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PatternReview Blog > Archives May 2013
| Announcing the Winners of the "Unconventional Materials" Contest | By DianeSev on 8/30/11 12:51 PM |
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"PR Challenge - Unconventional Materials" Contest Winners
Do you feel constrained by the limits of fabric when you sew? Do you ever look at a dress in a store display and say to yourself, "You know that would look really good in aluminum foil?" If you have, you should have entered this contest!
The 12 participants in this contest really let their imaginations soar! Unfettered by fabric, they used the following items in their creations:
parcel ribbon
sweets wrappers
popcorn
napkins
paper bags
bubble wrap
aluminum foil
tissue paper
kitchen trash bags
highway sand filter polypropylene
nylon webbing
plastic storage bags
vintage vinyl shower curtain
doilies
Doesn't sound like it would add up to much, does it? But look at their amazing creations in the Contest Gallery! Everyone had a lot of fun realizing their visions!
Congratulations, everyone, on a great job!
Now let's meet the winners.
First Prize (By Member Vote):
Hiyoko for Simplicity: 5006 Misses' Lingerie
Pictured: Simplicity: 5006 Misses' Lingerie
Hiyoko accepted the challenge of this contest with eagerness. Although she had been a PatternReview member for quite a few months, she hadn't yet entered a contest. She decided to make her debut with this one.
Instead of heading off to the fabric store, she went to the dollar store and spent a total of $10 for this contest. What unconventional material did she use, you ask? She used...gift bags! While she was "hanging out in the Dollarama", she saw some striking extra large purple damask gift bags. She envisioned them as being perfect for making a corset from Simplicity 5006.
In addition to the gift bags, she used 16 eyelets, thread, ribbon, and a glue gun to make the corset. Because she was not using fabric, she had to make some changes in her pattern steps. She didn't need to use boning, because the gift bags were very stiff. She added decorative ribbon and bows, and instead of using grommets, she used eyelets. And she didn't need to use fusible interfacing.
She found the pattern relatively easy, compared to Simplicity 2355, which she has also made but hasn't reviewed yet. She thinks that someone who has never tried making a corset before should start with this one.
She has one caveat, though. Although the corset is very pretty, it is very uncomfortable, especially in the hot weather.
Congratulations, Hiyoko!
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Random Entry Prize:
lizziwhizz for No Pattern Used: Apron Shower Curtain/Paper Doily
Pictured: Apron - Shower Curtain/Paper Doily
lizziwhizz had a lot of fun with this project. She envisioned making a "frilly" apron out of doilies, then ran out of doilies!
For the base of her apron, she used a piece of vintage vinyl shower curtain that she purchased at a thrift store. She used most of it for other projects, like lining "ditty bags" for traveling.
She cut an apron-shaped piece of the vinyl curtain. She folded the doilies in half and overlapped them in rows, using a dot of glue to tack them temporarily. Then she flipped them open and stitched them to the vinyl near the fold. To keep the vinyl and paper doilies from tearing, she used the longest stitch length.
She used a leftover piece of seam tape for the apron tie.
She says that the apron is not really useful because the paper doilies would wear out pretty quickly. She does think that it would make a cute window display for a store that sells upcycled creations.
Congratulations, lizziwhizz!
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And congratulations to all our contestants for their creative use of materials!
Thanks to our sponsor:
We also thank PR member SheBear032 for managing this contest.
Discuss the contest.
Look at the contest rules.
Look at the contest statistics.
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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| A Few Fall 2011 Fashion Trends By Angela Wolf | By Angela Wolf on 8/25/11 10:20 AM |
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A Few Fall 2011 Fashion Trends
By Angela Wolf
Looking to update your wardrobe this fall? I just finished browsing the runway shows and there are definitely a few staples that stick out, but surprisingly there is really a broad range of styles to choose from this year. With such a variety of styles available this season, the main thing to keep in mind is proportion.
