threadWEAR 301

Once a month, a group of like-minded women get together to share their artistic works and listen to a program. The June program was all about the Alabama Chanin experience, and many examples of incredible work, a la Chanin, were shown.

Barbara was wearing a Pearl Jacket that she had made in Alabama Chanin's black organic knit, and she had stitched it all by hand with the seams on the outside. I loved it!

I came home and decided to literally copy her, but I got a little sidetracked and decided to use her technique to make a Pearl Vest (the jacket without the sleeves, as simple as that).

So here's the deal. I love sports of all kinds and the NBA playoffs are going on, so I want to watch every game that I can. That requires being in the TV room rather than my sewing room. But who can just sit and watch TV without a little something else going on? Hand stitching a Pearl Vest was the answer. My favorite team, the Oklahoma Thunder, won their game 7 of the series just as I put the last stitch on this vest.

I used two layers of organic knit, Dark Grey over Gold. I cut out the grey pieces first, then placed them on top of the gold yardage, using the grey pieces as the patterns to cut out the gold sections. After smoothing the two cut pieces together, I hand basted the pieces together along the 5/8" seam allowances using Silk Basting Thread. (Game 1)

We're still recovering from our trip out west to the Sewing & Stitchery Expo in Puyallup, WA. We always look forward to our annual trip every year. It's great to see familiar faces, customers and vendors alike. Every year we try to plan our wardrobe, filtering inspirations that we've been collecting into a final garment. Kathy did an amazing job of that this year! Her look was very cohesive, fun, creative and extremely wearable. Take a look!

I lengthened this one 3″ and used two colors of the Alabama Chanin organic cotton jersey in white and natural. Plus I used the embroidery floss to hand stitch some parallel lines of diagonal running stitch embellishment along the lower right front.

Do you save your fabric scraps like I do and wonder why? Here's an idea for how to use all of those small pieces of random knits. Make an endless loop scarf.

Army jacket on the runway.

Military influences in fashion come and go. 2010 was a big year for designers to include olive green and khaki in their palettes. But according to Erin, who keeps us young around here, the fashionable army jacket is back.

Stella Top in silk crepe

According to the Pantone Color Institute, we are going to be craving a flowery pinky-purple color in the coming year. After tavelling the world analyzing everything from cultural influences to fashion runways, Pantone announced Radiant Orchid as the Color of the Year. Add a vase or towels as your interior accents, and think about wearing this joyful and energetic color.

In 2005, wraps and capes were all the rage, so we re-invented the Cocoon Coat (basically scaled it down), and introduced it into our pattern collection as the Déjà Vu Wrap. We made it in everything from wool crepe to silk organza – all woven fabrics.

It’s almost 9 years later, and the wrap is back. The Déjà Vu came to mind again. But this time, I could visualize it in a knit. Nine years ago, I really wasn’t making much in knits. That has all changed, and I am constantly experimenting with some of our older patterns re-programmed as knitwear.

So I made this Déjà Vu in a soft, lightweight sweater knit, knowing that the stripes would really highlight the unique design of this pattern. This is one of the more unusual patterns that we have in the line. It is essentially one very long rectangle, but after it is folded, origami style, in a few places, you end up with a cape-like wrap with one vertical armhole and one horizontal armhole, plus a deep pleat in the back that adds fullness and style.

Because I used a knit, I could edit the pattern some, eliminating the need for faced edges and hems. I also deleted the pockets. After taking about 30 minutes to cut it out one afternoon, I sewed it together in an evening, just in time for the fall winds and crisp temperatures to descend upon us here in Kansas.

I know you will really have fun making this garment, either for yourself or as a gift this season. We don’t have many patterns left, so don’t dally, order it now.

The various plaids appear to be collaged onto the fabric with softened and zigzag edges, all of which are carefuly blended over 40's-style glamour portraits.

While I can imagine making a skirt from the eDress download pattern, my guess is that I will make a Eureka Top to wear under an Onde Jacket.

Check these two knits out. 5-813-5 has some purples and rose tones. 5-813-6 has more yellow plus many earth tones.

5-813-5 Detail

5-813-6 Portrait Printed Knit - Earth

Peny Vest using Organic Cotton Jersey, beading and hand stitching.

Kathy's many versions of the Verona Coat.

Magenta, mulberry, burgundy, plum, cranberry - whatever the season's color flavor is called, this color category is always in fashion, one way or another. 

