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We often overlook the talent right in front of us. It took me up until now to realize that my mom is a designer. No, she doesn't have a label of her own, her talent was, and has always been for her family. 

 

Those numerous trips to the fabric stores, gathering fabrics, trims, buttons and linings were boring then but they all make sense now! Yes, she was copying RTW but she always put in a few "designer" touches of her own and even though she didn't sew, she took her ideas and the materials to someone who could. And a big smile and hug later, I would say "Mom, I love it, I promise I won't ask for anything ever again". Until of course next week :) What can I say? I have always loved beautiful garments. Mom was inspiring me all along even when she didn't think she was. 

 

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So copy away! Speaking of copying, how fun is our latest copy the pose contest. Have you captured the pose yet? 

 

We have a great deal on two of our most popular video classes this week. From now until Friday use the coupon sepclass to save over 25% on both of these classes! Find out more. Did you know that any class you take on PatternReview can be accessed over and over again and we offer a full money back guarantee if you're not happy with our classes. Try a class today and see for yourself. 

 

by Angela Wolf

Despite the past few seasons of skinny jeans, slim-fitting jackets, and form-fitting dresses, you might be a little surprised to see one of the new trends taking main stage on the fall runways.  The key word is "oversized" - not to be mistaken with "super-sized" - although these new silhouettes are a little more forgiving than a few of the recent trends.

 
3-Day sale! 

We mentioned in the last Tracings that Olympian medalist April Ross (her sport: beach volleyball) is a sewer.

We contacted April on Facebook to let her know that we mentioned her in Tracings and asked if she sews any of her practice outfits. 

She responded:  "That's awesome, thank you! No, I don't sew my practice gear, mainly skirts and dresses, haven't had a lot of time for my hobby lately, but I plan to get back to it during the off season!"

Check out April's picture and our Tracings issue on dance and exercise outfits.

Subscribe to Tracings for more cool sewing news!

See the New Butterick Collection.

See the New New Look Collection.

You said:

"Good timing! I just finished one last night. If the pattern is good, a jacket is pretty easy. However I always have trouble with notched lapels, I willl usually cut a few collars out in case I need them later because of multiple attempts to get it just right. Lining a jacket is great, and I love the 'reveal' at the end when the jacket goes from a big hot mess to an actual jacket after turning it right-side-out, you really get to see the jacket properly for the first time."

"I've made many jackets over the years. The hardest parts for me are the collar, too much ease and proper tailoring. I don't like my jackets to look home made or cheap. I want all the seams to lie correctly with no gapping or puckering. It's a challenge to find good quality jacket buttons. I have yet to work on a sewing machine that makes good, professional quality button holes. I usually hand pick mine so every stitch is exactly where I want it to be. Also, it seems that most patterns are designed with too much ease, which leads to puckering seams - not a good look. Wow....this turned into a bit of a rant....thanks for listening!"

" Sleeves! Hate easing sleeve caps. I always end up with one arm perfect and the other - gets ripped out 10 times."

"Once, as a project in my 3rd year home ec class in high school...that would be 36 years ago...cannot remember the pattern and do not recall any difficulties. Basic lined blazer with bound buttonholes and pocket openings. I used a plaid polyester double knit and lined with a palencia broadcloth. Ah, the 70"s!"

" The best one I ever made was an old Vogue DKNY pattern. It wasn't hard at all. I did make a practice set of the welt pockets with a flap. The best advice I can give is interface, interface, interface. Buy the good stuff and don't skimp. I've long since given it away, but I knew I was a good seamstress when I finished it!"

Zandra Rhodes: A Lifelong Love Affair with Textiles is one of the exhibitions featured for Boston Fashion Week.

First Prize (by Member Vote): arianamaniacs for Amy Butler: AB025FB Frenchy Bags


Read more about this contest.

 

 Second Prize (by Member Vote): Lynn WA for Self Drafted Pattern: 173224-1000 Designer Handbags