- Wardrobe Tip:
This is really easy to remember and very basic: if you wear something skinny and tight on the bottom half, wear something loose and flowing on the top half and the same goes for the reverse. For example, if you decide to venture into the high-waist, wide-leg pant, you will want to pair that with a shorter tailored top and jacket. If you need more help with proportion, join this month's Fashion Club for more details.
Color
Grey and Black are definitely the base colors to resort to this fall, but don't worry...those colors won't bore you because bold colors are really making a mark as an accent. Purple, teal, green, and red are just a few of the colors that you will be able to choose from. Wild prints, shibori-dyed pieces, and color blocking will be very popular from now into Spring 2012. For those of you going into Spring, orange and yellow are the main colors, along with honeysuckle from last year.
Jackets
Jackets are a main focus this season, and the good news is that you really can't go wrong in this department. There are many different lengths and styles from slim and tailored to the loose-flowing capes and ponchos.
Yet one of the styles seems to make its way as the front runner: the tuxedo jacket. Yes, I am referring to the original men's tuxedo jacket. Although when I think of that jacket, I am brought back to the 80's when my jackets were too large, too boxy, too long, and double-breasted with the buttons down at my hips ... needless to say, those are not fond memories! The good news is that the tuxedo jackets being shown this year are very tailored and made out of softer wools and silks for a feminine touch.
Jacket from Angela Wolf's Couture Collection
Looking for an alternative to tailored jackets? No problem! The opposite of the spectrum - ponchos and capes - is also available, whether you're shopping for RTW or looking for patterns.
Burda definitely has an edge on the fall jacket selection. Here are a few patterns that would fit in perfect this year.
Burda 7579 Pantsuit
Burda 7484 Pantsuit
Burda 7394 Pantsuit
I especially like Burda 7484 because it shows more of a feminine styling to the tuxedo jacket.
Jackets are one of my favorites, but can be challenging if you have never sewn one before. Keep an eye on the online classes for help with jackets [See Angela's Tweed Jacket class!]. Next month, Sarah Veblen is teaching a class on linings, and there will be other jacket classes available soon.
Until next month... Happy Sewing!
 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!
Currently running. You can still join!
Fashion Club with Angela Wolf - Tapering Pant Legs
Starts September 15:
Fashion Club with Angela Wolf - Tweed Skirt
Starts September 15:
Tweed Jacket
Missed Angela's previous columns? You can still read them!
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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| New Burda Patterns Are Here! | By DianeSev on 8/23/11 2:08 PM |
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Announcing the New Burda Patterns!
We're always excited when new Burda patterns arrive. "Where is European fashion headed now?" we wonder. See for yourself what the trends are in the new Burda catalog.
Here are some of the new Burda looks that struck our fancies!
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Burda 7287 Dress
Burdastyle
Sizes 8-20
This semi-fitted, above-the-knee dress comes in two styles. View A is long-sleeved with front and back darts and a fringed cowl neck. View B is sleeveless and can be worn with the View D circular wrap as a poncho or a drapey cowl. For extra warmth and style, you can add View C fingerless gloves.
Suggested fabrics: Jersey, knit fabrics
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Burda 7275 Coat
Burdastyle
Sizes 10-24
Warm up with these cozy but stylish coats. Both are sewn with lapped seams. View A features a mantle-style collar, side pockets and no front closures. View B has a hood that you can trim with faux fur. Wear loose or belted and you have a uniquely Burda look!
Suggested fabrics: View A - fulled fabrics, View B - wools, boucle, knits
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Burda 7278 Jumpsuit
Burdastyle
Sizes 8-20
Jumpsuits are making their way into our fall fashion vocabulary. Burda's version of the jumpsuit flatters the figure! Both View A and View B are long-sleeved with a front zipper and front bust and waist darts. View A has a collar, an open neck, and front pockets with flaps. View B has a round neck and side pockets.
Suggested fabrics: Lightweight wools, gabardine, flannel, crepe fabrics
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Fun to wear!
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Burda 7308 Dress & Bolero
Burdayoung
Sizes 6-18
Here's something fun for the teenager in your life! This ensemble includes a dress with a full short skirt, a ruffled slip, a belt and a lacy bolero. Great twirl appeal!
