dianelyons

For what it’s worth, here’s how we determine yardage. This may help you understand a bit about how much you may be able to cut back on required yardage when purchasing fabric. And I know some of you enjoy these behind-the-scenes peeks at our process, so here we go.

But first, a disclaimer. If you read this, think you’re good enough to squeeze out…[Read more]

We have a skirt pattern coming out for Liesl and Co this spring that takes just a yard of fabric. It would be really cute in velvet, actually, if you can stand to wait until it’s finally released! It will be probably two months yet…

There are threads all over my house
The silk fabric frayed from the blouse
But it’s twenty below

When the thermometer dips below zero

A new year means new patterns for me.
Last year’s are all looking twee
I just have to buy more….
I’ll buy the whole store
Because prices just dropped, you will see!

(Sorry, couldn’t help myself. We just did a big price cut on all Named Patterns thanks to the favorable swing–for those of you in the US–in the USD-EUR exchange rate. Happy shopp…[Read more]

I’d call it more of a blazer than a jacket, per se. You probably wouldn’t be able to layer a sweater under it, but you could wear it over a light blouse or T-shirt.

@dubhels2003 I think she has a list she keeps and works from when she’s going to do one. I’ve already passed on the question to her.

Thanks so much for doing this Lotta!

That pattern has just been an OK seller. It was only selling at about half the monthly volume we would need to see to justify a reprint. And it doesn’t sell very well in digital format.

People who sew it seem to really like it, but it’s probably our most difficult pattern. And that puts a lot of people off. Easier patterns always sell better than…[Read more]

The Fairy Tale dress, in the small size range only, has indeed gone out of print. It’s still available as a digital pattern. As is always the case, when we near the end of our stock on an item we evaluate sales and determine if there is justification to do a reprint. This pattern wasn’t selling at the level required to maintain it in paper.

It…[Read more]

I’m so glad you like them! You’ll have plenty of time to sew for Easter, @justsewit. They are on their way from the printer as I type! We should have time in stock shortly.

Ha! Who knew there was still some of it out there! It’s a nice quality, so I can see why a shirtmaker would like it.

Are you going to tackle the two-piece sleeve placket? It does look nice if you have the patience to fiddle with it.

In general, it’s fine to cut across the grain. The cross grain and length grain (weft and warp) are ALMOST interchangeable in many instances. Cross grain with have more stretch, and length grain is usually stronger and may drape a little better. But if you’re working with cotton and kids clothes, there really won’t be too much of a difference. Just FYI.

Maybe a photo will help? (I hope so.)

xo,
Liesl

Oh, if you like that book you’ll also like Claire Shaeffer’s Couture Sewing. And pretty much any of her books. I also like the books bike David Coffin: shirtmaking, trousers, etc. All very good resources.

But why stop at books? You can buy a CD with all the back issues of Threads magazine for about $65. Now there’s a treasure trove for…[Read more]

Oh, if you like that book you’ll also like Claire Shaeffer’s Couture Sewing. And pretty much any of her books. I also like the books bike David Coffin: shirtmaking, trousers, etc. All very good resources.

But why stop at books? You can buy a CD with all the back issues of Threads magazine for about $65. Now there’s a treasure trove for…[Read more]

A couple of tips for you:

1. This tips applies not just to this pattern, but to any sewing pattern: Always look at the finished measurements if you’re unsure which size to make. Different patterns will be designed with different amounts of ease, so if you know how you want them to fit or where you want to wear the waist you can confirm the size…[Read more]

Yes, you might be able to size down a bit. Just be sure the skirt will fit over your hips! That’s the only reason I left the ease–it would be such a shame to sew it and not be able to actually pull the skirt on!