Maddie Flanigan is a 29-year-old lingerie designer, photographer and personal stylist based in Philadelphia, who has taken the sewing world by storm. After pursuing a career in sewing and blogging, you’ll now often find her in a studio – designing a new range or teaching others how to make a bra, and how to make it fit well! We caught up with the inspiring stitcher to learn how she managed to turn her dreams into a reality.

How - and why - did you first get into sewing?
I was not an artsy child… Nope! I was the science-y, geeky type. I took Organic Chemistry and Calculus in high school. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 12-years-old and passed away two weeks before my senior prom. Six months after she died, I found her old sewing machine in her linen closet. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I had no idea what it was, wondering ‘Does this thing cook potatoes?’ I have no recollection of her ever using it, but I had always been into fashion and wanted to learn how to use it. I could finally hem my jeans!

What led you to begin sewing lingerie?
I was first introduced to sewing lingerie when I was a technical designer for Anthropologie. My category was sweaters, knits and intimates, and it was my job to examine the construction and fit and make sure the quality was up to standard before hitting stores. Although most of the styles were bought from the market and not developed in-house, the experience had me looking at bras and knickers with a closer eye. After seeing enough, I eventually thought, ‘Why not make my own?’

“If a bra isn’t comfortable, I’m not going to wear it.”

What do you look for in a bra?
Above all, comfort. After that, I look for unique silhouettes – I’m still hooked on the halter, high neck trend and continue to explore ways to vary it. Then it’s pretty fabric and trimmings. Adding a pop of color via contrasting elastic is one of my favourite methods to make an ordinary bra extraordinary!

What are the fabric options when making undergarments?
All types of laces – stretch, galloon, rigid. Aside from that there are so many other choices, more than I think the average sewist knows! Lycra, stretch mesh, power net and more. I steer clear of wovens. Even if cut on the bias, it won’t work.

How do you describe your style?
Tailored, quirky and classic with a twist. My style icons are Carey Mulligan, Audrey Tautou, Olivia Palermo, Kate Middleton, Iris Apfel and Jenna Lyons. All of these ladies look pulled together, but have an element of fun in whatever their wearing.

Could you tell us about your pattern with Simplicity?
Unknowing to me, a member of the Simplicity team attended one of my workshops. At the end of the class, she mentioned that she worked for the company and threw out the idea of a collaboration. I was over the moon excited! When I first starting sewing, I would thumb through their pattern books at craft stores, so to be in one of them was a dream come true! Simplicity has been great to work with since day one.

“I would not be where I am today without Simplicity’s support, and for that, I’m incredibly thankful.”

Why did you partner up with them?
When I first started sewing, indie pattern companies were huge and there was a stigma against using The Big Four. By partnering with Simplicity, I wanted to make a statement that those companies are supportive of independent designers. I would not be where I am today without Simplicity’s support, and for that, I’m incredibly thankful.

What have been the proudest moments of your career?
2016 was an incredible year in terms of accomplishments. I had so many high points and consider myself incredibly lucky. In just 12 months, Urban Outfitters released two exclusive Madalynne Intimates collections, Simplicity released two exclusive lingerie patterns, I designed my own intimates collection for Anthropologie, and I taught 10 bra workshops - one of which was in London! All of these combined have set the stage for another exciting year. I’m working on many new and exciting projects for 2017. Stay tuned!

“The act of sewing itself means you and I are alone, yet we have an incredibly supportive community surrounding us.”

What do you enjoy about sewing?
I think sewing is a unique hobby because it is simultaneously solitary and social. Despite my social presence, I am very introverted. I like going out, but given the choice, I’d stay in. The act of sewing itself means you and I are alone, yet we have an incredibly supportive community surrounding us. If I were to get married today and I had to pick my bridesmaids, all would be women I met through my blog and have a shared loved of sewing.

Have you noticed increased more people wanting to sew their own?
Yes, I have noticed an increase in people wanting to sew, even men! I’ve had several male students attend my workshops. One in particular was trained in tailoring, but wanted to make a bra for his wife. Great guy, eh? I believe that once people know how quick it is to make a bra (some styles are super easy, but others are really challenging), they’re hooked.

What hopes and ambitions do you have for the future?
My overarching vision is to provide pretty, feminine, comfortable lingerie to women whether that be through buying from the market or sewing their own. That’s not too much to ask, is it?

Click here to browse Madalynne’s range of Simplicity patterns, and view the Stitch-by-Stitch of Simplicity 8228 here.

Head on over for a read of Madalynne’s lingerie and sewing blog at www.madalynne.com