We’re happy to announce that we are now carrying the complete Victory Patterns line of digital patterns for women in the Oliver + S shop. To launch the collection, we asked Kristiann Boos, creator of the brand, to write a short guest post introducing herself and her work.
Hey there, I’m Kristiann and I design sewing patterns for Victory Patterns. I feel mighty privileged to be here with Oliver + S and among other independent pattern designers that I look up to. I’m so thrilled to share a space together. I wanted to introduce myself and chat a bit about why my heart beats for this little pattern line.
I studied fashion design in my current home of Toronto. After University, I worked in a few different areas in fashion, from design to styling, production coordination, and building mascots, always trying to find my passion in what I did. Through all of these things, I taught sewing classes on the side. Little did I know that it would turn out to be the most inspiring job for me.
I took such pleasure in seeing how delighted people were when they learned this new skill and I became fascinated with how and why the sewing and DIY culture was evolving, gaining and gaining in popularity. It honestly delights me, because I think creativity and the ability to make something with your hands is really important to help people feel empowered. It’s a pretty great feeling, right?
Teaching made me realize that I felt passionate about the craft of sewing, and it made me aware of the need for great sewing projects and patterns. After all that time teaching, I felt like I helped to build an army or seamstresses, but there wasn’t a lot of ammunition for their new skills and creativity. This inspired me and I started to explore the idea of sewing patterns as a way to create a clothing line. This would allow me to get around the obstacles that were preventing me from creating a conventional clothing line such as the finances required, the disposability of trend based clothing, concerns around manufacturing, the environmental impact fabric and production can have, the waste involved, etc. These are things that I’d potentially like to one day tackle and conquer, but what I love about designing sewing patterns is not only designing clothing, but creating tools to aid in others’ creativity.
I launched Victory Patterns in 2012 and it has been an amazing adventure so far! I’m in love with the supportive, passionate, ultra creative sewing community and am so happy to be a part of it! As for my patterns, I want to create stylish designs that feel special and unique. I want them to tempt you to dress up just a little bit each day. The styles are slightly reminiscent of classic styles from the past, but with an updated edge to them.
My hope is that they give you a sense of pride to wear, because you look great and because you made it! I wanted to write instructions that are clear and thorough, that answered as many questions as possible that might come up as you sew the project. I want people to learn something from them, so that their skills are challenged bit by bit so that you get better and more confident in time with sewing. I call it Victory because when I do something I’m happy with or proud of, I feel a little victorious, like crossing a little finish line.
Etsy Canada recently asked If I’d like to be a part of this film series that celebrates business owners’ success stories. The film asks: How do you make your living? It acts as a call to arms to those who may be on the fence when it comes to business ownership. The process of shooting this film was so amazing! Ten hours of filming reduced to a minute. The team at Etsy and Brought To You By, who shot the film, were so incredible! Hopefully this will inspire you if you have been looking for a push to do the thing you love for a living!
Now that you know a little about me, let me introduce you to some of my favorite patterns.
Simone
Simone is designed for an intermediate level seamstress and comes in blouse and dress variations. It has a bias cut flared back with a fishtail hem. It can can easily be dressed up or down depending on the fabrics used. With a back race yoke and a front placket, this pattern allows you to mix fabric, colors and textures and get a bit playful.
Roxanne
Roxanne is my dream, easy-breezy blouse, not only to sew, but also to wear. It’s so comfy and looks good with a fitted skirt or skinny jeans. I’ve made the tie neck version without sleeves in a lightweight fabric as a top for the beach. I also really like the idea of using a contrast fabric for the back yoke and collar.
I’ve also seen versions lengthened into a dress and it looks great. That’s the next project on my sewing list!
Anouk
I love the Anouk pattern for its easy fit and for the chevron front detailing. I really love designs that consider the grainline and cut of fabric as part of the design, and this style touches on that. By using a bias grainline on a stripe, you completely change the graphics of the fabric. I’ve seen so many lovely versions made up of this style and I love that it inspires people to play around and get creative.
I hope you like the collection and find your own favorites among it. Thanks for having me here and for taking a look!