Suggested fabrics: View A - duchesse, taffeta; ruffles - tulle; View B - lace fabric with one scalloped edge
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See all the newest Burda patterns.
See all the newest patterns on PatternReview.
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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| New Simplicity Patterns Are Here! | By DianeSev on 8/22/11 1:35 PM |
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Announcing the New Simplicity Patterns!
We just unpacked the new Simplicity patterns, and what did we see but a whole new Simplicity line called Sew Simple!
The collection has very distinctive pattern envelopes. Each pattern cover features a dark purple background with the model's body in white silhouette. On the model is the featured garment. And that's the whole thrust of this Sew Simple line...feature one garment with all sizes contained in one envelope. And make it easy...
That's great for those of us with only a little time or sewing experience. Give us something easy, but fashionable!
This is what Judy Raymond of Simplicity has to say about the new line:
"After studying the market, doing lots of research, analyzing our consumer feedback, and talking with consumers at the expos, which we really love to do, we realized that there really is a need for a new beginner program. So many younger women are being attracted to sewing, either through watching Project Runway or loving the new machines, or websites and blogs, or just wanting to feel creative and unique, that we knew we needed to address this interest in a new way, with a program that’s Modern, Fun and Easy."
Judy also tells us that the Sew Simple line is inexpensive to reduce the start-up $$ novice sewers need to spend on their new hobby.
"We want to encourage more and more sewing, so we’re addressing the barriers," Judy says. "We encourage anyone who tries Sew Simple to give us direct feedback so we can keep our new Baby on track!!!"
Here's a taste of the Sew Simple line in the latest Simplicity catalog.
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Simplicity 1972 Misses' Knit Top and Belt
Sew Simple Collection
Easy
Sizes: 6-18
What a great look for fall and so easy to make! This V-neck top has dolman sleeves with a slight gather at the sleeve end. You can wear it with a belt (pattern included) or not!
Suggested Fabrics: Sized for stretch knits only, such as cotton interlock, lightweight knits.
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Simplicity 1989 Misses' Pullover Dress and Tie Belt
Sew Simple
Easy
Sizes: 6-18
Sew this one up in no time at all. This scoop-neck dress can be worn belted or not (but the pattern is included). Make more than one of these short-sleeved pullover dresses to expand your wardrobe choices!
Suggested Fabrics: Silky types, cottons, soft linens.
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Simplicity 1994 Misses' Wrap Dress
Sew Simple
Easy
Sizes 8-18
This pattern combines two hot fashions: wraps and maxi dresses. This short-sleeved v-neck wrap features back waist darts and a belt tie. Very slimming!
Suggested Fabrics: Soft cottons, silky types, lightweight linens.
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Simplicity 1996 Misses Pull-on Skirt
Sew Simple
Easy
Sizes: 6-18
Elastic-waisted skirts are one of the easiest things to sew. But this skirt doesn't look dowdy! It looks fun! Make it short! You only need 1 3/8 yards of fabric for the largest size.
Suggested Fabrics: Cottons, broadcloth, calico, crinkled gauze.
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Don't forget...Simplicity's on sale!
See all the newest Simplicity patterns.
See all the newest patterns on PatternReview.
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 "One Pattern Many Looks" Contest Winners! | By DianeSev on 8/12/11 12:13 PM |
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"One Pattern Many Looks" Contest Winners
We should probably call this the Deja Vu contest because the entries from each contestant look like something we've just seen!
That's because the goal of this contest was to take one view of a pattern, and create multiple garments with distinct looks from that view, without needing pattern drafting skills.
Contestants needed to sew one view multiple times (minimum of twice), with the goal of a different look for each garment made. The changes to the pattern must be visible from the public side of the garment. Fitting changes could be made but had to be basically the same for all versions made for the contest. The changes could only be "cosmetic", meaning that the contestant could change the look, but not the overall structure of the garment. The object was to spark creativity and create variety within one general style.
And creative they were! Look at all the entries.
Now let's meet the winners.
