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PatternReview Blog > Archives Jun 2013
| Chat with Suede on "The New SUEDEsays™ Simplicity Collection, the 'SUEDEsays™ Rock Your Own Look' Fashion Competition, and His Work", Wednesday, April 6 at 1 PM Eastern Time! | By DianeSev on 3/31/11 12:24 PM |
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We're Chatting with Suede on "The New SUEDEsays™ Simplicity Collection, the 'SUEDEsays™ Rock Your Own Look' Fashion Competition, and His Work", Wednesday, April 6 at 1 PM Eastern Time (10 AM Pacific, 11 AM Mountain, Noon Central). GMT: 17:00:00. Sydney, Australia: Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 4 AM!*
Join us on Wednesday, April 6 at 1 PM EST for a chat with Suede on "The New SUEDEsays™ Simplicity Collection, the 'SUEDEsays™ Rock Your Own Look' Fashion Competition, and His Work".
Suede is a New York-based fashion designer and television personality. His creations have been worn by well-known names such as Britney Spears, Brooke Burke, Lil' Kim, Destiny's Child, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Simpson, Christina Aguilera and Mandy Moore.
Suede appeared on Season 5 of the Emmy Award-Winning Project Runway. As a semi-finalist, Suede was asked to show a collection at Bryant Park. Notable brands that Suede has launched include: Fubu Ladies, Rocawear Girls, Jordache Vintage, Polo Jeans Company, Lee 1889, as well as a special line for Paris Hilton. His comprehensive revenue at retail exceeds 5 billion dollars.
To give back to today's youth, Suede has a lifetime endowment in place at his alma mater, Kent State University.
Suede is currently promoting his new SUEDEsays™ by Simplicity line of patterns worldwide.
Suede will be talking about his work, his new pattern collection and the new fashion competition sponsored by Simplicity Creative Group called SUEDEsays™ Rock Your Own Look that runs April 1, 2011 through May 31, 2011.
For more on Suede, visit www.SUEDEsays.com.
To see the new SUEDEsays™ Simplicity Collection, click here.
The chat is open to all Friends of PR members. Chat instructions will be posted on the PR home page on Wednesday morning.
Can't attend the chat? E-mail us the questions you want asked, and we'll make sure that our guest gets them.
*Please double-check time conversions for your area. Eastern Time is accurate.
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| The Kindle Version of 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts and Tips Is Here! | By DianeSev on 3/29/11 10:36 AM |
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1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts and Tips Now on Kindle!
You've been asking for it, and now it's here!
The PatternReview book 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts and Tips is now on Kindle!
This means that you can read 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts and Tips on your Kindle, your computer, your iPhone or your iPad. (P.S. It looks really great on the iPad!)
Now you don't have to carry around your book when you travel or when you're waiting in line in the supermarket or riding to work on the train. You'll have 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts and Tips available at your fingertips digitally!
We're so excited about this, and we hope that you are too.
Want to buy the Kindle version of 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts and Tips? Click here for more information.
Don’t have a Kindle? Buy one now on Amazon.com.
Don't worry! You can still buy the paperback version of 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts and Tips for your home library signed by Deepika from PatternReview or unsigned from Amazon.
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| New Amy Butler Patterns Are Here! | By DianeSev on 3/28/11 1:41 PM |
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Announcing New Amy Butler Patterns!
Hey, all you Amy Butler fans! Amy Butler has two new patterns to add to her collection!
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Amy Butler AB049CC The Charm Clutch
This elegantly proportioned charming clutch or bag transitions from casual day to dressy night (and holds everything you need!). Easily customize the Charm Bag with 2 different length handles, different options for closures, and lots of fabric ideas. With interior cell phone and large pockets, you'll keep everything well within Charm's reach!
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Amy Butler AB050MH Must Have Pillows
Stylish & fun, the main panels of the "Get the Message" Pillow are made by piecing five different prints together and adding a cute tongue-in-cheek message on each side. You'll also love the extra styles. The "patchwork" design uses three prints, and the other simply uses two. All edged with decorative piping, these pillows will become the house favorites!
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 See all Amy Butler's patterns here.
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| Here's Our February Giveaway Winner! | By DianeSev on 3/24/11 2:59 PM |
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Announcing our February Giveaway Winner!
