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PatternReview Blog > Archives May 2013
| Editorial Reviews: Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders | By DianeSev on 3/27/12 10:47 AM |
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Once again, we're reviewing a sewing book. This month it's Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins' Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders.
Editorial Review of Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders
By Deepika
How many times have you found yourself wondering, "Should I splurge on just one yard of this beautiful fabric? But then what would I do with just one yard?"
Enter - Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders. This is the second book in the series of One Yard Wonders which contains patterns and ideas on making projects from just one yard of fabric. PERFECT! And what distinguishes this book from others is the fact that not only are the projects lovely, but they are organized by fabric type...cottons, knits, voiles, corduroy, fleece and flannel, to name a few.
 Now, my tendency is usually just to skip to the projects, but from the minute I flipped the cover, I was drawn to the layout and I read it cover to cover! The authors Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins start off by explaining how fabrics differ from each other and which techniques work best for which type of fabric. I thought the Fabric Cheat Sheet was a great idea. This will make a wonderful addition to any sewing studio. Too bad that it's not detachable, but it would be just as easy to make a copy and laminate. I like that they refer to the sewing supplies as the "Sewing Pantry", which is really what it is!
The Layout
This is a spiral bound book which we always love. The patterns are printed on 9 sheets of tissue paper so you will need to trace them off when you decide to use them. The more complicated projects have step by step illustrated instructions. Every project has a large color photo which is really nice. The quality of the pages, the print and the binding is superb and the colors are beautiful.
Projects
 It's impossible to talk about all 101 projects in this book but I'll try to list a few of my favorites. There are only 6 adult garment patterns in this book but they are all very wearable. I like the bolero style shirt, which would be cute in a cotton print for summer. The patternless flirty skirt is a timeless classic and is so easy to make. I also see myself in the saddle skirt in corduroy. The rest are mostly for kids which are super cute (I love the "O" Tunic and Playday Frock). The Fleece chapter is mostly stuffed animals and accessories but they are all adorable.
I've been seeing the new laminated fabrics in stores lately and there are tons of ideas (umbrella redo anyone?) in this book for those.
Think Outside the Box
Home dec fabric is not just for that. I recognized the Echino fabric used to make some of the bags in this book. What a great idea. The Wristlet is my favorite bag pattern. Even though I don't enjoy sewing for my home, I will most definitely be making the shirred pillow. It is so cute and so easy with the elastic thread in the bobbin.
KNITS!
Being the knit fanatic that I am, I couldn't wait to see what the designers had in store for me. I am so making the speedy ruffle scarf. I am seeing this scarf everywhere in stores, and it only needs a yard! The Basic Tunic is a great first project to try with knits.
I recommend this book to beginners and intermediate sewers. The more advanced sewers would probably not find this book challenging enough. If you need ideas and inspiration to sew with smaller lengths of fabric or if you sew for kids, this book is for you! After writing this review, I placed an order for a copy for myself!
Editorial Review of Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders
by Diane Severin
My immediate reaction upon seeing Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders was: "We need this information!" Authors Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins have creatively organized the book around different types of fabric and the theme of one yard of cloth (as they did in their previous book, One Yard Wonders).
 The book starts with some brief sewing basics (tension adjustments, presser foot types, pattern drafting, sewing practices) and lists must-haves for your sewing pantry (I hadn't seen this term before, but I love it!). And very, very handy is a fabric type cheat sheet that outlines the fabric, the needle you should use to sew it, the stitch length, stitch tips, the type of presser foot to use, the marking, the pressing, the laundering and special equipment. I say laminate this page and keep it next to your sewing machine!
Each chapter focuses on a particular fabric, describes how to sew it and outlines one-yard projects suited for this fabric. Makes sense, doesn't it? Why don't we have more books that advance our fabric knowledge like this one does?
The fabrics covered are lightweight cottons, quilting-weight cottons, home dec fabrics, flannel, woven pile fabrics, coated fabrics, fleece, knits and wool. Each chapter is prefaced by a section that describes how to mark, cut, sew, press and launder the fabric. And there are 10 or more projects for each fabric type for a total of 100 projects. The authors have included patterns for many of the projects, although some of the projects (like the scarves) are of the type "Cut 2 6-inch x 32 1/2-inch pieces on the fold."
