Hi! I am Diana, the pattern designer who runs djstoreroom. I design, sew, pen and publish my own sewing patterns from my home studio in sunny Singapore.

My PDF sewing patterns come with printable CAD patterns, clear wordings and color photographs to fully orientate you through all the steps.

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Buy it now! Make it now!!
Keep it, Gift it or Sell it!!
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Your full name and username
Diana Siah, djstoreroom

First off, what role does your art play in your life?
I live and breathe it. I planned out my goals and plan activities that will bring me closer to them. Designing is all about me, my work and my own career. After a personal setback in 2008 August, I decided to switch to a career that makes me happy and that truly belongs to me. I set the rules and regulations. I set the time and direction.

If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?
It is definitely organising. Everyday I wake up, I need to organise my living room, my work area, kitchen, toilet and bedroom before I go brush my teeth. Without picking up the toys, clothes and putting things back in their place, I cannot start my day! Also, my notebook follows me almost everywhere. I write my to-do list in pencil and erase them as and when I am done with it. I refer to my list every few hours to make sure I am doing things I am supposed to. Even my sewing patterns can reflect that trait, as I organise the information and pictures in a standard format.

What role does your family play in your art?
My family is very supportive in my designing work. My little girl also craft alongside with me when I am at the computer. She could be stamping on a big sheet of paper, or coloring printouts of lesson sheets. I also got her sewing on practice cards while I sew at my sewing machine.

Where do you live and what is it like?
I stay in Singapore. Its 365 days summer!! Though the weather is hot, there are no natural disasters here. It’s a peaceful little modern city. Due to land constrains, all buildings are built upwards towards the sky. Everywhere you go, there are highrise buildings and you hardly notice the sky.

Where did you learn to craft?
I first started sewing during home economics lessons. I sewed for 4 years before taking a long long break. It was only after my daughter was born, that I got myself a simple sewing machine. Then, I took a long distance course in design and dressmaking. I started making my own sewing patterns when I couldn’t find any suitable designs.

Who is your favorite craft supplier?
I absolutely love to go to Arab street in Singapore for its wide range of fabrics. There are as many as 40 different shops with different fabrics on that single street alone. There is a shop that stock Seven Berry fabrics and that is easily my favourite shop. Besides that, I also visit Spotlight once a month or when they have special sales.

If there is a new craft you could learn, what would it be and why?
I am learning crocheting as I find it a very interesting and fun craft. I refer to library books, in the kids department as the pictures are big, colorful and very straightforward. Perfect for someone like me, who has no experience at all.

What are your goals with your ArtFire studio?
I aim to establish myself as a Pattern Designer with 100 designs to my name. My goal is also to earn enough for me to quit my other part-time jobs (event coordinator, insurance advisor, admin clerk) and make my living out of this.

Where do you receive your inspiration, in general?
Mostly its my curiosity about how things are being put together at thee sewing machine. I am constantly amazed at what the sewing machine can produce! Most times, I wonder if I can produce my ideas with less steps and easier methods. Other times, I wonder how I can imput my ideas in a simple and easy to understand manner.

What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?
Be patient. I took nearly a year to establish my studio, my own brand name and my own designs. Be open to advice and suggestions. There are a lot of helpful sellers around who are willing to share their experience and advice. Be professional at all times. Reply emails as soon as possible and try to follow up with your customers.

Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?
Buying and selling handmade is an ancient practise. It lives off the idea of individualism and independence for oneself. Supporting this very ancient practise creates an environment where the buyer receives a very unique article and be recognised as an individual, while the seller receive remuneration for survival and be independence of external aid.