As part of our continuing celebration of PatternReview's 10th Anniversary, everyone who signed up for an online class on PatternReview in the month of February was entered in a random drawing to receive the Threads DVD archive.
And the lucky winner of the February giveaway is Camilla Sisemore, known on PatternReview as crs37!
Camilla signed up for the online Bust Adjustments Class in February.
Congratulations, Camilla!
Our surprise March giveaway will go to a random winner among those members who write a pattern review.
So let's start reviewing! You can add a pattern review by going to the PatternReview.com home page or to this link. You can see the reviews other people have written by going to the Review Gallery.
Happy 10th Anniversary to us!
Thanks to Threads for donating the February giveaway!
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| Chat with Glenda Sparling on "Fitting from Petites to Plus Sizes with Sure-Fit Designs", Wednesday, March 23rd at 1 PM Eastern Time (10 AM Pacific, 11 AM Mountain, Noon Central)! | By DianeSev on 3/21/11 10:42 AM |
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We're Chatting with Glenda Sparling on "Fitting from Petites to Plus Sizes with Sure-Fit Designs", Wednesday, March 23rd at 1 PM Eastern Time (10 AM Pacific, 11 AM Mountain, Noon Central). GMT: 17:00:00. Sydney, Australia: Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 4 AM!*
Join us on Wednesday, March 23rd at 1 PM EST for a chat with Glenda Sparling on "Fitting from Petites to Plus Sizes with Sure-Fit Designs".
Since 1982, Glenda Sparling has been president of Sure-Fit Designs™, an international company specializing in pattern fitting and designing. The motto of Sure-Fit Designs™ is "Use Sure-Fit Designs™ and be Sure of the Fit!"
The Canadian-born Glenda's background includes 10 years as a home economics educator and 28 years in the sewing industry. Based in Eugene, Oregon, she has traveled extensively in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Great Britain, showing home seamstresses the ease of achieving excellent pattern fit with the Sure-Fit Designs™ system of pattern fitting and designing. She is an author, lecturer, featured personality in sewing shows and exhibitions, and recognized industry professional.
To learn more about Sure-Fit Designs™, visit their website www.surefitdesigns.com and Glenda's blog.
The chat is open to all Friends of PR members. Chat instructions will be posted on the PR home page on Wednesday morning.
Can't attend the chat? E-mail us the questions you want asked, and we'll make sure that our guest gets them.
*Please double-check time conversions for your area. Eastern Time is accurate. |
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| New Simplicity Patterns Are Here! | By DianeSev on 3/17/11 3:46 PM |
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Announcing New Simplicity Patterns!
Winter's almost behind us, and we can finally look forward to baring our arms (if we want to, that is)!
Here's the latest from Simplicity in the way of spring fashions. The new Simplicity catalog gives us even more to think about sewing up!
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Simplicity 2217 Misses' Amazing Fit Dresses
Sizes 6-14, 16-24
We love patterns that help us with fit, don't we? This Amazing Fit dress comes with individual pattern pieces for Slim, Average and Curvy Fit and A, B, C, D cup sizes. All three options come with instructions for 3 views: short sleeve, 3/4 length sleeve or sleeve-less. All views include a crossed V-neck bodice and pleated skirt front.
Suggested Fabrics: Laundered cottons, damask, pique, poplin, twill, sateen, lightweight wool and wool blends, challis, laundered silk-rayons, silk linen, brocade, stain, shantung, taffeta, and linen and linen blends.
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Simplicity 2220 Misses' Dress or Top
Sizes 4-12, 12-20
This pattern is part of the SUEDEsays Collection. You may know Suede as a seasoned fashion designer, TV personality and Season 5 Project Runway® contestant.
This pattern has 3 views. View A is a sleeveless wrap dress. View B is a sleeveless wrap dress with ruffles at the neckline and a tie sash. View C is a top with exposed shoulders, ruffled capless sleeves, a frilled waist and a tie sash.
Suggested Fabrics: Charmeuse, challis, crepe back satin, crepe de chine, laundered silk-rayons, double georgette, soft lightweight linen and linen blends. View A may also be sewed in laundered cottons, batiks, pique, and sateen.
