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PatternReview Blog > Archives May 2013
New Look 6000: Highly Recommended by BlossomKyle!By DianeSev on 9/30/11 12:55 PM


Today we're featuring New Look 6000 (Misses' Dress) as reviewed by
photo
BlossomKyle.

This pattern was highly recommended by two PR members last week!

photo
Pictured: New Look 6000

BlossomKyle first saw this dress on the runway at the Simplicity Fashion Show at the 2010 American Sewing Expo and knew she had to have it! She bought the pattern then and there but didn't start sewing it until this month.

She used 2 yards of a navy stretch woven from her stash, a holdover from JoAnn's bargain fabric section. The fabric has a stretch that is with the grain, which she found unusual and caused her some problems with the center back zipper. Because the zipper bulged when she put it in, she ended up using a 14-inch invisible zipper at the side instead.

But when she wore this dress to work, she got all kinds of great compliments! One person said that she looked like Jackie O and would buy the dress if she could.

After wearing the dress, she found that the center back seam was stretched out on her seat, so she's planning to rip out the seam, iron the fabric, iron in a strip of interfacing and sew the seam back up.

Her conclusion: "It is super super cute," and she'll wear it to the next American Sewing Expo.

Highly recommended! Thanks, BlossomKyle!

Read BlossomKyle's review of New Look 6000.

Read other reviews of New Look 6000.

Buy New Look 6000 and make it for yourself! You too can look like Jackie O!


4 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
Nokiaj59 said...
BlossomKyle - your dress is adorable!! Great pattern! Thanks for the review!
10/7/11 5:43 AM
BlossomKyle said...
Sure! The pix are in this post
10/3/11 9:34 PM
Deepika said...
Kyle, I want to see that photo!
10/1/11 10:21 AM
BlossomKyle said...
Awww, thanks for featuring my review! I wore it at the Expo and had my picture taken with Suede and Angela Wolf (albeit not at the same time!)
9/30/11 8:01 PM
Spotlight on Chloe Parker of Style ArcBy DianeSev on 9/29/11 10:22 AM



Chloe Parker of Style Arc

Tell us about your business. When did you start it? What prompted you to get into it?

Chloe: Style Arc is an online clothing pattern business with an industry base. We're a very new Internet company stemming from a long-running business that was supplying patterns only to the clothing industry in Australia. We started Style Arc at the beginning of 2010.

This is how Style Arc came to be... Having coffee one Saturday morning with a couple of colleagues from the rag trade [clothing industry], we started chatting about home sewers and what patterns were available to them. We thought it would be great for them to have a more Ready-to-Wear feel about their patterns – hence Style Arc.

Our patterns are not like those of other pattern companies, as the patterns are based on Ready-to-Wear and therefore come in single sizes, just as used in the clothing industry. We also use a 149GSM quality paper, not tissue, as other companies do.

We believe in offering individual support to any one who needs it – from size selection to construction assistance. We want Style Arc to have a personal approach, and this is proving to be an important and popular part of our business. We feel we have made many friends out there already!

Ours is a simpler approach to sewing. Sewing need not be confusing, and everyone should have the opportunity to create their own garments with that RTW look with little fuss.

What inspires you in designing? What is your philosophy of design?

Chloe: Fabrics! I love beautiful fabrics. Textures and colours always inspire me to create new styles for the upcoming season.

Structure and balance is extremely important in design. A pattern must be well-drafted and balanced but needs to capture the mood of the current season and style of the moment.

Design should bring out your individuality. We may be the architects, but our sewers are their own designers. We give them a well-drafted, fashionable pattern, but it is their selection of fabric and trim that makes the design their very own.

What is a popular pattern among your products?

Chloe: We are known for the fit of our pants. Linda stretch pant is one of the favorites amongst our sewers, as it suits all sizes from 6 to 30 and all ages.

Our other popular patterns are varied, from our fabulous Kate wrap dress to our corporate suiting styles. And for a bit of fun, the versatile Simply Sally.

Are there any new services or products you'd like to tell PatternReview members about?