 And the projects are many and diverse: pillows, halter top, tunic, skirt, lamp shade, garment bag, diaper clutch, organizer wallet, dining chair slipcover...the list goes on. One of my favorites is umbrella redo (with coated fabrics)...I've wanted to know how to do this since high school. And it was a little discouraging to see the straightforward two-page description for the Flirty Skirt (lightweight cottons) and realize that it took us a full school year in the fifth grade to sew this project (oh, well...there was only one sewing machine and lots of handsewing).
There is something for everyone in this collection, size aside, but those who sew for children will make out in a big way. There are lots of clothes, toy and accessory projects for kids (it's the one-yard factor at work).
You may find that there are projects you wouldn't consider sewing. For me, it was the flat screen TV cover. But we know you'll find something! (May I recommend the apron with the built-in potholders?)
 This book was pleasant to look at. The fabrics featured are bright and fun (there's a list of suppliers at the back). The book is wire-o bound (my favorite!) with a looseleaf-type offset cover. The diagrams are useful and clear and are positioned next to the corresponding instructions.
There's one last thing that you may not realize until you get to the end of the book. These projects were (all?) submitted by contributors. Their names appear under the project title, a fact I overlooked the first time through. It's nice to put a designer history to a favorite project.
One omission we noticed is that PatternReview.com is not listed under Resources. Maybe it will be in Yaker and Hoskins next book! Otherwise, this book is wonderful, a great addition to the library of any crafty sewer of garments.
Editorial Review of Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders
By Noelle MacMahon
This new book by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins is a follow-up to their previous book One Yard Wonders, which, as the title suggests, provides ideas and patterns for things using one yard of fabric.
This book continues the idea of using one yard of fabric per project but takes it a step further by organizing the projects by fabric type. There are nine chapters covering everything from flannel to coated fabrics to wool. Within each chapter there are several projects using that particular fabric.
What I really like about this book is that the layout is almost like a cookbook; the “ingredients” (materials) list is directly above the “method” (instructions), which are given in bullet form- very easy to follow. There are illustrations for cutting layouts, and great photos to accompany the projects. The book is spiral-bound and hard cover with a huge envelope of pattern pieces on the front cover.
 These authors don’t spend a lot of time talking about sewing, a fact that I also liked. They include a concise page or two at the beginning of each chapter outlining the specific properties of the featured fabric, including what size needle to use and other handling tips.
The projects themselves are really quite ingenious, considering they use so little fabric. My favorite is the Swaddle Blanket on page 190. It is a clever baby blanket made with flannel that has ties sewn in so baby will be nice and snug.
This is the perfect book to help you with ideas to use that extra fabric in your stash and would make a particularly great gift!
Order this book from Amazon!
Tell us here what you've made from one yard of fabric, and your name will be entered in a drawing to win this book! We'll announce the winner on April 3rd.
Update: We've chosen a winner! Read the announcement.
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| New Simplicity Are Here! | By DianeSev on 3/26/12 3:15 PM |
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It feels like only yesterday that Simplicity brought us spring fashions! But here we are for Round 2! Oil up your sewing machines!
Here's a rundown on what Simplicity is featuring this spring.
Slit shoulders:
Simplicity 1798
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Simplicity 1805
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Wardrobes:
Simplicity 1808
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Simplicity 1809
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Skirt variations that feature the mullet, as Noelle calls it (or "up and down", as she heard a store clerk call it). Party in front and business in the back?
Simplicity 1812
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Costumes for Steampunk (risque or more demure) or the 150th anniversary of the Civil War:
Simplicity 1819
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Simplicity 1818
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Bags!
Simplicity 1823
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Simplicity 1824
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Suede is now designing for girls and preteens too:
Simplicity 1816
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Simplicity 1817
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Girls' headbands are so popular!
Simplicity 1820
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A nice change that we noticed is that Simplicity is featuring plus-size models on its envelopes for patterns that run in the plus-size range. Sometimes the plus-size model appears on the envelope specifically for that size, and sometimes she shares the pattern envelope with the usual model.
Simplicity 1796
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And now for some standouts!
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Simplicity 1797
Sizes 6-14, 16-24
This short-sleeved or sleeveless dress has princess seams on the bodice and a front pleat to reveal the fabric underneath. Sew the short-sleeved jackets for those spring days that are just a little cooler. Great Easter wear!
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Simplicity 1806
Sizes 8-16, 16-24
One of these views reminds us so much of Best Patterns 2010's Simplicity 2599. All five views are cute, with sleeve variations, neck variations, ruffle choices and hem variations. So many tops in one pattern envelope!
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Simplicity 1802
Sizes 6-14, 14-22
Make this flirty dress with sleeve variations. If you like the tapered to full flowing skirt they're showing this season and want to see more, check out Simplicity 1799 and Simplicity 1803.