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Simplicity 2208 Misses' Fleece Jackets
Sizes XS-S-M-L-XL
While we transition, we may need a cover-up. This pattern is just the thing with 3 great styles. View A has a loose, drapey feel that suggests those cardis we've all been sewing. View B is a belted wrap-style jacket with wide cuffs and collar. View C is a hooded, zipped jacket.
Suggested Fabrics: Fleece. For View A, contrast bands in cottons or cotton blends.
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File this under "Fun"!
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Simplicity 2207 Misses' Steampunk Costume
Sizes 6-12, 14-20
OK, I know that this pattern is not a wardrobe staple, but it is fun! This Steampunk outfit is just the thing for a Steampunk convention or a costume party. Pattern includes a Victorian-style cropped jacket with modified mutton sleeves, a gathered skirt with gathered hem, and a tie-on faux bustle. Shades of Jules Verne (or Sherlock Holmes)!
Suggested Fabrics: Satin, taffeta, doupione, shantung, crepe back satin.
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See more great looks in the new Simplicity catalog!
Want to know about new patterns as soon as they come out?
Yes! Notify me when new patterns are available for sale.
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| Announcing the "PR Challenge Contest: Look Alikes" Contest Winners! | By DianeSev on 3/10/11 12:54 PM |
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"PR Challenge Contest: Look Alikes" Contest Winners
Have you ever wanted to orchestrate the outfits of you and your SO, you and your daughter, father and son, twins?
The Look Alike Contest was a chance to do that!
The participants in this contest were asked to make clothing for two or more different "people", and submit a picture of both wearing their clothing at the same time.
The items had to look alike in a substantial way, not merely coordinate. That didn't mean that the items had to be identical. Using the similar fabric surely helped reach the goal!
Take a look at how the participants interpreted the challenge.
Now let's meet the winning contestants.
Tied for First Prize (by Member Vote):
Heatherrique for Simplicity: 2294 Girls' Sportwear, Hannah M
Heatherrique sewed this combo from Simplicity: 2294 Girls' Sportwear, Hannah M for her daughter and her daughter's long-time friend, Spot. DD wanted to be stylish for the Grammy Awards! This ensemble included a girls' tunic, dress, pants, and jacket from the Hannah Montana series. She made a matching outfit for Spot based on an infant dress from DD's earlier days.
She thought that the instructions were simple and straightforward (especially compared to working with similar patterns from Burda magazine). The dress too was fairly simple to sew, but it was not a one-night project. The directions called for the front, back, collar, and sleeve plackets of this tunic/dress to be interfaced.
She did not make any major alterations, but she did sew the sides together using French seams. Because there was too much ease in the sleeves, she also took about 1/2" from edge of the sleeve caps.
She calls this style is "a hit with the young ladies" and, apparently with the moms too, since all of the coordinates are practical and stylish basics and are age-apppropriate. Heatherrique recommends the look for grown-up ladies, too.
Congratulations, Heatherrique!
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Tied for First Prize (by Member Vote):
raymondmom for McCall's: 5511 Nightshirts
raymondmom made a lounging outfit from McCall's: 5511 Nightshirts for her 17-year-old son and his Rottweiler, Ashley, but she says that she can picture making this pattern in pink fabrics for a girlfriend and her little dog.
She used polarfleece for the pants and for the trim on the shirts. She used a striped pique for the main body and sleeves of the shirts. She says she had fun matching the stripes!
As for alterations, there weren't many. She serged the sleeves and raw edges of the fabric and rather than follow the detailed instructions on sewing the placket for Ashley's shirt, she simply folded it over and stitched in the ditch.
She loves the pattern and thinks it would make a great Xmas gift for dog-loving friends. She also loves the fact that the dog shirt slips on without fasteners. Her son and his dog love cuddling together in the matching shirts. She says that not only did she get her money's worth from this pattern, but she also had fun sewing it up.
Congratulations, raymondmom!
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Random Entry Prize
MamaSewing for Simplicity 3572 and McCall's 6224
MamaSewing made this project for her daughter and her daughter's Bitty Baby. The pajamas were not a surprise for DD, but Bitty Baby's PJs were a surprise.
She used Simplicity 3572 for the doll outfit and McCall's 6224 for her daughter's outfit and sewed them in matching flannel fabric.
