favorite sewing patterns + designers :: 04 :: jenny gordy

i have to start this series up again with my favorite pattern designer, jenny gordy.  her designs are simple + timeless and are easy to visualize in so many different ways.  jenny is a trained pattern drafter and does meticulous work.  her patterns are very well written and include photos of each step. 

(above are two wiksten tanks that i wore to death.  i like to raise the neckline slightly.  i added a drawstring at the waist of the dress and probably lengthened it a bit as well.)

we've covered her wiksten tank pattern a few times before, but jenny's wiksten tova is perhaps my favorite pattern.  i've sewn it as a top with sleeves or without and as dresses too.  i love tova's loose, but not frumpy silhouette.  ​the placket on tova might be a bit challenging for a beginner sewist, but with patience and determination it can be done.  my preference is to leave the collar stand off and simply bias bind the neckline.

​my sleeveless versions are bias bound at the arm holes as well.  i also like to add a snap or buttons to the placket.  in regards to fit, i have had to do very little tweaking with the wiksten patterns.  as with any pattern however, it is always best to sew a muslin (a test version with cheaper fabric) in order to be certain...and to have the opportunity to make any desired changes before making a final version.

(these two tovas were well-loved.  the top was made from a lovely indian vegetable dyed block print.  i wore it until the color faded out.  the sleeves on that top were made using an old sleeve tutorial of jenny's that i've used repeatedly...works like a charm.  the dress was made with some of ermie's first fabric.  i felt so lucky to score some of that gorgeousness!  i used the regular sleeve piece and formed it into a cuffed sleeve.)

i have made this pattern numerous times, but have chosen unfortunate fabrics a few times.  i made two organic cotton tovas (not shown here).  the fabric had a "sticky" property that made it hard to slide a sweater over.  the dress would also bunch up over leggings.  i hope this makes sense.  liberty tana lawn, voile, or lightweight wovens would make lovely tovas.  my favorite one (above) was made from a beautiful (and inexpensive) emerald shot cotton.

jenny also wrote two lovely patterns for the lena corwin's made by hand.  i would love to make these up at some point.  this entire book is full of beautiful projects to try...good summer project inspiration!  check it out from the library!

jenny is about to release some adorable children's patterns and even though i don't have any little ones to sew for right now, i can't wait to see them!  her daughter, iris, looks so sweet in her mama made pieces.

(sorry for the quality of these photos...they are old and the best i could find.)

parts 01, 02, and 03 of this series.

love,
​jane