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PatternReview Blog > Archives May 2013
| Vintage Contest Winner | By DianeSev on 4/27/12 4:03 PM |
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Vintage patterns don't just look different. They are different! Different in size, different in fit, different in instructions. The people of the past were aiming for a different look than we are today. Perhaps they didn't expect to raise their arms so high or they didn't expect to bend over like we do (corsets, anyone?). Their posture was different as well.
For this contest, a pattern had to be produced before 1978. The rules give more information about the allowed patterns. Contestants were not required to sew their garments on the sewing machines of their patterns' vintage. :)
These special considerations made for an interesting challenge for our 71 contestants. You can read their reviews in the Contest Gallery for more detail.
Dresses were the most popular garments entered in this contest. There were some entries from contestants who were using patterns from the 1912 Titanic Sewing Project (more on this in a future blog, we hope).
And Studio Cherie donated a pattern to every person who entered this contest!
Now let's meet the winner.
 Pictured at left: Peter in NYC's Simplicity 3216 Vintage Opera Coat
Peter in NYC transformed Simplicity 3216, a vintage women's robe from 1959, into a fully-lined fifties-style opera coat, a popular garment for the period.
He chose this pattern because it is nearly identical to every 1950's opera coat pattern he has seen and because it is cheaper and easy to find in the right size on shopping sites like Etsy.
He made a vintage size 18, which in 1959 translated to a 38" bust. He found the instructions excellent and long, characteristics that seem to be a feature of older patterns. He thinks that the pattern was wonderfully drafted.
He made the coat out of nearly 5 yards of rose-colored cotton sateen (with a bit of lycra) that he found for 99 cents a yard in the NYC Garment District (what a deal!). For the lining, he used a very lightweight, glossy, flowered cotton that he bought for very little money at the Chelsea flea market.
He changed the Peter Pan collar to another from the Vogue Americana pattern V2261. He used horsehair canvas as an interface on the outer collar and cotton shirting on the undercollar. He also changed the cuffs and decided not to use the pockets and buttons.
He loves this pattern and will definitely sew it again.
Congratulations, Peter in NYC!
We thank Studio Cherie for sponsoring this contest. 
We thank PR member velosewer 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.
Plan ahead! Check out the 2012 contests.
Going on now:
 Why not enter?
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| Featured Studio: JKimes | By DianeSev on 4/27/12 11:04 AM |
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It's fun to see where everyone is sewing! This is the first article in our new Featured Studio series. We'd love for members to share where they are sewing: a studio, the dining room table, the spare bedroom or someplace else. See the end of the article for info on how to let us know more for future articles.
Here are some photos of my studio. It is a 12 x 24' free-standing building about 300 feet from our house (we have about 20 acres). Not shown (yet) is the loft where I keep my fabric stash.
 Back wall--machine work table
I use bar-height stools and often stand up when I'm doing something quick. The cutting table is 4' x 8' and is closer to counter height.
Bins hold color-organized remnants, patterns and interfacing. DH made the rack to hold stabilizer--much easier to find what I need quickly. [To the left] is the changing area--we installed a copper rod with a curtain to create a changing area that doesn't take away any floor space when not in use. The large mirror is from a fabric store my mom worked in when I was in high school and college. I can remember shopping there before I started school.
Update: I have added a steam press!
 Submitted by JKimes
Read the discussion on JKimes' studio.
We'd love to feature YOUR studio! Send your pictures and a description to support@patternreview.com |
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| Tip: Spring Cleaning the Sewing Room All Year Round | By DianeSev on 4/24/12 12:19 PM |
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Submitted by monijo
I put a letter away this morning that led me to think about spring cleaning and the sewing room. Because of the distance between Nigeria and Washington State, the letter arrived late. That was months ago. I've kept the letter in a corner of the lower shelf of the cutting table. Today, as part of my weekly cleaning routine, I finally moved it to another place. I probably won't ever read it again. It's gone. Life goes on. The sewing room must be kept clean.