DD was so excited to have matching PJ's and loves that the PJs are both a little big so she and Bitty Baby can grow into them!!!
Congratulations, MamaSewing!
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And congratulations to all our contestants for their great Look Alikes!
We thank Kwik Sew for sponsoring this contest.
We also thank PR member SheBear0320 for managing this contest.
Discuss the contest.
Check out all contest entries
Never entered a contest before? It's easy! Our contest tutorial will show you how to enter.
Check out the current contests.
Check out the 2011 contests.
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| Announcing the "Fabric Stash - 2011" Contest Winners! | By DianeSev on 3/8/11 12:35 PM |
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"Fabric Stash - 2011" Contest Winners
We all have one...tumbling out of closets, spilling out of plastic bins or neatly folded in ever-higher piles. What is it? A fabric stash!
This contest was designed to help members whittle away (or chop away!) at that stash by sewing items that are usable or wearable.
Any sewn item was allowed (clothing, accessories, home dec, pets), but each individual project was limited to 5 yards for each contest entry. Oh, yes...the fabric had to have lived in the stash for 6 months or more.
The 144 contestants sewed 835 items and used 1257.86 yards to make their items. That's a lot of fabric! The winner was determined by most yardage sewn.
Check out their handiwork in the contest gallery.
Now let's meet the winners!
First Prize (By Yards Sewn):
Maggiedoll for her Fabric Stash Entries.
Pictured: Jalie: 2005 - (Choice of T-shirts)
Maggiedoll won with 94 points. She made 51 items from 100 yards of fabric. This Jalie 2005 top is one of the items she made (a couple of times!) for this contest. This purple washable wool knit is her favorite.
The pattern is a downloadable OOP pattern that she purchased at a discount. Her "computer-literate" fiance hooked up an inexpensive wide-format printer for her, and she was able to get a special wide-format download from Jalie (they were so helpful that she can't say enough good things about them!).
She altered the pattern to fit both her arms and chest by cutting the size that fit her arms and taking out the difference from the middle before cutting, a method she finds really only works on boatneck styles.
She loves this pattern and says it's her most TNT top pattern. And she will make it again!
Way to cut down your fabric stash, Maggiedoll! And congratulations!
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Random Entry Prize
SexiSadi. See her Fabric Stash Entries.
Pictured: Burda: 7866 (Pullover)
SexiSadi projects totaled 18 points. She made 11 items from 18.75 yards of fabric.
This Burda 7866 top is one of the items she made for this contest.
She chose this pattern because she was looking for something that is easy to sew. In addition, this pattern has a lot of favorable reviews. She found it really easy to put together.
She used some inexpensive cotton knit without much stretch, which turned out to be a problem for her, because she was 1 inch short of fabric! She had to be creative in her cutting, so the torso piece is a bit snug.
The pattern calls for using a double needle, but she says that we shouldn't be afraid of sewing the pattern if we've never used one. The double needle stitching makes the garment look more RTW.
She will definitely sew it again, because it is a very easy pattern.
Congratulations, SexiSadi!
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And congratulations to all our contestants for all their work in reducing their fabric stash!
We thank PR member Jacqui315 for managing this contest.
Discuss the contest.
Look at all the contest entries
Never entered a contest before? It's easy! Our contest tutorial will show you how to enter.
Check out the current contests.
Check out the 2011 contests.
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| The Love/Hate Relationship With the Popular Trends...Wide Leg Pant and the Skinny Jean! By Angela Wolf | By Angela Wolf on 3/7/11 12:29 PM |
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The Love/Hate Relationship With the Popular Trends...Wide Leg Pant and the Skinny Jean!
by Angela Wolf
Angela Wolf is the designer and founder behind ABO Apparel, Angela Wolf Ready-to-Wear and ABO Sport. An A-list clientele has given Angela more than fifteen years of experience dressing and fitting many diverse women and has enabled her to understand the different styles that compliment each individual woman.
The wide leg pant...
Well, as you have probably noticed the wide leg pant is very popular for spring/summer and even into fall/winter for 2011. I often hear women say, "I can never wear those pants. They make me look short and wide!" Just the effect we want our clothing to have, right? I don't think so! Although every trend is not for everyone, I can give you a few tips on how to pull off this look.
