Pandemic Sewing Gets Twisted!

For as long as I have been sewing, I thought I had sewn with just about every type of fabric. I'm so grateful that my collaborations with Nature's Fabrics that introduces me to fabrics I had not considered before. Recently, they have released some beautiful printed bullet knit fabrics that caught my eye. Bullet knit is lightweight knit fabric with a small pique texture. It is denser than ITY, but not as thick as a scuba knit. This knit is 95% Polyester and 5% Spandex.  It is 62” wide and weighs 260 GSM.  It stretches 50% in the width and 50% in the length.  It is a soft flowing, does not fray or ravel. The print is only on the top   

I was drawn to Artist Palette

        

and Glitter Stripe

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I love my Willow Overalls by Pipe Dream Patterns. I have made several pairs and they are heavy in my rotation! When the Eilidh Twist Dress was released, I added it to my must make list. I love both versions of this dress, but decided version 1 would get more wear than the more provocative back twist version. 

When I ordered the two colorways of this bullet knit fabric, the plan was to use the Artist Palette for Little Miss, and Glitter Stripe for myself. When the fabrics arrived however, I fell in love with the colorful one and claimed it for myself. I promise I made it up to her and she loves what I made.

I guess I had this fabric in mind when I came up with these pattern weights.

The one and a half yards of this was enough for the body of the dress but was slightly short for the longer of the sleeve options. I did not want a cap sleeve, so I made made do with what I had.

The dress came together very quickly with no complications. The only change I made was to stabilize the back scoop with basted clear elastic. 

I finished it on my coverstitch with variegated rainbow threads.

I think this fabric, with this front twist, makes quite the statement.

        

         

The back scoop falls right above my bra line so no special underwear is required to wear it.

            

I made the size medium (after trying the large), omitted the side slit and made no other alterations.

I would not have shortened the sleeves if my fabric was long enough. Now that I've done it, I think the scale of the sleeves with the length, balances very well.

                         

Like with the Willow Overalls, I'm sure I will be adding more makes of this pattern to my wardrobe. I think this would look great in mixed prints or color-blocking. 

ICYMI:
1. I joined the Sew and Tell Podcast to talk about fabric dyeing, painting and manipulation.  We discussed inspiration, failure and played what would you make. I hope you will tune in.

2. I have new pattern weight designs listed in my Etsy store.

Happy Sewing,

Bianca

Now You See Me Tote New Pattern and Giveaway!

Hello friends I hope you all are doing well and staying safe during the pandemic. I have been recovering from knee surgery so I haven't been sewing as much as I normally do. While I was recuperating, I took my down time to design and release a bag pattern!

The Now You See Me Tote is a 4-in-1 versatile shoulder and tote bag. One bag is clear vinyl for those occasions where a see-through bag is needed for security.

The other bag is a detachable, interchangeable fabric insert that allows for concealment when privacy is needed.

The strap options include shoulder straps on the tote and an adjustable hobo/crossbody strap for the insert and tote.   

The clear bag features raw-edge binding that can be made with leather, cork, pleather, leather and Kraft-Tex, like I used in my versions.

Part of the fun is the fact that the insert can be swapped out to change the look of the bag. 

Reversible sequins:

Pieced quilt panel

Light colored fabric

For added adaptability, the pattern includes the option for riveted leather straps on the insert. 

The pattern is available now in my Etsy store. In addition, I am hosting a giveaway on Instagram. Enter to win a roll of Kraft-Tex, a copy of my pattern and a cut of clear vinyl to complete your bag. While you are there use the #nowyouseemetote hashtag to see the versions made by my testers.

Good Luck and Happy Sewing,

Bianca