- Following 1.2K
- Followers 40.3K
- Engagement 1.41%
- Avg likes 541
- Avg comments 75
About Debra Drake
Debra Drake (@debra_sewingwithstyle) is a Design & fashion creator on Instagram, also filed under Women fashion. The account has 40,331 followers and 225 published posts. Recent posts average 541 likes and 75 comments, an engagement rate of 1.41%.
With 40.3K followers, Debra Drake is a micro creator by the common 10,000 to 100,000 definition. Set against 1,157 accounts followed, the audience works out to about 35 followers per account Debra Drake follows. Debra Drake uses an Instagram professional account. Flinque files Debra Drake under Design & fashion, with Women fashion as a secondary category.
The Instagram bio for Debra Drake runs to 11 words across 2 lines. Emoji sit alongside the words. The latest activity Flinque has on record for Debra Drake dates from January 2026.
Story Highlights
Unlocking shows the title and cover image of every story highlight this creator keeps pinned to the profile.
225 Posts
Of the 10 most recent posts shown for Debra Drake, 7 are carousels and 3 are videos. That mix leans toward carousels. 225 published posts give Debra Drake a moderate archive on Instagram. Against the audience, that is roughly 179 followers for each post published. Debra Drake also keeps 1 story highlight on the profile. All 10 carry captions, averaging 218 words each. The captions are written mainly in English. Words that recur across them include sewing, iāve, fabric, itās and jacket. The captions tag #sewover50, #frenchcouture, #sewover50sep, #sewover50aug and #newlookpatterns.
Those who have followed me for a while, will know that I was trained in fashion. I have always been in obsessed with the history of clothes and the socio-economic reasons on how we dressed and why. After school, I completed an art foundation course, then a HND in Fashion in Manchester. That final course broke me. The resilience needed for the fashion was not in me. Once Iād finished, I raced home to north Wales and gained work on a sewing production line at Laura Ashley (the one benefit was to learn the quality required for British made clothesā¦ I can also thread an industrial overlocker in less than 1minuteā¦). I retrained in business and had a happy and fairly successful 28 year career in the corporate world. I never did lose my love of fashion and when I started my sewing studio just over three years ago, I dreamt of teaching how to make couture garments. Two years ago I did just that, starting my French Couture Jacket course which has proved so popular that it regularly sells out.
And this is when I get to the good bit. Iāve taken risks. I have taken myself way out of my comfort zone. I have made mistakes, but mostly (thankfully!), things have gone to plan. In 2026 I am joining the roster of tutors at UAL London (Central Saint Martins and the London College of Fashion is part of the college).
The course that Iām teaching is French Couture Jacket techniques which is different from my course in North Wales. When students come along, they will be in the hallowed grounds of college.
I cannot tell you how honoured I am to be taking on this role. I was so broken back in 1992. I wish I could go back and whisper Debbie Jones (as I was then), āyou will get there Deb, not yet, later, when youāre ready for itā
PS I am dancing for the first and last time on social media. This is to tease my lovely friend Jue who said that sheād unfriend me if I ever did such a thing. Jue: Iām sure youāll agree if there ever was a time to dance, this is itā¦.!
Space for 15, first come first served...!
The perfect opportunity to slow down, relax, and enjoy some peaceful, creative sewing time.
This retreat is ideal for anyone who can already sew and would love to take on a more challenging pattern or project ā with friendly guidance and support available throughout.
Your stay includes two nights of comfortable accommodation and all meals, all set in the magical surroundings of the LlÅ·n Peninsula coastline.
Date: 1ā3 May 2026
Arrival time: 3pm (1/5/26)
Departure time: 2pm (3/5/26)
Price: Ā£499 (single ensuite room)
Whatās included:
ā¢ All meals throughout your stay
ā¢ Two nights of quality accommodation
ā¢ Plenty of space, peace and inspiration to sew
ā¢ Optional wellbeing activities such as gentle yoga, a guided coastal walk or a refreshing sea swim
ā¢ Optional massage therapy (additional cost)
There is also an option to book a whole cottage sleeping 3 or 4, perfect for groups who want to stay together. Get in touch to discuss availability.
What will I need?
You should feel confident using a sewing machine independently. Everyone is free to work on any project they choose ā we wonāt be completing a group project.
Please bring your chosen pattern and all the materials youāll need. Youāre welcome to bring your own machine, but we can lend you one if required.
Payment Plan Available
Link in bio
If youāve followed me for a while, youāll know that Iāve been obsessed by Chanel since my teenage years in the 80s.
Karl Lagerfelds interpretion of Chanelās code have been rightly lauded over the decades when he was at the helm of the house. Iād been nervously anticipating Mattieu Blazyās first metiers collection. And I absolutely loved it! So wearable, following Cocoās founding principle that women should be comfortable.
I was out with my āsewing sistersā on Thursday night (btw, theyāre a group of my customers that have formed a social circle - how cool is that?!) and this is the outfit I wore. Itās a mix of upcycling of me-made and RTW.
