Denver Sewing Collective

lynnenewApril 25, 2014April 19, 20143 Comments

The State of Sewing in Japan

I just returned from a 3-week trip to Japan! My hubby and I went on a textile tour, led by Jerry and Carol Saber (you can find out more about their tours here). And if there was any doubt in my mind about the state of sewing in Japan, they have been all but vanquished! Continue reading “The State of Sewing in Japan”

JillyApril 24, 2014April 23, 20141 Comment

Who Made Your Clothes? – #insideout @fashion_rev

Fashion Revolution is an organization created to build awareness for how and where our clothes are made as well as awareness as to who makes these clothes. Read their mission statement HERE. The date of April 24 is significant for this is the day one year ago where 1133 people died making clothing at the Rana Plaza in Bangladesh. It was a horrific event, which left over 2000 people injured and … Continue reading Who Made Your Clothes? – #insideout @fashion_rev

JillyApril 23, 2014July 1, 20162 Comments

How To Read A Sewing Pattern Envelope

Many would-be great seamstresses get cold feet right after looking at the back of a sewing pattern. There is a lot going on on such a small piece of paper. A foreign language, metric, diagrams, and good grief body measurements most women would rather not think about! Let’s have a look at the back of a sewing pattern envelope. In the end, not such a … Continue reading How To Read A Sewing Pattern Envelope

katboulderApril 19, 2014April 13, 20145 Comments

L is for Leather aka: The Medieval Times Dress

L collage cropped watermarked

For my 12th Sew All 26 160 post, the letter “L”, I’m sewing with leather, something I’ve never tried before. Simplicity 2584 (designed by Cynthia Rowley) had been in my pattern stash for awhile – long enough that it’s now out of print. 2584 includes 2 dress styles, 2 tunic styles, and a headband. I decided to sew the view B dress, mainly because I thought I could use a free to me thrift store leather skirt for the ornately shaped yoke. Style B is the dress shown on the model on the pattern cover. It’s hemmed above-the-knee and has 3/4 length sleeves. Continue reading “L is for Leather aka: The Medieval Times Dress”

lynnenewApril 18, 2014May 1, 20144 Comments

How to Make Kanzashi Flowers & FREEBIE!

I love flowers and origami and fabric (of course) so it is natural for me to be drawn to flowers made from fabric using origami techniques. I learned how to make Kanzashi flowers perhaps a more than a year ago just following tutorials such as this one. The flower on the left above was created using what I call the traditional method of fabric folding. It was a little more time consuming than I expected at the time and I soon lost interest. Continue reading “How to Make Kanzashi Flowers & FREEBIE!”

Denver

Denver Mini Maker Faire

Have you ever been to a Maker Faire? Maker Faire’s are held through out the world and they’re all about creating, inventing, learning and leaving inspired and full of ideas to take home. These faires are multi-generational and encourage kids and adults to get outside (or inside) and build something, anything! From robots, to cat armor, better prosthesis’ to crazy cars there really is no limit to … Continue reading Denver Mini Maker Faire

JillyApril 16, 2014April 15, 20142 Comments

Denver, History

Jim Howard Fashion Illustrator

Jim Howard’s Paper Doll Illustrations and Collections. It was a last minute invite from Tish Gance of HISS Studio, but I’m so glad I went. Fashion Illustrator Jim Howard spoke at the Brush Strokes Gallery on South Broadway and charmed and entertained a standing room crowd of his adventures in fashion and art. Getting his start doing grocery store adverts in his native Texas he quickly … Continue reading Jim Howard Fashion Illustrator