Shirtings are a most for a breezy, cool spring.

We have just added 21 fabulous new knits, most of them from France.

I love the West End Pants anyway because they are so cool and comfortable and chic, too. Shortening them if just a matter of deciding how to make them and cutting them off at the bottom. It's that easy!

Here are my two summer favorites.

I used green linen to make the shorts.

But if I have time, I'll be using cobalt blue linen,

EB14983 coral cotton and lycra

I love the Eureka vest and have made it out of wool, raw silk and lightweight linen. But I wanted to make one that had a "skirt" or underlay so that I could use two coordinating pieces of linen—a plaid and a stripe—that I'd gotten from Cy Rudnick's years ago. (Sorry but the store closed years ago.)

Linen Gauze is our favorite go-to fabric right now! We've created everything from tops to jackets. My favorite? The Eureka Top in Aquamarine Linen Gauze. The perfect design for July in Kansas.

On a recent trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Melissa Greene showed me two linen vests that she had made using both the Liberty Shirt and the Tosca Dress patterns as starting points. I was so intrigued, that I just knew that I had to make some summer vests incorporating that concept.

Scarves are definitely an accessory trend that isn't going away. A scarf can update and perk up any outfit! When wearing an ordinary tee and jeans, add a scarf and you instantly look polished.

After moving on from making pieced infintiy scarves, I decided to try a NO-SEW option. Perfect for a lazy night craft. Only one problem, once you start making them, you can't stop.

Tame tricky-to-sew fashion knits with me, Linda Lee, in my new online Craftsy class, Sewing Fashion Knits: Beyond the Basics. Join me in the classroom, and be well on your way to confidently sewing fashion knits into designer looks.

Icon Vest in Jacquard

Left: Bells Shirt in Mixed Cotton Prints

  Top: Pearl Jacket in Linen Gauze

Middle:Pearl Jacket in Cotton Plaid

Bottom: Pearl Jacket in Stripe Knit

I love this time of year! December is in full swing with holiday parties, sparkling decorations, delicious winter treats and time with family & friends.  What do you think I look forward to most about these holiday festivities?

Sequins! Lace! Shimmer!

I'm not typically that fancy but there's something about sequins that brighten a cold winter day.

Something must have gotten into Linda and Kathy as well. Most of our Eureka Tops are perfect for special occasions!

If you're perusing the newstand this weekend, check out the latest Sew News magazine. All your ePattern questions are answered in Linda Lee's newest article All About e-Patterns.

We love the simplicity of our ePatterns! We can't get enough of the eShrug, eVest, eSkirt and eDress.

Welcome to Sew Confident! Class in a Flash 2014

EASY ACCESS - ALL THE TIME!

• "How to Measure" PDF - Measurement Chart, Ease Charts and a How to Measure Guide

As the year goes on, a new tutorial will be added each month! Enjoy!

Click the links below to download your tutorials...

Welcome to Sew Confident! Class in a Flash 2013

EASY ACCESS - ALL THE TIME!

• "How to Measure" PDF - Measurement Chart, Ease Charts and a How to Measure Guide

As the year goes on, a new tutorial will be added each month! Enjoy!

Click the links below to download your tutorials...

Sometimes the best garments are simple, easy to wear and comfortable. Clothing that will take you to work and to the park on the weekends.

Introducing the Eureka Top & Skirt. A pattern all about simplicity with a few creative details.

Here's a look into Kathy's way of wearing the Eureka.

"Pieced Eureka Top: I saw a short boxy sweatshirt in one of the fashion magazines that was pieced in several different fabrics.  I found several knits on our shelves and gave the piecing a try.   The skirt is a black knit. (Also shown with the Verona Jacket)

For years I have worn basic colors of black, brown and charcoal on the bottom in pants and skirts. I have a closet full of them. But a new concept has been introduced this fall season. Reverse the color emphasis and wear your signature color on the bottom and keep the tops neutral.

Finding your signature color is actually pretty easy. While is a nice idea to "get your colors done", I am more inclined to listen to my own instincts and pay attention to what I am drawn to and to listen to what people say to me. If someone says, "You look tired.", then I definitely have on the wrong color. But if I hear, "Have you just returned from vacation? You look so rested.", then I know I am wearing "my" color.

