threadWEAR 301

​Though originally invented in France, denim fabric has become an American fashion staple. When you think of denim, the first thing that is likely to pop into your mind is blue jeans. But there is so much more to denim fabric than that – today you can find denim in an almost infinite variety of colors and prints. Inspired by some new floral denims that we received we have put together four different denim looks for fun fall looks. Read on for more inspiration!

We are so excited to announce our lineup of workshops for 2018. Once again we will be hosting our sewing events in Topeka, Kansas, Eureka Springs, Arkansas and Auty, France. No matter where the workshop is, Linda has designed an unforgettable sewing experience. This is your chance to work with Linda one-on-one as she helps you get the perfect fit in a garment and share with you her favorite sewing methods. And, of course, answers all your most pressing sewing questions!

When you love a fabric, but it's not quite the right weight for the piece that you want to make, what do you do? This is what happened to me recently. I fell in love with this printed handkerchief linen fabric and couldn't get past the idea of making pants. But the fabric was too sheer for a bottom weight.

With the hot days rapidly turning into cool nights, we often find ourselves looking for that perfect pre-fall garment. We have all fallen in love with a fabric that walks this fine line between summer and fall ― linen gauze. What is linen gauze? It is a semi-sheer knit that is made out of 100% linen. I know, amazing, right? This fabric is soft, ethereal and creates a perfect layering garment. Erin recently made a Bristol using the pink linen gauze and we loved it. Worn over a simple camisole and jeans? Casual but super sophisticated. We have twelve colors of linen gauze, including bold royal blue and a gorgeous light peach, and neutrals ranging from natural white to heathered grey. All are now available as Bristol Top kits.

A few weeks ago our friend Sally sent us a picture of a wonderful version of the Chateau Coat pattern that she had made. Sally made her shortened version using a soft knit stripe, which she bound around the edges. It's such a lovely, casual summer jacket. Of course, we now wanted to create a version of our own. I decided to take it a step farther though, and use black and white stripe rayon crepe which I lined with a zingy hot pink polyester.

​I've been seeing a new trend in t-shirts popping up recently. Stores like Anthropologie and Modcloth are updating the classic top by combining different prints and fabrics. This isn't a totally new concept, but it can be tricky to sew a woven and a knit together. Luckily, Linda has us covered. She created a tutorial for this very trend last year - she is so on top of it! Check out some of the ready-made shirts I've seen in stores below, as well as the Eureka tutorial. I'm re-publishing the original post so you can make your own combination top with the Eureka pattern!

​One of the great things about our Sew-Along Facebook Group is that we are able to hear your questions about the pattern. We noticed that many of you wanted to adjust the dropped shoulder that we have designed into the Zayn, and were unsure of how to go about it. So before we attach the sleeve, we are going to share with you our technique for armscye adjustment to use on your next Zayn – or any other pattern! Then we will go through the process of actually attaching the sleeve and you will have a finished top. So let's get started!

We are so excited about the debut of Linda's newest Craftsy class, Serger & Coverstitch: Fashion Details. Many of us have sergers or coverstitch machines that we enjoy using for finishing and hemming our garments. But those utility machines can do so much more. You can make couture-worthy details using your workhorse machine – and in this new Craftsy course, Linda will show you how!

What is the one wardrobe staple that you should have hanging in your closet, right next to your little black dress? The little white t-shirt of course! Or might we suggest adding the little white eTee to your closet? Ever since Marlon Brando donned a fitted white t-shirt in The Wild One, this unassuming garment has become a mainstay in both men and women's wardrobes. As the heat of the summer kicks in, nothing feels or looks cooler than a simple tee paired with a flowing skirt or cropped jeans. This is why the eTee is our featured pattern kit for July. 

Welcome back to the Zayn Sew-Along! I hope you are all ready for today, we are sewing our sides together and hemming the bottom edge! Get ready to sew...