JillyApril 12, 2014April 12, 20143 Comments

katboulderApril 12, 2014April 17, 20148 Comments

K is for Kwik-Sew

K project collage watermarked

For my 11th post, the letter K, I used Kwik Sew pattern #3533. 3533 is a kimono style stretch knit dress or tunic with a V-neckline and an inset waist with back ties. The pattern envelope shows the dress with short sleeves and the tunic with 3/4 length sleeves. Continue reading “K is for Kwik-Sew”

lynnenewApril 11, 2014March 5, 201414 Comments

Satsuki Kill La Kill Cosplay Tutorial

This is the third cosplay outfit I’ve made for my daughter. I only had 2 weeks to pull it off. Thankfully my husband took a keen interest in helping with this one and we were able to complete it the night before she was to wear it! It is Satsuki from Kill La Kill. Don’t ask me what this is as I have no idea. You’d have to ask my daughter. She did tell me, however, that the outfit is supposed to be alive! This is the drawing she gave me that we worked from (sadly I don’t know who to credit for it): Continue reading “Satsuki Kill La Kill Cosplay Tutorial”

JamieDSCApril 7, 20148 Comments

Goldilocks Makes a Ziggi Muslin

Considering how much work I knew it would be to sew up the StyleArc Ziggi Moto Jacket, I wanted to make a muslin to check the fit first. Sewing a muslin can be pretty quick because you can take a lot of shortcuts. For this jacket I just did the bodice, collar (slapped on with seam exposed), and one sleeve. It looks pretty good, right? Except… Continue reading “Goldilocks Makes a Ziggi Muslin”

Finished Projects, Refashions

Shirt to Skirt Refashion

Gant Shirt to Skirt Refashion

The skirt above started out as the classic men’s oxford below.

Gant Collage Watermarked
This shirt was free to me, it was rejected for sale at the thrift shop where I volunteer due to a frayed collar and cuffs. The shirt is made by Gant and retailed for $135.00 when new. It’s very well made and although I’ve never heard of Gant before, I will look for this brand in the future because of it’s excellent quality. Even though this shirt must have been worn often in order to have a frayed collar and cuffs, it was in excellent condition otherwise. Continue reading “Shirt to Skirt Refashion”

katboulderApril 5, 2014April 17, 20143 Comments

lynnenewApril 4, 2014March 5, 20145 Comments

Homestuck Cosplay Tutorial – Jade Harley in God Tier

My daughter’s second cosplay outfit is from Homestuck – Jade Harley in God Tier. You can see a great drawing of her here. I also used this drawing as a reference:

I don’t really know anything about Homestuck or Jade Harley or God Tier. I tried watching one “episode” of Homestuck and had absolutely no idea what was going on! You’d have to ask my daughter. Continue reading “Homestuck Cosplay Tutorial – Jade Harley in God Tier”

Continue reading “Butterick 5917– a Wearable Muslin”

Butterick 5917– a Wearable Muslin

please excuse the wrinkles

The Facts

Pattern:

Butterick 5917, view B sans ruffle. Dress has ruffles, semi-fitted, lined bodice and inset, raised waist and back zipper.

JaneApril 1, 2014April 1, 201411 Comments

katboulderMarch 29, 2014March 29, 20146 Comments

J is for Jalie 2682

For my 10th Sew All 26 160 project “J”, I chose to sew a Jalie pattern. Jalie is a Mother-Daughter owned company based near Quebec City, Canada. Their patterns are very body conscious and true to size. Jalie patterns are fit on people instead of mannequins, and perhaps that’s why Jalie fits “real” people so well. (Or it could be because the company originally made swimwear patterns). Jalie designs their patterns to be sewn on home sewing rather than industrial machines, and refines their instructions to be as simple as possible. Continue reading “J is for Jalie 2682”

lynnenewMarch 28, 2014March 5, 20148 Comments

How I Catalog All My Patterns

Okay so sometimes I get a little carried away with “organizing stuff”. Participating in a sewing blog has given me incentive to organize my patterns or at least inventory them. I have often times found myself at a fabric store wishing I knew how much fabric I needed for some fantasy project. I usually end up buying way too much and now have a rather large collection of “big pieces” in my stash. Continue reading “How I Catalog All My Patterns”

