September 01, 2010
Creative Evolution
It's funny how things evolve. I cut out some fabric to make an Ikina Jacket, intending to leave the side flanges off and the side seams open. I got to the side seam step, felt a little blocked on the engineering of it, so I put the whole project away.
A month later, I picked it up to finish and decided that it needed a little spark. So Kathy rummaged through our remnants and found some hand-dyed silk that had some bits of colorful silks fused to it in strips.
If I did some piecing, I had just enough fabric to cut a narrower front band on the straight of grain rather than on the bias, as the pattern dictates. I found some small pieces of old silk kimono and fused various colors and textures to fill in the blanks. I used HeatnBond Lite on the back of the kimono pieces to glue them to the base fabric and then edgestitched all the pieces I place. Then I interfaced the entire band using our wonderful Ultrasheer interfacing.
I belong to the "kimono-of-the-month" club (seriously) to acquire my kimono piece collection. Go to Ah Kimono! to check it out.
I love the way the jacket turned out. Sometimes, things just have to cook for a while, and it's important not to get too upset when the creative moment doesn't hit you when you think it should.
~Linda
August 27, 2010
Create a Cotton Voile MixIt Top
I don't know about you, but I'm ready for fall. Just one problem, the temperature outside is still reaching the upper 80's. So I need a few garments that will transition into fall. It needs to be light enough to wear in the August heat. Once the temperature drops, it should easily work with a cardigan or jacket.
Just like that, a great new collection of gorgeous Cotton Voile Fabric just arrived!
Here's what I can't wait to do:
I think a MixIt Top would be great in either the Purple or Red Cotton Voile.
Add the cropped Urban Pants right now, pair with the Verona Jacket & the Trio Pants later this fall.
Now I need to get to sewing!
Happy Sewing!
~Erin
August 20, 2010
Rediscover the Ikina Jacket
Have you ever browsed through your closet and found a hidden gem? We recently found a beautiful, red silk Ikina Jacket in our collection. This Ikina Jacket has always been beautiful. It's mixed with 4 different vintage kimono pieces that blend together wonderfully. For one reason or another, this garment was rarely worn.
A couple months ago Linda needed a red garment to wear to an evening event. She finally decided on this jacket. She decided to remove the ties that once cinched in the waist. That small change made a huge difference. Now this garment is flowing and elegant paired with black pants and a simple white tank.
So go rediscover The Sewing Workshop patterns! Get out your pattern collection and create a "used" pattern once again in a completely different fabric, a completely different style. Or if you don't already own the Ikina Jacket pattern, what are you waiting for? :)
Happy Sewing!!
~Erin
August 10, 2010
ASG National Conference 2010
Linda just returned from the American Sewing Guild Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. What a great show! It's always so fun to see all of our customers wearing their Sewing Workshop garments. Take a peak at all the creative ways you have interpreted our sewing patterns!
The Trio was quite popular!
Or how about the Mimosa? Wear the top on it's own or pair it with a cropped Plaza Jacket.
Accessories were also a prominent feature at ASG. The L2 Bag was definitely the favorite!
And finally Linda saw a few beautiful Ikina Jackets. Both shown in neutral browns and creamy white, the simplicity makes your options endless. Pair the Ikina Jacket with a matching shirt underneath or spice it up a little with a animal print Trio T-Shirt.
Thanks for showing off your creations ladies!
~Erin
August 05, 2010
The Ever Versatile Liberty Shirt!!
Do you know what I love about sewing? The endless possibilities! You can create multiple garments from just 1 pattern. The Liberty Shirt is a perfect example. You can make the pattern the way it was intended, using a shirt-weight cotton.
But what fun would that be? Mix it up a little; try using a knit. But don't stop there-use 2 different knits; a solid and a vivid stripe.
Now, stretch your imagination even further. Add a turtleneck to create the perfect winter season staple.
All these ideas were inspired and created by you! Thanks to customers Linda & Heather!
Happy Sewing!
~Erin
July 28, 2010
New Pattern!!
Have you seen our new pattern yet? Well, why not??
Alex & Olive Tops Pattern
The Alex & Olive Tops are so flattering! We've created two simple knit tops with a few added details to keep things interesting. The ultra-slimming Alex Top has a great a-line shape with a lean inset front and fun gathering along the back neckline. The Olive Top is also extremely flattering, creating a slim waistline. But the best part? The exposed back zipper that adorns the back.
Need a few knit pieces to make up this pattern for fall? Check out all our Knit Fabrics in fun prints and classic solids.
Happy Sewing!
~Erin
July 22, 2010
Silk Gauze
Doesn't this make you want to create a Three Fold Vest?
I know I'm inspired. Beautiful.
This fabric is now SOLD OUT!
Another great alternative-Three Fold Vest Crinkle Kit
~Erin