To keep a year-round sparkle and shine, I follow a five-step routine that I hope others will find useful. The result will be a room that is a pleasure to be in and, just as importantly, an end to complex spring cleaning.
Step One: Take a good look at your sewing space and visually divide it into units. Usually the sewing room can be separated into four basic areas: storage, cutting, sewing and pressing. This partitioning will form the plan of attack for the cleaning routine.
Step Two: Accept the fact that each of these areas, at some point in time, will need to be de-cluttered; waxed, polished or wet-cleaned; dusted; swept or vacuumed. To help things along, keep the needed cleaning items (cloths, oils, etc.) in a bin or basket. Store the container under a table or put it in a cabinet. Keep brooms, mops and such things hidden in a corner or stand them behind a cabinet. To save space, I use a carpet sweeper and find a whisk broom very helpful in cleaning floors and chairs. To eliminate containers of soapy water, I use baby wipes and a dry cloth to clean most surfaces. Keep all in the sewing room where they will be handy. The mood or opportunity to clean can strike at any moment.
Step Three: Set aside a day of the week for cleaning just the sewing room.
Step Four: Decide what needs to be done. Keep a notebook and write in it each task you want to do and how much time you expect it to take. For example: Week 1: De-clutter two cabinet shelves, polish cabinet doors; about 40 minutes. Always add a few extra minutes to each task in case you will need more time.
Step Five: On a daily basis, take care of any cleaning situation that has the potential to get out of hand. Otherwise, you will end up needing to do a long session of spring cleaning. The FlyLady.com, using the language of firefighters, calls these situations "hot spots". They should not be allowed to burn out of control.
Little by little, you can organize a sewing room into a space that will always be clean enough to work comfortably in and even carry you through those times when you are unable to clean. During bouts of illness, times of sorrow and moments of immense joy, it is soothing to have the quiet space of a clean, pleasant-smelling room to sit in.
Not long ago, perhaps a year or almost two, I visited the convent where the sisters who taught me (1952 to 1964) now live in retirement. These were the sisters who taught me how to sew. I remember describing snippets of my life in Nigeria to them and they being very happy to hear my stories. One of them remarked that the sewing room seemed to be the place where my heart is. Bringing out what was precious to her, Sister gave me a picture of Blessed Mother Mary Rose, the foundress of the congregation of Holy Names Sisters, to hang in my sewing room as well as a book of daily prayers. Having such precious memory gifts, I decided to keep the sewing room as neat and as tidy as any room in the convent.
These were my mentors who had stuck by me through thick and thin. In their day, they welcomed those of us who came from the inner city's ghetto and gave us a chance when no one else would. In return, they expected us to strive for excellence. I hope I have become what the sisters wanted me to be.
Because they would have expected it of me, I tidied up the sewing room by de-cluttering the cutting table. This morning, I put the letter away that I had been keeping there; the letter that informed me that two of the sisters had died long before the letter arrived. Africa is a long way from home.
With their deaths, I know that one cycle of my life has come to completion. I'll sit in my clean room and think about that and what a wonderful ride it has been: all the way from the inner city to the University of Washington and then to Africa with many pleasant stops along the way.
Just know that when times are good and life is being kind, that is the time to diligently keep up the cleaning routine. The effort will be rewarded with having a nice room to come home to or to leave your heart in when you don't want it to get broken.
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| Tip 255: Sketch It First | By DianeSev on 4/19/12 11:22 AM |
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- Remember those paper dolls you used to play with when you were little? Well, this way of capturing fashion inspiration is kinda like that...
- Make a design template: Trace a lady's figure, front and back views. I traced one out of the Vogue catalog. Photocopy it. Zoom it to get several different sizes. Or make a croquis of yourself.
- Every time you see a design or design detail that you absolutely love, race home and sketch it onto one of your photocopied templates.
- Jot down a few notes to remind you where you saw it, why it caught your eye, the fabric, the color, etc. Design ideas can strike at any time -- walking down the street, at the movies, cruising RTW -- so BE PREPARED.