My favorite color is a greyed yellow green that seems not to have a name but is something like a mustard olive (thanks to the paint company, Benjamin Moore). So I worked with the lovely new Ponte Knits that have arrived in our warehouse/studio this fall and made the Quincy Top in a dark charcoal and used my favorite color to make the Quincy Pants.

I know that I can't wear a blue pink/purple/magenta, but I love the color. So thanks to the fashion pros, I have permission to wear this zany color on my feet. And I love it!

Nora, one of our wonderful customers had an Ann's Cardigan class in a friends home recently.  She's here with a little Guest Blog Post about her fun evening!
"Start with friends.  Add some great food.  Stir in beautiful fabrics and a stylish pattern.  Top with a large portion of fun.  The result-----a day of creativity with a new garment to wear home!

This class was in a friend's home.  We met two weeks before our scheduled class date to discuss supplies and techniques.  Then we had time to prepare and organize. What fun we had working together!

Next------the Soho Coat!"

Thanks Nora! We look forward to your Soho Coat installment.

Happy Sewing!

If you haven't noticed, we're a little obsessed with stripes around here. Knit stripes to be exact.  The evidence is all over our latest pattern download, the eDress (and don't forget the Skirt Variation).

We've decided to take the stripe trend a step further. 

First of all, we never shy away from horizontal stripes. Daring I know. This Skirt uses horizontal stripes in the skirt and bottom band.

When paired with a black Ann's Tank, the overall look is very slimming.

Using the same fabric, Kathy decided to change the look ever so slightly.  Notice the bottom band uses vertical stripes. Just that small change makes a huge difference. 

I am constantly searching for the best all-purpose travel bag. This satchel comes as close to perfection as any that I own. It is very large (22" wide, 20" high, 6" deep) with lots of large pockets on the interior (some with zippers), and sturdy upholstery-weight Ultrasuede handles and trim.

I used a very cool fabric from Calvin Klein, a coated linen LL752. I lined it with a natural striped linen, LINNOV1-004 and used 2 nifty silver zippers.

I am trying to decide if this is worthy of making into a pattern, so I would love to hear from you. Would you carry this?

Nine Times Out Of Ten I love a quick project. The Ann's Tank is a simple, one night sew. Start to finish.

Then again, there are nights when I'm in the mood to add a little more detail.  One easy way to do that is to start with a simple pattern like the Ann's Tank, one I know all too well, then add embellishment.

Even though it is summer here, I always like to have a collar on my knit shirts.  I was getting tired of my polos.  One of my favorite knit fabrics this summer was the little dot and line knit we have in three colors--black & cream, bronze & black and red & orange.  This viscose knit has stretch on the crosswise, but not very much on the lengthwise so it does have a certain stability, wonderful drape and washes great.

  

Each of the garments in our MixIt Pattern can be made with a knit or a woven.  This is the MixIt Top.  I did not make any changes to the pattern or alter any detail because of the knit.  I didn't even need to use a lightweight interfacing at the front keyhole or collar.

I now have a really comfortable and cool summer top with one of my favorite patterns.

Kathy

Techniques + Tutorials + Style = Sew Confident!

Sew Confident! Class in a Flash is an electronic educational program produced by Linda Lee that not only offers how-to tutorials relating to garment-making and The Sewing Workshop Pattern Collection, but gives you processes and ideas that enhance our collection with pattern variation suggestions, fitting solutions, wardrobe ideas, and signature sewing techniques.

The tutorials are presented in a step-by-step format rather than as a continuous video. By stopping the action at the point of interest, you will be able to work at your own pace and successfully recreate the technique that will give you the right results. Linda Lee shows you how to create more than you ever thought you could. Do even more when you buy the patterns, too.

Find out more quickly: Watch Preview, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Download Help

Take a class on your time, any time!

After a week in recovery mode, I think the dust has settled from our exciting trip to Puyallup, WA for the 2012 Sewing & Stitchery Expo! 

In the past three days of the Sewing & Stitchery Expo we've talked to so many talented sewists.  We love seeing friendly faces & new - all happy to show off their creations.  Here's what we saw.

The 2012 Sewing & Stitchery Expo in Puyallup, WA starts now......... The sew expo is always filled with talented people & creative garments, set in the beautiful Northwest. Here's a little peak into our first few days at the expo.......

Who says you have to stop wearing scarves as the temperature rises?  Scarves are a great way to transition into spring.  Create a wooly scarf to wear now or use spring colors & fabrics for the coming spring!

Nothing says winter like a rich, classic Infinity Scarf. 

