pdf patterns

Dressmaking, finished garments, marilla walker, pdf patterns, Sewing, sewing patterns, tops

FO: Maya Top by Marilla Walker

04/21/15

This top has been sat unfinished for about 3 months. Seriously. I am a serial UFO’er. Â All it needed was the neckline facing and the sleeves hemming. I love the fabric and the style is right up my strata so why oh why have I taken this long to finish it? Simple answer is, there is no answer. Apart from I need to give myself a slap! I LOVE this top. Â The curved hem, the boat neck the kimono sleeve. I mean if ever a pattern was made for me this is it…

The fabric is an ebay purchase at Â£4.95 a metre. (You may recognise it from my banded tee) It has a veeeeery subtle metallic element to the lighter part of the weave. Nothing flashy. Like you could hardly notice if I hadn’t told you and you were standing right next to me. That kinda subtle. The overall effect is like a luxe tie dye if that makes any sense whatsoever?? I have no idea what the fabric content is and sadly the seller has run out, but hey ho, I like!

It’s not complex. But it is versatile. The pattern comes in two lengths (a dress and a top) with button through and hem variations and I’m already planning some customisations as this is the perfect basic to have a play with.

In terms of sizing it’s pretty spot on. What I would add is there is not a great deal of play with the size of the armhole. It’s snug. So if you’re cutting a smaller size than you normally would for some reason, blend it back up to your usual size at the sleeves.

You can introduce yourself to Marilla here (she’s lovely. Say Hi) if you haven’t discovered her yet, be sure to check out her blog!

pdf patterns, Tips and Tricks

Top Tip: Use Trouser Hangers to Hang your PDF Patterns

03/16/15

I have a love hate relationship with PDF Patterns. I love the fact that you can download them in an instant without having to wait for the post. They are cheaper than print patterns. In fact there are many that are free to download! Whoop! If you mess them up in some way, you can just print a new one. They allow indie pattern designers to get their designs out there without the huge investment of time and money that a printed pattern line would entail. And I’m all for indie pattern designers.

On the downside, they are time consuming Â and often fiddly to put together AND they don’t come with a pattern envelope to keep everything neatly stored together. Add to that that pdf patterns are printed on normal printer paper and well, they don’t fold up that great either. Pressing creases out of printer paper is not as easy as pressing a tissue pattern, amirght?! This is how I store my pdf patterns….

Good old trouser hangers. I can keep the pattern pieces all together. The instruction pages clip in there too. The pieces are easy to find , and there are no folds to press. That means I can get to the sewing part quicker because I haven’t got to faff with pressing my patterns flat every time I want to use them. Getting to the sewing part quicker always makes me happy!

Do you use PDF patterns? Love em or hate em? And how do you store yours? Please share!

capital chic, charity shop chic, Giveaways, pdf patterns, sewing patterns

Psssst!! New indie pattern company launches today +GIVEAWAY

06/26/14

Hey peops! Guess what?! None other than Sally of Charity Shop Chic, launches her own range of sewing patterns as of 9:30 this morning under the trading name Capital Chic Patterns…

Readers of this blog will no doubt remember Sally’s epic trench coat refashion as part of last year’s The Refashioner series. Proof if it were needed of Sally’s epic drafting skills. So this range of patterns promises to be meticulously drafted!

Named after cocktails, (methinks Sally has a penchant for cocktails!) each of the PDF patterns comes with two variations included. The collection comprises two skirt patterns, a blouse pattern, a sweatshirt pattern and two dress patterns. Each of the designs is inspired by the catwalk, red carpet fashion and London street style.

The patternsâ€™ difficulty ranges from intermediate to advanced, perfect for those looking to move on from sewing beginner styles. Techniques such as using boning, French seams and machine-rolled hems are explained in detail; following each set of fully-illustrated instructions is a great way for sewists to learn and improve their sewing repertoires. The patterns are available now for digital download from www.capitalchicpatterns.com as print-at-home and print-at-copyshop PDF files. The patterns currently come in five sizes, from UK 10 to UK 18, and they are nested for easy blending between sizes.

And courtesy of Sally, one lucky reader of this blog can win their choice of pattern from the range to try out for themselves! Simply leave a comment below detailing how I can contact you….and for a bit of fun…tell me what YOUR favourite cocktail is….you never know…it may even end up as the name of one of Sally’s patterns 😉 Giveaway closes at midnight (GMT) on Monday 30th June.

Cheers! Hic….!