History

Vogue Covers – Then & Now: It’s not about art anymore

If you haven’t heard Kim Kardashian made it on to the cover of Vogue magazine April issue (with Kanye right behind her). The cover has generated more negative comments then one can shake a tube of lipstick at. (Full disclosure, I’m not a fan of any of the Kardashians, nor of reality television. ) The photo spread was done by Annie Leibovitz but her signature … Continue reading Vogue Covers – Then & Now: It’s not about art anymore

JillyMarch 26, 2014March 22, 20145 Comments

Continue reading “Burda 7207 Beach Dress”

Burda 7207 Beach Dress

The Facts

Pattern:

Burda 7207, view B LH. A wrap style Beach Dress with flounce

JaneMarch 25, 2014March 24, 20144 Comments

JamieDSCMarch 24, 2014March 23, 20144 Comments

Burda April Review (International Edition)

I thought this month’s issue of Burda was stellar. The features were varied enough that there were styles for everyone, and most of the looks were fairly original patterns I haven’t seen before. Let’s dive right in! My favorite pattern this month is this dress below with the crossover front bands. The fabric listed for the photo is a jacquard, and I think finding a fabric that looks slightly different at different angles is key to being able to see the front bands. I’m considering for myself whether it would work in a suede. Another option might be stripe or some directional print. Hmm, a ponte stripe sounds great too… do I need two of these dresses? I should also mention that this is a petite/short pattern. (Yay for me.) Continue reading “Burda April Review (International Edition)”

katboulderMarch 23, 2014March 20, 201413 Comments

Craftsy Sew Better, Sew Faster Review – I is for Islander

Island Jacket Collage Watermarked
This jacket is from Islander Sewing Systems and it’s my Sew All 26 160 “I” project. The pattern is Jacket Express #218 and it was designed by Janet Pray. There’s also a great craftsy class on the construction of this jacket called “Sew Better, Sew Faster: Garment Industry Secrets with Janet Pray”. You can order the jacket pattern here for $22.95 plus shipping, but if you wait for a craftsy class sale you might be able to get the deal I got: the pattern (including shipping) and the craftsy class for only $19.99. A super deal IMO! Continue reading “Craftsy Sew Better, Sew Faster Review – I is for Islander”

History

Born on this day – William Travilla Costume Designer

William Travilla, known simply Travilla was born on March 22, 1920. Multiple Oscar and Emmy nominee and one time Academy Award winner for the Adventures of Don Juan. Travilla is probably best known for dressing Marilyn Monroe. He designed the iconic white dress in Seven Year Itch as well as the costumes for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How To Marry A Millionaire.(For a fascinating look … Continue reading Born on this day – William Travilla Costume Designer

JillyMarch 22, 2014March 22, 20141 Comment

lynnenewMarch 21, 2014March 5, 20144 Comments

How To Machine Embroider Logos for Corporate Gear

Once a year I get asked to embroider my company’s corporate logo onto some garments for the Christmas party. Every year I have to reteach myself how to do it! So I’ll give you a quick run down of how I do it. The process I use can be used for any sort of machine embroidery. Continue reading “How To Machine Embroider Logos for Corporate Gear”

JillyMarch 19, 2014March 18, 20145 Comments

March Cape Sew-Along

At the Denver Sewing Collective’s March Meetup I announced a Cape Sew-Along. There were 3 of us who started to make capes, Karin, Jane and myself. There were a few others who couldn’t make it but we can sew-along for as long as needed. A few notes so far. I got my pattern from Etsy seller Spindesign and really loved the look of it. I … Continue reading March Cape Sew-Along

Continue reading “Upcoming Projects”

Upcoming Projects

I have two dresses in progress and about half-a-dozen cut out, ready to sew.