Chloe: We are adding new styles on a weekly basis and emailing to our PR members. We are also adding to our instruction sheets as requested by our sewers, and we thank them for their input and feedback.

What do you like about PatternReview?

Chloe: We love your sewing community! Everyone has been so encouraging with our new venture, and the feedback is so heartening. It makes all the long hours and hard work so worthwhile.

As a designer, you're also a sewer. Do you still get a chance to sew? What are you sewing now?

Chloe: Not as much as I would like to! I am very spoilt, as I have an amazing sample machinist who is at hand to whip up the new designs the girls and I come up with.

What model sewing machine do you own?

Jennifer: We use Juki industrial machines, but I must say my love is my great- grandmother’s Singer treadle which was purchased in the 1920’s. It sits in the corner of our studio in pride of place.

Style Arc patterns are available on their website www.stylearc.com.au. Add your name to the Style Arc Safe Subscribe list by going to the Merchant Gallery on PatternReview Merchant Gallery on PatternReview.

Read Style Arc reviews.


8 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
Delarosa said...
I love Style Arc patterns they always fit me perfectly, and the styles are bang up to date and very flattering.
3/30/13 6:51 PM
Lexley said...
Style Arc patterns are the best fit patterns in the market place. I have made several items now and especially love their trouser patterns-to find a pattern that does not require crotch adjustments is just unheard of but with these patterns, you rarely have to do any major alterations. I wish Chloe and her team all the very best!
10/15/11 8:58 PM
julie w said...
I am loving how the new patterns are being added regularly and not season by season and how fashionable they are but still suit all ages and style types. The quality of the patterns are hard to beat. I am amazed at how one pattern can fit so many people with few alterations if any.
9/30/11 6:45 PM
jenquilts said...
I just found this site through a blog and I've already ordered 5 patterns. I can't wait to get them. When I saw the styles available for plus sizes my jaw dropped. I am used to getting a pattern cutting it up and making it BIGGER. How nice I can just SEW!
9/30/11 10:17 AM
qz said...
I found style arc early this year after and I have never had a more positive experience !! The patterns are a dream, the sizing spot on , and Chloe is great to work with -- she should give lessons in customer service.
9/30/11 9:42 AM
GayMcDonell said...
Style Arc is so refreshing. I've made a couple of items and I'm very pleased with the way they have worked out. I wish them all the very best!!!
9/30/11 1:33 AM
becca a said...
I am delighted with the StyleArc patterns I've tried--so far I've made fabulous Freda 3 times, Laura Jacket twice, Lily ski pant twice and am currently working on the new jeans pattern.
9/29/11 6:18 PM
sfshaza said...
I agree wholeheartedly that these patterns are special! I have made the Linda pant 5 times, as well as many of their other patterns. They are so beautifully drafted. For some people, it's an adjustment not to have multi-sized patterns, but to me, it's so nice to just cut out the pattern and go - no tracing required. And the styles are so on-trend. And the customer service is amazing. I give Style Arc patterns two thumbs up!
9/29/11 5:47 PM
PR Day on November 19th, 2011!By DianeSev on 9/27/11 10:31 AM


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update - posted November 22, 2011.

PR Day is over (except in Denmark), but you can still catch up on all the fun!

Read about Boston's party.

Read about Philadelphia's party.

See all the Flickr photos for PR Day 2011.

Talk about PR Day with other members!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We're celebrating 10 years of PatternReview.com all around the world!

We'll get together, talk about sewing, have cake and make even more new friends!

So far, we're celebrating at these sites:


photo
Boxborough, Massachusetts
Mocktails and a cocktail dress fashion show!

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Austin, Texas
Workshops, fabric shopping, swap, show-and-tell.

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Minneapolis/St.Paul
Fabric shopping, show-and-tell, swap.

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London, Ontario
Evening event. Suggestions welcomed!

