Follow on BlogLovin

threadWEAR 301 Logo

threadWEAR 301

A weekend at Mulberry Silks

A weekend at Mulberry Silks

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!

Continue reading
2

Breton Stripe eTee Dress

Breton Stripe eTee Dress

Since being introduced by Coco Chanel in her 1917 Nautical Collection, the Breton striped shirt – originally designed as a French naval uniform – has held a firm place in fashion's favor. The jaunty stripe is casual yet chic and gives its wearer a splash of insta-cool. You can find the Breton in shirts, dresses, scarfs and sweaters. This ubiquitous stripe has found itself made into every garment under the sun, though it is most popular in a classic t-shirt. 

As the days are getting warmer, I've been thinking about easy summer clothes that take no time to make, but are stylish enough to wear for work or play. Inspired by some dresses I saw online, I decided to make myself a Breton stripe t-shirt dress. Luckily, I had our classic eTee pattern at hand...

Continue reading
0

Sew Confident – Cotton Sateen Zona Jacket

Sew Confident – Cotton Sateen Zona Jacket

​As a garment sewist, have you ever found yourself flipping through magazines, or walking through a retail store mentally constructing the garments you are seeing? I thought so. We do it, too. We see a shirt and think "I bet I could tweak the Florence Shirt pattern to make that top" or "That top is just like the Eureka Top pattern, if I made these changes". In fact, that is exactly what we did with this Sew Confident! Zona Jacket. We saw a designer jacket we loved and decided to make it using our own Zona Jacket pattern. 

Continue reading
0

Rain Rain Go Away - The Soho Raincoat

Rain Rain Go Away - The Soho Raincoat

​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.

Continue reading
0

Introducing The Memphis Dress!

Introducing The Memphis Dress!

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. 

Continue reading
0

Meet Zayn

Meet Zayn

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!

Continue reading
0

Spring Trends: Wide-Leg Cropped Pants

Spring Trends: Wide-Leg Cropped Pants

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. 

Continue reading
0

Memory Vest Project

Memory Vest Project

Years ago, my friend Susan asked me to accompany her to help select a mother-of-the-groom ensemble. We drove to Kansas City where she chose a vintage kimono fabric which was custom-made into a beautiful jacket.

She wore the jacket to her son's wedding and to other occasions as well. The custom house had used the wrong side of the kimono fabric for its striped effect, but these stripes had floating yarns which made the fabric more delicate. Eventually, the silk started to break down, fray and even shred in places. Susan didn't want to give up on the precious jacket so she asked us at The Sewing Workshop if we had any ideas about how to salvage the fabric.

Continue reading
1

Introducing: The Chateau Coat!

Introducing: The Chateau Coat!

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!"

Continue reading
0

Fashion Fabric Facts: Sewing with Scuba

Fashion Fabric Facts: Sewing with Scuba

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.

Continue reading
0

Sequin Skirt Inspiration

Sequin Skirt Inspiration

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


Continue reading
0

Give the Gift of Sewing

Give the Gift of Sewing




What to Give in 2016 We welcome the festive month of December with a curated list of some of our favorite gift-giving options! Your go-to gift this holiday season? Sew Confident!2016's program has been a year of  talented artists sharing their inspirations with us by creating unique and excellent garments. From Nancy Shriber to Karen Tornow to...

Continue reading
0

Sewing with Velvet

Sewing with Velvet

​Velvet is the ultimate luxury fabric. For many, the deep, rich qualities of velvet bring to mind everything from sumptuous royal gowns to memories of special occasion holiday dresses worn as a child. As this holiday season approaches – and the holiday party invitations start trickling in – I have found myself thinking of creating new velvet pieces for my wardrobe. But I don't want these garments to be worn just for special occasion, I want to be able to bask in the luxury of velvet after the party season ends. 

Erin is wearing our Stella top and Valencia pants. The dark purple velvet of the Stella top has a subtle print that makes the color even richer. The Stella top is a great choice for this fabric because it really shows off the drape of the velvet fabric. While the Stella on its own is a loose fitting garment, it isn't so blousy that you can't tuck it in. A trendy wide belt is the perfect accessory to pull the outfit together, while accentuating your waist line. 

Continue reading
0

January Sew Confident! The San Diego Bomber

January Sew Confident! The San Diego Bomber

​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. 