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See all the newest patterns on PatternReview.
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| Little Red Dress Contest Winner | By DianeSev on 3/13/12 4:33 PM |
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Red dresses make a statement, don't they?
And the Contest Committee wanted PR members to make a statement about heart health to go along with the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women, a program that encourages women to become more knowledgeable about cardiovascular disease and the importance of a healthy heart. And so the Little Red Dress Contest was born.
According to the rules of this contest, PR members had to sew a dress that fits the spirit of the description, sew a dress in a color similar to red and write a review that includes at least two photos of the dress.
71 participants entered. And, wow, what dresses they made! And what a variety: full skirts, narrow skirts, boat necks, ruffled necks, V-necks, sleeved, strapped! And with patterns by so many different pattern companies! It must have been hard for voters to pick a favorite.
Although there was only one winner in this contest, everyone was a winner in the sponsor's eyes: StudioCherie awarded a pattern to each contestant.
Let's meet the winner now.
First Prize (By Member Vote):
Carolyn.S
 Pictured at left: Carolyn.S wearing Vogue 1087 Misses' Dress
Carolyn.S had sewn this Vogue 1087 pattern previously but wasn't completely happy with the result (the dress kept falling off her shoulders). So when she sewed it for the Little Red Dress Contest, she resized the bodice to a smaller size. The resizing was difficult, because the pattern is complex and does not include a smaller size. She was happy that she was able to accomplish this change and with how well the finished dress fit.
She selected rayon jersey fabric for this garment, in red, of course.
The first time she made this pattern, she found it tricky. The instructions show the wrong side of the fabric in the front bodice overlap. In her second time around, she decided that the instructions are incorrect and changed the way the pieces overlap.
She saw no need for a zipper in this dress, so she cut her bodice and back neck facing on the center fold to eliminate the zipper and the back seam.
She also changed the position of the front pieces to the bodice so that they sit differently around the neckline.
She realized that finishing the edges with stitching would show through the skirt (which hugs the body), so she left the edges raw for a smoother look. Although she sewed the seams on her machine, she handsewed the bodice edges, the armhole edges and lower hems with invisible stitches.
She loves this pattern and loves the dress. And so does her husband!
Congratulations, Carolyn.S!
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And congratulations to all our contestants for their Little Red Dress creations!
We thank StudioCherie for sponsoring this contest.
We thank PR member Sew Ducky for managing this contest.
Chat with other members about this 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.
Going on now:
 Why not enter?
Plan ahead! Check out the 2012 contests.
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| Spring Forward with New Butterick | By DianeSev on 3/6/12 2:53 PM |
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It's almost time to set the clocks forward. Can spring be far behind?
Ignore what the groundhog said this year and sew some spring fashions to wear soon.
Take a look at what Butterick has planned for spring.
Here's an introduction to what you'll find in this catalog.
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Butterick 5750 Misses' Dresses
Suzy Chin Maggy Boutique
Sizes 6-14, 14-22
Make your own bombshell dress with this pattern! This lined dress has a close fitting (lining) mock wrap, a pleated bodice with bias front, a gathered skirt and an invisible back zipper.
Fabrics: Georgette, crepe de chine, faille, voile.
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Butterick 5764 Women's Shrug, Dress and Belt
Sizes 18W-24W, 26W-32W
Long with a bi-level, angled hem or short with a faux wrap skirt, this dress covers all the bases. Wear with the shrug for those days that are just a tad chilly. There are two gathered waist styles here: regular and empire. The close-fitting, unlined shrug has bands and stitched hems on sleeves. The pullover dress has a loose-fitting, mock wrap bodice with front shoulder tucks, and a raised, elasticized (seamed) waist. View B is a self belt. View C features a front overlay with pleats (the wrong side may show). Views overlay C and hem D have a narrow hem, and purchased bias tape finishes the armholes.
Fabrics: Designed for soft lightweight moderate stretch knits and soft lightweight woven fabrics. View A: Jersey, cotton knits. Views B,C,D: Faille, challis, georgette.
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Butterick 5757 Misses' Skirt
Fast & Easy
Sizes 8-16
Easy and breezy, this skirt comes in two styles, full or three-tiered. Choose ankle length or shorter. The lined skirt has an elasticized waistband, side pockets and a narrow hem.
Fabrics: Designed for soft lightweight woven fabrics and stable knits. Gauze, georgette, voile, jerseys. Lining: Cotton blends, voile.