Create your very own using our luxurious Organic Fleece-Natural. This beautiful fleece comes in a 28" tube, which makes creating your Infinity Scarf really easy!

Supplies:

Tube: 1/3 Yard Organic Fleece-Natural
Knit Strips: 1/4 Yard Lightweight Viscose Knit (comes in 18 colors)
Fusi-Web or Iron-on Tape
Thread (2 colors: Scarf Fabric & Stripe Fabric)

To create your own Striped Scarf download this quick tutorial.

We've had a such mild winter here in Kansas.  All my sweaters were still packed away in the attic-until this week!

The temperature is finally starting to drop, so cozy up with a winter Ann's Cardigan.

We love our new pattern, the Ann's Cardigan & apparently so do you!  We just completed our first Winter Sweater Workshop using the Ann's Cardigan. Since this workshop was such a great success we've decided to offer another one in May to create a Spring Cardigan!

For a complete listing of our events, view our Events Calendar.

The Ann's Cardigan class was very inspirational!  We had a full house with 14 participants, each with a complete cardigan by the end of the day.  Sewing the Ann's Cardigan is quite relaxing with an ultra flattering end result.

What a good looking group! I love how each person (well, almost each person-the Caramel & Brown Floral Wool Knit was quite popular) created a different look using the same pattern.  Such versatility in one style!

Linda (left): Animal Print Wool Knit Ann's Cardigan

Kathy (right): Black & Grey Striped Knit Ann's Cardigan

Click through for more images.....Read More

Just when we thought activities would wind down around here for the holidays, we get an unexpected surprise!  Fabrics are just pouring in this week!  So we're starting off with the most unique first, textured jacquard weaves from France.  Here's a little more detail from Linda herself......

We just received some very unusual jacquard weave fabrics from France. The textured weaves are quite detailed and the colors are so rich. I can't wait to make a simple shirt like the Zen Shirt, the Liberty Shirt or a MixIt Shirt to wear as a jacket. Or the Tosca Dress always works well in purple jacquard. All of them are washable and won't wrinkle.  Very limited yardages available.

Here's a few similar styles just to give you an idea.....

Then let your imagination run wild!

Is it possible to stay warm and stylish? We like to think so, especially when you add a touch of glamour with fur, wool & accessories.

The HOLIDAY SEASON is here! START the SEASON with a little GLITZ & GLAMOUR!

Create & give handmade this season!

Handmade gifts for the holidays! The eShrug is quick & easy with a versatile fit. Make in a shimmery knit, vivid red viscose or a black & white lace knit. The options are endless.

Left: Charcoal Glisten Knit Lengthened eShrug, Sequin Tank (pattern coming soon!), Black Hudson Pants

Right: Lace Knit eShrug, Lace Knit Trio T-Shirt, Black 8th Avenue Skirt

Left: Red Knit Lengthened eShrug, Gold Lame Trio T-Shirt, Gold Silk Ikina Pants

More Holiday Glamour-Don't forget to Read More

We've really been happy with the ePattern trend.  With our free time becoming more limited, it's nice to whip out a quick garment in 1 evening or over the weekend. Download the pattern, paste together, cut-out, sew & wear!

We started with the eShrug which is a great beginning project. Leave the edges raw with a rolled knit hem-perfect 1 night project. If you prefer a more finished look, hem the front & bottom edges. You could even try it in a woven. The options are endless.

Left: Magenta Knit Trio T-Shirt, Stretch Lace Print eShrug, Hudson Pants

Right: Grey Knit eShrug (similar here), LetterKnit Alex Top

More eStyling after the jump......

A great new pattern to style-Stella & Luna Tops! Great pattern with two styles, two great silhouettes. A pattern for everyone!

LINDA

I love the Stella in a knit!  This elegant green lace knit simplifies the cowl shape and softens the fitted silhouette.

The Luna Top is normally my preference.  The boxy shape & short sleeve was great for summer.  But add a knit long sleeve tee underneath & I can transition easily into fall. And of course, the PLAID! I can't get enough of plaids.  This great Cotton Plaid - Pink & Grey also comes in Grey & Lime and Grey & Aqua.

 
Left: Green Lace Knit Stella Top, Chocolate Brown Corduroy eSkirt
Right: Pink & Grey Cotton Plaid Luna Top, Grey Textured Linen Trio Pants

More Stella & Luna styling after the jump.....

