It was our pleasure to catch up with Jessica Silversaga this week, the France-based founder and designer of Silversaga patterns. Many sewists will be familiar with Silversaga’s soft romantic silhouettes and whimsical Picnic at Hanging Rock meets Pride and Prejudice mood over on social. We love Jessica’s description of Silversaga as clothes poetry, an apt encompassing of her slow-sewing focus and timeless design aesthetic. Each Silversaga sewing pattern is a true testament to Jessica’s skill and dedication to creating well crafted, unique sewing experiences. We especially adore the beautiful Clara and Juliette Dresses, and highly recommend the classic Amelie Blouse, which has recently been sewn by Beth from our online team!
Read on as we chat to Jessica about her sewing journey to date, plus projects past and present.
Hi Jessica, please give a brief introduction of yourself to our readers!
Hi, I’m Jessica Silversaga, the founder and designer of Silversaga Patterns. I was born in the north of Sweden and now live in the south of France with Simon and our cat Ada.
What led you to sewing, and how long have you been sewing for?
I started out as a commercial photographer and loved photographing fashion. At the time I collected vintage clothes and dressed in 1930s and 40s every day. I also had a soft spot for the early 1900s and the 70s - all four time periods similar in a way: famous for their feminine, voluminous and romantic silhouettes. I used vintage clothes for my models, but always felt like I was looking for something more dramatic to photograph. I learned how to sew during a beginner’s evening sewing class a couple of years back, so the step to start making dresses for my models did not feel that far away. A couple of years later I started sharing my first dresses on Instagram and I got questions if I would consider selling them, so I eventually founded my slow fashion label in 2018. I made small batches in my atelier, one collection a year, mostly made in organic cottons and linens. By then, I had been sewing for about three years. I think my learning curve was steep because I was (still am) obsessed with making dresses.
Tell us about your pattern brand, Silversaga Patterns!
I’ve always felt passionate about teaching beginners how to sew their own designer clothes, so in 2023 I started my indie pattern label Silversaga Patterns. So far I have released 12 patterns. I work slowly and intentionally - just like with my slow fashion label - and put a lot of time and effort into my patterns and instructions. I’d love to see more slow sewing in the community: thoughtful, well-fitted garments made with care, using high-quality fabrics and construction techniques designed to last for years. That’s the thing I’ve taken with me from the years of collecting vintage garments and having my own slow fashion label.
What is it about sewing that brings you joy?
The creativity, freedom and joy of sewing beautiful garments that fit you perfectly and makes you feel amazing in your own body.
Describe the space you use for sewing in 5 words…
"Light, sunny, minimalistic, dreamy and dusty"
What are you working on, or planning towards, at the moment?
We’re heading towards summer, and summer for me is sewing and wearing linen. I’m working on a new design that is drafted especially for linen fabrics. I’m thinking fun prints and flowing silhouettes that belongs on the French Riviera. Another exciting thing that is happening is that I’m releasing a new sewing pattern, the Celine Blouse. Watch this space. This pattern is my most labour-intensive so far and includes six different views to make a versatile summer blouse. I’m so excited to release it!
Share with us what you learnt from your biggest sewing success
I’m so grateful for having built a successful pattern business and to have met some of my closest friends online in the sewing community. I’d love to release a sewing book with my patterns one day - I think it would be amazing. Any editors seeing this, let’s talk! I would love to share everything I know about garment construction from the fashion industry, as I think it gives the garment a nicer finish than traditional home sewing techniques. 
And what you learnt from your biggest sewing flop!
Oh, I’ve made so many. I think every sewing flop brings you closer to having skills and knowledge, so don’t be afraid of making mistakes!
What are your top 5 sewing must-have tools?
I love my Kai fabric scissors that I sharpen every couple of years. My pattern drafting rulers, I’m obsessed with pattern making. I do it old-school with paper, rulers and a very thin graphite pencil - which is my third favourite tool. My industrial Juki machine will forever be my number one as it makes sewing so much fun. I use my seam ripper a lot - not so much for removing thread, but to guide the fabric while at the sewing machine.
Tell us the story of your favourite wardrobe item
Only one? I’m choosing three; the Amelie Blouse which has become my new blouse wardrobe staple. It’s effortlessly chic, so comfortable and can be hacked into many different styles. I’ve made three so far but planning on a fourth. The Ella Dress, because it’s so elegant it will always be a classic. It’s a bias cut pattern and hugs the body, the maxi length makes it feel perfect for any special occasion. The Eleonora Dress because it’s one of my best-sellers and I love that it has an adjustable waist and neckline. I have just updated the pattern with a long sleeved version that’s been perfect to wear during autumn and winter.
Do you have any special sewing tips you’d like to share?
"Slow down, enjoy your projects, and always make a toile"
What do you wish the sewing community knew about independent patternmakers?
My patterns are at a higher price point, and I’ve been lucky to have a community that understands what goes into them. Something I wish more people knew is that creating a good sewing pattern takes many months of work and several rounds of testing and improvements to perfect both the fit and the instructions. I think we've become used to seeing fast pattern releases, often without proper testing or clear illustrations, so sometimes the time and care invested into slower patterns isn't as visible. Moving forward, with the rise of AI-generated patterns, I believe it's more important than ever to support designers who put real time, thought, and craftsmanship into their work, so they can continue creating patterns for the sewing community.
What and/or who motivates and inspires you?
Life inspires me. The seasons, the flowers, watching period dramas and fashion runways. It’s looking back at historical garments and looking forward for trends, and blending it with a minimal and feminine aesthetic.
Tell us what your top 5 favourite fabrics are from our online store and why?
1. This rose print linen feels like summer in a fabric. I would use the Clara pattern for this fabric and make a maxi dress with longer sleeves.
2. I’ve seen so many makers in the community making amazing garments using your cotton voiles.
3. This print and color makes me so happy. It would make a pretty vacation dress.
4. I would love to see this crinkle cotton check fabric made up with the Amelie Blouse pattern.
5. The Liberty Joanna Louise print (pictured below right) feels very summertime and vintage-inspired. I would make a light and floaty blouse with puff sleeves.
A very warm thank you to Jessica for chatting with us this week, we're looking forward to seeing the new Celine Blouse pattern soon! We hope you've enjoyed this Friends of TFS interview, head over and follow Silversaga over on Instagram and check out their sewing tutorials on YouTube here.
P.S TFS team member Beth recently made the Amelie Blouse up in Jessica's Crinkle Cotton Check top five pick! How cute is this below?