Neuroscientist + Curious Mind + Passionate Maker
You can never have too many layering options for cooler weather! I decided to try out Polartec’s Alpha Direct fleece and thought the Sunday Zip Jacket from Style Arc would be the perfect pattern for this project. I wanted something beyond a basic raglan design—something with a bit more shape and flexibility. Plus, it works... Continue Reading →
Welcome to the final post in this series on balancing pant patterns! I've been exploring the ins and outs of creating a well-balanced pant using the Topo Pants pattern by Leila Makes. Each part of the journey has been about discovering what it takes to get pants to drape just right, and now it’s time... Continue Reading →
In my last post, I experimented by lowering the front crotch curve to match the back crotch curve level. This tweak helped improve the pants’ drape but led to a 1.2-inch difference between the front and back inseams. Generally, inseams should match, or the back can be a bit shorter—up to about 1/2 inch. If... Continue Reading →
In Part 1, I introduced the Topo Pant pattern from Leila Makes and discussed how to find the drapelines and balance lines (kneeline and crotchline). What makes this pattern unique is that the front piece has a curved side seam while the back has a straight side seam. In Part 2, I adjusted the front... Continue Reading →
If you’re new to this series, I recommend checking out Part 1 before diving into Part 2. In this series, I’m studying the principles of balance for pants. I’m using the Topo Pants pattern from Leila Makes as my example. The front pattern piece has a typical curved side seam, but the back has a... Continue Reading →
I recently tried to fit the Topo Pants by Leila Makes, but I had to put the project on hold because I couldn’t get the pant legs to hang straight. Since then, I’ve been thinking about these pants a lot. The way they’re drafted is pretty unique. The front pattern piece has a normal curved... Continue Reading →
I’ve been meaning to write about Ryan’s alterations to the Strathcona Henley for ages, and I’m finally getting around to it. This pattern has been in my rotation for quite a while, and it’s a great project for anyone looking to make a casual yet refined t-shirt or henley. Let’s dig into the fit, style,... Continue Reading →
Here’s a little update on what I’ve been up to in July, August, and September. During this quarter, I managed to post about: Our adjustments to the Arrowsmith Undershirt by Thread Theory Designs My pattern update to the Sophie Hines Median Knickers and GreenStyle Simpatico Leggings Redesign of the Shop Pant from Open Studio My... Continue Reading →
My old silk bonnets were completely frayed and dead, so I went digging in my stash to see if I could make my own. I like the final product, so here's what I did. Fabric I had some leftover 22 momme silk charmeuse fabric from when I made Ryan silk pillowcases, which was perfect for... Continue Reading →
At the start of the year, I began working on the Simpatico leggings by GreenStyle. In February, I was hospitalized due to PE/DVT, which delayed my work until March. Once I was able to resume sewing, I was eager to finish these leggings, as exercise became a key part of my recovery. I wrote a... Continue Reading →
48-Inch HipBlue: Old Pattern, Size 6Red: New Pattern, Size 18 Nearly a year and a half ago, I shared my experience with the Shop Pant from Open Studio, highlighting some discrepancies in their original pattern. At the time, I found that the waistband measurements were much larger, and the hip measurements were smaller than indicated... Continue Reading →
I did a complete analysis of the median Knickers a while ago. I needed to update my pattern pieces; this is just a review of my changes. You would think, "Oh, my underwear is too big now. I should be able to just go down a size." Unfortunately, my changes aren't straightforward because my body... Continue Reading →