- Affix the drawing to your sewing room wall. I loosely separate the sketches into tops, skirts, etc., and put them up along-side magazine clippings/postcards/labels, etc. I know it's messy, and if you sew in your dining room, this many not be possible, but I love having all that inspiration around me as I sew. Sometimes I just look around the room and marvel at all the amazing details those talented designer types come up with.
 Submitted by Helen near Sydney.
This tip is from 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips.
Download a full chapter.
Royalties from 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips go toward breast cancer research.
Read about our latest donation (thanks to you!).
Order it now, signed by Deepika!
Or, order from Amazon. |
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| Swimwear Contest Winners | By Deepika on 4/13/12 11:09 AM |
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Swimwear is less forgiving than say, a dress or a skirt. Swimwear shows it all! That's why some of us shy away from sewing swimwear, don't we?
But the brave sewists (33 of them, in fact) in this contest said, "The heck with it! We're going for it!"
See what they sewed.
Contestants could sew only swimwear for this competition. The entry could be a bathing suit, such as one-piece, two-piece or tankini; or swim shorts or UV-protected swimwear. You can see the complete list of rules.
Now let's meet the winners.
First Prize (By Member Vote):
Blooms
 Pictured at left: Blooms' self-drafted Chanel-inspired swimwear
Blooms' swimsuit was self-drafted, inspired by the Chanel 2012 Resort Runway Show. When you read her review, you'll see that she very methodically laid out the drafting steps to create the perfect swimsuit for her. She started with her personal swimwear one-piece block, lowered the legline and took in a few cm around the bust to account for the fact that it is basically a strapless swimuit.
For fabric, she used black nylon lycra, white nylon lycra, and nude nylon lycra (for lining), as well as various notions.
She says that swimsuit seams need to be able to stretch, particularly in a horizontal direction. That's why she used an overlocking stitch to sew the swimsuit.
She mentions that as soon as she started this project, her family became very needy and suddenly required her attention. She dealt with it all and moved on, because, as she points out, "There is a Chanel swimsuit to be made."
Her inspiration suit is priced at $1400, so she has saved quite a bit of money in creating one herself.
She doesn't normally wear black and white, so she's limited on the matching accessories, but she does have the bright red lipstick!
Congratulations, Blooms!
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Second Prize (By Member Vote):
ryan's mom for Kwik Sew 2962
 Pictured at left: ryan's mom wearing Kwik Sew 2962
Congratulations, ryan's mom!
And congratulations to all our contestants for their wonderful swimwear!
We thank Schmetz Needles for sponsoring this contest.
We thank PR member arianamaniacs 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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| New Colette Patterns | By Deepika on 4/13/12 10:50 AM |
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The wait is almost over!! Three brand new Colette patterns will be shipping out soon and we are really excited for the reviews to start pouring in. Here they are! 1021 - Hazel  Hazel is a delightful summer dress with a clever bodice design incorporating bias-cut side panels which allows for interesting patterning with fabric. This dress has a dirndl skirt, back zipper and squared neckline with shoulder straps. And, so convenient for those times when you don't want to carry a bag - side seam pockets!! Sizes: Bust 33-46. Price: $16.20 ($18 for free members)   Try it in this gorgeous dark jade lawn from FashionFabrics Club
1020 - Lily 
Here is Lily! A slim- fitting dress which would be perfect for date night as well as work paired with a little cardigan. This design features princess seams and a clever flap detail on neckline and pockets. The dress has a back zipper and kick pleat and hits at just above the knee. Sizes: Bust 33-46. Price: $16.20 ($18 for free members) And finally, Colette brings us Iris - 1022 
Everyone needs a pair of simple, well-fitting shorts and these certainly fit the bill. They have a waistband with invisible side zipper and front pockets set into a side seam. These shorts have an easy to wear inseam length of 4 ½ inches and should be made with medium weight fabrics such as stretch cotton twill, poplin, suiting, gabardine, pique, or wool blends. Sizes: Bust 33-46. Price: $16.20 ($18 for free members) | How great would these be in this beautiful linen from Emma One Sock | Or how about this beautiful, crisp, white stretch denim from Plush Cat Designs |  |  |
All Colette Patterns |
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| Announcing the Winner of the Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders Book! | By DianeSev on 4/12/12 10:11 AM |
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We asked you to post your one-yard projects on our editorial reviews of Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins' Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders book to win a signed copy. We selected a random winner, who is:
 jamama3
Her one-yard projects are a pencil skirt, tote bag, potholders, an apron and decorator pillows.