Continue reading
0

Introducing the San Diego!

Introducing the San Diego!

We are so excited about our new San Diego pattern. We love the flattering style -  this loose-fitting tunic has a faced overlapping front placket that extends into a deep front pleat, forward shoulders, angled hem and elbow-length sleeves with deep stitched hems. This tunic is perfect for wearing with a slim pant and boots, or it can also be made as a hip-length top which would look incredibly elegant with a wide-leg trouser. This pattern also has a great backstory. It is a modern interpretation of a jacket style that we released in 1999. Because we are approaching our 25th anniversary (!!) we wanted to look back at some of our classic patterns and modernize our favorites as we embark on the next 25 years of The Sewing Workshop! As a nod to our past we are including the original San Diego jacket pattern with our new San Diego top and tunic. I think you'll find that the jacket is as stylish today as it was then. A classic look!

Continue reading
0

The Sewing Workshop Celebrates 25 Years

The Sewing Workshop Celebrates 25 Years
In 1991, I purchased The Sewing Workshop sewing school in San Francisco. Little did I know that 25 years later, we would still be going strong.

It took the entire 25th year to realize we had actually been in business that long. So here it is, the end of our anniversary year, and I am in a reflective mood.

When I bought the school, I assumed that entity alone would survive and grow. I soon realized that we needed a product to sell in order to lure people to the west coast to take classes. Thus, the pattern collection was born.

Now the pattern collection is our heart and soul. But sewing education is where we are enjoying most of our growth, this time in the form of online tutorials and classes. The stand-alone sewing school in the Richmond district of San Francisco is gone, but sewing education is our future.

Continue reading
0

An Unexpected & Essential Sewing Tool

An Unexpected & Essential Sewing Tool

Sometimes the simplest tools can be the best. Take the humble tweezer. Sure, it has been stereotyped as a bathroom-only apparatus used only for splinters and the stray eyebrow hair. But the tweezer is more than that, it is an apparatus that can be used in the most delicate of sewing situations. 

Continue reading
1

Sewing with Faux Fashion Leather

Sewing with Faux Fashion Leather

Fall fashion trends come and go, but few have the staying power of leather. The leather motorcycle jacket became a classic look the instant Marlon Brando roared into movie theaters on his motorcycle in The Wild One in 1953. Nothing says sleek, sexy – and rebellious – like leather. Whether you are wearing a full jacket or just a pop of leather trim, leather can take your look to the next level. 

Continue reading
0

Eileen Fisher Inspired Ikina Jacket

Eileen Fisher Inspired Ikina Jacket

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.

Continue reading
0

Welcome Alex and Betsy!

Welcome Alex and Betsy!

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!

Continue reading
0

Liberty Shirt Garment Measurements

Liberty Shirt Garment Measurements

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

Continue reading
0

Stripe Inspiration from Sonia Rykiel

Stripe Inspiration from Sonia Rykiel

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. 

Continue reading
0

Tremont Vest Variations

Tremont Vest Variations

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.

Continue reading
0

Sew Kansas July 2016 Round 2

Sew Kansas July 2016 Round 2

Another week, another great workshop!

Continue reading
0

Leopard Spot eTee

Leopard Spot eTee

​Here's a different take on Leopard Print! 

Continue reading
0

Sew Kansas July 2016 Round 1

Sew Kansas July 2016 Round 1

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

Continue reading
0

Introducing the Barcelona Top!

Introducing the Barcelona Top!

​We love pattern debuts around here at the Sewing Workshop! We finally get to spread the love about what we've been working on over recent weeks or months. The Barcelona Top has had many forms during it's design process. Through trial and tribulations, we're so happy with the result. A year round garment, depending on your fabric choice, the Barcelona looks great in lightweight knit gauze with short sleeves for spring and summer or try it in a medium-weight, stable knit for fall and winter, like this Houndstooth Print Pique. Here are a few of our favorite fabric choices.

Continue reading
0

A Tremont for the Stars and Stripes

A Tremont for the Stars and Stripes

Enjoy celebrating the 4th of July this weekend! 

Continue reading
0

Sew Confident! May 2016

Sew Confident! May 2016

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

Continue reading
0

Eureka Springs Retreat 2016

Eureka Springs Retreat 2016

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.

Continue reading
0

3 Spring Tops in our Sewing Queue

3 Spring Tops in our Sewing Queue

​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!

