I have a J. Crew melton wool winter coat that must be about about 20 years old, that I wear every winter and that I love because it has an interesting shape and construction. When it eventually wears out I suspect I’ll never be able to replace it with something equally interesting and good quality at an affordable price unless I sew it myself. If I tried to purchase something like it today I would be hard-pressed to find fabric as nice, with such clever construction. Even the lining is still going strong after so many years of daily use!
I love fashion and clothing and the opportunities for self expression they give us. We all get dressed every day, and when we choose what to put on our bodies we’re also communicating something about ourselves, whether that message is intentional or not.
Personally, I embrace that opportunity to express my personality, my mood, and my taste via what I wear. I’m not interested in making a grand statement or standing out dramatically through my choices. Instead, I enjoy wearing beautiful, quality, well-designed clothing. I like to open my closet in the morning and know that I have options for the various activites and events in my life, and I can choose items that express my mood and that I can wear in a variety of ways that suit my preferences and lifestyle.

I prefer well-made clothing that endures, that I can wear over and over again, for years in the future, that I can combine in a variety of ways that can continue to enjoy. The joy that I find in clothing is in the quality as well as the different and varied ways I can wear it. But that category of clothing, which is well made, with natural fabrics that will endure over time, that includes interesting details, is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Ten years ago I could rely on a few consistent retailers to deliver it, but today we’re increasingly left with two choices: fast (and cheap) fashion, which is also bad quality, poorly made, employing workers under questionable conditions, or over-priced “luxury” brands, which more and more don’t meet my expectations for quality, good construction, or interesting details. Luxury prices continue to inflate while the quality decreases. I’m not interested in paying a lot of money to advertise someone else’s brand by wearing a logo to communicate that I can afford over-priced clothes of mediocre quality.

In other words, there are very few acceptable options anymore. And it astonishes me that our options are so narrow.
That’s why I continue to sew and to design sewing patterns with interesting details that are achievable by anyone who is willing to invest a little time to learn to sew, to spend some time with the process,who also enjoys making and wearing clothing that is good quality, well made, and which doesn’t involve underpaid labor, logos, or poor-quality fabric.
And that’s why I’m still here, almost 18 years after launching this company, making sustainable sewing patterns for people who like making and wearing quality clothing. I’m determined to keep at it, although it often feels like I’m swimming against the stream.

This article from Vogue calls it “accessible luxury,” in a way that is apparently distasteful to the fashion industry, a disdainful category. I would argue that more of us should be striving to wear exactly that: quiet luxury that lasts. (The article eventually comes to the same conclusion, more or less. Will the fashion industry, and consumers, eventually embrace this idea? It would be beneficial to everyone, including the environment, if they did…)
In any case, I’m grateful to those of you who continue to support my small business and who also believe in good quality clothing, as well as the joy of making and wearing it. Thanks for taking this journey with me, for reading and following and for buying our patterns. I’m glad you’re here. You give me hope!
I love what you said. I agree with a lot of it, although I live a more casual lifestyle than you do. I keep wearing old things mixed with newer. As a widow in my 70’s, my clothing budget is smaller than it used to be. I don’t have a lot of time for sewing these days, but I keep making those classic shirts mixed with a few other styles. I love your patterns and am grateful that you keep making them.
Liesl – Please never give up your goal of providing amazing patterns that, when sewn with quality materials, provide comfort and satisfaction for many, many years. The only way I get the quality clothes I really want is by sewing them myself. And your patterns have definitely contributed to my classic wardrobe.
Never give up your goals. Thank you!
I couldn’t agree more, Liesl, this is what I aspire to with my me-made wardrobe. I’m enjoying making your classic designs.
Re: Your post of 2/3/25 regarding overpriced clothing of lesser quality, etc…. Thank you! Well said, right on spot, could not agree more! It can also be difficult finding fine fabrics.
So true and so well expressed. RTW is no no longer what it was. Even the recognized brands have succumbed to the the CEO’s mentality of low quality= higher profits. Companies like Talbots and Nordstrom that were once family-owned and prided themselves on quality at fair prices are peddling what i like to refer as “trashable fashion”; all produced under miserable conditions and ready for the landfill. I do admire those that sew at home with quality fabrics that are getting harder to find, enjoying the process while producing a lasting garment. Thank you for offering well drafted patterns with good instructions as well as your informatve blogs.
Please don’t stop creating and inspiring. Your Oliver & S patterns were my sewing teachers and kept my kids in comfy, unique clothes throughout their younger years. I still refer to your sewing book for tips of adjusting patterns. Sewing has become more of a dream than a reality in my too-busy present, but I still purchase all of your new patterns because I appreciate the constant inspiration for both creating and thinking about fashion.
I agree with you Liesl and the other commentors. The state of commercial clothing these days is depressing.
You describe the declining quality and creative design of RTW clothes, even many luxury brands very well. I began sewing again about 15 years ago when I gave up trying to find pretty dresses that were age appropriate and had sleeves. It’s cold 10 months out of the year for at least part of the day in Northern Cali. Anywho, YouTube came to the rescue with incredible tutorials. I’ve always admired your patterns, the design and fit. I a”m awaiting the Brunswick Jacket which is on its way. Your blog pasts and numerous iterations of the jacket really help the creative process. Can’t wait to try out some ideas. I’m thinking about the Yanaka Jacket as well. Very cool design but classic. Thanks to you and your team for all the wonderful patterns and inspiration you provide. All the best.