Meet Laura Fullerton the owner and designer behind Capstone Pattern Co.!  Capstone Pattern Co. is a small Canadian business striving to provide thoughtfully designed, timeless, easy-to-follow sewing patterns for modern-day makers as well as a line of quality woven garment labels for your handmade projects.

Can you tell us a little about who or what started you on your sewing journey?

Although I learned how to sew as a kid, and always loved making things, I only discovered the magic of garment making about 12 years ago, when I moved to Hamilton and stumbled into Needlework – a beautiful indie sewing shop/workspace. It opened up a world of making I didn’t know existed, and I loved being able to make things I could wear and use. At the time, I had no idea I would one day pursue work in this field, but felt awakened and excited about the possibilities sewing opened up.

You mentioned in an Instagram post that you left your previous job in medical research to study fashion design and pattern drafting.  Looking back, is there anything you would change about this transition?

The only thing I would have done differently is enroll in a fashion design program sooner! I’d been considering making a career transition for years, as I never felt medical research was the right fit for me, and looking back, could have started my technical training earlier to speed up the process.

I knew I loved sewing and working with my hands, but didn’t have any formal training in Fashion Design or Pattern Drafting, and knew I’d have to develop these skills before changing career paths. At the time, I was drawn to the possibility of starting a sewing pattern business, but was intimidated by all I had to learn. It wasn’t until I was on maternity leave with my son that I finally decided to enroll in Fashion Design at Mohawk College. I loved the creative aspect of designing and the technical challenge of drafting, so felt I’d found the right fit. Although it took me 3 years to complete my program and finally launch Capstone Pattern Co., I learned so much along the way and am very happy to be doing this work. 

How has the process of making by hand influenced your life?

Sewing/making has given me so much through the years – time to reflect, a sense of empowerment, an ability to make things I love, and a way to ground myself and connect with community. It’s helped me grow confidence in my abilities, and has served as a steady friend through life’s ups and downs. 

I’ve learned so many valuable lessons from the practice of making – things don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful, and mistakes happen and can often be fixed if we’re willing to try. The practice of making has given me a huge sense of satisfaction and joy in my life… it’s something I want to help others experience it too! 

Where do you find inspiration for your patterns?

Inspiration can come from anywhere – films, photographs, street style, sometimes even nature or something unrelated to fashion. I like to keep track of the things that inspire me both on my phone and in a sketchbook.

Sometimes ideas seem to come from nowhere, but other times they seem to be connected to some form of problem-solving, like how to hide/reveal something, or how to provide closure on a garment in a unique or simplified way. Sometimes I think of a part of the body I’d like to reveal with a design – like the back or shoulder, and how I might do that in an interesting and practical way. I usually I get ideas as I’m working – being immersed in the making process encourages me to try new things. 

I think it’s important for clothing to be comfortable and functional, but also unique with elements of interest. I love when patterns provide opportunities for creative expression and wearing things in different ways, so try to keep that in mind as I work. I usually try to make things I’d like to wear myself, and hope that if I’m excited to wear a design, others may feel the same. 

Connect with Laura Fullerton and Capstone Pattern Co. on Instagram and at capstonepatternco.com

Shop our full selection of Capstone Pattern Co. labels and garment patterns here!