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Philadelphia, PA
Fabric shopping, socializing, lunch.

photo
St. Louis
Hands-on purse/bags class, box lunch, measuring/fitting tips & techniques class

photo
D.C. Area
Textile museum, fabric shopping, pattern swap.

photo
Huntington Beach, California
Potluck, claim-it table, laughter.

photo
Seattle, Washington
Lots of fabric shopping, lunch and dinner.

photo
Winnipeg/Manitoba
Possibilities abound! Show-and-tell, fabric shopping, swap, fitting assistance.

photo
Indianapolis
Party and fabric shopping.

photo
Denmark
Shopping in Copenhagen, lunch, sewing or fitting class, Ugly Fabric Swap? Help decide!

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New York City
Perhaps a class and party in the Garment District?


Join in the discussion by clicking on the links above for each site.

Will you attend?
To help us plan our events, please let the individual event organizers know if you'll attend by posting on each event's page by clicking the logos above.

There is no cost for attending. We just want to say "hello!" and see what you're wearing.

If you want to organize a PR day in your area, let us know by sending an email to support@patternreview.com by September 30th, and we'll set it up in the poll for you.

10 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
Sharon M said...
So excited to see all of the PR days planned! I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone at the Minneapolis event!
11/9/11 10:48 PM
Cynthia Peacock said...
Wish there was something close to Atlanta, Georgia!
11/9/11 10:29 AM
chezz said...
would love to have one in Tasmania, Does anyone now of any in Australia?
10/12/11 4:40 PM
ladyampton said...
would love to have one in the uk
10/12/11 1:55 AM
BTStars said...
If I didn't have a toddler, I would help set up something in San Francisco! I would love to attend something like that in the bay area!
10/11/11 9:39 PM
sewmuchtosew said...
Where should we go Tina?
9/30/11 9:35 AM
K Brownlee said...
Too cool! Ilove on eastern shore so have to decide between Philly and DC area....hmmm. I love A Fabric Place...
9/29/11 8:08 PM
barebear said...
In Manitoba?! Seriously?!! Here I was, thinking that there'll be no place for me to go, and then I was wrong! :D
9/29/11 7:05 PM
Laurie Lou said...
Oh My, you will have to come up to Minneapolis to ours! You can stay at my house if you want!!!
9/29/11 4:22 PM
craftinginmycave2 said...
WOOT!! So thrilled to see so many PR Days! You'd better have fun or you might be sleeping with a can of creamed corn. ;)
9/27/11 11:53 AM
Tip 262: D.I.Y. DolmanBy DianeSev on 9/26/11 11:53 AM


I saw a cut-on sleeve on various RTW tops and I liked it, plus it makes a knit top even easier to sew, as there is no sleeve to set into the armhole. How did I draft it?

  • I began with a knit top pattern that fits me. I folded the sleeve in half lengthwise.
  • I laid the bodice front pattern piece on my table. I lapped the folded sleeve pattern on it, aligning the seamlines (not the cut edges) as follows: I matched the top center of the sleeve cap to the intersection of the armscye and shoulder seams, and matched the top of the underarm seam on the sleeve to the top of the side seam on the bodice.

    photo

  • Then I traced the perimeter of the overlapped pieces to make a new front/sleeve piece, adding seam allowance to the folded edge in the middle of the original sleeve pattern.

    photo

  • I did the same process to create a new back/sleeve piece.
  • I compared the results with one of my RTW topcs and it's exactly the same shape, so I must have been doing it right!

Submitted by LauraLo

This tip is from 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips. We post a tip every Monday.

Download a full chapter..



Order 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips now! Signed by Deepika!

0 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
Featured Sewing Machine Review: Brother:LS-2125By DianeSev on 9/23/11 10:20 AM


photo

Mikgirl bought the Brother:LS-2125 from Walmart when she started sewing about 10 years ago.

Her immediate goal was to hem pants, but she had almost given up after trying a few sewing machines that she wasn't even able to thread.

But this machine was the charm. She started sewing gift bags and progressed to garment sewing.

