introducing grainline studio patterns

We’re happy to announce that we are now carrying the complete Grainline Studio line of digital patterns in the Oliver + S shop. To launch the collection, we asked Jen Beeman, creator of the brand, to write a short guest post introducing herself and her work.

Hi all! My name is Jen Beeman and I’m the designer and patternmaker behind Grainline Studio patterns. I’m super excited to be guest posting on the Oliver + S blog today with a little bit about myself and my patterns!

Though I’ve been sewing for almost 20 years, I didn’t really get into it until about 10 years ago when I was three years into my photography degree and when I found myself up late (even by art school standards) sewing all sorts of clothes instead of working on projects and papers. That’s when I decided to finish up my BFA and go back to school for another degree in fashion design.

While in school I really fell in love with pattern making and put all my effort into that, becoming employed as a pattern maker in Chicago during my final year of school. After working for a local designer and doing freelance for a while I found that I missed making things for myself for fun and that’s when I started my blog, Grainline, as a way to be creative outside of the technical structure of pattern making.

The sewing community was an unexpected plus for me because, let’s face it, pattern making can be a bit of a solitary pursuit. After posting the garments I made for myself from patterns I had drafted, people started asking if I would make them available for purchase and, since having my own line of sewing patterns had been a dream in the back of my mind for a while, I went for it!

My goal with Grainline Studio patterns is to create modern, fashion forward patterns that fit into people’s everyday wardrobe. It’s really important to me that each pattern feels like something that could enter into regular rotation in your closet because I’ve always thought that the most special garments are the ones that are lucky enough to get regular wear and love. All of the patterns are drafted with a contemporary fit and with extra care to provide clearly illustrated instructions to ensure a professional finish. I really believe that the best handmade wardrobe is one you can wear and be proud of on a daily basis!

The Tiny Pocket Tank was the first Grainline Studio pattern and still one that gets regular use by me. During the summer months I’m usually found wearing one of these, I think I’ve made five or six of these now, maybe more. The shape is flattering but non-restricting and it’s a good canvas to show off a really great print!

The Archer Button Up Shirt is my new favorite pattern. It’s been out about a week and I’ve already made four of them and have three more cut and ready to sew. I love its easy, relaxed fit, and it really balances off a slim skirt or skinny jeans nicely. It also looks equally good in a plaid cotton flannel as it does in a fancy silk crepe de chine and the back ruffle detail is a nice subtle feminine touch on the classic button down.

Speaking of slim skirts, the only one I wear these days is the Moss Skirt which I’ve made up in at least 4 different fabrics including polka dot cotton twill and gold metallic linen. The clever pocket construction allows your hands room to actually fit into the pockets and restricts any pocket gaping typically found on this style of pocket. It drives me crazy when you can’t actually fit your hands into your pockets!

I’m so excited to have my patterns available on the Oliver + S site; in fact I’m still pinching myself that they’re in such excellent pattern company here!