I've postponed this blog post for months now because I don't know precisely what I want to convey. Drafting a pattern from a duct tape body form isn't exactly easy-peasy, and I've spent months tweaking my self-drafted pattern. I've got no clear cut answer for how I went from a block form to a pattern... Continue Reading →
True Bias Lodo Dress in Ponte Knit
I had this goal in 2018 to sew "date night" outfits for my husband and me. However, I could never find the time. Therefore, I'm starting 2019 by getting back on track with my sewing goals. I've had this ponte knit fabric in my stash for 2+ years and never knew what pattern to use.... Continue Reading →
Ultimate T-Shirt Pattern Comparison
I promised to write this post a long time ago, but only now is it getting published. Sorry. In August, I worked on creating flat 2D patterns from 3D duct tape body forms that I would cut to make sloper pieces. I posted a lot on how to do that for pants etc. and I... Continue Reading →
Self-Drafted Trousers Using Thread Theory Jutland Pants
My jaw dropped to the floor when I started comparing the self-drafted trousers pattern for Ryan to actual sewing patterns that I had in my collection. The style and fit of my self-drafted trousers were closest to Thread Theory's Jutland Pants, with a few modifications to leg fit, pockets, etc. Over a year ago, I... Continue Reading →
Self-Drafted Trousers Using Alina Design’s Chi-Town Chinos
The first pair of trousers I made from my duct-tape sloper was a pair of stretch skinny jean shorts. I had previously made skinny jeans so I was able to compare my self-drafted version with an altered pattern. This time around, I am trying a new pattern, Alina Sewing + Design Co. Chi-Town chinos Expansion... Continue Reading →
Self-Drafted Skinny Jean Shorts
This blog post is going to be another technical post, but isn't that my shtick?! Over the past few months, I've been getting into the nitty-gritty of fitting pants. I tried to work through patterns and make numerous test pairs to get the fit right. I was methodical and very precise about documenting my alterations.... Continue Reading →
McCall’s M7668 Hooded Jacket
In the world of technical outdoor gear, there are few options for odd sized people. Ryan and I have always struggled to find gear that fits. We are tall, and most gear is intended for people much shorter than us. When I started sewing clothes, I always hoped I'd get to the point where I... Continue Reading →
True Bias Emerson Crop Pant in Linen
I struggle with summer outfits. Namely, I haven't been able to find a style that I can wear to work. I only need to be casually dressed for work, but wearing sneakers, shorts, and a t-shirt is a bit too casual. I don't mind dresses, but I need outfits that don't look bad with sneakers.... Continue Reading →
McCall’s M6044 Men’s Button-Down Shirt
I think Meg and I have a contest to see who sews more versions of McCall's 6044 and it is pretty much a draw right now! It is hard to deviate from a versatile pattern that fits so well. The two versions I made this time are for summer. The cute fish fabric is quilting... Continue Reading →
Butterick B6100 Shirt in Lightweight Woven Fabrics
Finding the perfect basic woven shirt pattern for summer wasn't as daunting as I thought it would be. Months ago, I purchased the Butterick Pattern, B6100, because it offered separate pattern pieces for A/B, C and D cup sizes. I can't believe I've waited until now to try this pattern! I know there are a... Continue Reading →
Cloth Habit Watson Bra without the Hook & Eye Closure AKA Pullover Style
With all the excess spandex knit fabric I have, I really wanted to alter Cloth Habit's Watson bra pattern so I could use up all my scraps. The original bra pattern requires different fabrics for the cups and band. The pattern recommends that the bra cup fabric be 4-way stretch with spandex and approximately 75%... Continue Reading →
True Bias Lander Pant in Chino Twill
Quick post about the final version of my True Bias Lander Pant. I'm still undecided about whether or not I like the fit of these pants. The style is VERY different for me. I made the pant using 8 oz. chino twill from Sellfabric.com: https://goo.gl/UYMfe4. The chino twill fabric is a very study bottom-weight fabric... Continue Reading →