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| Introducing the New Simplicity and the $4.99 Sale! | By Deepika on 3/4/12 11:28 PM |
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Say goodbye to heavy fabrics and winter-appropriate wear! Spring is just around the corner...oh, yes, it is...and Simplicity's new collection is full of sleeveless and strapless wear and bare legs to herald in the warmer weather.
Take a look at the new collection, and you'll see what I mean!
To help you kick off the spring season, we're having a sale! All Simplicity patterns are $4.99 today through Thursday!
Here are a few of the new patterns that stood out for us.
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Simplicity 1881 Misses' Dresses
Project Runway Collection
Sizes 4-12
Formal occasion or the beach? You can go either way with this Project Runway-inpired pattern. This misses' knit dress comes in three lengths with bodice and sleeve variations. Choose a flouncy short sleeve or a bare shoulder! Hem options are above-the-knee, ankle-length, and a cut-away knee-to-ankle variation. There are many options here to change your look!
Fabrics: Sized for stretch knits only: jerseys, lightweight knits, two-way stretch, novelty knit fabrics.
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Simplicity 1876 Misses' & Miss Petite Dresses
Leanne Marshall
Sizes 4-12
Fancy or not necessarily fancy, this misses' and miss petite dress comes in two lengths with bodice and skirt variations. View A has a narrow above-the-knee skirt with kick pleat and a neck strap holding up the front bodice. View B is definitely on the fancy side, with a layered petal mid-thigh skirt and strapless bodice.
Fabrics: Gingham, batiks, pique, lightweight twill, satten, sueded silks/rayons, satin, shantung, taffeta, and linen and linen blends.
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Simplicity 1887 Misses Pants, Shorts and Skirt
Karen Z
Easy-to-sew
Sizes 8-16
These elastic-waisted pieces will be a breeze to sew! Options include pants with cropped or long, gathered ankle or straight leg and shorts. Oh, and we can't forget the skirt in two lengths! Sew a couple of shirts like Simplicity 1886 Misses' Top, and you've got a casual wardrobe that will take you through to fall!
Fabrics: Soft, lightweight fabrics, such as: laundered cottons, batiks, lightweight sateen, challis, laundered silks/rayons, silk linen, double georgette, lightweight linen and linen blends, and jersey.
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Check out all the new Simplicity patterns in our $4.99 sale.
See all the $4.99 Simplicity patterns.
Remember...the Simplicity sale ends on Thursday, March 8 at the stroke of midnight, so shop now! |
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| Member in Focus - stirwatersblue | By DianeSev on 3/3/12 9:43 PM |
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PR Name: stirwatersblue
Full Name: Elizabeth C. Bunce
Member Since: 2008
Blog: Elizabeth's Needle - http://elizabethcbunce.wordpress.com/
Website: http://www.elizabethcbunce.com
 Pictured at left: Member In Focus stirwatersblue models one of her historical costumes
How did you learn to sew?
I've been a needleworker almost as long as I can remember (my first work was an embroidered hippo when I was five), but my first real sewing experience was a short unit in junior high home ec. Throughout high school, I dabbled a little with Halloween costumes and that sort of thing, but didn't have anyone to learn from or help troubleshoot our machine (my mom was a professional woodworker, but she was totally skipped by the needlework gene!), so my early efforts were exercises in frustration more than anything else.
Years and years later, my husband and I moved to a region with a busy Renaissance fair, which rekindled my lifelong love of historical clothing, as well as my desire to sew. Since then, I'm largely self-taught, or more accurately -- Internet-taught -- through discussion boards like Pattern Review, online tutorials, etc. My local Viking dealer, where I bought my Emerald in 2008, also offers a guided studio, where you can get expert, one-on-one coaching for any projects you bring in. It's wonderful to finally have an in-person mentor, after all these years!
What aspect of sewing do you find most challenging?
Like anybody, I think it's always fit. The proper fit can make the difference between a garment that looks professional, and one that... doesn't, and we're all trying to achieve the best results possible. But following that, I always wish I were faster! I'm never going to be a seamstress who can whip up a new blouse or top on a weekend afternoon, and it's difficult to let go of the sense that I ought to be able to.
Which sewing book do you refer to most often?
The costuming book that's always next to me is The Tudor Tailor by Ninya Mikhaila and Jane Malcom-Davies, which is a compendium of their academic and practical research in 16th c. English costume. But for general sewing know-how, you can't beat the classic: Sewing Made Easy by Mary Lynch and Dorothy Sara. What it lacks in modern notions, it makes up for in clear, comprehensive instructions of techniques, stitches, etc.
