Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon
Inspiration

@montanastrange | Sewing Influencer

Montana Howe is a self-described quirky dresser, fabric hoarder, and yarn collector from Birmingham, United Kingdom, who shows off her me-made wardrobe @montanastrange. I love the way they combine goth/punk with a whimsical, feminine twist to create an aesthetic I adore. Taking inspiration from pop culture and vibrant fabrics, they are a joy to watch.


How did you learn to sew?

I remember getting really interested in cross stitching, following the painted image on the aida [cross-stitching fabric], a cow. From there, I used a sewing machine for the first time at school in home economics class. I think I made a pillowcase.

Fast-forward to college where I learned how to construct patterns and sew garments.

Which sewing word or term is your favorite?

It has to be “sewist.” This is what I refer to myself as. Seamstress seems gendered, sewer can be mistaken as a plumbing term, and tailor is more to do with structured sewing. As soon as I read this word, I knew it fit perfectly for me.

Which fabric do you enjoy sewing the most?

Any cotton or poly-cotton with a loud or creepy print is a big hit for me. It’s so versatile. The same goes for jersey—I like four-way stretch for figure-hugging, two-piece outfits.

What are you currently sewing?

I have three projects on the go right now. One is a Pomona Pants (pattern by @AnnaAllenClothing) hack for my mom. I’ve added a detachable bib to the wide-leg version that I’ve widened at the legs to create a culotte shape.

The other is the Star Dress (@analuisavazgomez); both the pants and dress are made from a vibrant Ankara fabric my mom got at our local Birmingham Bullring markets.

The final one is a pattern test in a black-and-white striped poly-cotton and black cotton from the remnants of a bedsheet.

Please share what you love about sewing.

The main reason I got into sewing was to make clothes I wanted that were true to my style and personality. Being alternative, looking for clothing was tough as a teenager. It was either expensive, hard to find, or not quite what I was looking for. Now that I have the money to spend on clothes, I’d rather buy the materials I need to make them. Customizing ready-to-wear (RTW) clothes makes them unique to me.

It makes me beam once I’ve finished a piece and it turns out (almost) exactly how I pictured it.

Another reason I like sewing is re-creating RTW items in a color or print I like more, being able to visualize something in a way that would suit me is a good feeling. Looking back at sketches I made in college and knowing I can make them now—what a full-circle moment!


Photos: courtesy of Montana Howe, @montanastrange


For more of the most followed and admired sewers on Instagram, check out the Threads  Sewing Influencers collection.

Discuss

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

More From Threads

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights