/ Lisa Kievits - Page 7
Tutorials

How to Sew the Front to the Back of the Jade Skirt

The Jade Skirt has a few steps in the construction that are not exactly difficult, but that could do with the help of some visual explanation. The skirt-sandwich that you make in order to get perfectly enclosed seam allowances is one of them. In the video below I’ll show you how to sew the front to the back of the Jade Skirt. This is Step 3 in the instructions.

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Summer Uniform: Amber + Onyx

Although my handmade summer wardrobe already contains many handmade items at this point, that doesn’t mean I should stop making, right? And one thing I definitely don’t have enough of, is summer trousers. So I made myself a new pair, and I’ve already been living in them these past weeks. I also modified my cropped Onyx Top, by just adding panels at the hem. I haven’t been wearing crop tops a whole lot, and I just hate to see this bright pink linen go to waste. I used the pattern pieces I still had from my colour-blocked Onyx Top, so it was a simple modification. You can find the tutorial for that here.

Tutorials

How to Sew Fabric Covered Elastic Cuffs

Spring has finally arrived! I was going through my summer wardrobe last week and although I have a large handmade collection, another pair of summer trousers was lacking. I had just the right fabric in my stash for another pair of Amber Trousers, and I thought it would be fun to try something else this time, so I added fabric covered elastic cuffs. I loved this look on some RTW trousers I saw, and also a pair by Baste + Gather. You need to hack the pattern just a little and take some measurements, but other than that it’s a pretty simple addition and it gives the Amber quite a different look. I thought you might like to do this yourself, so I made a tutorial.

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New Pattern: Jasper Crossover Collar Add-On

Attention all Jasper lovers: there’s a new look to create with the Jasper Sweater & Dress pattern! The Jasper Crossover Collar Add-on can be used in conjunction with the Jasper pattern to create a modern crossover collar and a kangaroo pocket. The add-on includes full instructions and a new Front pattern piece to accommodate the higher neckline. The collar is lined and can be worn two ways, depending on your choice of fabric. With a stiff fabric you can shape it to sit upright, and with a lighter fabric you can also roll it down. A contrasting lining like we used in the sample is a fun way to add something extra.

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Ruby: Recommended Fabric

I don’t know what it is with french terry and sweatshirt fleece, but I just love designing patterns for these comfortable fabrics. The Ruby is no exception: joggers are by definition meant to be made in them. Although the current trends fortunately allow you to find more options, such as stretch velvet. The pattern is drafted for a 10-20% stretch percentage. The instructions of the Ruby Joggers provide you with a handy stretch gauge so you can check the stretch of the fabric you want to use. And if it has more stretch, no worries: just size down to prevent the joggers coming out too big. If you’re not sure what to look for in a fabric shop: French Terry has a knit side and a looped side, sweatshirt fleece has a knit side and a soft, brushed back side. Let’s look at some fabric options!

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New Pattern: Ruby Joggers (+ Sale!)

Everybody needs a pair of joggers – they’re just the most comfortable thing to wear on a day off. What has always bothered me about regular elastic waist or drawstring joggers though, is that they have so much fabric that bunches around the hips. It just seemed unnecessary to me, so I set out to create a pair of joggers that don’t make your hips (or belly) look twice the size. The Ruby Joggers are my answer, inspired by the Amber Trousers. They have the same (but re-shaped) V-shape wide yokes that create a smooth tummy area. There is elastic in the back yoke, but it is used as a stabiliser and doesn’t gather the fabric. There are two length options, a 3/4 length where the cuff sits just under the knee, and a full length option. Both views have roomy slash pockets to hold your essentials, finished with a welt strip.