What are your sewing goals for this year?
This year, I'm hoping to actually use my serger, and learn to work with knits!
What are you sewing right now?
I'm in between projects at the moment but have pulled supplies for a sixteenth-century velvet jacket.
Pick your favorite pattern (only one please).
I draft a lot of my patterns, so if I'm being honest, it's my bodice block. But that's not helpful to others, so I'm going to recommend Simplicity 2621, 16th c. undergarments. The corset pattern is well-drafted and creates the proper period silhouette, and it's a TNT for me now.
What you love most about PatternReview?
The Message Board. I've been in a lot of online communities, but PR is second to none when it comes to the knowledge and support of its members. I've learned so much just from reading other people's threads!
Any other hobbies?
I do a lot of needlework, mostly counted thread embroidery (like cross stitch), and I also enjoy scrapbooking. I've dabbled in pretty much everything, though-- cake decorating, floral design, mosaic, knitting, craft painting -- you name it, and our basement is littered with the bones of dead craft projects!
Your profession, where do you live, etc.
I live in the Kansas City area (waves to the folks at Harper's Fabric & Quilt!), where I work as an author of young adult novels. This is a wonderful place to live to indulge both my great passions. We have a thriving children's writers community and a major Renaissance festival. The only thing we're missing is a fabulous garment district for all those wonderful fabric deals. Alas!
You are an author of historical fantasy fiction for young adults [as Elizabeth C. Bunce]. How does sewing play a part in your writing?
My needlework has informed my writing more than I ever expected! It forms the basis for my first novel, A Curse Dark As Gold, which is a retelling of the fairy tale "Rumpelstiltskin" set in an 18th century woolen mill. I drew on a lot of my needlework knowledge when writing that book -- and added to it tremendously, as well -- with research into the wool trade during the Industrial Revolution.
In later books, my understanding of period clothing has helped me create very textured and realistic worlds for my characters, as well as providing occasional flashes of inspiration! In my novel Starcrossed, the main character is a common street thief who winds up masquerading as a lady's maid in a grand castle. The nuances of dress between social classes help form part of that character's view of her world... and my knowledge of period garments gave me the idea of where this "lady's maid" might stash her lockpicks (slipped down alongside the bones in her corset).
You have an interest in historical costuming. What periods do you sew for? What are the differences you see between sewing historically and sewing modernly?
First: I have never installed a zipper or put a pocket in anything, and I have only barely made a buttonhole! My primary period is the Renaissance (late 1400's to early 1600's). Aside from modern techniques that most garment sewers take for granted, the fit of historical clothing is based on a fundamentally different philosophy. Modern clothing shapes the garment to the body through the use of darts and other techniques, but historical clothing typically shapes the body to the garment, through the use of corsetry, hoopskirts, etc. That's a sweeping generalization, of course, but it's a good way of looking at things.
What would PR members be surprised to know about you?
Probably what I said above--for all the seemingly "complex" projects I've tackled, I am wholly lacking in experience with several common sewing fundamentals. I rank myself as "intermediate," because I do draft my own patterns and feel like there's no project I can't attempt... but I've never even tried many of the techniques listed as "beginner" or "advanced beginner" skills!
Is there anything else that you'd like to tell us about yourself?
I'm so honored to be asked to participate in the Member in Focus feature! If anyone is interested, they can read more about me at my website and my dress diary.
Thank you, stirswaterblue!
Read stirwatersblue's member page.
Follow the conversations stirwatersblue is currently participating in.
Read all stirwatersblue's posts.
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| Editorial Reviews: Sew Serendipity: Fresh and Pretty Designs to Make and Wear | By DianeSev on 3/2/12 2:34 PM |
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Well, it's editorial review time again. This month we're reviewing Kay Whitt's Sew Serendipity: Fresh and Pretty Designs to Make and Wear.
Here are our reviews.
Deepika:
"Fresh and Pretty Designs to Make and Wear." The book's title is completely justified. Beautiful fabrics are showcased in projects throughout providing tons of inspiration and design ideas. This is a pattern book with 3 full multi-sized patterns ranging from XXS - XXL and bust sizes (32" - 44"). A great investment in my opinion.
The book begins with an introduction to garment-making and fitting tips. The author encourages the reader to spend the time making and tweaking the muslin for each of her patterns. This is a good idea because once you have the pattern which fits you, there are tons of variations in this book to make lots of garments from the same pattern. There are three master patterns - a Skirt, a Tunic and a Jacket. All of these patterns can be altered to make dresses, tops and tunics as well.
The chapter on jackets itself is worth purchasing this book for! The jackets are beautifully designed and will work for a lot of different body types.
The first few chapters focus on Tools and Sewing Techniques which will be really helpful to sewers of all skill levels. Since ruffles are used in almost all the patterns, there are detailed instructions on how to make them manually or by using a ruffler attachment. The directions were so good that I decided to buy the ruffler attachment!
The pattern chapters are like mini sewing guides. There is construction order for each type of pattern and then there are ideas to "Make it your own". The author has also included her inspiration sketches throughout the book which gave me an insight into her design process. Very cool!
Probably the most useful feature in this book for me was the use of coordinating cotton prints in one pattern. Example: Three fabric skirt. As a garment sewer who sews primarily with knit fabrics, this was really helpful for me and put a completely different spin on projects. There are so many lovely cotton prints available to us these days and this book has projects to please everyone.
My only minor dislike about this book is the quality of the print and the pages. The print is a little hard on the eye because of the paper. It's lighter in weight than most books and is matte. I was expecting a little thicker paper, but then again it could have been to keep the costs lower.
The book is spiral bound, which we love!
If you love girlie details like ruffles, gathers and rosettes, this is a must have book for you! If not, there are still tons of ideas in this book to create a complete wardrobe.
Diane Severin:
I had this immediate reaction to Kay Whitt's Sew Serendipity: Fresh + Pretty Designs to Make and Wear: these are contemporary styles in contemporary fabric with an old-fashioned flair. Some of the designs, like the Multi-Fabric Skirt, are like wearing a quilt (in a good way): they are pieced creations, complete with calico color-blocking. The fabric really makes these styles pop!
 There is a brief introduction to adjusting fit in this 160-page book. Kay suggests making a muslin first...a good idea, since the piecing can make the process more challenging. She also outlines sewing machine techniques that are tailored to the garment styles in this book (where else can you see instruction on pressing intentional creases?). You also get instructions on topstitching, understitching and other techniques, a hint at what awaits you. Oh, and get out that ruffler attachment! There's a how-to on that as well.
The book is organized by project type: skirts, tunics and dresses and jackets. Some of the directions for these projects require careful reading, combined with examination of the project illustration. Maybe it is just me and not enough coffee, but I found the instructions to the skirt pocket project overly complex. I wish that the instructions were spaced out a little more and not massed in blocks. I also found the grainy shading on the project illustrations a bit distracting and would have liked solid pastels on these directions instead.
There are helpful tips here, like the one for working with silk. Never having worked with silk, I didn't realize that it has a tendency to fray. Kay's advice for sewing a silk ruffle strip is to serge the edge before gathering it or to use your machine's zigzag or overlock stitch.
I love the skirt and dress designs in this pattern book. Although ruffles, full and flat, dominate the designs, there are a few ruffle-less tunic patterns for those of you who think that top-tier ruffles may be too much for your body type. The jacket patterns are for the most part sleeker but still whimsical in design. Each is high-waisted.
Best of all, the book includes 3 basic tissue patterns from which you can make all 18 styles in the book. And the patterns cover sizes XXS to XXL (small and plus-size women thank you!).
These styles are suited for warmer climates and warmer seasons, unless you wear layers. The exceptions are the jackets, which can be made in wool.
This book is hardcovered and wire-o bound (yes!) with a spine that covers the wire-o so that you don't need to wonder if it's one of your cookbooks or the pattern book when it's sitting on your shelf.
All in all, this book scores points with its novel collection of fun and charming pattern ideas.
Noelle MacMahon:
Kay Whitt is the author of the next book in our Editorial Review series: Sew Serendipity: Fresh and Pretty Designs to Make and Wear. She designs patterns for her company, Serendipity Studio, as well as for the McCall Pattern Company.
First of all, this is a REALLY pretty book. Sometimes, it is just so nice to sit down with a book that is artfully arranged and has lovely colors. That being said, it is also full of gorgeous designs with lots of options for adaptations and embellishments. It is spiral bound, which we all love, and comes with a pink envelope full of patterns at the back. Kay has an eye for that retro, fun style and has given us some basic patterns with which to create our own spin and really personalize our garments.
She starts out with a couple of pages devoted to fit- nothing complicated but still helpful. Then a few pages on notion suggestions and technique tips, including a couple pages for ruffles-these designs are heavy on the ruffles!
Kay has devoted the next three chapters to three sets of garments: Skirts, Tunics and Dresses, and Jackets. She has designed a set of pattern pieces for each garment, which is then adapted in six variations. At the beginning of each chapter, she outlines basic construction techniques for that particular garment. Then, each variation has its own instructions for sewing.
These patterns all feature a multiple panel style which is perfect for playing with contrasting and complementary fabrics. The hand-drawn sketches used to illustrate the designs and construction add a personal touch to the book. Her photos and models are all really fun and, I have to say, have inspired me to add some prints into my wardrobe!
Read what PatternReview members had to say about Sew Serendipity patterns.
Win a free copy of this book!
We have a signed copy of this book which we'll give to one lucky winner who posts the name of her or his favorite pattern book here on this blog posting. We will announce the winner on March 15th. Good luck!
Don't want to wait? Buy your copy from Amazon.com
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| Choose the Winner of the Little Red Dress Contest! | By DianeSev on 3/2/12 9:04 AM |
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The Little Red Dress Contest has finished, and it's time for you to vote.
What's the contest all about? Well, the American Heart Association has a program called Go Red For Women to empower women to take charge of their heart health. The Contest Committee came up with this contest to encourage PR members to become more knowledgeable about cardiovascular disease and the importance of a healthy heart.
71 participants took this contest to heart!
Here are the basic rules of the contest:
- Contestants should sew a dress that fits the spirit of the description.
- Contestants must sew a dress in a color similar to red.
- Contestants need to write a review and include at least two photos of the dress.
You can see the complete list of rules here.
See the contest report and other important links here.
And don't forget to see the projects and vote here!
Voting closes on March 10, so have a heart and vote!
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| The Top Fashion Trends for Fall/Winter 2012 by Angela Wolf | By Angela Wolf on 3/1/12 5:22 PM |
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With more than 300 designers showing their 2012 fall/winter collections throughout New York during Fashion Week, we now have a glimpse of what to expect in this upcoming season. Many of the styles resemble the late 60’s and early 70’s... very beautiful, glamorous, and feminine, yet with a touch of sophistication. I was thrilled to see a few of my favorite spring and summer trends, including cutouts, color blocking, and mixed media, rolling over into the fall.
For those of you that are intrigued by fabrication and embellishing, you must take a look at the collection of Proenza Schouler. Inspired by basket weaving, there are beautiful hand-woven leather skirts and jackets. Unique quilting and metallic brocades add to the glamour of this collection. Tory Burch, another designer making large headway these days, offered beautifully tailored jacket, pencil skirts, and fabulous shoes. Very wearable!
Skirt and Dress Hems
Many of the skirt hems fall below the knee or longer with the styles ranging from very narrow pencil skirts to full circle skirts. These included beautiful chiffon dresses, often shown with a belted waist. Think feminine and flirty.
Tailored Jackets
And I am happy to see my all time favorite…exquisitely–tailored jackets. Found in just about every length, these jackets can be worn with jeans or dressed up for the office or an evening out. In particular, the longer trench-style jackets complement the skirts and dresses quite nicely. But do not forget about the Sherpa, leather, and faux fur that was so popular last season! They are all just as prominent next winter.
Angela Wolf's Jackets. Photographers: Johnson-Rauhoff and Gregg Rizzo
Burgundy and Jade
A few of the main colors for fall: burgundy, plums, pinks, jade, and deep green. Very rich colors seen in everything from silk chiffon to leather and fur.
Silver and Gold
With a silver and gold trend starting over year ago, hopefully you have already added a few pieces to your wardrobe, but if not, there’s still plenty of time. From what I have seen, the metallics are not going anywhere anytime soon. Sequins, brocades and jacquards are filled with silver and gold. A simple sequin and chiffon tank would be the perfect addition to your fall and winter wardrobe. The tank could be worn under a rich, black cotton sateen jacket or pair with black leather pants.
A Few Patterns to Consider
New Look 6435 Misses' Pants, Bag and Lined Jackets or Vest
New Look 6435 would make a perfect jacket with brocade; this is a very popular style this year. The style C vest would be a perfect match for the gold or silver sequins.
New Look 6099 Jacket - Workroom from Project Runway, Misses' Jacket in Two Lengths
New Look 6099 is another great jacket for embellishing.
Vogue Patterns 8758 Misses' Jacket, Dress, Skirt and Pants
Vogue 8758 has quite a few pieces that you could adapt for this summer or fall.
Next month, we will cover the skirts in detail...
Good luck and happy sewing!