We can't get enough of these fun sweater knits! And of course, each one in our color of choice: citrus green.

Erin (left): Missoni Sweater Knit eVest

This eVest was bound using Sea Blue & Grey Blue Stripe Knit along the center front & armholes.

Linda (right): Pear Crochet Sweater Knit eVest, Grey Rayon Trio T-Shirt, Grey Pinstripe Trio Pants

This eVest was bound with Floral Knit Print - Pink/Green along the lower hems & armholes.

Sweater vests, cardigans, wraps and shrugs are so popular right now. Get your hands on these great fabrics before their gone!

We were jam packed in our Kansas Avenue studio with 14 lovely garment sewing teachers to Kick-Off Teacher Training for Sew Confident! (see more info here)

Whenver we have a Sewing Retreat or Teacher Training Workshop, our patterns are on display. It's like a fashion show.

Favorite pattern of the day? Tosca Dress

More pictures-Read More.....

Trends will come and go whether you're in favor of them or not.  This fall, there's one trend that seems to be hanging on from spring fashion: COLORBLOCKING.  Why change what seems to be working, right?  The colorblocking trend is fun, bright & cheerful.  You can keep it safe by wearing colors that make you feel comfortable, then take it up a notch. It's a chance to be a little wild in color, but keep the silhouette that flatters your body most.

Try Colorblocking out this fall with our Labor Day Weekend Viscose Sale! All solid color viscose knits are on sale!

Sale ends Sunday! Happy Shopping!

I had a great time yesterday sewing with my friends in the most fabulous sewing space on the Kansas prairie near Hutchinson, Kansas. Karna Lackey, the owner of the most fabulus studio at the end of a dirt road, and Bebe Bass hosted the event for nine ladies. We fit patterns, made Quincy Tops, and ate real food. We all need more days like this one.

Quincy Tops in the making.

Karen and I pretending to be really interested in those scissors.

Karna in front of her personal sewing "barn" that she lets us invade.

This is the fabric that most of the ladies used. Check out

SEWcation-A Sewing Vacation! Get it? Yes, it's late on a Friday afternoon. Humor me.

A weekend in the Northwest: hike, bike, cook & sew. That sounds like my kinda vacation. 

I love this story.  A group of moms & their teenage daughters take a vacation together to be creative.  Along with hiking, biking & cooking, they sew.  The sewing enthusiast amongst the group teaches them a simple sewing project.  This year we're so proud that they decided to make the eShrug!

Don't they look fabulous?

It's wonderful to see a group of women, of all ages, wearing the same garment.

SALE HAS NOW ENDED! Thank you all for your orders!

First sale of it's kind! Buy Fabric, receive up to 2 Free Patterns! You can't resist can you?

Fabric Incentive Details

Buy $50 worth of Fabric, receive the Tamari Apron Pattern Free

Buy $100 worth of Fabric, receive the Daily News Bag Pattern Free

Have you seen the latest Theads magazine? 

Bells Shirt using the Bells and Whistles Shirt pattern.

Whistles Shirt without the "whistles" with added side panels and diagonal inserts.

Kwik Sew pattern with reversed stripe bottom band, contrasting cuffs and collar stand piecing.

Get the latest issue, September 2011 here.

The weather is toasty warm! This calls for light, airy fabrics in vivid pinks, greens and blues.  Or if light, pale hues are more your style, stick to soft pastels or "faded" vintage plaids. 

Here's how Linda stays cool in the Kansas humidity.

White Linen pants are a must! Top them off with a sheer button-down shirt or a short sleeve vest. I'm loving pink this summer! Can't get enough of it!

We received such positive feedback with the How Do You Wear the Tosca Dress, we decided to do it again with our latest love, Quincy Top & Pants.

Enjoy!

Linda, Kathy & Erin each have their own unique style. We decided put together a few looks to introduce our latest pattern, the Quincy Top & Pants. Three different people, wearing the same pattern in completely different ways. 

Read More for style tips from Linda, Kathy & Erin.......

Lightweight cotton & silk, quirky squirrel prints, funky florals and delicate embroidery details: sheer voile & gauze is perfect for summer!

For a limited time, get select Cotton Voiles for 20% off!

3 Days Only! Good through June 11, 2011.

Clean & Modern, Simple & Always Fabulous!

