Choosing prints for a woman’s wardrobe can be a lot like Saturday night at a singles bar: There are many attractive choices on display, but only a select few you…
I long for an haute couture sleeve. That is, I crave a sleeve that is custom-fitted to my arm and shoulder and that works within the garment’s armscye. After years—or…
The 2019 fall/winter ready-to-wear season brought in hints of the 1980s with strong shoulders and dramatic silhouettes. Tailored looks are back in a big way, from blazers to trousers to…
In the early days of my career as a designer, I disliked or even feared math. Then I met a great pattern drafting instructor who dispelled my fear and helped…
For colder weather, lofty wool fabrics that have been felted, fulled, or boiled are cozy and comfortable. They are thick enough that you can use them as a single-layered, unlined…
I recently needed to shorten a separating zipper. With limited local resources and little patience to wait for an online order to arrive, I turned to my jewelry supplies for…
Serger cone storage Organize your serger thread cones with this ArtBin Cone Thread Tray. The sturdy plastic base holds wire frames that fit into most serger thread cones. The tray…
Charmeuse is a light- to medium-weight woven fabric with a satin weave, which yields one bright and shiny face, while the reverse is matte. Most garments fabricated in charmeuse feature…
She began her career as a fashion designer specializing in high-end and custom clothing. After many years in the business, Francesca decided to dedicate her time to creating and maintaining…
Pockets are places to put your hands and your possessions, and they provide an opportunity for design exploration. Pocket construction requires a range of skills and attention to detail, but…
When I sew, I try to make things easier for myself. I rarely follow the pattern instructions exactly. As I plan the garment construction, I look ahead to anticipate problems…
Velvet is sumptuous, with an elegance unlike any other fabric. It was once affordable only for royalty due to its expensive and unusual construction. It is woven on double looms,…
The jacket shown at left features a figure-flattering peplum made of two tiers at the waistline. The peplum layers travel from the front vertical darts to the center back, where…
I love to make dress shirts. I make enough of them that I rarely bother reading the pattern instructions anymore. When I move along quickly on a project and don’t…
McCall’s 7879 Add historical style to your wardrobe with this coat. The sleeves are reminiscent of the 1770s and 1890s, while the skirt sections reflect the 1950s. The fully lined…
BurdaStyle.com: Retro Button-Up Dress For a vintage look, sew this midi-length dress with retro details. mandarin collar with a pointed extension, a center-front button placket from the neckline to hip…
Paprika Patterns: Zircon Sweater/Dress Sew this long-sleeve knit garment as a comfortable top or casual dress. It features inset geometric front and back yokes that extend beyond the shoulder and…
Butterick 6641 This fully lined, hip-length, slim-fitting jacket by Lisette has a funnel collar and notched front neckline, front shoulder yoke, front waist darts, front and back princess seams, welt…
