Gracefully Vintage Style

July 8, 2026

Some makers have a way of choosing fabric that feels less like a decision and more like a calling. Kayla's latest make is a perfect example, a gracefully vintage silhouette in two of our most nostalgic prints, Strawberry Picnic and Picnic Plaid, paired together like they were always meant to be. Soft watercolour strawberries and hand-painted plaid on washed linen: it's romantic, unhurried, and entirely her. Keep reading to meet Kayla and find out what went into this beautiful make.

We discovered Kayla on Instagram @gracefullyvintage where her vintage-inspired wardrobe and considered, timeless aesthetic immediately caught our eye. Kayla is the kind of maker who sews with intention - drawn to pieces that feel like they've always existed, the sort of garment you'd find carefully folded in a loved wardrobe and never want to put down. When we reached out to collaborate, her fabric choices felt perfectly on-theme: Strawberry Picnic in Pink Buttercream paired with Picnic Plaid in Rainbow Sherbet - two prints from the same hand-painted collection, and utterly made for each other.

We asked Kayla a few questions about her sewing journey and what it was like to bring these garments to life.

How long have you been sewing for?
My mum first taught me how to sew back in 2012, and I've been sewing ever since. There have been slower times throughout those years with less sewing, e.g, working, pregnancy, postpartum. But it has always been something that has made me happy, and I've always come back to.

What’s your go to fabric style?
Natural fabrics like linen and cotton are my favourite. I love pops of colour and fun prints.

Do you have a favourite tip to share when sewing?
Always press your seams and there's no rush! Since becoming a mum five years ago, sewing time can be limited so I've started to really enjoy slow sewing and the process to make a garment even more with this mindset. Don't get me wrong I still love a quick project, but slow sewing has become so enjoyable and therapeutic for me.

What’s your home & work life look like?
I used to work in optics and may return back to it soon. For the last five years I've been a full time stay at home parent. I feel grateful for being able to have all this time with my daughter as I had always wanted this for her early years. My days pretty much revolve around her schedule.

What do you love most about sewing?
I love being creative and making clothes that I love wearing and will continue to wear for a long time. Sewing really is my happy place. I remember just not loving any clothing I had when I was in that first year post partum and when I finally got back into sewing I started creating clothes I love and felt an instant confidence boost. I rarely buy clothes new now either, they are either made by me or I go to an op-shop. I love sewing for my daughter too, I hope to teach her as well soon.

What was your favourite thing about working on this project with our fabrics?
The fabrics I was lucky enough to work with from Rare Patterns are just so beautiful. The linen feels so soft and is amazing to sew with. I made a blouse that has quite a few details and some shorts. They turned out perfect, I was so happy with the end result. Since making them in February they have had lots of wear and the linen has held up so well after being washed too. I love the colours and prints so much.

And to top it off Kayla used some left over scrap pieces to make these adorable Easter toys - how creative and what a great way to use up small pieces.

Both fabrics in Kayla's make are part of our Strawberry Picnic collection, printed on premium 100% linen with a soft washed finish.

Strawberry Picnic in Pink Buttercream is a hand-painted watercolour design featuring clusters of ripe strawberries and delicate white blossoms on a warm blush-pink ground - it even has a printed scallop border on the selvedge, perfect for a hem feature. You can shop Strawberry Picnic here.

Picnic Plaid in Rainbow Sherbet is built from layered watercolour stripes that form a soft, painterly check - classic from a distance, joyful up close. Together they tell a story of slow summers and handmade things kept for years. You can shop Picnic Plaid here.