Simple button-down shirt: Whistles Shirt with French Dubuffet-style Cotton Print

Slimming, narrow-leg pants: Zigzag Pants in Wool & Lycra in Black

Other Black & White Favorites:

Kansas summers are normally hot, muggy & humid.  So I live in simple, lightweight tanks all summer long!  Here's a fun update on the MixIt Tank using a sheer pink gauze layered over a soft cotton knit.  Nothing says summer like the perfect white tank.

Certain garments just make you feel good! The Alex Top is one of those garments that's flattering on so many different people with it's shaped waistline & curved hemline. One problem, how to do wear it in the spring & summer?

Here's a great solution: sheer, stretch lace.  We're fallen in love with this type of fabric and we've acquired quite the selection.

I don't know about you, but collars can be tricky.  Everyone wants their garments to look crisp & clean, finished with a professional look.  My downfall, precise collars.

Linda Lee can make crisp collar points each and every time. Jealous? I know I'm green with envy.  Now you can follow these 5 easy steps to sew perfect collar points!

To download the full step-by-step tutorial, click here.

Now go, show off your amazing sewing skills!

One of the most interesting features of the Liberty Shirt is the beautiful hem finishing. Since the back is longer than the front, there are two corners that need attention in a special way. The bottom hem in the back is a 2 1/2” finished hem and the adjacent side vent hems are 1 3/8”. The instructions for mitering this corner condition is just one of the seven mitering techniques that Linda has written in her book, Mastering Miters.

Summer is all about feeling comfortable. How can I look put together and cool enough to brave the outdoor heat?

Answer? Keep it simple. Try a classic button-down, paired with simple, white pants. But don't forget about color, try vibrant pink or purple.

Pink & Orange Stripe Zen Shirt

A little spring inspiration to jump start April!

You can get inspiration from so many places; fashion, art, interior design, or nature.

Jil Sander Striped Dress

Photo Credit: Style.com

Linda & Kathy are headed to the expo.

Handwoven Trio Top

Hand-dyed Trio Top.

I love this Animal Print L2 Bag! Why make a bag that doesn't stand out in the crowd?

I'm telling you, the look of the Origami Skirt is coming back! First the inspiration from Fashion Week (see A little dream, a little fashion post) and now this beautiful Blue Velvet number. Great look for winter!

Erin wore a Purple Polka Dot Tosca Dress, belted with tall black boots.  Too add a little bit more, she wore it as a “jumper” with a Urban T-Shirt underneath.

Linda kept it simple wearing a Black Tosca Dress, leggings and her beautiful quilted ankle boots. Sadly, in all the hustle & bustle Linda's picture wasn't taken in full.  But here's a great group shot taken after a hard days work!

The customers seemed to really like seeing our new pattern on all 3 of us.  We made a statement!

Truthfully, I wouldn't have put this outfit together myself. I tend to shy away from a-line tops.  But the way the Alex Top & the eShrug work together, it's really quite slimming.  The Hudson Pants really pull the entire look together. Guess it pays off listening to Linda & Kathy. They really know their fashion!

Linda looked great Friday in her signature color, citrus green.  She put together an unexpected combination of the Whistles Shirt, eShrug & Hudson Pants. The outfit looks fabulous using simple colors & drapey fabric.

So what's in store for tomorrow? Have we got a surprise for you. One hint, "How do you wear it?" Check back in tomorrow for more outfits.

The perfect coat for this Northeast rainy weather, the Soho. I love the vibrant red with the black toggles. Great detail!

Color blocking is so in fashion lately.  And Marilynn always knows how to pull it off!  I think someone found her new “signature” color. That teal blue is dynamite in the Liberty Shirt!

We finally have a new dress pattern! And with all the Tosca Dress garments we keep seeing at the expo, it seems our customers were excited too!  I love it in this Grey Wool Knit. So flattering!

I think Karen likes the San Diego Jacket pattern (she was wearing 3 yesterday) Shown here as a vest in the most glorious crinkle fabric.  I think we need to go fabric shopping together.

Linda, Kathy & I have fun figuring out what we’re going to wear for each day of the expo.  It’s quite the process actually.  So each day I will post the “outfit of the day”.

Here’s what we came up with for Thursday.  I know I felt really comfortable yet stylish.  I think Linda & Kathy would agree, Thursday’s outfits were a success! What do you think?

Linda: eShrug in Black Pebble Knit (new pattern coming soon!)