We love the look of our Florence Shirt. It combines all the classic elements of a button-down shirt with unexpected twists like a draped front tuck and a back band with button details. Though not hard to make, a garment pattern this detailed does take some time. And sometimes, you just want to knock out a new project. Something simple that you can cut, sew and wear in just a day. With that in mind, Erin came up with a variation on the Florence. It has the same great look, but made from a knit and it goes together in no time!

Welcome back to the Zayn Sew-Along! Today we will be finishing the side and bottom of the drape and making mitered corners. That may sound intimidating to some of you newer sewists, but once you get the hang of it, it is pretty simple. Let's get sewing...

​We are happy to announce that the digital version of the Memphis pattern is now available. No more waiting for shipping, now you can buy it and start sewing right away! Find the digital Memphis pattern here, or if you prefer, you can get the paper pattern here. If you need some fabric inspiration for the Memphis read on – we have some fabulous new solid and print knits that are just perfect for this dress. 

​Are you ready for the next phase of the Zayn Sew-Along? Remember, you can join any time – these posts won't be taken down, so even if you are just following along now, you can sew when it is over. Also, have you joined our Sew-Along Facebook Group? It is a great place to meet new online sewing friends and get help when you need it. And we would love to see photos of your Zayn progress, so don't be shy, post them on the group!

​Are you ready to start sewing your Zayn top? Hopefully you have already downloaded and assembled the pattern, and cut out the fabric. Now we are ready to breeze through steps 1-5 of the pattern! A few notes: I will be making the Zayn in both a woven and a knit version. Most of the instructions are applicable for both substrates so the bulk of my images will be using woven material. However, if there is a step that is knit-only or woven-only then I will show images of the knit. Look for Woven or Knit in front of specific instructions. Also, don't forget to join us on our Sew-Along Facebook Group. It is a great place to share your project, ask questions and keep up with what everyone else is working on. 

Surprise, it's a three-day fabric sale! From now until Wednesday the 21st you can take 40% off selected fabrics. Simply enter the coupon code above at checkout. We have stocked our "sale" section full of beauties – everything from summer knits for now to gorgeous wools for winter sewing. Need some inspiration? Check out the combinations of all SALE fabrics below and go get yourself a deal! Note, discount will be applied at checkout after using the code. 

​Welcome back to the Zayn Sew-Along! The last time we met I told you how to assemble your digital pattern. Now we need to talk about preparing your fabric, cutting out the pattern and marking. Now, for many this is the most dreaded part of any project. I must admit, it's not my favorite part but it can make or break a project. A well cut out pattern is key to a successful garment. 

Welcome to our first ever Sewing Workshop Sew-Along – I'm so excited to sew with you! Through the next few weeks I'll be sharing our favorite tips and tricks for making both the woven and knit versions of our Zayn Shirt. Before we can start sewing, however, we need to make the actual pattern. For those of you who have never used a digital pattern before, read along for instructions on how to use a download pattern. 

We are so excited to announce that we are going to host our very first sew-along, featuring our new Zayn pattern! We hope you join us on our sewing journey as we work our way through this fun shirt - making both the woven and the knit versions. Over the next few weeks we will explore the pattern instructions step-by-step, and I will share with you our favorite tips and techniques. 

We've had a number of requests for the Chateau Coat to be made available as a digital pattern. Your wish is our command! We are happy to announce that the download version of the Chateau Coat pattern is now available. Why wait to sew? Now, all you have to do is purchase, print and you are ready to go! Get the Chateau Coat Download Pattern here, or, if you prefer, the paper pattern is available here. 

Last weekend Linda traveled to Mulberry Silks to teach a workshop. Mulberry Silks & Fine Fabrics is an independent fabric store and sewing studio in North Carolina. This beautiful store, which is located in an old mill in downtown Carrboro, has been in business for 35 years, which is certainly a milestone in this day and age. Linda spent two days there working with sewists on fitting and wardrobe inspiration, and came back with inspiration of her own. We love seeing how our customers make our patterns, it always gives us a fresh perspective on our designs. We want to share with you some of the gorgeous garments Linda saw during the workshop, in hopes that it will inspire you as well!