JaneMarch 18, 2014March 18, 20144 Comments

JamieDSCMarch 17, 2014March 17, 20146 Comments

Ziggi Moto Jacket – The Plan

I’ve been trying to gather the courage to make the Ziggi Moto Jacket by StyleArc for a couple months now. The pattern is just my style but… there are SO MANY PIECES. There are 23 (!) pattern pieces, most of which you are cutting 2 of. Basically there are about 50 pieces to sew together. I had fabric set aside that I bought at Colorado Fabrics at the end of last year, I cut the pattern out in February, and then… it just sat there. Until a couple weeks ago when I found out that Sew Maris is doing a Ziggi Jacket sew-along, which was just the spark I needed to get off my butt and just do it. As an aside, I don’t do many sew-alongs because they are mostly targeted towards beginners, so I am so happy that someone is doing a sew-along involving some more advanced techniques. I really need help putting those pocket and sleeve zippers in! Continue reading “Ziggi Moto Jacket – The Plan”

katboulderMarch 16, 2014March 14, 201416 Comments

H is for Hibiscus Patterns

H Project Collage Watermarked

For my 8th Sew All 26 160 post, the letter “H”, I chose this Hibiscus Pattern. Hibiscus Pattern Envelope I bought this 1998 pattern for 50 cents at a thrift shop recently. Hibiscus could be a prototype for all the independent sewing pattern companies we are blessed with now. But as far as I can discern Hibiscus Patterns are no longer produced, which is a shame. The pattern is timeless, very nicely drafted, has great instructions, and fits extremely well. Continue reading “H is for Hibiscus Patterns”

Finished Projects, Reviews, Tips & Tricks

Two Zip Hipster and eClutch Pattern Reviews

I recently made two bags, both of which I like very much. One is the Two Zip Hipster from Erin Erickson (Dog Under My Desk) and the other is the eClutch iPad pouch from Schoolhouse Patterns. Continue reading “Two Zip Hipster and eClutch Pattern Reviews”

lynnenewMarch 15, 2014March 14, 20146 Comments

Denver

New York Designer Fabrics at Colorado Fabrics

Thursday night Colorado Fabrics had an exclusive after-hours event to debut the fabrics they acquired from designer workrooms on a recent trip to New York. I couldn’t believe how much fabric they added to the store! There were new racks up front full of bolts, bolts piled up on tables, and half the cutting tables were sacrificed for more bolts of fabrics. SO MUCH FABRIC. And all of it from the workrooms of big name designers (whose names I don’t think I’m supposed to mention). My favorite were the two racks of silks, shown above. There were lots of gorgeous prints and weaves. Everywhere in the store I found rare fabrics that you just don’t see much of. To the right is a “silk gaberdine” – I’ve heard of wool gaberdine, but never silk! Some of the fabrics had lots of yardage on the bolt, and some only had a few yards. They said if it was fabulous they bought it, regardless of the yardage. Continue reading “New York Designer Fabrics at Colorado Fabrics”

JamieDSCMarch 14, 2014March 14, 201412 Comments

JillyMarch 12, 2014March 12, 201411 Comments

Sewing the perfect T-shirt = A surprising amount of work

I am working on the perfect t-shirt. One that fits like a glove. Ultimately I want to use a cotton blend fabric with modal that is somewhat sustain-ably made if possible. My goal is to make all my t-shirts from here on out and build on this must have Wardrobe Basic. Continue reading “Sewing the perfect T-shirt = A surprising amount of work”

JamieDSCMarch 10, 2014March 10, 201412 Comments

Burda March 2014 Review

It’s hard for me to review the March 2014 issue of Burda because there is so much crazy WTF in it that it’s all I can focus on when I’m flipping through it. However I do greatly prefer weird to boring, and since I’m afraid hurting Burda’s feelings might lead to a regression to the rectangle based patterns of this summer, I’m going to try and focus on the positive. The best part of this issue is that they chose a pair of jeans for the “sewing lesson for beginners” feature. That means four glorious pages of color diagrams on how stitch pockets, insert a fly front zipper, and attach the waistband. Useful! Continue reading “Burda March 2014 Review”