Alex Top in Purple Print Knit

Zigzag Pants: Black Cotton Lycra Blend

The first day of the Sewing & Stitchery Expo is complete-and we had a blast! It’s always so fun to meet & be reintroduced to all of our loyal & inspiring customers. We love when customers come up to the booth wearing our patterns. Whether the patterns (and fabric too) were purchased in our booth last year, or many years before, it’s always fun to see how each individual creates the pattern for them. The fabric choices, the design elements, the details that really make the garment all about them!

Here are just a few great pictures that I captured today.

This Trio Top is fabulous! The blend of black & white cottons and linens is subtle, yet dramatic with the piecing in front, as well as on the back yoke.

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Long Verona Coat in leopard print would be divine. Pair with the Zigzag Pants.

Image via Refinery 29 Street Fashion

Since I would love to make every pattern a dress, I see a Now Shirt "Dress". This idea is in the works right now in a silk print. Can't wait to show off the results!

Image via Lucky Magazine "Lucky Right Now"

I had the wonderful opportunity of going to Wisconsin to film two television shows with sewing star, Nancy Zieman.

So many sweater knits, so little time!

Cardigan sweaters are so comfortable & easy to throw on.  Why not make multiple sweaters to get you through the season? Multiple, are you crazy? Well, with an easy pattern like the Nine Live Vest, making multiple cardigans is easy.

This is the best time of year to really get into your craft.  The cold weather just screams for creative nights at home, just me & my sewing machine.

Here's a peak at what I've been working on recently.

Liberty Shirt

We've had so much fun the past couple of days doing a photoshoot! We're like kids in a candy store. Playing dress up: putting on garments, mixing & matching, layering and adding accessories. What better way to spend an afternoon.

Linda, Kathy & Erin each have their own unique style. We decided put together a few looks to introduce our latest pattern, the Tosca Dress. Three different people, wearing the same pattern in completely different ways.

I love making my daughter something personal for Christmas. And this year's project is the Village Bag. There is so much room in this bag for books and other personal items for a college student to tote around, but it collapses into a manageable shoulder bag and is easy to carry. I made this one using a cotton velveteen print by Anna Maria Horner that I bought a Mulberry Silks in North Carolina, and then I went to Sarah's in Lawrence to find the right cotton prints for the lining. The Sewing Workshop has all sorts of colors of Ultrasuede - perfect for the handles. It only took me 3 1/2 hours to make this bag, and now I am off to make another one.

Need a last minute gift idea? The holiday season is quickly approaching. I have so many family & friends that deserve amazing gifts this season. I love having the talent to create gifts for my loved ones. It makes the gift giving season feel so special.

Here's a few gift ideas brought to you by The Sewing Workshop!

Every girl needs a new handbag. Why not create the Village or Daily News Bag using our new "Shades" fabric from Echino. This fabric comes in green or black with this amazing laminate coating. You can create a stylish bag that's also very practical.

October has been the month for sewing! We've been traveling here, there and everywhere teaching great sewing techniques. We've even hosted a few events here at our studio in Topeka, KS. It's so nice to meet and get reacquainted with all of our customers. The intimate setting is perfect for learning, creating and sewing.

If you haven't had a chance to visit us for one of our sewing retreats, we would love to see you soon! See where Linda will be next: Getaways and On the Road.

Sew Kansas, The Sewing Workshop Studio, Topeka, KS

New luxurious fabrics are coming in everyday, just in time for fall. The temperatures are dropping which makes me excited for lush & sophisticated jackets like the Verona Jacket. Try out this flattering jacket using Wool Damask Knit or Damask Print Velvet.

Where can you find The Sewing Workshop Patterns in your area?

Here is a listing, by state or country, of most retail stores that sell our patterns.

Not on here? Let us know and we will be glad to add the store.

Learn one-on-one with Linda through her in-depth Craftsy Classes!

You get an average of 2.5 hours of lessons in each class. Start, stop, rewind and review as often as you want.

She is now teaching 8 classes (click for more info):

1. The Ultimate Guide to Sewing Knit Fabrics
2. Sewing Luxury Fabrics: Pillows
3. Underneath It All: Guide to Interfacings, Linings & Facings
4. Sewing Fashion Knits
5. Sewing with Silks: Sewing the Liberty Shirt
6. Mastering Miters 
7. Sewing Notions Workshop
8. NEW! Fitting Solo: From Measurement to Muslin

Classes

Fitting Solo: From Measurement to Muslin

• Use this link to receive 50% off this course: http://www.craftsy.com/ext/LindaLee_5359_H

Sewing Notions Workshop

I also used the coordinating Porcella Fabric Trims kit to bind the top of the pocket and the bottom of the sleeves, plus I inserted a bit of flat piping into the collar seam. I used the bold and colorful plaid doupioni pieced with the black and white check to make my bindings. Just as Yvonne does in her award-winning quilts, the addition of the black and white gives everything a spark. I love using the Extra Fine Fusing Tape to "nail" down my bindings before stitching, especially when sewing two slippery fabrics together.

