A slim fit wool skirt such as the Charlotte really begs to be lined. Adding a layer of smooth and slippery fabric makes a wool skirt more comfortable to wear (especially with tights) and extends the life of the garment. Sewing a lining is fairly simple, however, there's another technique that serves the same purpose:… Continue reading Tutorial: Hong Kong finish + underlining in one step
Okay, there are three posts associated with this lovely tweed skirt, but after that, I promise: no more skirts! I'm sick of looking at my bottom half, and I'm sure you feel the same! Don't I look grumpy about it?This final pencil skirt is a project for Britex. The fabric is a truly incredible silk/wool… Continue reading Month of the pencil skirt: (Part 3 of 3). The Charlotte Skirt in silk/wool tweed.
I don't know why I haven't mentioned it until now, but tomorrow I'm heading up to The Big City to participate in the Britex Workshop Space Launch Party! Five other illustrious area seamstresses and I will be giving talks about sewing in our lives. Here's the line-up:1:30 - Shams of Communing with Fabric2:00 - Beth of Sunny… Continue reading Britex Workshop Space Launch Par-tay!
If you are here from the Britex blog, welcome!I've been sewing a lot of silk underwear lately; I'm positively addicted. There is something thoroughly satisfying about making something that is beautiful, useful and a quick sew. And it might even be cost effective, considering how little fabric is needed. In this post, I'll show… Continue reading Tutorial: sewing picot elastic on underwear and camisoles
Remember my cowl neck top from last week? I finally finished drafting, grading and writing up the instructions for the pattern, and here it is, free (and in multiple sizes!). In this post, I'm going to walk through the steps for sewing this very simple top, but please contact me if you have any questions… Continue reading Cowl neck top pattern (free!) and tutorial
When scanning my syllabus at the start of the pattern making course I took last semester, I was most excited about learning how to draft cowl neck tops. When we finally got to it toward the end of the course, I was surprised how simple they actually were! Using a basic bodice sloper, it's just… Continue reading Cowl neck top in sheer viscose
If you're visiting from Britex, welcome to Nicole at Home! There's a more in-depth post on the Britex blog today, highlighting some tips on working with napped fabric. Here, I'll talk more about my fit adjustments for the Chloe dress by Victory Patterns. While the final product fits well, I had some issues with the… Continue reading Chloe by Victory Patterns: fit adjustments
If you arriving here from Britex, welcome to Nicole at Home!I managed my "Resewlution 2014" goal for March (at least a single garment for myself a month) on the very first day of the month! As a Guest Blogger for Britex, I had the opportunity to use some of their beautiful knit fabrics and a… Continue reading Renfrew in dotted viscose/lycra knit
Even with the onset of colder weather in California, I've not wanted to give up on wearing dresses. But tights with dresses, and the static that clings them together, make me completely crazy. So, with an opportunity to use some of Britex's beautiful silks, I just had to make a slip. The fabric I chose… Continue reading Cinnamon slip in silk with small bust adjustment
With the holidays quickly approaching, the season of get-togethers and parties with family, friends, and co-workers is nearly upon us! Whether it's as a gift for your sweetie or a unique statement to be worn yourself (you budding tailors out there!) sewing a special tie and coordinating pocket square is actually surprisingly easy.While silk is… Continue reading Holiday tie and pocket square for your man
Bea & Lucille 