Monthly Archives: August 2013

A Study in Stretch

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This pattern, Katherine Tilton’s Vogue 8817, has become a favorite TNT (Tried ‘n’ True) for me. I love both views—View A/B, the T-shirt with a back inset, and View C/D, the tunic. When I saw the delicious colors of this poly/lycra reptile print at Gorgeous Fabrics, I grabbed it. I actually grabbed enough so that DGD could also make a top for herself out of this. And while I was at it, I grabbed some black mesh to use with the ssssnake print on this shirt. Here are the two interesting lessons learned from this project: Mesh vs. Solid: I … Continue reading →

A Top to Bring Fall Into the Picture

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Most of Katherine Tilton’s patterns have appeared in Vogue Patterns until this past spring, when two new patterns were published in Vogue’s sister publication, Butterick Patterns. When I saw Katherine’s new top with vest and jacket views, Butterick 5891, I ordered the pattern immediately and started imagining how I could decrease my fabric stash with this pattern. First I made the jacket view in a hand-dyed silk shantung, but I’ll tell you about that another day. Today we’re going to talk about the vest. Before deciding what to do with the pattern, I read the six reviews on PatternReview.com. Several … Continue reading →

Teaching It Simple

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A music-friend of mine, Julie, is pregnant with her first baby. She’s having some health issues (her, not the baby), and posted on Facebook that she was looking for stress relief. I suggested she learn to knit, as it’s documented to relieve stress. She expressed an interest but also stated that she’s not the craftiest person around. So I decided a) I would teach her, and b) it needed to be simple, and c) it needed to be washable. I spent the spare minutes of several days searching for a simple blanket. The more I thought about it, the more … Continue reading →

The Next Sewing Generation

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My ten-year-old granddaughter has begun expressing an interest in becoming a fashion designer. To this end, I found the “Sew Zoey” books on Amazon and started her love affair with these books. Inspired by Zoey, DGD decided she wants to make her back-to-school wardrobe–at least the outfit she wears on the first day of fifth grade and maybe one more outfit. Thrilled for the opportunity to pass on my love of fiber, I began looking for an available time for a sewing playdate, and started to think about fabrics and patterns. While visiting the Gorgeous Fabrics site, I found a … Continue reading →

Who Needs NYDJ?

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When you’ve got an incredible pair of skinny jeans that fit like they were made for you (oh, wait …), why would you lay out $120 for a pair of pull-your-tummy-in jeans that include so much architecture that you have to wear a loose top to look good? These are my new stretch denim jeans that will be perfect for all but the hottest two weeks of summer. The pattern is Marcy Tilton’s Vogue 8859. This is my third take on this pattern (Take 1; Take 2). If you only knew how many pairs of pants I have made over … Continue reading →