In the past 5 years, she has used it heavily. At one point, the machine got loud. When she read the manual, she figured out that it needed to be cleaned and oiled (a task which she hadn't realized she needed to do). After that, she says, it worked like it was almost new.

She recommends this machine to others who are learning to sew. She says it's a pretty good machine for under $100...not that she wouldn't like more advanced features, now that she's seen them on other machines!

Her conclusion: this is a great sewing machine for the price if you are a beginner and just want to sew casually.

Read mikgirl's review of the Brother:LS-2125 Sewing Machine.

2 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
WildWyoming said...
I have one like that sitting on the floor and was going to give it away as it was given to me and I assumed it would not work well. I'll hang on to it for projects when having another machine at the ready would be helpful. Thanks for the review.
10/2/11 1:36 AM
Angelavenger said...
This was also my first machine gotten on sale at Walmart. I totally recommend it. I used it for two years even on some projects involving difficult fabrics, and it worked like a trouper. When i upgraded i stuck with brother and absolutely love the sewing embroidery version i got from costco.
9/30/11 2:19 AM
Switch it up - Interesting Neckline Details on KnitsBy Deepika on 9/22/11 12:40 PM

It's no secret that we love to make and wear knit tops. The feel of soft rayon jersey with vibrant prints and solids is just something which cannot be described. You have to make one of these tops and see for yourself. It's my favorite knit to sew and wear. Bonus? It sews up very quickly too.

But lets face it, how many same old tops can you sew, so I started reading reviews to get some ideas on which neckline details I could incorporate into my next top using my favorite patterns. My findings were so fun that I decided to share them with you and as Sherril suggested, we're going to start a sew along! So read on and join in the fun.



Jalie 2794 is a really cool pattern to begin with, but it also lets you be your own designer. Here are some ideas to switch it up a bit.

Idea #1 - Adding a Ruched Strip



bellelas and Patti B added a strip of ruching to the top.



Here's how they did it.

1. Cut a strip 2.75" wide and twice as long as the top of the lower bodice piece. You can either lower the bodice to make room for this strip or choose to make the neckline higher.
2. Gather the strip and sew it to the lower bodice piece.
3. Sew the top following the pattern instructions and you're done!

Idea #2 - Tucks and Beads

artkat added tucks and beads to her top!

How to:

1. Cut 2 strips of fabric 2.5 inches wide and in one of them make 1 cm tucks approx 4 cm apart (from fold line to fold line).
2. Press the tucks so they are facing each other.
3. Use the other strip as a facing, sewing it right sides together and turning it under.
4. Hand stitch the pleats in the center to face the other way and add some seed beads.

Have you added any fun details to your tops lately? Tell us about them.

Idea #3 - Contrasting Binding


I love this! So simple and yet so dramatic. Take a look at the transformation on michalklimer's black top. Doesn't it look stunning? I suggest using black or dark colors like navy blue or chocolate brown for the body of the top. In fact I've been saving up strips from my funky paisly top to use as binding.

Idea #4 - Braid it!


When was the last time you braided hair? Well, you may be rusty but it's time to practice on fabric strips! jannw did it on another pattern but this technique could easily be adapted to any knit top.

How to:

1. Cut three strips from the selvedge edge where the fabric curls naturally. Or cut them on the bias.
2. Pin the strips to a cork board or ironing board and start braiding. It may take a few tries to get the tension even but it's fun!
3. Hand sew the braid at the outer and inner edge of the top.

Since this embellishment is on top of a completed top, it's easy to change it even after you've sewn it.

I am saving my favorite finding for last!

Idea #5. Add Fabric Flowers


PR member Sherril Miller added fabric flowers to her favorite knit top.

Here's how she did it.

Leaves

Using knit fabric that is either matching or contrasting to your t-shirt, cut long narrow leaf shapes by folding fabric in half and cut a long strip wider in the middle and tapered to a pointed end. It can be a straight strip since it will be shaped later. With matching thread and a long stitch length, sew a single row down the center of each unfolded leaf shape. Gather the stitching loosely to make the leaves. Pull the threads to the back and tie off securely.

Round Flower

Cut two different size circles and stack them. Next, sew a straight stitch in a circle inside the smaller circle of fabric. It doesn't have to be perfect. Gather these threads so that a small bubble is formed in the center of the flower. Pull the threads to the back and tie securely.

Petal Flower

For the shaped petal flower, fold the fabric in half and then in half again the other direction. Cut a modified teardrop shape so that when the fabric is opened, it will have a four petal shape. Make 2 of these--they don't have to be exactly alike. Stack these shapes, rotating one so that the petals are off-set. Then fold the flower stack in fourths again and sew a few stitches across the bottom point. The threads can be tied or backstitched. Once the flower is opened back up again, a jewel can be sewn into the center.

Arranging
Arrange the flowers and leaves in a pleasing manner on your top and sew them down to the t-shirt neckline by hand. For more info, visit Sherril's Blog

What a great technique! I am so excited by my findings that I've started a Sew-Along. Will you join me? Are there any fun techniques you've experimented with? Tell us about them.

4 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
Nannies said...
Love these ideas to raise necklines, love the flowers too - thanks for sharing
10/8/11 8:41 AM
Shiraazia said...
Absolutely marvelous! Like it ...
10/4/11 10:56 AM
KathySews said...
These are wonderful. I am joining the sew along!
9/27/11 10:08 AM
workinonit said...
this is nice and concise altho i am a little confused about the petal flower - i think i get it. looks great.
9/24/11 4:28 PM
Sewing For Children Contest WinnersBy DianeSev on 9/20/11 9:58 AM


Who doesn't love children? And who wouldn't love sewing for them!

At least 106 PR members love sewing for children! That's how many entered this contest!

These motivated contestants had two months to sew up something spectacular-- a garment, home decor, or craft item-- for a little one ranging in age from newborn to 12 years old.

It was a chance to showcase sewing in smaller sizes. (The fittings are different for kids too...adults don't usually squirm during them!)

You'll agree that everyone did a great job when you look at the Contest Gallery.

Now on to announcing the winners!

First Prize (By Member Vote):
J Wo for Ottobre Design Magazine: 06-2008-17 "Rosy Red" Velveteen Coat

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Pictured: Ottobre Design Magazine: 06-2008-17 "Rosy Red" Velveteen Coat

J Wo found this wool/cashmere fabric in Melbourne and just had to use it for this double-breasted, hooded, lined coat because it drapes beautifully. And it was great to sew, too!

She used a patterned quilting cotton for the lining, but decided against the recommended batting, because it just doesn't get that cold in New Zealand, where she lives.

She realized that the panel sections of the coat allowed embellishment, so she placed rickrack along the front seams. She also added it around the hood edge and along the back yoke.

She decided against using the recommended buttons, because the little girl she's sewing for is only four years old. Instead, she used snaps inside with buttons added to the outside for show.

She loves the shape of the coat and the in-seam pockets... a classic style for an adult that she hoped she could achieve for a child.

And she definitely would sew it again, saying it allows for a variety of fabric choices for different looks.

She had two months to sew the coat in this contest, but she'll have to wait longer to see her creation in use, because the little girl the coat's intended for won't grow into it until next winter!

Congratulations, J Wo!

Random Entry Prize:
Ghainskom for Farbenmix: WILLEMIENTJE WILLEMIENTJE

Congratulations, Ghainskom!



And congratulations to all our contestants for their wonderful children's creations!

Thanks to our sponsor:



We also thank PR member ladybegood 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.

0 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
Tip 258: Clone RTW FavoritesBy DianeSev on 9/19/11 12:06 PM


If you want to quickly copy a simple garment, it's easy to do using a needlepoint tracing wheel. (The type with longer, very sharp points that will pierce fabric.) This is a quick method that will give you a "close enough" pattern for things like nightgowns, T-shirts, PJ pants, etc., and can be very handy as a starting point for making a garment without a commerical pattern, or for copying details to add to another pattern:

  • Lay a piece of paper on top of a surface such as a cardboard cutting mat.
  • Place your garment to be copied on top, and run the tracing wheel around the edges of one piece, through the seams, etc. The points will go through into the paper, marking the seam lines.
  • Write the size and a description on the tracing so you'll know what it is in the future.

