Testers are what keep this business going. Every time I put out a call for testers I am blown away by the people that want to help me with my patterns. As I start to see the versions pop up in the testing group I get more and more excited. I had a friend ask me recently what it was like to see your work on other people, and I am not sure I can put it into words because it really is amazing each and every time.
MEADOWOOD is oversized meets balance with dolman sleeves and front button placket. Meadowood was designed to be the perfect floaty blouse that gives you many different looks depending on the fabric you choose.
I am normally a jeans a t-shirt kind of girl but when I put this top on for the first time I couldn’t believe how much I loved it. Who knew that what I was missing most in my wardrobe was an oversized floaty button-up shirt. I think what I love so much about it is the yoke details and how it is the perfect amount of oversized. Trust me you are going to love this top as much as I do. Just wait until you see all the testers in it.
Last November I held my first Makers Retreat in the mountains of Washington State. As part of the retreat, I created two patterns that would not only be a fun sew but would teach the ladies specific skills within sewing, because if you are going to come to sew with teachers on hand to help, why not try new skills.
Since not everyone was able to come to the retreat I decided to release the two patterns to all of you.
Montlake Tee tester roundup is here and it is the best part of every pattern release. These ladies took my pattern and made it better than it was before. Having the ability to bounce ideas off of other sewists and get feedback that improves the pattern is invaluable.
Give these ladies some love, they deserve it.
Amy sewed up the scoop neck in a yoga print double brushed poly and a hemp cotton blend striped jersey v-neck. Both versions turned out so great!
Annette sewed the v-neck in a cotton knit and elbow sleeves. This is the most perfect everyday outfit and the fit is spot on.
Just over 2 years ago I had the honour of being featured in Sew News magazine in their Meet the Maker series. I remember when I got the email about it I was overjoyed and felt like the real deal. I mean being featured in a magazine that I could actually go to the store and buy was bonkers. And if you are wondering yes I did go to the store and and take a picture of myself with the magazine.
Creating Eastlake was quite the process, there were multiple iterations of the pattern before I finally decided to just go for it and make a DEEP v-neck top. I am smitten with how it turned out and with each new version that I sew I get even more excited. With a closet full of these tops I can definitively say that this style top is going to look amazing on everyone!
The obvious striking detail of this pattern is the v-neck front which is finished with a facing, one of my favourite finishing techniques for knits. It gives it such a pulled together professional finish without being any more difficult. To secure the front facing I wanted a wide topstitch which mirrors the bottom hem.
If you haven’t noticed by now, I love to sew my patterns in as many different fabrics as possible. No one wants to buy a pattern that is limited to one fabric, or at least I definitely do not. But what I also want to show is that you will get a different look depending on the fabric you choose. Magnuson is the perfect example of this which you will see in the 3 versions I sewed. So if you are unsure of whether Magnuson is even your style or if you aren’t sure which fabric to use, let me help you choose fabric for your Magnuson vest.
I couldn’t be more excited to share with you my newest pattern, Magnuson. The evolution of this pattern over the last two years has been fun as the designer to watch happen. What started out as a utility/military inspired jacket has turned into a more modern take in vest form. So many of the original elements are still there with so many new and fun details.
Magnuson has a button placket, stand collar, side slits and oversized pockets, not to mention the gathered waist. So many utility or military inspired vests have the waistband casing on the outside of the jacket giving it a very casual look. I wanted the ability to cinch in the waist but not have the ties hanging down, so inside the waistband went.
It’s that time again, the time where I get to gush over these ladies and their tremendous help with my newest pattern Madrona. These ladies are so much more than just testers to me, they have all become friends as we work together on patterns over and over. I am so excited to share these pictures with you because so many of these ladies are in different parts of the world so you get to see how it is styled for those of us freezing and the lucky ladies staying warm.
Here are the lovely ladies that are a part of the Madrona Tester Roundup.
Introducing the new Madrona Skirt! This skirt was a staple for me through last spring and summer and I am so happy that it is now a pattern for all of you.
Madrona is a modern wrap skirt that can be sewn in both woven and knit fabric and gives you a different look based on the fabric chosen and the way you style it. With the narrow waist band and two button closure you can easily adjust the fit of the skirt to match your body and where you intent to wear it.
