First Sample Tag

24 Apr

Posted at 13:31h in Garment Construction, Pattern Puzzle Sewing Patterns, Sewing patterns by
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The Japan Skirt has it's origin in Japanese folk costume.  It's based on a simple rectangle of fabric, wrapped around the waist.  In this case I've finessed the fit on the waist by including a dart shape in the zip/drape seam.  Even with the dart you'll find the waist of the skirt is positioned more in the low waist area, and is not a tight fit.  If you would like to create a closer fit on the waist you'll find all the details at the end of this post.

28 Sep

Posted at 13:31h in Garment Construction, Pattern Puzzle Sewing Patterns, Pattern Puzzles, Sewing patterns, Stretch Patterns by
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The Hip Twist Sewing Pattern has been a long time in coming, and I thank all of you for your patience.  The past few months have been less than usual and I've had my focus diverted on other projects closer to home.  Now it's such a pleasure to get back to business and deal with all my wonderful patterns.  You'll get the best results with this pattern by using two-way stretch knit (four-way stretch in the US) that has elastane content (Lycra, Spandex).  I have achieved the best results with rayon, polyester and wool knits with elastane.  Some cotton knits may work if they are not too stiff.
Hip Twist Top Sewing Pattern (PDF download)

30 May

Posted at 14:07h in Garment Construction, Off-the-Rails Sewing Patterns, Sewing, Sewing patterns by
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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.

14 May

Posted at 14:13h in Pattern Making Instructions, Self-draft, Vintage Patterns by
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I've seen this fabulous dress idea on Pinterest for so long now, I finally had to try it out.  I'm not entirely sure that I'd get it made in one hour, particularly if you include making the pattern.  I tracked the inspiration down to a fabulous blog called Festive Attyre.  You should pop over to their website and checkout all the great ideas.  There are two slightly different versions of this dress on the blog.  In this case, I've tried only one of them and I'm seriously impressed.  In this sample I've used a cotton voile, that would need a petticoat underneath if I planned on wearing it.  I think it would make the best high summer frock ever.  Loose and cool, all at the same time.

19 Aug

Posted at 12:12h in Garment Construction, Pattern Puzzle Sewing Patterns, Sewing patterns, Stretch Patterns, Vintage Patterns by
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Now that this pattern has been released on the website, it's time to put up some sewing instructions.  The details below are abbreviated instructions.  With the purchase of the PDF sewing pattern you'll receive fully detailed sewing instructions in a separate PDF.
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.  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).

26 Feb

Posted at 15:04h in Garment Construction, Pattern Puzzle Sewing Patterns, Pattern Puzzles, Stretch Patterns by
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I simply can't believe that I've never shared my sample makes for this amazing top. I suppose I was so busy turning it into a workshop that missed the obvious.  So you may remember the original post from January 2015 - Pattern Insights - Jersey Twist Patterns.  I used my Women's Knit Block to demonstrate the simplest way to achieve jersey twist patterns.  The same method makes both single and double twist patterns.  This is not the only method for making jersey twist patterns and you'll find other examples on my 'well-suited' blog.

18 Sep

Posted at 15:08h in Garment Construction, Off-the-Rails Sewing Patterns, Sewing patterns by
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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 my 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.

21 Aug

Posted at 16:12h in Fitting Patterns, Garment Construction, Pattern Puzzles by
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After so many pattern alterations to the first sample pattern, I'm excited to show you how the second sample turned out.  Below you can see the pattern alterations (brown paper) I made to the first sample pattern.  And I've selected a cotton/linen blend for the second sample.  You will find all the first sample and pattern alteration detail in this post:  Sampling the Flare and Gather Dress and Pattern Alterations - Flare and Gather Dress Pattern.

03 Aug

Posted at 16:37h in Garment Construction, Pattern Puzzles by
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I'm beginning to love this skirt pattern - as long as I can find the right fabric to make it work.  Sometime last year I made this first sample and learned a lot about construction issues with drape patterns.  You'll find the original Pattern Puzzle post on the well-suited blog - Waterfall Jersey Skirt.  In this post, I'll discuss construction and be looking for solutions to some of the issues.
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