Continue reading
0

Stretch Denim Bristol Top and my Inspiration Emancipation

Stretch Denim Bristol Top and my Inspiration Emancipation

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

Continue reading
0

Sew Confident! March 2016

Sew Confident! March 2016

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

Continue reading
0

Introducing the Fillmore Duster!

Introducing the Fillmore Duster!

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

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Sew Stitch Expo 2016 Day 3 Looks

Sew Stitch Expo 2016 Day 3 Looks

Day 3 of #SewStitchExpo2016 in Puyallup! 

Continue reading
0

Sew Stitch Expo 2016 Day 4 Looks

Sew Stitch Expo 2016 Day 4 Looks

The last day of #SewStitchExpo2016 in Puyallup! 

Continue reading
0

Sew Stitch Expo 2016 Day 2 Looks

Sew Stitch Expo 2016 Day 2 Looks

Day 2 of #SewStitchExpo2016 in Puyallup!

Continue reading
0

Sew Stitch Expo 2016 Day 1 Looks

Sew Stitch Expo 2016 Day 1 Looks

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

Continue reading
0

Working Wall

Working Wall

Our biggest show of the year is fast approaching: Sewing and Stitchery Expo 2016 in Puyallup, Washington!

Continue reading
0

Sew Confident! Starting the Year Off Right!

Sew Confident! Starting the Year Off Right!
What a great start to our Year of Inspiration for Sew Confident! 2016. With a variety of topics, the inspiration will be limitless. From double-layer coats, to a curvy woman's wardrobe. Let's get started!

Continue reading
0

Party eJacket

Party eJacket

I can attribute my re-entry into sewing in 1986 to my friend and tennis partner, Hildegard McManus.

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Not Too Floral Ivy

Not Too Floral Ivy

When my sister wanted a tunic to match her new leggings, I chose a combo with a floral print. Since some people really dislike florals, I made sure to check with her first. She agreed it would be acceptable in small doses and not near her face!

Continue reading
0

Sew Confident! 2016

Sew Confident! 2016

Inspiration The process of being mentally stimulated to do, feel or imagine something, especially to do something creative.

Continue reading
0

Chicago Jacket French Terry Topper

Chicago Jacket French Terry Topper

French terry is a type of jersey knit fabric that has vertical ribs on one side of the fabric and fine loops on the other side, unlike terrycloth, which has loops on both sides. It has entered the fashion scene once again and is used by designers for all kinds of ready-to-wear including coats and toppers.

Continue reading
0

Metallic Bristol Dress

Metallic Bristol Dress

This Black Metallic Knit is quite stunning. The subtle amount of shimmer in the sequins, paired with black ponte knit makes this a relaxed, yet elegant look. Create your own Bristol with a fabric kit! Pattern is also on sale through Friday, December 11, 2015 for only $18.

Continue reading
0

Metallic Terry Vest

Metallic Terry Vest

This Metallic Terry Knit is very unique. Soft and warm with the perfect amount of sparkle. A traditional sweatshirt or jacket just wouldn't do. The new Tremont Jacket pattern has a great fit. So why not try a vest?

Continue reading
1

Liberty Shirt Class Favorite

Liberty Shirt Class Favorite

The Liberty Shirt pattern is among our favorites here at the studio. And apparently we're not the only ones!

Continue reading
0
Tags:

eJacket Pattern Debut

eJacket Pattern Debut

The eJacket is here! Introducing our new pattern download, the eJacket

Continue reading
0

New Craftsy Course: Fitting Solo!

New Craftsy Course: Fitting Solo!

After years of traveling and fitting every shape and size of body possible, I have come to a the conclusion that almost every sewer, no matter how long we have sewn or our skill level, fails to do three essential things when preparing a pattern.

Continue reading
0

Pattern Debut - Tremont Jacket

Pattern Debut - Tremont Jacket

Introducing the New Pattern TREMONT JACKET only $18. Loose-fitting, a-line jacket with one-button closure, asymmetric, angled front hemline with side vents. Three-quarter sleeves with soft-fold cuff detail.

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Hand-Stitched Wrap Skirt

Hand-Stitched Wrap Skirt

Who says faster is always better? Reviving my love of hand sewing, one stitch at a time.

