Well Suited

29 Sep

Posted at 18:36h in Introductory, Pattern Puzzles, Sewing, Sewing Instructions, Sewing patterns by
0 Likes
The fabulous thing about this pattern is that for many it can be made in a woven or a knit fabric.  The Drape Back Tunic sewing pattern is available as a one-size only pattern with instructions to increase the size and length printed on the pattern.  These images are for the sewing instructions for woven fabrics but I will make notes regarding the sewing instructions you need for knit fabrics.  If you cut this pattern as it is in a woven fabric it'll fit up to Aus Size 12.  If you cut it in a two-way (four-way in the US) stretch knit fabric that has some elastane content it can fit up to a Aus Size 22.

23 Sep

Posted at 13:10h in Intermediate, Sewing Instructions, Sewing patterns by
0 Likes
It was over ten years ago that I designed and made this shirt for sale and I've had so many different versions of it in my wardrobe since.  The fit of this shirt is tailored and body conscious with a back yoke, panel seams front and back, a two-piece collar and tab, and a dinner shirt style bib in the front.  There is a short and long sleeve version with the option of cutting the sleeves on either the straight or bias grain.  The Dinner Shirt Sewing Pattern is so versatile in design as to be both a conservative work shirt and fun party shirt in the one pattern.

19 Sep

Posted at 13:27h in Grading Patterns, Introductory, Pattern Puzzles, Self-draft, Sewing Pattern Alterations, Vintage Patterns by
0 Likes
The beauty of this Folk to Fashion zero-waste pattern is that you can select your fabric width to determine different sizing outcomes in the final garment.  And the length of your available fabric will determine the final length of your garment and sleeve.  This garment is an historic pattern called a Eura, believed to be worn as an undergarment around 500-1,000 AD.

30 Aug

Posted at 14:28h in Fitting Patterns, Introductory, Pattern Making Instructions, Sewing Pattern Alterations, Stretch Patterns, Using My Blocks by
0 Likes
This post is specifically dedicated to working a full bust adjustment (FBA) on my knit block.  This particular pattern alteration is important for anyone with a bra cup size above B & C.  Because we are working with knit, I'd prefer not to include a dart in any of my knit patterns.  If you add a Full Bust Adjustment to a woven pattern you'll usually end up with a side seam dart.  For knit patterns I have a different way of dealing with the extra fabric that results from an FBA and that would usually become a dart.
All details following:

16 Aug

Posted at 14:13h in News by
0 Likes

I'm so pleased to welcome you all to my new website. It's taken quite a while to get it together and I'm looking forward to building new content to include here. You'll find all the original goodies here and more as you work your way through...

24 Apr

Posted at 13:31h in Introductory, Sewing Instructions, Sewing patterns by
0 Likes
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 Creative Pattern Making, Introductory, Sewing Instructions, Sewing patterns, Stretch Patterns by
0 Likes
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 is such a pleasure to get back to business and deal with all my wonderful patterns.  In this blog post I'll be taking you step-by-step through the sewing process for this twist tee.  And a timely reminder that 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 Introductory, Sewing, Sewing Instructions, Sewing patterns by
0 Likes
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 Creative Pattern Making, Introductory, Pattern Making Instructions, Self-draft, Vintage Patterns by
0 Likes
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.
error: This content is protected !!