First, consider your overall proportion when coordinating tops and jackets. Keep the rule 1/3 - 2/3 or 2/3 - 1/3. That means never cut your body in half. You will see this rule come to fruition here. The pants will end up covering 2/3 of your body, and your shorter jacket will cover the remaining 1/3. (If you have questions on this, let me know and I can explain further).
- Keep the jackets and tops short, ending at your natural waistline.
- The hem can be the magic trick here, especially if you wear heels. Hem the pants 1/4" from the floor, unless the pants are white or a very light color, then go with 1/2" from the floor so the bottom edge doesn't get dirty.
So what's the big deal about heels? With the hem so close to the floor, you are covering up your heels, giving the illusion of longer legs. I must admit, I have a bit of a shoe fetish ... or is there a term "shoe-aholic"? I love my three-inch heels, and, with the longer pant hem, I visually gain 2 ¾ inches in leg. Not too shabby!
Another thing you can do is taper the legs a little from the hip to the knee and then back out to the hem, creating a little more of an exaggerated boot leg style.
In all actuality, be realistic about your own figure, and remember not every trend flatters everyone. If you try on the wide leg pants and all you see are short, wide legs … bag this trend! I have to admit, I bought a pair of brown linen, wide-legged pants three years ago. Every time I try them on, I HATE the look, and the pants go right back into the closet. Those pants make me feel like I gained ten pounds overnight, despite the fact I have very long legs AND wear the major heels! I realized it was the linen that ruined the look for me. I have since designed a pair made of wool gabardine, and I live in them all winter. It is amazing that fabric can make such a difference; keep that in mind.
Pictured: "Ashley Top" and the "Rachel Skinny Jeans" from the Angela Wolf Collection for Spring/Summer 2011
The skinny jean ...
Now take a 180 degree turn to the skinny jean and jeggings. Did I hit another nerve? It is amazing that the two hardest trends to pull off are in a marriage for the next year. So, if you attempt this trend, think totally opposite of what I just told you:
- Hem to the ankle. It is even more fashionable if the hem scrunches at the ankle like the picture above.
- This look goes great with flats or heels!
- Wear longer, loose tops and try layering those longer tops.
A few patterns that fall in line with the new trends...
It looks like The Sewing Workshop has a couple of patterns that would look great, including tops that would complement the pants!
Valencia Jacket & Pants (Sewing Workshop)
Plaza Jacket & Pant (Sewing Workshop)
For those of you looking for a great fall/winter pant, this Vogue 8717 pants pattern would be awesome in a wool gabardine. Cute jacket too!
Vogue Patterns 8717: Misses' Vest, Jacket and Pants
I actually have a jean similar to this Burda 8488 in my collections this spring - very cute, very sleek ... although my top is a bit longer!
Burda 8488: Trousers/pants
Burda 7863: Pants/trousers
The Burda 7486 version with the longer top looks great!
Burda 7486: Tunic & Pants
For those of you looking for a great jeggings pattern, be sure to check out McCall's 6173!
McCall's 6173: Misses'/Miss Petite Pants and Leggings
As always, have fun sewing and if you have any personal styling questions, feel free to ask.
I look forward to meeting many of you at PatternReview's 10-year anniversary event in Chicago!
Like this article? You can "like" Angela Wolf on Facebook here.
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Creative Publishing Book Giveaway!
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6/7/13
Vote in the Natural Fabrics Contest. They’re Waiting for You!
6/6/13
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I saw the video yesterday you got some awesome creations
4/6/11 1:08 PM
I was just watching an old episode of Project Runway and was wondering what happened to Suede. How exciting he did not give up on fashion. Ps. you look better without the blue hair!
4/5/11 6:08 PM
I met Suede at the Puyallup fair too. I then watched his Season of Project Runway and he was the rare one who never played dirty. Great guy who rocks!
3/31/11 10:28 PM
I can't wait for this!! I meet Suede at the Puyallup Expo the beginning of this month and let me tell you, he "Rocks", I was able to chat with Suede for about 45 minutes and the guy is just awsome!!! So much energy!!!! My neices just love all his work,(so do I). !! Can't wait till more patterns come out!!!
3/31/11 2:32 PM
I love the new patterns. I have two already and they go on sale again at the local fabric store. I will getting the others!
3/31/11 1:04 PM