Continue reading
0

Mood Boards

Mood Boards

There's definitely something in the air. At the same time that I was producing the June Sew Confident! tutorial about using photos and magazine images as inspirations to build mood boards for wardrobe and sewing concepts, my daughter, Alex, was doing a similar thing in her fashion design class at ESMOD design school in Paris, France.

Continue reading
0

Pattern Debut - Florence Shirt

FlorenceShirt BWDotWEB

Introducing the New Pattern FLORENCE SHIRT only $18. Long sleeve, button front tunic has back yoke with mock button band, collar and stand. Pleated left breast pocket, deep center front tucks create lantern shape, soft hem.

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Bristol Pattern Debut

We love preparing for the Spring 2015 Tradeshows - starting with the Sewing & Stitchery Expo in Puyallup, WA. This year we had a big pattern debut the first day of the show - the Bristol Dress & Top. We love showing off our new designs in different fabric combinations so customers can really see how creative you can get with just one pattern!

BristolTop StripeComboWEB2

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Random Ruffle eTee

Random Ruffle eTee

And the stitching goes on! Using the new eTee download pattern and the Alabama Chanin organic cotton knit in Dark Grey, Kathy created this darling t-shirt that she claims is "girly", but we love it anyway for its creativity and charm.

Continue reading
0

Stitching Progress

Kathy Alabama-Chanin1WEB

Inspiration. Admiration. Creativity. Drive. Ambition.

Continue reading
0

Alabama Chanin Weekend

AChanin8.14-MakeWhatYouLoveWEB

The dust has settled and the new website has launched! Now we can really concentrate of the important things - our love of sewing.

We had our first Stitch Night at our Topeka studio last night. Our first gathering since returning from the Alabama Chanin studio. It was a great reminder of how much fun we had during our visit August 1-3.

Continue reading
0

Modern Piecing

Modern Piecing

Modern Piecing Using Japanese Quilt Fabrics

Continue reading
0

New Fabrics

New Fabrics

New fabrics! Spring is here and it's time to look at fresh new colors and lighter weight fabrics.

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Join Linda Lee in Minneapolis!

EmailUpdates2015 MinneapolisRetreat1

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Classics Promo

 
Fall in love with The Classics all over again! We've unlocked our pattern vault and reimagined these popular styles wth modern fabrics for a fresh new look. Don't miss out on sewing these fun patterns! Buy & download yours today. Just $12 each! Check out the Peony Vest, Era Jacket and the Fuji Mt Top.

0

Bristol Dress & Top

EmailUpdates2015 BristolIntro

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Haiku Two KITS Now Available

F Emma HaikuTwo 

Continue reading
0

Pattern Kits Now Available!

F2 Emma 2015 Kits

Continue reading
0

eTee Evolution

F eTeeEvolution

Continue reading
0

Introducing the eTee!

Blog Emma eTee

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Faux Leather Fashion

F Emma SC Pleather

Continue reading
0

Dots & Dashes

Stitch2Alabama Chanin Organic Cotton Jersey Pillow

Check out the Fall 2014 issue of Stitch magazine. My Dots & Dashes Pillow made in three colors of Alabama Chanin 100% cotton, all-American-organically-made, knit is on page 37. And the best part is that the instructions for making it are included in the magazine!
 
Continue reading
0

Summer Challis

StellaTop-RedWhiteChallisStella Top in Cotton Challis

When I think of challis, I conjure up images of European paisley wool skirts. Beautiful, but not exactly what I am wearing these days, especially in the summer.
 
Continue reading
0
Tags:

Printed Pants

IkinaPants-SilkFloralAlexWEB

This is the season for pants to be made in anything but a solid color. Every designer has some style of pants, skinny to flowing, in everything from botanicals, paisleys, travertine and stone patterns to animal prints. I have to say, some of them look and feel like pajama bottoms, but it is a serious trend and it's fun.

Continue reading
0

TV Time Vest

PearlVest-OrganicACWEB

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)

Continue reading
0

Sew Confident! Table Descriptions

2012 Individual TutorialsPriceDescription

2013 Individual Tutorials

PriceDescription2014 Individual TutorialsPrice Available 2015
Description
How to MeasureFREEMeasurement Chart, Ease Charts & How to Measure GuideHow to MeasureFREEMeasurement Chart, Ease Charts & How to Measure GuideHow to MeasureFREEMeasurement Chart, Ease Charts & How to Measure Guide 
Sewing with Knits$24.99Understand sewing knit fabrics - notions, presser feet, tools & techniques.