She says, "How exciting to win this! I never underestimate the power of a good book for inspiration and this promises to do just that. Can't wait to get it. Look out, fabric stash! Thank you, PatternReview!"
Congratulations to jamama3 and thanks to everyone for sharing their one-yard projects with PatternReview!
Did you miss our editorial reviews of Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders? You can read them here.
Hear about editorial reviews and giveaways right away! Subscribe to our blog.
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| New Oliver & S Patterns | By Noelle Mac on 4/6/12 3:14 PM |
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We just received the new Oliver and S patterns for spring and summer. Get ready to make some adorable pieces for the little ones!
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The Croquet Dress is a classy but comfy outfit for girls to wear to all their social engagements this summer. It has a dropped waist which is elasticized for comfort. It features short sleeves and has two options for detailing on the bodice. The first version has a faux- nautical collar detail and the second has a simple gather at the squared-off neckline.
Sizes: 6m - 12. Price: $14.35 ($15.95 for free members)
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I found two coordinating broadcloth fabrics at Pink Hollybush Designs which would work wonderfully for this pattern.
  |  | The Secret Agent Trench coat is an unlined coat for boys and girls. This is the perfect cover up for exploring out and about when they need a little extra layer. The pattern features a double breasted button front, raglan sleeves and button tabs at the sleeves. There are two versions, one with front flap pockets and one with a dropped waist skirt. Both have tie belt.
Sizes: 6m - 12. Price: $14.35 ($15.95 for free members)
| He would look as spiffy as 007 in this coat sewn using this polyurethane coated waterproof nylon available at SewBaby for only $10.99 a yard.
 |  | The third new pattern from Oliver & S is the Badminton Skort, Top, and Dress Pattern. This versatile pattern will produce a variety of coordinating pieces for a hot summer day. The skort has a scalloped hem and elastic waist with attached short under the skirt. The top has a curved yoke with ruffles at the shoulders and a drawstring ribbon detail at front. The dress is a longer version of the top, with a scalloped hem detail.
Sizes: 6m - 12. Price: $14.35 ($15.95 for free members)
| I would sew this up in these coordinating fabrics from SewBaby.com.
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See all Oliver & S Patterns.
See all the newest patterns on PatternReview.
Please tell me when new patterns come out!
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| Choose the Winner of the Swimwear Contest! | By DianeSev on 4/5/12 11:13 AM |
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The Swimwear Contest has finished, and it's time for you to vote.
Contestants worked hard on their projects. Now's your chance to pick your favorites. You can vote up to 5 times, in case you can't choose only one!
Contestants could sew only bathing suits for this competition. The entry could be bathing suits, such as one-piece, two-piece or tankini; or swim shorts or UV-protected swim wear. 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 April 10.
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| Member in Focus: Julia Bobbin | By DianeSev on 4/2/12 3:55 PM |
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Name: Julia Bobbin
Full Name: Julia Diamente
Member Since: November 2010
Birthday: May 16th
Blog: http://www.juliabobbin.com
How did you learn to sew?
I started sewing back in August 2009. I had no previous experience and it would have been a challenge just finding where the on/off switch on the sewing machine was!
Like most people in the sewing community, I found that a lot of the clothes and styles that I loved were just not available commercially. I also found that most clothes I purchased didn’t fit my shape, which significantly reduced my clothing options. I have always been a creative type and thought I would try learning to sew.