Join me on Facebook, Twitter, or follow my blog for more sewing tips. :)
 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. Join Angela on Facebook, Twitter and her blog.
Sign up for a class with Angela!
 Altering RTW Jackets. Starts April 9"
Missed Angela's previous columns? You can still read them!
Pantone's Color of the Year... Tangerine Tango!
Accessorize With the Scarf For Any Season
Fabrics for the Holiday Season
Faux Fur
A Few Fall 2011 Fashion Trends
The 70's
White, it's Everywhere... How to Wear It
How Will the Royal Wedding Affect Fashion?
A Touch of Glamour
The Love/Hate Relationship With the Popular Trends...Wide Leg Pant and the Skinny Jean!
Fashion Tips & Trends with Angela Wolf
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5/21/13
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Left: 
The dress looks amazing! Congrats!
4/8/12 7:27 AM
Absolutely fabulous job and the dress looks wonderful on you. Best version to date. I've had this pattern for awhile and think I'll make mine with the same modifications as you. Absolute winner!
4/1/12 9:38 AM
Congratulations Carolyn a stunning dress and well deserved win.
3/31/12 6:02 PM
Lady in Red it looks fab.
3/29/12 5:31 PM
Looking sharp Ms. Carolyn. Congrats! But you are an awesome sewist and this is well deserved. I'm a little late to the party...this is what I get for not stalking your blog faithfully. :-)
3/23/12 9:28 PM
This dress is just stunning! Congratulations on the comp. win....outstanding work. And can I agree with margk? Aussie Aussie Aussie :-)
3/22/12 3:41 AM
Very classy!
3/21/12 2:47 AM
Congratulations, Carolyn. I loved your dress from the moment I saw it!
3/20/12 6:20 PM
So beautiful,thanks for the sharing! Abercrombie Outlet UK,I think you will like it
3/20/12 4:05 AM
Simply divine! Congratulations!
3/19/12 9:42 PM
Wow, this is a great looking group of entries. There are a lot of favorites here!
3/19/12 3:36 PM
Congratulations!
3/17/12 7:00 PM
Congratulations! this is an incredibly beautiful dress--for an incredibly beautiful lady. Way to go, Carolyn.
3/16/12 10:18 PM
What a lovely dress! Congrats to you and all participants! You all look lovely. :)
3/16/12 8:00 PM
Very pretty! I love it and congratulations!
3/16/12 2:50 PM
TJSews, you can see the voting results by going to the contest gallery and clicking on Sort by Votes.
3/16/12 11:18 AM
Fabulous work Carolyn. You deserve to win with such a great piece of work! Well done!
3/15/12 8:57 PM
Fabulous work Carolyn. You deserve to win with such a great piece of work! Well done!
3/15/12 7:58 PM
Fantastic! So beautiful!
3/15/12 3:20 PM
Congratulations Carolyn. Beautiful dress!
3/15/12 2:44 PM
Congratulations Carolyn! Beautiful dress. I am wondering who won 2nd place....
3/15/12 12:15 PM
Congratulations on winning the Red Dress contest. Your dress is lovely!
3/15/12 12:02 PM
Congratulations, beautiful dress. Love how you were able to accommodate the pattern to a perfect fit.
3/15/12 9:59 AM
Great dress, you did a wonderful job, one of my favorites!
3/15/12 8:35 AM
Well done, Carolyn. Your work is always beautiful.
3/15/12 3:53 AM
so beautiful the dress and ralph lauren clothes are good too
3/15/12 2:40 AM
Oh, Snap!
3/14/12 4:28 PM
Congratulations Carolyn. Your red dress really looks great.
3/14/12 9:35 AM
Margk, hehe! H
3/14/12 6:41 AM
Thank you so much everyone! To say I am thrilled is an understatement!!
3/14/12 1:50 AM
beautiful
3/14/12 1:33 AM
Congratulations!
3/13/12 11:37 PM
Congratulations Carolyn! A very beautiful accomplishment!
3/13/12 10:43 PM
It is beautiful! Congratulations
3/13/12 10:12 PM
I love the dress gallery / Beautiful! Congrations, Carolyn!
3/13/12 9:46 PM
Very nice! You did a great job solving the challenges of this pattern too!
3/13/12 8:06 PM
Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi! :D
3/13/12 7:36 PM
Nice work Carolyn.
3/13/12 7:23 PM
Carolyn, congratulations on a well deserved win!
3/13/12 6:06 PM
Beautiful dress. Congratulations Carolyn
3/13/12 4:44 PM