Neuroscientist + Curious Mind + Passionate Maker
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 →
I know it's been a bit since I've posted anything. I got buried with prepping and teaching a new university course. The semester is not quite over, but I'm getting close to freedom. At the end of September, I posted a picture of a t-shirt pocket on Instagram that got a lot of attention. One... Continue Reading →
Ready to start talking about torso forms? I think I've made a good start on my pant form that I thought it was time to tackle the torso form. Who's ready? DUCT TAPE TORSO FORM Here are the supplies you'll need: 2 rolls of duct tape saran / cling wrap scissors permanent marker The method... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Raise your hand if you: struggle with altering patterns, don't know how to get pants to fit right, have no idea what your crotch curve should look like, and so on! I have been sewing for less than five years, and pants are still a bit elusive to me. I can sew pants blindfolded with... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