I joined a casual class on a Saturday morning with the fabulous Vikki Leigh Martin. The class went for two hours a week, and it was there that I learned the basics like inserting a zipper, stitching a hem, pleats and darts and how to follow a sewing pattern.
What I didn’t anticipate was how all-consuming my passion for sewing would become. Two hours a week in a class was not enough to satiate my sewing appetite. I quickly looked to sewing blogs, reference books and sites like PatternReview to expedite my learning. I found the more I learned, the more feverishly my obsession for all things sewing grew.
What aspect of sewing do you find most challenging?
The most challenging part of sewing is accepting that it is impossible to devote 24 hours a day to sewing. I must remind myself that I am not a vampire and must take breaks for sleeping, food and bathroom.
The rate that I come up with new sewing ideas compared to my production rate is not on par. This is on account of the fact that I am not a robot. Yet.
Another aspect of sewing that I find a constant disciplinary struggle is to force myself to make a muslin/toile first before cutting into my fabric. I know it’s an excellent practice and I always (mostly) follow it. But, by golly, when I get excited about an outfit, it’s so hard to exercise patience and not just dive straight into the finished product. I am always so much happier with the end result though if I do make a muslin first, so I force myself to do it.
Which sewing book do you refer to most often?
I refer less to books and more to reference websites like Pattern Review and other sewing blogs, but one book that I have found useful for simple pattern alterations is How To Use, Adapt and Design Sewing Patterns by Lee Hollahan. Hollahan breaks down simple alterations like moving darts, understanding sewing patterns and fitting a toile.
What are your sewing goals for this year?
In the past six months I have been dabbling more and more in that crazy, exciting area of pattern drafting. I would like to expand my knowledge in that field and take a short course on pattern drafting/making. My ultimate goal is to be able to draft my own patterns to reproduce on a commercial level.
I would also love to create a big, beautiful ball gown. One that takes years off your life to make, but feels like a masterpiece when you’re done...a dress that incorporates so many different couture techniques that I’m convinced that when it’s finished, I’ll be fluent in the French language.
What are you sewing right now?
What am I NOT sewing right now is probably more accurate! My most recent projects have all been early 60’s vintage-inspired. I recently created a MadMen Dress Challenge and so I have been obsessively copying many gorgeous MadMen dresses that I’ve seen on my TV screen. The dress I’m currently finishing with the aid of Butterick 5603 [Misses' Dress Retro '56] is a yellow wiggle dress with a sweet French lace Peter Pan collar.
Pick your favorite pattern (only one please).
My favorite pattern at the moment is Butterick 5603. It gets that title simply because I’ve made it four times already in the past three months! [Read review.] When there are so many fantastic new patterns out there to try, it’s rare that we make things more than once, but I’d say most sewers have one pattern that they keep falling back on and Butterick 5603 is that pattern for me. It’s classic and feminine and accentuates the female form.
What you love most about PatternReview?
PatternReview was the very first website that I joined when my sewing fever took hold. I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I first discovered the site. I was constantly tackling new sewing patterns that were above my expertise and to have a ready resource with detailed tips and advice from people who had already used the pattern was invaluable. I always check the reviews on Pattern Review before trying a new pattern.
I love the sewing community at PatternReview. No matter how flawed my earlier contributions were I never once received a negative comment, only positive and constructive comments full of encouragement. I still remember the first review I did for Vogue 1178. My heart practically jumped through my rib cage every time someone commented and I had so many welcome messages! I’m still hooked on the feedback that I get from Pattern Review.
One of the nicest things about PatternReview is how normal I feel! Here is a bunch of people who would not bat an eyelid if they saw a fellow fabric-lover hyperventilating in a fabric store. They would not be suspicious of someone who spends more time in the sewing room than in any other room of the house. They all nod in understanding when someone bursts into tears because they have finished a garment and they like how it looks. They see nothing strange about going up to strangers and friends and caressing their clothes to see what type of fabric they are wearing. And they all find it completely acceptable to have a fabric stash the size of a house (not to mention the secret stash we have hidden away so that our husbands/partners don’t think our addiction has completely consumed us).
