Wow! Our users not only sew fantastic garments, they are also creative and produce wonderful sketches of their ideas. Like the sketches made by Dominique Schuhmann (user name: must-b-pink) of Gau-Odernheim, Germany. burdafashion.com talked with this fashion consultant abour her creative passion ...

When did you learn to sew?
When I was younger, my mother sewed ball gowns for me because I was so thin that no ready-to-wear dresses fit. A few years later my mother no longer had the time to sew and said that I should try sewing for myself. So I tried – and the first attempts were somewhat less than successful! Then I discovered burda World of Fashion and the sewing instructions were so thorough that everything was much easier. With time, I could even wear the garments I sewed!

How many garments do you sew a year?
I don't have much free time, but in the last few years I have sewn on the average of  20-30 garments a year. Most of these were to wear myself, since I'm still refining the fit and the cut. But I also sew for my family and close friends and I occasionally sell things through my online shop.

What do you like to sew best?
I like to sew dresses and tops, such as shirts and blouses – and also jackets. I also enjoy sewing accessories every once in a while, for a change.

What makes sewing special for you?
I'm fascinated by how a sketch on paper can suddenly come to life – how it's possible to make something unique which only existed in my head. And I must admit that I'm quite proud when I have finished something. It gives me self-confidence and a feeling of self-realisation.

What inspires you?
If I see a style that I like in a magazine, I like to sew it for myself. Interesting details, such as gathers, origami technique, etc. serve as inspiration for my own creations. But I like to make my patterns myself – that's the only way to really turn my sketches into reality …