​Have you seen Linda's newest article for this month's issue of Threads Magazine? The article is entitled "Get Graphic with Bias Tape" and features our Graphic Outline Zona project, as well as a fun version of the Liberty Shirt. In the article, Linda shares techniques for working with bias, including making the bias tape, outlining a pocket, and making a mitered corner. She also walks you through using bias to enhance a seam detail in a garment, which she shows to great effect on the Liberty shirt.

Linda travels all over the world helping sewists better understand the art of sewing and fit. Our favorite hobby only becomes more enjoyable the more knowledge and education we absorb. This allows us to get over those sewing hurdles that always seem to pop up. Unfortunately, Linda can't be everywhere all the time. This leaves a lot of people unable to take her classes and workshops, or so they think! Did you know that Linda has nine classes on Craftsy? Yes, you can take nine different "one-on-one" classes with Linda, getting all of her best tips and tricks from the comfort of your own home. 

Alex took the new Memphis Dress pattern to the next level, making it her very own. Be inspired and get this look today.

The thing about the Boulder Duffle is that it is one of those perfect sizes. Going to the gym? Grab the Boulder. Going away for the weekend? Take your Boulder. Heading for the pool this summer? Pack all those towels and sunscreen bottles in the Boulder (and snacks, don't forget the snacks!).  This bag will take you right through the summer and squarely into the fall. In fact, you might never want to give it up. 

​A good raincoat can go a long way to brightening a gloomy day. It has been raining cats and dogs here all month, but that doesn't bother me! I just gear up in my Soho raincoat and head out to weather the storm. We know we aren't the only ones getting drenched this month, and that is why the Soho is our featured pattern for April.

Alex spent some time in Eureka Springs, Arkansas for our Sewing Workshop retreat this past week where she whipped up a great version of the Alex Top. Be inspired and get this look today. 

You may have noticed that our last few patterns have been named after some of our favorite cities – San Diego, Madrid and Barcelona. Well, today we want to introduce you to the Memphis Dress. And, like it's namesake city, the dress is cool, comfortable and just a bit quirky. 

Here it is, the one you've been waiting for...The Zayn Shirt. This split personality top is perfect for those who want to be classic and modern, all in the same garment. The short sleeve garment drapes from its flattering high, curved neckline and plunges into a gorgeous drape on the left side. And, this is a garment you don't have to take sides on  – it is suited for both wovens and knits!

Recently, while watching the utterly magnificent Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2017 Couture show (which you can see here, and which I highly recommend watching), I realized something – the models were wearing our West End Pants! Well, the Dior version anyway. Later that same day I received an email from Anthropologie and their models were also wearing our West End style. It was official: wide-leg cropped pants are the pant for this spring. Luckily, I have just the pattern to make them. 

Briana sent over one of her recent projects and we. love. it. and think you will, too. Be inspired and get this look today. 

The San Diego pattern has a very unique way of making the facing and collar. The process isn't difficult but requires precise stitching to get a clean, sharp look. We have made a lot of San Diego samples and have found, through trial and error, several tricks for more accurate stitching. To help you make your best San Diego, we have put together a little tutorial on sewing the neckline, complete with tips that we have found make the process easier. Enjoy!

We are so appreciative of the amazing reception you have given the Chateau Coat since its release earlier this week! One of the things we like most about the Chateau is how adaptable it is – you can make it in many different fabrications, which give the same garment so many looks. Inspired by the Chateau's versatility, we have designed a number of kits to coordinate with the coat. From a tech fabric to a classic wool, there is an option for everyone!

Simple and elegant. A dash of Audrey Hepburn with a sprinkle of Jackie O. – that is the Chateau Coat. Whether you make it in a bold Missoni knit or classic black Scuba, this is the jacket that people will stop you on the street to ask about. "Where did you get that fabulous coat?" The answer? "Well, I made it of course!"