PatternReview people are my type of people.
Any other hobbies?
When I’m not hovering over my sewing machine like Gollum with his ‘precious’ I love to salsa dance, read until I give myself a headache and hang out with family and friends. If I could learn how to do all of these things at the same time I would be a very happy person.
Your profession, where do you live, etc.
I live in the beautiful city of Melbourne, Australia. I am also very lucky to work full-time with a fantastic bunch of people at the American Consulate in Melbourne.
If you ever come down to Melbourne for a visit, you will fall in love with the all the wonderful boutique cafes, hidden lane ways, live music and luscious gardens. Every time I visit the city I discover something new that I didn’t realize was there.
You've named your dress forms "Betty" and "Bobby". How did you choose the names and how do the two differ from each other?
Betty and Bobby are my buddies. They put up with my constant chatter while I obsess over my sewing machine like a crazy person. They are almost always sporting half-finished garments that I have popped over their shoulders for my viewing pleasure, and they never complain when I constantly poke them with my sewing pins.
Betty and Bobby are twins, as I got them at the same time. I always liked the names Betty and Bobby and it sounds so nice with ‘Bobbin’! Julia, Betty and Bobby Bobbin!
Betty and Bobby are useful when I need to adjust a collar or a bodice on a dress form, or just want to display my latest garment to my neighbors (who I’m sure have purposely stopped walking past our house to avoid seeing me cuddling up to my fabric). I have a regular adjustable dress form also, but Betty and Bobby are the nicest dress forms to display my latest creations on and, gee-golly, they just look so pretty!
You have said that you are drawn to vintage clothes, such as the clothes on the TV show "Madmen". Tell us more about how that inspires your sewing and what you've sewn to feed that passion.
I have always been drawn to clothing that highlights the femininity and accentuates the female shape. As a result, I am naturally drawn to classic and vintage clothes, such as the clothes shown on Mad Men. That era so perfectly captures all the flattering and feminine qualities in garments that I love so much. Vintage clothing is subtle-sexy and traffic-stopping, without resorting to flashing too much flesh. The garments instead accentuate all the right points on the female figure to give the "wow" without being too obvious.
I find that clothes that accentuate the female curves rather than try to hide it actually end up flattering my shape. The more I embrace my curves in clothing, the better I look! All the clothes I now sew have a touch of vintage to them whether they be the style that I make, or just the classic vintage silhouette. I also love how I feel when I’m wearing a garment that is from a vintage era; it makes me feel more like a woman.
Do you use vintage patterns? If so, how have you had to change your approach to sewing when you use them?
I’ve used a few vintage patterns and I always make a muslin first. Vintage patterns seem to always fit smaller than regular modern day patterns with a smaller waist and bust. A full bust adjustment is usually needed, and I always end up making a bigger size for the whole pattern if it is a vintage pattern.
I love reading through the instructions of a vintage pattern, as it’s always a fantastic lesson in correct sewing techniques and hand-sewing discipline. There are a lot of bound buttonholes, slip-stitching and lapped zippers. I try to stick to their methods as much as possible to give myself a more authentic sewing experience, but I must admit, I do cheat sometimes too.
You won the Tessuti Award in 2011. For members who aren't familiar with that award, tell us more about it. Also, tell us about the garment you created.
I still get goose bumps every time I think about the Tessuti Awards! The Tessuti Awards is a fantastic competition that is held each year in Australia by a wonderful Australian business, Tessuti Fabrics. Each year there is a new theme and the competition is open to all sewers and designers to create a garment that adheres to the theme.
Last year's competition was "Linen and Lace", where everything old is new again. The brief was simple, fresh and pretty and follows one of the trend forecasts for next Spring/Summer: "Design a dress in any length using a combination of Linen and Lace in Neutrals, Whites or a combination of both tones together."
I had decided to enter the Tessuti Awards to push and challenge myself to create something to the best of my ability using correct couture techniques. It was also the first time that I really gave my hand at designing a garment that deviated from a regular sewing pattern.