katboulderMarch 8, 2014September 11, 201412 Comments

G is for Grainline Studio: How to Use A Scarf as The Scout Tee

G Collage watermarked

For my 7th Sew All 26 160 project, “G”, I chose a pattern from Grainline Studio, the Scout Woven Tee. This pattern is available as a download, which was a big plus for me. I intended my G project to be the Go Patterns Sleeveless Dress, but the Go dress proved to be more involved than I expected and I needed to find another G project fast! It probably didn’t help that I sewed my G, H, and I projects in reverse order, giving me the least amount of time to complete the project I’d be posting first. Hmmm, whose dumb idea was that? Continue reading “G is for Grainline Studio: How to Use A Scarf as The Scout Tee”

lynnenewMarch 7, 2014March 5, 20148 Comments

How to Sew with Foundation Piecing: Paper vs Freezer Paper

I learned how to paper piece many years ago from Carol Doak’s 1997 classic “Show Me How to Paper Piece”. It was, at the time, seemingly a lot of work and I particularly hated pulling off all of the bits of paper from the back of the finished product. I put away paper piecing and swore I would never do it again. Continue reading “How to Sew with Foundation Piecing: Paper vs Freezer Paper”

lynnenewMarch 4, 20143 Comments

“Seams Unlikely” and Nancy Zieman

I just finished reading this autobiography written by Nancy Zieman. It was excellent! If you sew, you probably know Nancy Zieman as she is well known for her television show “Sewing with Nancy” and for Nancy’s Notions. Continue reading ““Seams Unlikely” and Nancy Zieman”

JamieDSCMarch 3, 2014March 2, 20142 Comments

Burda Plus Spring/Summer 2014

I received the March issue of Burda Style and the Spring/Summer issue of Burda Plus in the mail on the same day and decided to pick the better of the two magazines to review first. Sorry “regular size” ladies… Burda Plus is where it’s at this month! First up, can we talk about that sheath dress on the cover? Perfection. I don’t remember if they’ve always done this, but a few of the patterns in this issue are petite plus size which means zero alterations for me personally. This dress is going straight to the top of my make list. Continue reading “Burda Plus Spring/Summer 2014”

History

Born in this month – March

March has so many notable fashion and design related birthdays. I could write a blog post for every day of the month showcasing one stellar fashion icon or grand designer. Let’s just look at a few notable births this month. Plus links for you to explore more.

March is the month that Barbie was born. Love her or hate her the girl’s got staying power. Barbie is actually German by birth. If you look at the German dolls and then the US Barbie it’s not so much that Ruth Handler invented Barbie but rather she saw the potential in the German Bild Lilli dolls and ran with it. Just say ‘in. Bild Lilli dolls in good to great condition can fetch upwards of 4000 dollars or more. Continue reading “Born in this month – March”

JillyFebruary 28, 2014March 1, 20142 Comments

lynnenewFebruary 28, 2014January 4, 20142 Comments

In-the-Hoop Fun: Owl Sewing Kit

I have two embroidery machines, a 6-needle and a single-needle. The 6-needle is great for production work. But the single-needle is not as efficient for repetitive embroidery. It is, however, excellent for making in-the-hoop projects. An in-the-hoop project is a project created on an embroidery machine which yields something other than fabric embellishments. For example, you can make small stuffed animals, luggage tags, small bags, door knob hangers, and many other things. My favorite resource for in-the-hoop projects is Embroidery Garden. Continue reading “In-the-Hoop Fun: Owl Sewing Kit”

katboulderFebruary 26, 2014November 23, 201424 Comments

Bag Refashions

Our environment is important to me – that’s one of the reasons I shop at thrift stores and recycle. Now that I live in Boulder, Colorado I’m trying to be even more environmentally conscious, especially since Boulder instituted a shopping bag fee. This small fee (10 cents per bag) has really helped me remember to bring my own bags when I grocery shop. (See – being thrifty helps the environment – hurrah!) Continue reading “Bag Refashions”

Continue reading “Cambie Dress | Sewaholic 1202”

Cambie Dress | Sewaholic 1202

The Facts

Pattern:

Sewaholic 1202, Cambie, view A. Fitted, lined dress features a sweetheart neckline, darted bodice and extended cap sleeves with slim A-line or full gathered skirt.