​It's here! The first Sew Confident! tutorial of 2017, the San Diego Bomber. If you haven't used our Sew Confident! tutorials before, they are our monthly digital tutorials that can be subscribed to by the year, or bought individually as they are released (a first for 2017!). This year our theme is Variations With Verve and each month we will be sharing techniques for customizing patterns for your unique style, To kick off the year, Erin demonstrates how she transformed our San Diego pattern into this on-trend bomber jacket. 

Do you ever feel like you just want to get away for a few days to focus on your sewing and make a pattern plan? Well, that is just what we do every year in Eureka Springs, Arkansas – and, of course, you can join us. So pick up that sewing machine and pack your bags, let's get sewing!

​The Ivy top is made for mixing and matching fabrics. With so many great knit prints out there, why not play with colors and prints to create a unique design? We used our new knit line from Girl Charlee to create this fabulous floral top  – and like it so much we decided to offer it as a kit!

Alex here, joining the blog-o-sphere today presenting the ever-popular hashtag #2017MakeNine. Have you seen this hashtag floating around? It's considered the maker version of the 'Best Nine' tagline where you choose your top nine Instagram posts for the year. The idea is simple really: you choose nine projects or patterns you'd like to sew during the year. Seems simple enough, right? Now the hope is that these aren't the only projects you do during the year, but it's more of a guideline to build from. 

This February Linda will be appearing as a guest instructor at Sewcial in Novi, Michigan. She will be teaching techniques for making our best-selling Tremont jacket pattern. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to learn from the master! 

It seems like everyone in the sewing world is talking about scuba - and I don't mean the kind with the snorkel. Scuba fabric, a stretchy double knit that is similar to a ponte, has been making its way onto runways for years and now fashion sewers are starting to experiment with this fun fabric.

A new year is right around the corner and the world is busy making resolutions. What will my resolution be? Well, I'm giving up all those fanciful notions of learning a new language or going to the gym everyday. Instead, my resolutions will all revolve around my favorite thing — sewing! This year I will finish all those UFOs, I will clean out my fabric stash and I will take the time to learn how to perfect my sewing skills, specifically those that involve altering or personalizing patterns. Luckily, everyone at The Sewing Workshop is feeling the same way, and we have developed our Sew Confident! 2017 program around that very idea, which we are calling Variations with Verve!

Sequins. It's the perfect festive addition to your wardrobe and we've got the perfect pairing for you!

Have you seen a version of a beautiful oversized red jacket flying around the inter-webs? Well, according to Melissa Greene and friends, it's all over the place and she just had to make a version of it, and, well . . . we love it.

Carol Scott attended Sew Kansas this summer and wore a really cute variation of the eTee that resulted from her running out of fabric! We asked her to share her process.

You may have noticed some new names popping up on threadWEAR 301 and our Facebook page. Join us in welcoming Alex and Betsy to the team!

​This is the perfect look to transition from summer to fall weather. I'm starting to layer, but still want lightweight options. This has quickly become one of my favorite ensembles!

​We get a lot of questions regarding the finished garment measurements for the Liberty Shirt. Here is the chart for easy reference.

Here's a take on a pieced variation of the staple pattern, the Eureka Top.

The fashion world was saddened when legendary designer Sonia Rykiel passed away this week. Rykiel, who unknowingly got her start as a designer when she started sewing maternity clothing for herself, was known as The Queen of Knits for her fashion-forward work with knit design. As I thumbed through Pinterest, looking at Rykiel designs, I noticed that she not only loved knits, but also loved a knit stripe (though, who doesn't?). In honor of this great designer, I've put together a few Sonia Rykiel inspiration boards, pairing our knit stripes with her design inspiration. 

I love the look of long vests and sleeveless blazers. Our Mimosa Top has a lovely shape and crossover neckline that gives it that perfect structured look. 

Our customer Nancy Means has used the Tremont Jacket pattern to make some fantastic vests. She is our guest blogger for this post. Whether you like sleeveless for summer, or layering vests for the cooler months ahead, we think you'll like these ideas.