Submitted by Liana

This tip is from 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips. We post a tip every Monday.

Download a full chapter here.



Order 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips now! Signed by Deepika!

2 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
Mariamrj said...
I bought the book and i luv it. It great for beginers and experts.
9/29/11 7:20 PM
PattiinATL said...
Just bought this book and love it! My mother is an advanced sewer and she really liked it too.
9/25/11 8:11 AM
The Latest New Looks Are Here!By DianeSev on 9/16/11 2:36 PM


Gee, it seems like all we've been doing lately here is unpacking boxes of patterns!

We just received the latest New Look (sorry, didn't want to say "newest New Look", but I just did, didn't I!) and picked out a few that we thought you might be interested in.

This kimono/cardi fusion 6072 caught our eye. It's in the Workroom collection from Project Runway.

Looking for a wardrobe? Check out 6080...a great set of jackets, sleeveless tops, dress, pants and a pair of clutches. One of the jackets is a bolero. We've been seeing more of those lately. Time to do sit-ups!

Want some changes for the office? You'll want to see 6067 before you decide what to sew: 5 dress styles in one package. There's a little bit of prairie coming back to fashion too with 6068.

Take a look at the new New Look catalog! (There, I did it again!)





New Look 6074 Misses' lined coat in two lengths
Workroom from Project Runway
Sizes 6-16


This fashionable jacket is a great look for fall. It combines short and longer lengths to make a lighter look overall. Make one for outdoors in wool, but make one in velvet for nighttime wear. Gorgeous!

Suggested Fabrics: Lightweight denim, wool and wool blends, jacquards, brocade, taffeta, velvet.





New Look 6073 Misses' cape in two lengths with collar, hood and closure variations
Sizes XS to XL


Like other pattern companies this fall, New Look is showing capes too. Noelle Mac here at PR picked out this one. She loves the neckline and the drape of it.

Suggested Fabrics: Sateen, lightweight wool and wool blends, wool and wool blend coatings, jacquard, brocade, satin, velvet.


See all the newest New Look 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.


2 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
Deepika said...
I agree with the size inconsistency. I always check the size before making them. I guess this is a good rule to follow for all patterns.
9/19/11 11:50 AM
Redsmum said...
I love NL, but their sizes are inconsistent. Some go to 16 only. Some up to 22 - not great if you fall in between! Great new styles, though!
9/16/11 4:26 PM
New McCall's Patterns Are Here!By DianeSev on 9/16/11 9:29 AM


More unpacking for all of us here at PatternReview!

McCall's has just released their fall collection and has packed it with outerwear! Capes and capelets abound in this collection, like 6446. And don't forget to make matching hats.

They've also got some great tops, like 6435 (peek-a-boo!). Check out the 6440 narrow leg pants with 4 styles of cuff: plain hem, invisible side zipper, slits and self cuffs.

There's more good stuff to see here, but don't take our word for it...check out all the new McCall's patterns for yourself.






McCall's 6442 Misses' Lined Coats and Belt
Easy
Sizes 6-14, 14-20


McCall's 6442 is not a capelet but reminds us of that profile: very full below the waist! Sew it hooded (or not), wear it belted (or not) and you'll have a fabulous look with flair. This lined wrap coat is semi-fitted through bust line, has a waistline seam, covered shoulder pads, side seam pockets and is flared at the lower edge. A,B: self-lined hood. B: cuffs. C: notched collar. A,C: purchased belt.

Designed for medium and heavy weight woven fabrics.
Suggested Fabrics: Wool Blends, Poplins.





McCall's 6433 Misses' Dresses In 3 Lengths
Generation Next
Melissa Watson for Palmer/Pletsch
Sizes 4-12, 12-18


Vary the length, sleeves and skirt, and you have a multiplicity of outfits! This dress has a fitted, lined bodice, front and back darts, stitched shoulder pleats, back zipper and self-lined cap sleeve. A,B: A-line skirt, stitched pleats, C: Straight skirt, back slit.