Skirt: cut from the dress I wore for the final of GBSB 4 years ago. Iāve worn it as a dress lots, Iād been agonising whether to cut it. I added the fabric of the sleeve to the CB hem to give more volume.
Blouse: Arket. I chopped the length to a crop, added a black ribbon and changed the buttons to pearl.
Jacket: Old thrifted Mango, changed the buttons to textured white.
I felt in the spirit of Chanel in this outfit, and will definitely wear the items as separates. Swipe to see the original Chanel outfits that inspired this look.
What do you think of Matthieu Blazyās collection?
Apologies for the lighting in my sewing room!
And what a course that was! The group use my own Sewing with Style pattern but give their own personality to the finished product, and did they have plenty of personality!!!
Please give Hilary, Susan, Bev, Rachel, Eirlys, Sheila, Polly and Ange a huge round of applause for their immaculate work.
If youād like to join me in making your own, the 2026 dates are now live. February is sold out already as is much of May. To get the best out of this course, you should be of intermediate level.
I ADORE teaching this course - itās like destiny to me. Itās not just sewing šŖ”ā¦. ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
#sewingwithstyle #frenchcouture #frenchcouturetechniques #parisianstylƩ
In error I ordered the meter in BOTTLE greenā¦ so then I had to order another 2m to make a matching set (emerald sold out).
It worked out ok in the end as I made changes to the original patternā¦.
Vogue 1902 (see emerald version in stories)
Hacks:
- slashed and spread the centre front for looser neck line
- Shortened length of bodice and added a deep hem forā¦.
- Added elastic to back hem
- Deepened cuffs of sleeve to add button detail
Fabric: glorious crepe backed satin from Minerva
I get melancholy leading up to my birthday. I think of the past, who I was in various chapters in my life, and how Iāve carved out a life that I love in my 50s.
I was a fashion student in the late 1980s. I remember having thoughts that I must make the most of being young to enjoy fashion. Fast forward almost 40 years, and my love for fashion has never dimmed. I actually feel as inspired and excited about clothes and style as I ever did in my twenties and thirties.
I love experimenting with new shapes, colour and trends. My interest goes back and forward in time. I can bore for Wales on prewar fashion, and donāt get me started on Coco Chanelās influence on 20th century fashionā¦ š¤Ŗ
Iām so grateful that today, we have so many amazing examples of women in fashion of all ages and sizes. Weāre not dictated to by fashion magazines any more. We get to curate our own fashion.
So what am I doing on my birthday? Iām indulging in my other obsession- John Lennon. Visiting his childhood home in Liverpool ā¤ļø. Obviously Iām going to eat cake tooā¦
#sewover50 #sewover50sep #stylearcgillian
#stylearcpatterns #sewingtutor
Itās when you make a French Couture Jacket out of neon pink Linton Tweed. Or when you make a cargo pant in barrel shape!
Joking aside, I was gifted this beautiful pink tweed and hadnāt realised how bright it was! Initially I added a braiding (see stories), but since I wasnāt reaching for it, I used some inspiration by one of my top sewists, Jayne P-J to create a kind if fluffy collar in fringing. I love it now š©·
The barrel pants were made as a sample for class. I thought that this trend wasnāt for me, and guess what: I love them! Iāve made them in denim too and have a plan for black ones. I have a two day course to make them in Feb. Trousers are notoriously difficult to fit, and itās one of my specialities.
Our French Couture dates for 2026 have just been announced, so should you fancy 5 days of immersive sewing, this is your course! (Nov 25 sold out)
Happy Sunday all š©·
Notes:
Jacket: my own pattern available on the course only
Fabric: Linton Tweed (gifted)
#ad #lintontweed #vogue2051 #voguepatterns #frenchcouture
Trousers: Vogue 2051
Fabric: The Fabric Store, Brisbane
Song: has been in my head for months as my nephew in Australia sang it all of the time š. Knew every word too!
I guess this post is for you to give yourself permission to adjust your makes if theyāre not serving you š¤
Fabric for both garments - Abakhan
Skirt - self drafted
Neon top - hugely hacked Gill dress from Style Arc
#sewover50 #sewover50sep #makersgonnashare #sewistsofinstagram #sewingsilver
This one is the New Look 6106 with lining and added lilac fringing. The fringing is glorious when I walk. Fringing is having a moment again so have a go at doing similar yourself. Or even simpler: add fringing to an existing skirt/dress!
The top is another shell top which Iāve hacked by adding a cowl type collar. The fabric is scrap from my wedding dress.
Iām still getting used to my hair. I hadnāt planned to cut 6 inches off, I just felt like a change! And itās inspired me to change up my wardrobe and styling a bit!
Back in the studio full time since yesterday. Lovely to be back to it ā¤ļø
#sewover50aug #imakemyownclothes #fringing #newlookpatterns #newlook6106
āļø Inspiration
You may be aware that Iām a huge fan of the Paris Couture Houses. Historic Chanel and Dior in particular. Since Iām not hourglass, Iāve always kept away from āThe New Lookā shape. But I think I have a version of the look here that I am happy to wear. Iāve made the top and skirt in a sheer peach organza together with a peach bias cut slip dress for underneath. The jacket is a Vinted RTW from White Stuff. I felt really feminine in this outfit. Pointy flats (not seen) finish the look.