I decided to create a dress that I would want to wear myself; something simple, feminine and sweet with a nice silhouette.
I knew one of the spring fashion trends was pleats, and I decided to take it to the extreme by creating a whole skirt with mini pleats. Each row of pleats was edged with bias binding and individually sewn down. Each row took over two-and-a-half hours to pleat and sew, pleat and sew – and there were five rows! That’s over twelve-and-a-half hours just to sew the pleats! I featured the stunning lace edging and detailing of the guipure lace by creating a low V back.
I was very proud of my finished product and I took a lot of pleasure in knowing that when I turned the dress inside out it looked just as neat and finished on the inside as on the outside.
When I discovered I had won first place in the awards, I almost vomited. I was so elated and so ridiculously shocked that all I could do was cry and scream while my husband kept making nervous glances out the window, convinced that the neighbors would think I was being murdered with all the racket I was making.
The prize for first place was a trip for two to New York! My husband and I will be jetting off to NYC in early June, and he has already given me license to visit as many fabric stores as my credit card can handle.
Tell us about the tutorials on your website.
One of the fantastic advantages about sewing today is that we have access to unlimited resources on the Internet. I learned (and still do) so much by watching and reading other people's blogs.
The tutorials on my blog are a combination of videos, photos and written instructions. When I stumble across a new technique, like adding extra room in the back of your skirt for curvier derrieres or tackling delicate lace, I like to share my discoveries through a short tutorial so that other people can learn too. I know how much I appreciate other people’s tutorials!
My first and favorite tutorial was when I created rose sleeves on a dress. It was an idea I had been playing with through a process of trial-and-error. I was so happy with the result I decided to make a video tutorial so other people could learn how easy and effective it is to make.
What would PR members be surprised to know about you?
I grew up in the country in Victoria, Australia and come from a very musical and loving family where you can’t walk one step with out tripping over a musician. My parents are very generous and creative people and made sure that all of us kids (I’m the oldest of four!) learned an instrument and pursued our passions. When I was growing up I learned to play piano and as a teenager got involved with drama and dance. I moved to the city when I was 18 and had a go at swing dancing, which was lots of fun, and eventually got into salsa dancing, which I still do today.
I got married to my handsome husband in October 2011 and we performed a salsa routine as our bridal dance!
My wedding dress was not made by me, as when I purchased it, I had only been sewing for just over a year and was not yet ready to take on the vomit-every-morning pressure that comes with making your own dress. I instead made a special wedding-dress-of-sorts garment for our salsa bridal dance. This made our wedding day more authentic because it now incorporated my biggest passion: sewing.
Is there anything else that you'd like to tell us about yourself?
Here are some random Julia facts:
- I do not have and will never get wisdom teeth – which explains a lot...
- I am a citizen of both Australia and Italy, though I have lived my whole life in Australia.
- I’m the oldest of four children.
- I have three overlockers (sergers)...seriously, I have a problem.
- My first ever concert that I went to was to see "The Cure".
- I met my husband in a salsa dance class.
- If I could spend my days doing only one thing, it would be sewing.
Thank you, Julia Bobbin!
Read her reviews.
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| The Classic Skirts by Angela Wolf | By Angela Wolf on 4/2/12 10:02 AM |
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Skirts and dresses are making their mark again this summer and even moving into Fall 2012. The good news is that there is a style to compliment every body shape.
The Trend: Lower Hems
The trend is showing hems from the knee down, but there is always room for the shorter skirts as well. When mix-matching styles, make sure you take your own proportion into consideration. Try adding a longer trench jacket to a shorter skirt or tuck-in blouse with a knee-length skirt and add a belt to the waist. Classic styles are definitely making a comeback with accented waistlines taking the major role.
Full Skirts
Gorgeous knee length and flowing chiffon skirts are paired with shorter jackets or layered with simple knit tops. The chiffon skirts can be made up of yards of fabric, but the fabric skims the body and is flattering on most shapes. Vogue 8749 is the perfect pattern for this style! All three lengths are fashionable, so pick whichever you feel the most comfortable in.