JaneFebruary 25, 2014February 24, 20149 Comments

JamieDSCFebruary 24, 2014February 24, 20144 Comments

StyleArc Nina Cardigan

I bought the last 2 yards of this printed jersey fabric over the summer and was looking for the right pattern for it. Unfortunately for someone my size, 2 yards doesn’t give you a lot of options and I wanted to make something a little more interesting than a t-shirt. I had the idea of making a waterfall cardigan because I liked the way the black lines looked when the fabric was bunched up a bit, but with two yards that seemed impossible. When I was riffling through my StyleArc patterns and I saw this cardigan only required 1 3/4 yards, I did a double take! Continue reading “StyleArc Nina Cardigan”

lynnenewFebruary 21, 2014February 1, 20143 Comments

Sewing Needle Identification

I often have no idea what needle is in my sewing machine. Sometimes I stick a note on my machine to remind me. Sometimes I leave the needle case that it came from sitting next to my machine. Sometimes I tuck the needle case behind a rubber band around the neck of my machine. Sometimes I entirely forget. Continue reading “Sewing Needle Identification”

katboulderFebruary 19, 2014February 18, 20144 Comments

F is for Felted

heartfelt tote, e-how mittens 011

The bag above is my 6th project for Sew All 26 160 , “F” is for Felted. Felting is the process of applying heat, moisture and friction to cause wool (and some other natural fibers) to bind tightly together to create a felted fabric. After felting the fibers are fused and will not ravel. Continue reading “F is for Felted”

Continue reading “New Look 6224”

New Look 6224

The Facts

Pattern:

New Look 6224, view D. Misses dress with sleeve options. A great wardrobe builder.

JaneFebruary 18, 2014February 23, 20144 Comments

JamieDSCFebruary 17, 2014February 17, 20142 Comments

StyleArc Billie Top

The Billie Top by StyleArc is a an interesting top made out of (basically) one piece. By “one piece” I mean that the front and back are all one giant piece with a single side seam down the right side. (There is a neck facing too, but more on that later…) I made this up in a black and tan striped knit that was 50% cotton, 50% rayon. I think the rayon helps with the drapiness, and the stripes really highlight the craziness of the pattern. Continue reading “StyleArc Billie Top”

katboulderFebruary 16, 2014November 20, 20149 Comments

E is for Embellish!

PicMonkey Collage denim art skirt

Why is a ready-to-wear denim maxi skirt being featured on a sewing blog post? Continue reading “E is for Embellish!”

lynnenewFebruary 15, 2014February 9, 20143 Comments

Clucky Chicken

My husband and I survived the September 2013 flooding in Colorado without any property damage, but suffered a water line break last night (Feb 8) in our storage unit as we went from freezing temperatures for two days to a relatively warm 40 degrees. Some of our boxes were wet and we brought them home to unpack and dry out. One of these boxes was labeled “Chickens” and lo I rediscovered this “Clucky Chicken” I made a few years ago. Continue reading “Clucky Chicken”

lynnenewFebruary 14, 2014December 31, 20132 Comments

Silhouettes Patterns – Laurie’s Pants

Ever since I saw my friend Jane parading down the runway at the Rocky Mountain Sewing Expo in a pair of “Laurie’s Pants” from Silhouette Patterns, I’ve been thinking about making a pair for myself. Jane said the pants were comfortable. And for me, they just looked fun. But I wasn’t sure that all that swishy fabric would look good on me. Curiosity overwhelmed and I finally bought the pattern. Continue reading “Silhouettes Patterns – Laurie’s Pants”