How was our big workshop space launch party, you ask? Amazing!

 

These ladies were spectacular, making our party a huge success. Each one offered their own unique glimpse into sewing, and consequently, there was something to inspire every type of sewer.

When the opportunity came up to work with some of the beautiful Britex knits AND use a pattern from one of the independent patternmakers newly affiliated with Britex, I jumped on it. Not only did I already have my eye on this dotted viscose/lycra blend fabric, but I had the perfect pattern in mind, too: the Renfrew cowl neck from Sewaholic.  I've made the top a few times, but love the fit and shape so much, that I was excited to sew it up again in this lovely, drapey fabric.

For about a year, our team of Guest Bloggers have been sampling and offering tons of tips on working with a variety of fabrics from our online selection. They have also been sharing their personal tricks on using and altering existing patterns. Here's where the really awesome news comes in---our guest bloggers will now be test driving some of your favorite (or soon to be favorite) independent pattern companies. The list is pretty long, but here are a few. Find the entire list of collaborating pattern companies on our Guest Blogger page.  

Father’s day is June 16th, which we see as an occasion to brush up on our oft neglected sewing-for-dudes skills. Tasia from Vancouver, Canada, and proprietress of the blog, Sewaholic produced this timely tutorial on making a fitting muslin for a men’s shirt, and then goes on to explain the process in which she alters the collar stand for a huskier neck.  Although she used a McCaLLS pattern, we’re enamored with the Negroni Shirt by Colette; a slightly retro shirt with a more modern cut. The Colette instructions and booklet guide you gently through every step of creating a well-crafted casual shirt: felled seams, a lined back yoke, and sleeve plackets on the long sleeve version. Why not make two shirts - one in delicious party mint pink organic cotton , and the other in ride-em-cowboy county fair blue gingham?