I used a pattern not available anymore to add a polo shirt collar to Ryan's standard t-shirt pattern. You can download the collar and button band pieces by clicking the button below, but obviously, the pieces are just for Ryan's size. Download Pattern I want to document the method since the original instructions were translated... Continue Reading →
Fibre Mood Constance Overalls
Wearable toile with missing hardware. I've always loved the look of traditional overalls. I saw the Fibre Mood Constance overalls and knew I needed to make myself a pair immediately. My goal was to alter the original pattern as little as possible. I know I tend to just self-draft patterns based on my measurements. This... Continue Reading →
Fiber Mood Norma Blouse
For me, fitting shirts are just as tricky as fitting pants. I have an excellent fit for my everyday t-shirts with a modified Union St pattern, but I've struggled to get a decent fit in a woven pattern. When the Norma blouse didn't fit, instead of altering, I ended up drafting a pattern from my... Continue Reading →
How I Draft Pants: A Basic Pattern Block
After my last few blog posts about fitting tips and tricks when drafting pants, I need to show how I actually draft pants. After drawing dozens of patterns, I do have "my method." If you need to read my other posts about fitting and measurements, here are the links: How to measure for pants Crease... Continue Reading →
Crease Line Placement at the Hips
When you are on a path of discovery, the best advice is often the last to be found. My blog is intended to reflect my journey as I learn more about sewing, knitting, and baking, so things will feel out of order. If I were writing a book, this blog post would probably be one... Continue Reading →
Draft Pants to Fit Your Quads
I learned a lot between drafting pants for myself and drafting pants for Ryan. Specifically, I learned where the crease line should go at the crotch level in order to fit quadriceps. Fitting pants is more than just widths and lengths put together. Your unique body shape is important too. Continue reading to learn more!... Continue Reading →
Cuff-Down vs. Toe-Up Socks Part 4 Toe-Up French / Round Heel
The orange sock was knit toe-up and purple sock was knit cuff-down. The flap-and-gusset heel design looks nearly identical. This is my final blog post about knitting socks. I haven't covered everything about knitting socks because there are already many great resources available for free on Ravelry and Instagram. I am simply filling in the... Continue Reading →
Cuff-Down vs. Toe-Up Socks Part 3 Cuff-Down French / Round Heel
Heel flap and gusset to accommodate a large, average, and small instep Unbelievably, there are over dozens of ways to knit the heel of a sock: french (aka round), dutch (aka square), half-handkerchief (aka v-heel), gusset, fish lips, Fleegle, german short row, an afterthought, etc. Of course, the heel I found that fits best when... Continue Reading →
Cuff-Down vs. Toe-Up Socks Part 2 The Toe
Orange is knitted toe-up, purple is knitted cuff-down I prefer a rounded toe, given I like my toes to spread naturally. If I'm not wearing hand-knitted socks, then I'm wearing Injinji socks. I altered the standard sock shape a little bit, so it wasn't so constricting and pointy. The standard wedge cuff-down toe is to... Continue Reading →
Cuff-Down vs. Toe-Up Socks Part 1 The Cuff
Cuff-down (blue on the left) vs. Toe-Up (orange on the right) 1x1 rib knit cuff I've written another one of those long-winded blog posts and decided it would be better to break things up a bit, so it wasn't so tedious to read. In 2020, I really dedicated my time and effort to knit socks.... Continue Reading →
Camisole: Part 2 Construction
Welcome back! I've been talking about camisoles. My first post was about how I drafted my own camisole once I tried a recently released pattern that just didn't work for me. This post is all about constructing the camisole. I didn't love the instructions on the pattern I purchased, so here are my improved methods.... Continue Reading →
Camisole: Part 1 Drafting
I wanted to provide a full tutorial about drafting your own camisole and how to sew it, particularly how to get really great looking bias bindings and straps. I recently purchased the newly released MADEIT Patterns Go Shorties and Camisole but didn't love the pattern or the methods, but that's not why I buy patterns.... Continue Reading →