āļøHacks
- Trace a version of your bodices. Creat fullness in the front and back bodices by drawing 3 lines from the neck to the hem.
- Cut, fan these out approx 2cm apart at the bottom, then sellotape in place. This creates fullness all around the bodice. (Do not add fullness to the side seams - it gives a strange shape!).
- Extend the shoulder and side seams by 0.5cm to allow for French seams
- Add bias binding to neck and armholes. Secure the insides by handsewing in place (if you prefer, you can stitch in the ditch).
- Turn the hem up by 2cm then add 0.5cm elastic. Fit to your choice.
Skirt is the Bloom Skirt by Maven - a firm favourite of mine. Iāve omitted the pockets as the skirt is transparent.
āļø
Pattern: New Look 6434
Fabric: Peach organza deadstock from Abakhan
#sewover50 #sewover50aug #patternhacks #newlook6434 #newlookpatterns
Debra Drake's engagement
Debra Drake's engagement rate on Instagram is 1.41%, between 1% and 3%, or 1 to 3 likes and comments per 100 followers. On a typical post that comes to about 1 like or comment for every 71 followers. Comments stay close to likes on Debra Drake's posts, at 541 likes and 75 comments on average, about 7.2 likes per comment.
Engagement rate
1.41%
- Avg likes
- 541
- Avg comments
- 75
- Interactions : followers
- 1 : 71
Lookalike Creators
A free account lists creators whose audiences behave like this one, ready to shortlist and compare side by side.
Age & Gender
Unlocking shows how this audience splits across age bands and gender, charted from follower data.
Audience Location
Unlocking reveals the countries and cities where the most active followers of this account are concentrated.
Primary Language
Unlocking shows the languages this audience uses most in comments, interactions and the content it consumes.
Audience Interests
Unlocking lists the topics and categories this audience follows and engages with most often across the platform.
Authenticity
Unlocking scores how genuine the audience is, flagging fake, inactive or bot followers found in engagement patterns.
Audience Quality Score
Unlocking gives one overall audience quality score combining authenticity, engagement, follower activity and audience relevance.
Brand Affinity
Unlocking names the brands this audience already follows, mentions or engages with across social platforms.
Content Strategy
Unlocking breaks down the content pillars, tone and visual style this creator uses, and which formats perform best.
Commercial Insights
Unlocking shows collaboration types, an estimated pricing tier and a brand safety risk read for sponsored campaigns.
Industry Fit
Unlocking rates how well this creator and audience align with specific industry verticals and brand categories.
Research Debra Drake further
Flinque ranks Instagram creators in Design & fashion and Women fashion, categories Debra Drake is filed under, and its free tools measure the same figures for any public account.
Frequently asked questions
These answers about Debra Drake are generated from the Instagram profile data Flinque holds for the account.
Who is Debra Drake?
Debra Drake (@debra_sewingwithstyle) is a Design & fashion creator on Instagram, also filed under Women fashion. Debra Drake uses an Instagram professional account. The Instagram bio for Debra Drake runs to 11 words across 2 lines.
How many followers does Debra Drake have?
Debra Drake has 40,331 followers on Instagram (40.3K). Set against 1,157 accounts followed, the audience works out to about 35 followers per account Debra Drake follows. 225 published posts give Debra Drake a moderate archive on Instagram.
What is Debra Drake's engagement rate?
Debra Drake's engagement rate on Instagram is 1.41%, between 1% and 3%, or 1 to 3 likes and comments per 100 followers. On a typical post that comes to about 1 like or comment for every 71 followers. Comments stay close to likes on Debra Drake's posts, at 541 likes and 75 comments on average, about 7.2 likes per comment.
What does Debra Drake post about on Instagram?
Flinque files Debra Drake under Design & fashion, with Women fashion as a secondary category. Of the 10 most recent posts shown for Debra Drake, 7 are carousels and 3 are videos. The 10 recent Instagram captions Flinque holds for Debra Drake repeatedly use the words sewing, iāve, fabric, itās and jacket. Debra Drake's captions carry hashtags such as #sewover50, #frenchcouture and #sewover50sep. Debra Drake writes those captions mainly in English. Debra Drake keeps 1 story highlight, which open with a free Flinque account.
How do I contact Debra Drake for a collaboration?
Debra Drake's contact details are not published on Flinque's public profile. The Instagram bio links to 3 external sites, and a free Flinque account opens those links. Brands with a free Flinque account can shortlist Debra Drake and use Flinque's outreach tools wherever a contact route is on file.
Links
Debra Drake's own Instagram profile is the one outbound link Flinque publishes for the account, and the 3 bio links open after signing up.
Public profile data sourced from Instagram. Flinque is not affiliated with Debra Drake.