well-suited blog - fashion design, illustration, pattern making.

Pencil Skirt Pattern Sewing Instructions

Saturday, May 30, 2020

The Pencil Skirt sewing Pattern is an absolute classic for your wardrobe. The complete sewing pattern has a full lining pattern included in the download. However when you first receive the pattern it is my recommendation that your first make is an unlined version so you have an opportunity to test the fit and make of this new pattern. For an unlined skirt, I would recommend a medium weight woven fabric and have made myself several version using both quality cotton prints from heirloom cotton patchwork fabrics and stunning african print cotton. These skirts make the most ideal summer skirts.

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Sewing instructions for my Drape Tube Skirt

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

The beauty of this stretch, ponti skirt is the simplicity of it's make. The pattern has only two pieces: one main pattern piece for the front and back skirt, and one for the narrow waistband. And for the sewing, there are the drape tucks, two seams, a waistband and a hem to worry about. Be sure to clearly mark the width of the drape tucks and be aware they need to be sewn about 2.5cm (1") into the skirt to make sure they behave well when you wear your skirt.

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Sewing Instructions for The Patent Blouse

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Now that this pattern has been released on the website, it's time to put up some sewing instructions. At first the pattern shape appears weird and unusual, as it did for me when I first found this little beauty at the US patent office. The original blog post describes my process - Pattern Puzzle - The Patent Blouse. When cutting your own Patent Blouse, please make sure you use two-way stretch knit for the best results (four-way stretch knit in the US).

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Something for Christmas

Saturday, December 08, 2018

I recently had to come up with a crafty Christmas idea that I could demonstrate at the Wagga Wagga Spotlight store. Once a year they have local makers demonstrate in the fabric department, and this year it was my chance. So in a moment of inspiration I came up with the Christmas Bow Tie as an alternative to the usual party hats. I had the choice of all their Christmas prints and I selected four different prints in a red and white theme.

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Drape Gather Skirt - Sewing Instructions

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

At last some sewing patterns are making it onto the website! The first in the 'Off-The-Rails' series is the Drape Gather skirt. This is a design from many years ago that has been a favourite in m y wardrobe ever since. It's also the first skirt my students cut in my Drape Skirt Patterns workshop. It has a straight grain centre front panel with a joined side front and back skirt panel that's cut on the bias. Included in the back seam is a fishtail flare and an invisible zip. The wait finish is a strap waistband and included in the zip opening is a zip guard for a quality skirt. Keep Reading...