First Prize (By Member Vote):
marjoriekh for Kwik Sew: 3658 Misses' Dress & Top
Pictured: Kwik Sew: 3658 Misses' Dress & Top
marjoriekh made several versions of Kwik Sew: 3658. She chose this pattern because she had made it twice before (unreviewed) with great success! So it was perfect for this contest. She wanted to make a long-sleeved dress, but in order to follow the rules, all her dresses had to be long-sleeved. So she found herself in July sewing long-sleeved dresses! Next year, she swears she'll sew summer dresses instead for the contest.
She used fabric from her stash: green floral lightweight 4-way stretch cotton/lyra knit (for a wearable muslin), a navy blue heavyweight 4-way stretch cotton/lycra knit, a light blue 'brocade' printed medium-weight cotton/lycra knit, and a cinnamon wool/cotton/poly (mostly wool) chunky boucle knit. (marjoriekh, that's an impressive stash!)
She made the same alterations to each version, including raising the v-neck, adding length to the torso and adding length to the sleeve and skirt hems.
She made the muslin first and discovered that it was very wearable. She says it is now her most-complimented dress.
She has sewn this dress 5 times so far and has plans to sew it again. DH says it emphasizes one of her best features.
She credits her family for helping her through this project: her 9-year-old daughter took the photos, her 11-year-old son helped her create the images in Paint, and her husband patiently smiled through a number of very late dinners.
Congratulations, marjoriekh!
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Random Entry Prize:
Ejegmama for Oliver + S: OS001TP Tea Party Sundress, Bloomers
Pictured: Oliver + S: OS001TP Tea Party Sundress, Bloomers
Ejegmama made two copies of Oliver + S: OS001TP, one for DD and one for a friend's daughter. According to the pattern description, this is the proper attire for tea with Bear, Kitty, and friends (just so you know in case you're invited to one!).
This girl's sundress sewing pattern features button straps, curved bodice seam, optional flat piping, and gently flared skirt. The bloomers sewing pattern features an elasticized waist and leg openings.
She found the instructions very easy and only adjusted for the different heights of the girls.
She loved the fact that the pattern did not require large pieces and was able to make the dresses from scraps. One dress was made from leftover cotton fabric from a dress made for an older sister. The other dress was made from the outer layer of a prom dress bought from a thrift store. The fabric was a glittery translucent polyester lined and underlined with batiste.
She has sewn this pattern before the contest and plans to sew it again in the future. She highly recommends it and says that it's a great combination of a cute little girl style with well-written directions.
Congratulations, Ejegmama!
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And congratulations to all our contestants for their many looks!
Thanks to our sponsor:
We also thank PR member arianamaniacs for managing this contest.
Discuss the contest.
Look at the contest rules.
Look at the contest statistics.
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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| New Butterick Patterns Are Here! | By DianeSev on 8/11/11 2:58 PM |
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Announcing the New Butterick Patterns!
New Buttericks have arrived, and if you haven't sewn Butterick before, you will want to check out the looks in this latest catalog.
Tres chic, n'est-ce pas?
Here's a sampling:
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Butterick 5674 Misses' Dress
Suzy Chin for Maggy Boutique Collection
Easy
Sizes: 6-12, 12-20
Going out for an elegant evening? This look fits the bill! This close-fitting, lined dress has a front overlay, shoulder and waist pleats and a back invisible zipper.
Suggested Fabrics: For moderate stretch knits only, such as jerseys. Lining: tricot.
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Butterick 5677 Misses' Dress
Muse Collection
Easy
Sizes: 6-12, 12-18
Shades of the 60's! This one will show off your figure! Retro looks are in this fall. This close-fitting, lined dress has cap sleeves, front and back seam details, and an exposed zipper.
Suggested Fabrics: For moderate stretch knits only, such as: double knits, ponte knits, jerseys. Lining: tricot, poly knits.
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Butterick 5685 Misses' Jacket and Coat
Sizes XS-S-M-L-XL
Sew this beauty in three lengths! This semi-fitted, lined jacket/coat has a modified shawl collar, princess seams, side seam pockets. This pattern includes separate pattern pieces for A/B, C and D cup sizes.