Designed for lightweight woven fabrics. Also, Dress C: Stable Knits.
Suggested Fabrics: Crepes, Challis. Also, C: Jersey.



See all the newest McCall's 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.


0 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
Vogue 1208: Highly Recommended by jenleeC!By DianeSev on 9/15/11 12:57 PM


As part of our new blog, we'll feature a highly recommended pattern from the past week.

Today we're featuring Vogue 1208 (Tom & Linda Platt bias dress), as reviewed by jenleeC.

photo
Pictured: Vogue 1208

After much hesitation along the lines of "To muslin or not to muslin" (see her review for details), jenleeC put aside a beautiful piece of emerald green silk and used a satin polyester (95% polyester, 5% spandex) with the same draping qualities to create her version of Vogue 1208, a simple bias-cut dress.

There are only 4 pattern pieces to this pattern (two of which are a bow and a knot), so there was very little sewing to this dress. She found the instructions clear and easy to follow, but she made some changes to the construction.

The bias seams were not as tricky as she feared. And she had some help with the ironing. (Why is it that kitties always want to lie down on the piece of fabric you're working on?)

photo

Pictured: jenleeC's Vogue 1208

She loves the simple styling of the dress. She says it's a great dress for petites or tall slim women.

Highly recommended! Thanks, jenleeC!

5 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
Rosern said...
One of the fabric choices for this pattern is lightweight jersey. Does anyone have a suggestion as to rayon jersey or silk jersey would be better? I travel a lot for work and need things that pack and travel well.
9/22/11 3:34 PM
marec said...
This is an interesting style, and so beautiful on you.
9/19/11 10:50 AM
ArtAttack said...
This is gorgeous on you!. A girlfriend I was shopping with yesterday bought this pattern and I hadn't really noticed it before. You look spectacular in it! Great fabric choice for bias cut...
9/18/11 10:16 PM
Christas said...
This dress looks so wonderful on you! I adore your fabric choice. The fit is perfect, too. Nice work!
9/17/11 1:55 AM
JodieT said...
She looks beautiful in this dress. How interesting to chose a print like this. Great job.
9/15/11 6:21 PM
10th Anniversary Giveaway NewsBy DianeSev on 9/13/11 10:46 AM


10th Anniversary August and September Giveaways

Happy 10th Anniversary to us!

September's giveaway is a great one and will go to everyone who is subscribed to receive the Tracings newsletter in the month of September.

And the September giveaway is...(drumroll, please)... two yards of quilting weight cotton from Spoonflower with either your own design or one selected from the Spoonflower marketplace. Win this giveaway and you'll have more creative control over your sewing by designing your own fabric!



How can you enter to win the exciting giveaway of 2 yards of custom printed quilting weight cotton from Spoonflower?

It's simple. Go to the Notifications Center. Click on the Yes circle next to 7. Send me the new Tracings Newsletter. Your name will be entered in the random drawing. If you're already a subscriber to Tracings, don't worry. Your name will be entered too!

We thank Spoonflower for donating this great giveaway!



Bet you're all dying to hear who won the fabulous August giveaway...

The lucky winner is Ivana, known to family and friends as Ivana Buettnerova!

Ivana has won the Threads DVD Archive, donated by Threads magazine.

Congratulations, Ivana!

Ivana's name was randomly selected from all the members who sign up for a class in August. She signed up for 4 classes, including two Fashion Clubs with Angela Wolf! Ivana has been very busy sewing!



2 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
DianeSev said...
a7yrstitch, thanks for your comment! I think you meant to post it here: Tip 1 Blog about Cooler. Happy sewing!
9/20/11 10:35 AM
a7yrstitch said...
What a great idea and economical tip on using the cooler for machine transport. I already have one that goes right into the store with me when it is 100+ degrees. Thanks. Can't wait to check out the other tips.
9/18/11 3:43 PM
Tip 1 from 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & TipsBy DianeSev on 9/12/11 12:35 PM

Tip 1: Take It Along

Every Monday, we'll post a tip from 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips.

