sewing is a great way to know exactly who made my clothes. :) this seamstress is paid with a garment that is a joy to wear...hopefully, not always. :) it's not so easy to know the origins of the fabric we sew with, but hopefully transparent supply chains will come, since more and more sewists are becoming curious. as far as sewing patterns go, i like to support independent designers doing good things. and...luckily, i like to sew.
julie (check out her blog- i know you'll like it!) suggested that i could let you all know about some of my favorite pattern designers...in case you are considering sewing some of your own clothes. i'm happy to oblige!
first of all, if sewing is a new skill you'd like to tackle... there is no better time to learn. these pattern designers are all about patterns that teach. they want to help you make a successful garment, so they work hard to write clear instructions accompanied by detailed pictures. expert instruction is packed right into that little paper envelope...or shooting out of your printer! :) many designers also do blogged tutorials with color photos and descriptions that make you feel like they are right along side you walking you through all the steps to a beautiful wearable finished product.
the traditional pattern books of those big pattern companies are still in the fabric stores...and i do like to page through them periodically. many times, however, the sizing seems off between the measurements given and the finished product. this can be extremely frustrating since it results in wasted fabric, time, and work. just like when buying anything else, it can be rewarding to support independent pattern designers...and they in turn work hard to supply a tested pattern that will fit as described. they are sewists themselves and know what we want and need.
julie (check out her blog- i know you'll like it!) suggested that i could let you all know about some of my favorite pattern designers...in case you are considering sewing some of your own clothes. i'm happy to oblige!
first of all, if sewing is a new skill you'd like to tackle... there is no better time to learn. these pattern designers are all about patterns that teach. they want to help you make a successful garment, so they work hard to write clear instructions accompanied by detailed pictures. expert instruction is packed right into that little paper envelope...or shooting out of your printer! :) many designers also do blogged tutorials with color photos and descriptions that make you feel like they are right along side you walking you through all the steps to a beautiful wearable finished product.
the traditional pattern books of those big pattern companies are still in the fabric stores...and i do like to page through them periodically. many times, however, the sizing seems off between the measurements given and the finished product. this can be extremely frustrating since it results in wasted fabric, time, and work. just like when buying anything else, it can be rewarding to support independent pattern designers...and they in turn work hard to supply a tested pattern that will fit as described. they are sewists themselves and know what we want and need.
it is still important to read the pattern carefully, to measure carefully, and also to sew a test version of the garment. sewing a muslin with cheap fabric first will give you the chance to make any changes in fit before cutting into your precious fabric.
there are loads of sewing patterns to browse. places like fancy tiger crafts and indie sew have good selections of independent designs. it's fun to dream! once i find a pattern i am interested in, i like to search google images for it and also to visit the designer's website and instagram. usually they have a #hashtag for their pattern. i like to see the versions people have made in order to see how it fits on a similar body type to mine and perhaps in a similar fabric to what i have in mind.
i have found recently that it is possible that a designer with a similar body type to mine will understand my particular fit issues better than some others. they will probably draft patterns in shapes that will flatter my shape as well. this really is the beauty of there being so many different individual designers to choose from!
i look forward to writing about some of my personal favorites in the weeks to come!
parts 01 and 02 of this series.
happy dreaming!
love,
jane
there are loads of sewing patterns to browse. places like fancy tiger crafts and indie sew have good selections of independent designs. it's fun to dream! once i find a pattern i am interested in, i like to search google images for it and also to visit the designer's website and instagram. usually they have a #hashtag for their pattern. i like to see the versions people have made in order to see how it fits on a similar body type to mine and perhaps in a similar fabric to what i have in mind.
i have found recently that it is possible that a designer with a similar body type to mine will understand my particular fit issues better than some others. they will probably draft patterns in shapes that will flatter my shape as well. this really is the beauty of there being so many different individual designers to choose from!
i look forward to writing about some of my personal favorites in the weeks to come!
parts 01 and 02 of this series.
happy dreaming!
love,
jane
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