Suggested Fabrics: lightweight woolens, lightweight tweeds, poplin.
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Butterick 5682 Misses' Jeans and Trousers
Easy
Sizes: 6-14, 16-22
How versatile is this pattern! Choose from these leg styles: trouser, flared leg, boot cut, straight leg and slim ankle length. At the waist, these fitted jeans (A,B,C,D) and semi-fitted trouser (E), have a contoured waistband and a fly zipper.
Suggested Fabrics: denims, stretch wovens. Pocket lining: lightweight muslin.
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See all the newest Butterick patterns.
See all the newest patterns on PatternReview.
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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| Moulage and Couture workshop with Kenneth King and Susan Khalje | By Deepika on 8/5/11 1:16 PM |
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The wait is over! We are pleased to announce our Fall Workshops!
Mark your calendars for the weekend of October 14, 15 and 16 for your choice of hands-on sewing workshops taught by two of our most popular teachers.
 | Bodice Moulage - Kenneth D. King
Kenneth D King will be here leading his popular Bodice Moulage workshop! After a series of measurements are taken, and calculations are done, you will draft a pattern that will fit like a second skin. Once you have this pattern (also called a sloper) you'll be able to alter commercial patterns to fit your body or add design details to this sloper to make your own original design. We offered this workshop last fall to rave reviews. You don’t want to miss spending 3 days with Kenneth! You will learn so much and laugh till you cry. Trust me, I was there. Plus it is the perfect time to come to New England- our trees will be spectacular!
See what we did last year!
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 | Couture Workshop - Susan Khalje
The amazing Susan Khalje will also be with us teaching her Couture Techniques in which she will show you how to master all those techniques which elevate your garments to the couture status. Here are a few of the topics covered:- a detailed couture lining application which incorporates an underlining and a number of hand stitches
- ultra-thin bias spaghetti straps
- 2 hand-picked zipper applications (one will be centered and embellished; the other will be lapped)
- bound buttonholes and how to back them
- and working with Alencon lace.
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Note: Registration fee includes lunch and refreshments all three days, drafting paper for (Moulage workshop) and a small kit (for Couture workshop).
Treat yourself to the perfect getaway- a weekend full of sewing and friends! We’ll see you there!
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| Announcing the July Giveaway Winners and the August Giveaway! | By DianeSev on 8/4/11 12:37 PM |
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10th Anniversary July and August Giveaways
Happy 10th Anniversary to us!
July's giveaway is going to 5 Friends of PR members who were randomly selected from all the FoPRs whose memberships were current in July.
These 5 lucky winners are receiving a Seam Allowance Guide by Hollie tool. The Seam Allowance Guide adds the seam allowance to patterns while you cut. The magnetic guide attaches to your scissors and creates the desired seam allowance width during the cutting process for patterns from sources like BurdaStyle Magazine, Marfy, Japanese pattern books, Patrones and others.
And the winners are (drumroll, please!):
knead2Bme, a.k.a. Valerie DeLaine
SRG, a.k.a. Sally Guenther
Indigopurls, a.k.a. Vanessa Throop
Judith Applestein
Kim Eckart
Congratulations to our winners! We know that you will make good use of this handy tool!
Thanks to Seam Allowance Guide by Hollie for donating these July giveaways!
Now on to the August Giveaway!
The August giveaway will go to a member randomly selected from all the members who sign up for a class in August. To be considered, you don't have to take a class in August; you simply have to sign up for a class in August.
The August giveaway is the Threads DVD Archive, donated by Threads magazine. The Threads Archive DVD-ROM gives you easy access to Threads' 152 issues, including any out-of-print issues and all those published in 2010.
To get a chance at winning this great giveaway, sign up for an online class on PatternReview in August! The winners will be selected at random on September 1st.
Keep up with our giveaways (and sewing news!) by subscribing to the newsletter and Tracings. You can subscribe to both by going to the Notifications page.
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Congrats! Absolutely loved the look of the bustier! And, the colors. Very creative ideas from all the others!
8/30/11 1:13 PM