Make Vogue 8749 Misses' Skirt in chiffon and pair it with a shorter jacket.
Sewing Tip from Angela: When sewing a circle skirt or a skirt on the bias, hang your skirt for 24 hours before hemming. This prevents the skirt from growing on you later down the line.
Pencil Skirts
Speaking of classic styles... If you prefer a tailored look, the pencil skirt is a must for fall. Again, the length falls just below the knee and the skirt is very fitted from the hip down. This style of a skirt requires a slit in order for you to be able to walk. Instead of the traditional slit, why not add a zipper? Exposed zippers are a fun fashion statement and a fast, easy way to sew up a skirt.
Exposed zipper slit on a pencil skirt
Coats & Clark sent me their new metallic decorative zippers, and I will be posting a tutorial on adding these zippers at the end of the month on my blog. If you'd like to know how to install them, come and visit there.
Here are a couple of patterns to consider for a slim-fitting skirt...
Burda 8133 offers a pattern with the pencil skirt and a stylish jacket.
Burda 8133 Coordinates View A
Burda 8133 Coordinates View B
For another style, take a peek at Christine Jonson #330.
Christine Jonson #330
Sewing Tip from Angela: Do you ever have a problem with the bottom of your slits flipping up on your skirts? Try adding drapery weights inside the hem along the corner of each slit. If you are working with a real lightweight fabric you might even want to add weight to each side seam as well. You simply hand tack a small weight inside the hems, making sure they do not show from the right side of the garment. Just be sure not to press that area of the skirt once you have added the weights, or you could end up with a permanent square or circle mark on your fabric. Drapery weights are available in most fabric stores and come in the shape of a circle or square.
Have fun and happy sewing!
Angela
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.
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 Altering RTW Jackets. Starts April 9"
 Fashion Club with Angela Wolf - Tweed Skirt Starts April 15"
Missed Angela's previous columns? You can still read them!
The Top Fashion Trends for Fall/Winter 2012
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Accessorize With the Scarf For Any Season
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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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You have made me look at patterns in a very different light -- What a gift you have to look at a Vintage Robe pattern and Imagine this stunning Opera Coat -- You have changed the way I see pattern in a lovely new light -- Thank you!
5/6/12 2:44 AM
Congratulations Peter! Loved the presentation 'story', as well as your wonderful work!
5/5/12 10:26 AM
Congratulations Peter, a terrific coat in a beautiful colour.
5/2/12 6:46 AM
Hilarious! Loved the whole thing!
5/1/12 6:43 PM
Love that coat, had one similar, wore it till it died! Great job
5/1/12 5:19 PM
I think the 2nd place should be announced regardless of whether or not they receive a prize. A big part of the contests is recognition by your peers (in my opinion anyway). Thanks!
4/30/12 9:15 PM
It's gorgeous! Congratulations!
4/29/12 9:40 PM
The second place person wasn't announced because there was no second place prize in this contest. Instead of a second place prize, every single participant got a free pattern form StudioCherie! Thanks again to Cherie!
4/28/12 2:11 PM
Congratulations are also in order for ChantillyDreams who came in second for her 1940's dress. (Why wasn't the 2nd place winner featured like in the swimwear contest? You have to go search for the info.!)
4/28/12 9:33 AM
Gorgeous coat! Congratulations!
4/28/12 9:26 AM
Congratz Peter, a very well deserved win!! :D
4/28/12 2:46 AM
Congrats! That jacket is stunning!
4/27/12 11:24 PM
Wonderful coat! It's stunning and congratulations
4/27/12 9:18 PM
Oh, that Cathy. How DOES she do it?
4/27/12 7:18 PM
Congratulations on winning the contest Peter! Great job and very entertaining.
4/27/12 5:05 PM
Congratulations! I love the coat and you were my absolute favorite!
4/27/12 4:59 PM