oldest piece of fabric in your stash?
A suiting fabric my grandmother bought some 35-40 years ago for my dad. Dad never wears suits, so I keep my eyes on the fabric while making special plans for it.

6)       What’s your best sewing tip?
Stop sewing when you’re stuck with a problem and never sew while tired. I ruined several fabrics and nice projects due to personal stubbornness and sleepiness. Now I just stop when I see it’s not going smoothly, sleep on it and continue when I’m relaxed.

7)       I am currently working on a light linen jacket. Also, I’m preparing the pattern for making my husband a shirt. I’ve never made men’s wear, so it’ll be a challenge for me.

8)       What's your favorite project to make?
I love making dresses (it has something to do with the fact that I like wearing them, too). Recently I’ve realized I enjoy sewing jackets, too. As my sewing skills grew, I started enjoying more challenging projects.

9)       What’s your favorite season to sew for?
Summer, definitely! It’s my favorite season in general and it’s so appropriate for bold prints and bright colors.

10)   When shopping for sewing supplies, I always buy too much fabric. Over the years I’ve collected a huge stash of fabrics. Very few of them were bought with a clear idea of what they’d become.

11)   What inspires you to sew?
Fabrics, fashion trends and movies are my major inspiration.

12)   When I get frustrated with a project, I take a break. I try to save the garment later, but if the project isn’t worth saving, I simply put it in the trash and try not to cry over the waist of fabric, time and money. Sewing should be fun, and when the project frustrates me too much, I don’t enjoy it anymore.