Kabuki Patchwork  Jacket

$24.99Pieced, overlaying silk panels using a serger.Sewing with Knits UpdateAvailable 2015 Hard to sew knits, plus adding a long sleeve to the Eureka Top.
Sewing with Linen$24.99 Understand sewing linen fabrics - notions, presser feet, tools & techniques.Liberty Shirt as a Knit Pullover$24.99 Alter Liberty Shirt into knit pullover with cowl.T-Shirt VariationsAvailable 2015Modifying Olive & Urban T-Shirts into basic tees.
Sewing with Silk$24.99Understand sewing linen fabrics - notions, presser feet, tools & techniques. Urban Cardigan$24.99Raw-edge patchwork embellished Urban T-Shirt into Cardigan.Guide to Sewing Linings (coming soon!)Available 2015Adding lining to your favorite shirt/jacket pattern.
Making a Swing T$18.99 Alter Trio T-Shirt: lengthen + inverted pleat = Swing Trio.Collars & Stands$18.99Step-by-step  instructions for classic & contemporary methods for collars & stands.It's a Wrap! Graphic SkirtsAvailable 2015Return of the wrap skirts. Create the Sandra Betzina Skirt.
 Build a Core Wardrobe $18.99

Linda outlines 6 wardrobing concepts  using 9 patterns!

 Small Hems, Five Narrow Hem Options $18.99 Options: zigzag, triple stitched, baby, faux piped & doublefold hems.Sleeve PlacketsAvailable 2015 Step-by-step instructions for 2 types of sleeve plackets.
 Fitting Shoulders $18.99Five Shoulder Alterations: narrow, sloping, forward thrust, balancing and round back. Downtown Bags $18.99 Handbag zipper & pocket techniques, unique closure & hardware ideas.More coming soon!  

 Installing an Invisible Zipper

 $18.99Right tools, notions, skills - eliminate puckers & blip at the bottom of zipper.  DIY Pants Fitting$18.99 Common pants pattern alterations you can do on your own!   
 Crinkles, Gauzes and Stretch Lace $18.99 Essential techniques & tools to tame difficult novelty fabrics. Clothing: Zakka Style$18.99  Handstitching to handmade garments, accessories and interiors.   
Tanks Again $18.99Unique edge finishes, style & shape variations for a tank pattern. The Sewing Workshop Ensembles $18.99Sewing Workshop pattern combinations - create a wardrobe!   
 Setting in a Sleeve $18.99 Take the mystery out of setting in perfect sleeves in any fabric. Raw Edge Construction $18.99 Make the Opal Jacket using overlapping seams. Step-by-step instructions & techniques.   
 Modernists Concepts for Clothing $18.99Colorblocking Inspirational Tutorial Sewing Velvet$18.99 Understand sewing velvet - cutting & sewing techniques.    
Fitting the Bust $18.995 pattern alterations for adding bust fullness. Loops and Tubes $18.99Create button loops, cord-filled tubing & drawstrings quickly & easy.   
Bias Bindings$18.99French Bias Binding, Offset Binding & Trio Binding     
West End $18.9911 Great Tips for Better Results!     
Sew Confident! Yearly Subscriptions12 Tutorials12 Tutorials with 3 patterns
Sew Confident! Year 1 (2012)$99$145
Sew Confident! Year 2 (2013)$99$145
Sew Confident! Year 3 (2014)$99$145

0

Kathy's Wardrobe

BalboaTopper-GreyBoucleKathyWEB1

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!

Continue reading
0

Long Helix Tee

DSC 1307

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.

Continue reading
0

Loop Knit Scarf

Endless Loop scarf 1

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.

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Military Influence

army

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.

Continue reading
0

Everything's Coming Up Orchid

stella-purplesilkWEB

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.

Continue reading
0

Deja Vu

DSC 0856

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.

Continue reading
0

Burberry Goes Street Chic

Portrait Knit Pr 525db48796054
5-813-6aearth
Portrait Knit Pr 525db394824c1

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

Continue reading
0

Organic Knit Peony Vest

DSC 0787

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

Continue reading
0

Captain's Coat for Fall

verona pinkwoolWEB  verona redwool

Kathy's many versions of the Verona Coat.

