We have been sharing over the last few weeks some of the many blessings we are thankful for. Today we confess that we are so thankful for you! So we are offering a “fitting” thank you gift. In years past, we have offered up a number of little sewing projects that make fun gifts as a thank you to our devoted readers for supporting our small but mighty sewing business. (See the links to these free gift ideas at the end of the post if you are interested in checking them out for making last minute gifts.)
This year we are offering up a series of videos to help you get a better fit as our “fitting” thank you. These videos, common fitting adjustments for Fit for Art’s Jacket and Coat patterns, are a long overdue update of our original TRJ fitting videos, the first we ever made. While Rae thinks she is still not great behind the camera, she has certainly improved her equipment and our desire to genuinely connect with everyone seeking an improved fit.
How are the Opus Coat and Tabula Rasa Jacket different?
The series begins with a fitting overview and a discussion about how the Opus Coat (found in the book Sewing Quilted Patchwork Jackets) and the Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern are different. The Opus Coat is like the TRJ’s big sister. It is designed as an overcoat with a wider, slightly dropped shoulder, lowered armhole with more sleeve ease and a looser fitting body. Its shaping is somewhere between the AB/CD front of the TRJ and the straight/flared side of the TRJ. If you have already done the fitting work for the TRJ, use the same size and alterations you used as a great place to start sewing Opus Coats. There are two videos that specifically address fitting elements for the Opus pattern: one on expanding the hip area, and another on bust adjustments for the Opus.
Find Your Favorite Fit
We hope these new and revised videos will keep you motivated to get the best possible fit in your Opus Coats and your Tabula Rasa Jackets. Remember, if you get stuck, you can take advantage of our Virtual Coaching for Sewists for a personal work session with Rae. You can also subscribe to the Virtual Tabula Rasa Jacket class for help understanding our patterns, finding the right size, cutting and constructing a mock up and making an endless array of tops, shirts, jackets and more with this versatile pattern. It is discounted till the end of the year using the coupon code KICKOFF25.
As we finish out 2024, enjoy this little outtake from Rae’s videos. It takes a while to get this many videos recorded, edited and uploaded onto YouTube for your enjoyment and sometimes, mistakes are made… and deleted! We saved this one just for you!
Once you have watched the disaster, enjoy the best versions on our Video Tutorials page or on the Fit for Art Jackets & Coats Playlist on our YouTube Channel.
Happy Fitting! Carrie and Rae
Here are the links to our giftable sewing projects from previous years. Enjoy!
- Print out our step-by-step directions for making Scrap Lace to use in your sewing creations.
- Follow these directions to Make a Tabula Rasa Vest with your Tabula Rasa Jacket or Swing Variation patterns.
- Sew a personalized face mask for yourself or as a gift for family and friends with our Step-by-Step Face Mask directions. Find links to download the face mask pattern in three sizes in the post.
- Make an Artful Slumber Mask as a gift for yourself or others. Download the Artful Slumber Mask pattern and directions, and read Rae’s inspirational post Handmade Holiday Gifting.
- Download our pattern to make your own Felted Wool Layered Flower Pin (PDF) such as featured on this felted wool sweater and felted wool jacket.
- Wrap It Up! (PDF) provides directions and a template for making an obi-style belt or an attached sash for a Tabula Rasa Jacket.
- Download our pattern to make your own Organza Rose Pin (PDF) and follow Rae’s illustrations in Holiday Flower Pin.
- Create a bouquet of Denim Dahlias (PDF) with this downloadable pattern and Rae’s step-by-step illustrations in Sew the Gift of Flowers.
- Make a composition book cover by following these directions in the blog!
