Okay, I know this notice is coming mere hours before the end of the day, but I've been at a wedding New Orleans for a long weekend, so hopefully we can all understand the reason for the delay 🙂 Anyhow, Britex is having a 30% off sale on EVERYTHING on the website (and in person,… Continue reading Go get some fabric for 30% off!
A slim fit wool skirt such as the Charlotte really begs to be lined. Â 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! Â I'm sick of looking at my bottom half, and I'm sure you feel the same! Â Don't I look grumpy about it?This final pencil skirt is a project for Britex. Â 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.
Gosh, it's been a while! Â Sure, school starting back up (for the kids, and fashion classes for me) and prepping for my quarter teaching biology (which starts next week), have really slowed down my sewing. Â But the main reason I haven't been too active here lately is because the contractors put one of our toilets… Continue reading Month of the pencil skirt (Part 1 of 3)
After exposing my bra to my friend (and most likely many others) while wearing my original Myrtle top out for drinks the other night, I decided to reduce the depth of the cowl for my second Myrtle. Â If you are less well-endowed than the C cup Colette designs for, this might be a good adjustment… Continue reading Tutorial: reducing the cowl neckline on the Myrtle dress
After making my wearable muslin top of the Myrtle dress by Colette Patterns, I immediately geared up for making a second version. Â I made some pattern adjustments: reduced the depth of cowl (tutorial up tomorrow!), as well as some petite adjustments of the bodice at the waist AND the upper bodice to shorten the armholes.… Continue reading Myrtle dress in stretch silk
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. Â There is something thoroughly satisfying about making something that is beautiful, useful and a quick sew. Â And it might even be cost effective, considering how little fabric is needed. Â In this post, I'll show… Continue reading Tutorial: sewing picot elastic on underwear and camisoles
Remember my cowl neck top from last week? Â I finally finished drafting, grading and writing up the instructions for the pattern, and here it is, free (and in multiple sizes!). Â 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. Â When we finally got to it toward the end of the course, I was surprised how simple they actually were! Â Using a basic bodice sloper, it's just… Continue reading Cowl neck top in sheer viscose
Bea & Lucille 