In the December 16, 2015 blog post called French Terry Topper, I described the process of lengthening the Chicago Jacket to make a longer version in French terry. The coat looks and feels great, but I noticed after it was made that it wants to fly open at the bottom a bit, even when just hanging on a hanger.

At our latest Sew Kansas workshop, Jan selected this stunning Japanese print cotton to make a Liberty Shirt.

​Here's a different take on Leopard Print! 

Another week, another great workshop!

Round One of Sew Kansas July is just wrapping up. I think everyone had a good time!

I love crinkled fabrics. Not only are they interesting, but they hide a lot of things that you don't want to show, including your stitches!

​Have you seen the Barcelona Top? Our brand new pattern is perfect for summer with one easy modification - shorten the sleeves. See how easy it is to make your Barcelona comfortable for the heat wave! 

Enjoy celebrating the 4th of July this weekend! 

Martha Myers is a wonderful customer and Sew Kansas participant. She writes about many of her projects on her own blog. She made this amazing variation of a Peony Vest so we asked her to share the story as our guest blogger for this post. Enjoy and prepare to be inspired!

Pants silhouettes are ever-changing, but one constant in the last few seasons is that pants tend to have interesting shapes and details on the lower portion of the legs.

​If you've had your eyes on the Sew Confident! tutorial called Denim Chicago Jacket, you'll be happy to see we are offering kits with all you need to make your own pieced Chicago Jacket!

This Japanese print caught my eye as soon as it came in - the graphic black and white pattern, the little pops of metallic gold and especially the play on scale of the triangles. I knew it would be perfect for a Florence Shirt.

​Some of you have been anxiously awaiting this month's Sew Confident! tutorial. It's finally here!

Our Knit Woven Combo Eureka Top tutorial and kits were a hit! We sold out of the first kits and have decided to offer six more fantastic combinations. 

Our 2016 Sew Arkansas retreat is happening now in beautiful Eureka Springs. These three ladies are wearing unique versions of the Peony Vest. Read the full post to enjoy more pictures from the event.

For the last few seasons, I have been noticing ready-to-wear garments made using both woven fabrics and knits. The idea is appealing, but I have often wondered if marrying these two types of fabrics is difficult to sew. So I decided to find out.

​Kathy is busy testing our next pattern using this Japanese Double Gauze. It's going to be a fantastic look, but we can't ruin the surprise! In the meantime, here is some inspiration from around the shop. We all have spring (tops) on our minds!

Every time I fly to Chicago, I always make time to walk through Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue to see the Eskandar line of clothing.The pieces are simple. The designer basically turns out the same designs every season and simply changes up the fabrications and perhaps a length or two.

I've known Ellen March, editor of Sew News magazine, for a long time. I wrote articles for her and even fielded questions in the Q&A department for years. When she called me and asked if I would be a guest on her Sew It All TV show, I couldn't resist an opportunity to work with her in another format — on camera!

So, I had this brilliant idea for a stretch denim top that ended up looking awful...

In our latest installment of Sew Confident! 2016, guest artist Barbara Williams makes upcycling TRULY upscale.

We are excited to launch our new pattern, the Fillmore Duster! 

The last day of #SewStitchExpo2016 in Puyallup! 

Day 3 of #SewStitchExpo2016 in Puyallup! 

Day 2 of #SewStitchExpo2016 in Puyallup!

Even if you can't make it to #SewStitchExpo2016 this year in Puyallup, you can enjoy seeing some of the fashion!

The inspiration for this jacket came from an OSKA advertisement. It was a yellow felled-wool jacket that had all the "bones" of our Zona Jacket. I love to create garments with boucle nylon and wool fabric using lapped seams and raw edge techniques.

I love fabrics with sequins, but I don't have tons of opportunities to dress up and wear them for evening. So the idea of pairing a stretch sequin knit fabric with denim to wear to work or a casual event seemed like a natural for me.