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Marvelous Mulberrys

6 

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

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Serious Shirtings

 10

Shirtings are a most for a breezy, cool spring.

Continue reading
0
Tags:

French Knits

1

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

Continue reading
0
Tags:

West End Shorts

WestEndPants-ShortsPantsWEB
24-513-4
21-513-5
EB14983
27-513-4

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

Continue reading
0

Linen Eureka Tops

EurekaTop-AnnLinenYellowWEB

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.)

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Linen Gauze

EurekaTop-AquaGauzeWEB

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.

Continue reading
0

Summer Vests

LibertyVest-GreyLinenWEB

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.

Continue reading
0

Knotted Scarf Tutorial

KnottedScarf-Finished3WEB-crop

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.

Continue reading
0

Sew Fabulous Fashion Knits for Craftsy

CraftsyKnits-LindaWEB

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.

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Oh, Wait There's More - Puyallup 2013

IconVest-LindaPuyallupWEB
Bells-Puyallup13CustomerWEB
Zigzag-CoatPuyallupWEB
EurekaTop-WoolColorblockWEB2

 

 

Icon Vest in Jacquard

 

Left: Bells Shirt in Mixed Cotton Prints

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Sewing & Stitchery Expo 2013

Pearl-NeutralLinenWEB
Pearl-StripeCottonWEB
Pearl-StripeKnitWEB
eShrug-MotherDaughterPuyallupWEB
Opal-GreenBoucleWEB
WestEnd-BoucleLindaPuyallupWEB
Zigzag-PurplePuyallupWEB
LibertyTunic-PrintMixPuyallupWEB
Puyallup2013-GroupPhoto

 

  Top: Pearl Jacket in Linen Gauze

Middle:Pearl Jacket in Cotton Plaid

Bottom: Pearl Jacket in Stripe Knit

 

Continue reading
0

Any Excuse to Wear Sequins!

EurekaTopSkirt-LindaShimmerGreyWEB
EurekaTopSilk-QuincyPantsLindaWEB
EurekaTop-ErinHeavySequinWEB
Eureka-ErinLaceHudsonWEB
AnnsTank-SequinWSleevesWEB2

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!

  

Continue reading
0

Everything You Need to Know about e-Patterns

eDressSkirt-PinkStripeTankShrugWEB

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.

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Class in a Flash 2014

Welcome to Sew Confident! Class in a Flash 2014

EASY ACCESS - ALL THE TIME!


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

Click the links below to download your tutorials...

JanuarySewing with Knits Update - Make the Eureka Top + Eureka Top Long Sleeve Pattern
February Tee for Two - Modifications to Make Two Basic T-Shirts
March It's a Wrap! Graphic Wrap Skirts
April Sleeve Plackets + Shirt-Sleeve Placket Pattern
May Pantpourri
June 
July 
August 
September 
October 
November 
December 

0

Class in a Flash 2013

Welcome to Sew Confident! Class in a Flash 2013

EASY ACCESS - ALL THE TIME!


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

Click the links below to download your tutorials...

JanuaryKabuki Patchwork Jacket
FebruaryLiberty Knit Top
MarchDowntown Bags by Linda Lee
AprilCollars & Stands
MaySmall Hems, Five Narrow Hem Options
JuneUrban Cardigan
JulyDIY Pants Fitting
AugustClothing: Zakka Style
SeptemberThe Sewing Workshop Ensembles
OctoberRaw Edge Construction
NovemberSewing Velvet
DecemberLoops and Tubes

0

How Do You Wear the Eureka?

Eureka-KathyDotStripeWEB
Eureka-KathyVeronaWEB
EurekaSkirt-ZonaJacketWEB
EurekaSkirt-PlaidKathyWEB
Eureka-ErinLaceHudsonWEB
EurekaTop-RedStripeErin1WEB
EurekaSkirt-UrbanStripeWEB

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)

    

Continue reading
0
Tags:

Reverse Your Color Emphasis

QuincyTopPants-GreyPonteWEB

 

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!

Continue reading
0

Gourmet Sewing!

AnnsCardigan-NoraClass

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!

0
Tags:

More Stripes Please!

eDressSkirt-GreyStripe
eDressSkirt_BlackStripeWEB
eDressSkirt_GreyStripeWEB

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. 

Continue reading
0