An insulated, soft-side 54-can cooler is perfect for transporting a sewing machine. Look for one with adjustable shoulder straps, straps on each end in case you need help lifting, telescoping handles, and wheels. These coolers are nicely padded, with pockets to hold all your sewing notions, and, best of all-- pretty inexpensive. Check the measurements of your machine case before you go shopping.

Submitted by Deborah L


Order 1,000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips now! Signed by Deepika!

4 Comments      Login to Add a Comment
dathomas said...
For Jootz: Why would you not want a "can cooler" to become an "item" in the UK? Jeez why so mean? It's a good tip. Don't be a hater. Just because something is different doesnt make it inherently evil.
9/17/11 10:14 AM
askepot said...
Joolz, climb off of your high British horse. Do you have a better suggestion for transporting a delicate computerized machine five times the weight and size of a laptop? If, so, fine, then please share it. But in the meantime have a little respect for people who are giving their time and energy to give their solutions to this challenge. I'm sure that if you are so averse to a 54 can cooler which serves many people here who visit beaches in the U.S. with large families and friends on our many beaches from Los Angeles to Maine to Florida to the Carolinas to Texas, then you certainly don't have to purchase one. Now let me thank Deepika and Deborah L. for their efforts. I am new to the website and have already found it a valuable resource.Carry on, ladies.
9/16/11 12:07 PM
Deepika said...
Hi Julie, stay tuned for more tips. You can actually download a whole chapter for a much better preview.
9/16/11 0:23 AM
ReadyThreadSew said...
I have to say that if this is the "quality" of the tips in the book then I will definitely not be buying. As a UK reader of patternreview I had never heard of a "54 can cooler" until now and I hope it never becomes a known item here in the UK. Julie
9/14/11 11:27 PM
New patterns from Oliver + SBy Deepika on 9/8/11 2:22 PM

Are you looking for something to sew up for the little one? Oliver + S has just introduced three new patterns which are perfect for fall.



The first is the After-School Shirt and Pants for girls. This loose fitting pull-on shirt has an offset button detail on front and back yokes. The elastic waist pants have a side panel to allow for contrasting fabric at hem. This sturdy but stylish outfit would be perfect in a fine-wale corduroy or a sweet printed cotton.
Available in sizes 6 months to 4T, and size 5-12. $15.95 ($14.35 for Friends of PR)



They have also created a darling vintage-style dress called the Apple-Picking dress. This has a dropped waist with a wide button placket and your choice of single or double layer skirt. I can just picture this in a nice soft flannel with leggings underneath! She will look polished and stay warm at the same time.
Available in sizes 6 months to 4T, and size 5-12. $15.95 ($14.35 for Friends of PR)



Boys and girls will both enjoy the Sleepover Pajamas which features contrast trim at outside edge and on the pockets. This super comfortable pattern is designed to grow with the wearer, as the cuffs can be let down as needed. These PJ’s would make a perfect holiday gift in a fun, printed cotton with contrasting trim!
Available in sizes 6 months to 4T. $15.95 ($14.35 for Friends of PR)

We are fully stocked in all sizes and styles, so go ahead and place your order here

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Help Choose the Winner for the "Sewing For Children" Contest!By Deepika on 9/7/11 11:16 AM

photo

The "Sewing For Children" Contest has finished, and it's time for you to vote.

This one is going to be hard. There are so many great entries! But we know you can do it!

If you've never voted in a contest before, here are a few simple steps.

Read the rules before you read the reviews. Check out the progress report. (You can see all the statistics for the entries and all the important contest links there.) Here is the Contest Gallery. This is where you can read reviews, see project photos and vote for an entry.

You can talk about the contest here. See what kinds of things contestants had to say while they were sewing their entries!

Voting closes on September 10, so don't forget to vote by then!

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