With serged seams and simple double-fold hems on the front and bottom edges, this jacket took no time at all to make, but the look is there. I get compliments everywhere I go - well, only when it's raining.

You can see lots of Yvonne Porcella garment renditions and techniques in my next webinar (Porcella's Portfolio) September 22. Go to Bernina USA for more details.
September 22: 10am, CDT
September 22: 6pm, CDT

~Linda Lee

It's funny how things evolve. I cut out some fabric to make an Ikina Jacket, intending to leave the side flanges off and the side seams open. I got to the side seam step, felt a little blocked on the engineering of it, so I put the whole project away.

A month later, I picked it up to finish and decided that it needed a little spark. So Kathy rummaged through our remnants and found some hand-dyed silk that had some bits of colorful silks fused to it in strips.

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for fall. Just one problem, the temperature outside is still reaching the upper 80's.

So I need a few garments that will transition into fall. It needs to be light enough to wear in the August heat. Once the temperature drops, it should easily work with a cardigan or jacket.

Have you ever browsed through your closet and found a hidden gem? We recently found a beautiful, red silk Ikina Jacket in our collection.

This Ikina Jacket has always been beautiful. It's mixed with 4 different vintage kimono pieces that blend together wonderfully. For one reason or another, this garment was rarely worn.

Linda just returned from the American Sewing Guild Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. What a great show! It's always so fun to see all of our customers wearing their Sewing Workshop garments. See some of the garments here.

The Trio was quite popular!

Do you know what I love about sewing? The endless possibilities! You can create multiple garments from just 1 pattern.

The Liberty Shirt is a perfect example. You can make the pattern the way it was intended, using a shirt-weight cotton.

But what fun would that be? Mix it up a little; try using a knit. But don't stop there-use 2 different knits; a solid and a vivid stripe.

Have you seen our new pattern yet? Well, why not??

Alex & Olive Tops Pattern

The heat is blazing outside. This afternoon, I believe it's going to top out at 98 degrees here in Kansas. Hooray for summer!

But when the sun is overwhelming outside, the AC is working in overdrive on the inside. This situation calls for a summer jacket. My go-to work appropriate jacket this summer? A sophisticated Verona Jacket. Make this new jacket in a classy, floral brocade and you will turn heads at the work place.

Whether your summer is cool, hot or somewhere in between, summer is on it's way. Get ready for the season with new fabrics from The Sewing Workshop!

The big sewing show in Puyallup, WA, Sewing & Stitchery Expo, is always a great place to see fabulous new products and what people are doing with them.

I just returned from a trip to Tulsa, OK where I set up a little trunk show to help celebrate the grand opening of Cloth Merchants.

ZEN WOOL FELTED JACKET
The Now and Zen shirt pattern (Zen Version) from The Sewing Workshop Pattern Collection was the inspiration for the white jacket on the cover of Threads magazine, March 2010, Issue 147. From there, the design morphed into something quite different.

To cut out some of the straight boxy shape of the shirt, I drew and then sliced a curved princess line in the pattern tissue from hem to front armhole and repeated that on the back. I shaved a little more shape into the waist on the tissue. Because of the size of the washed jersey piece, I also made a back seam and shaped that a little at the waist. Then added the necessary seam allowances to the split edges of the pattern tissue.

I rounded off the corners of the neck edge and lower front.

The Zen shirt pattern departs from the traditional right-over-left buttoning and buttons left over right. But I buttoned right over left for this jacket.

The ruffle came out very different than first planned. I set aside about 1/2 yard of wool jersey before washing to use as the thinner layer of the inside ruffle. I thought the selvedge edge of this yardage was a finer finish than most jerseys, so I used the selvage edges for both of the ruffle edges – both washed and unwashed layers. I cut the one strip of unwashed jersey 3 1/2” wide and one strip of washed jersey 3” wide – both on the selvage if possible.