Indulge me in some musings about the quilts I recently cut apart and stitched into a Tabula Rasa Jacket. This was my second such project in the last 6 months, but these two quilts set my mind to wondering about the materials and the maker whose hands crafted these bed…
Let’s head back to the basics today, inspired by our new pattern cover, and make a Tabula Rasa Jacket from some retro Home Dec fabric. I have been wanting to make a Tabula Rasa Jacket from a unique home decorator fabric so when this retro print from 1981 fell into…
Have you created a tru-grid pellon pattern to aid in your design and sewing process? We have sold a lot of gridded pellon fabric during the pandemic as we have shared our design and piecing ideas with many new sewing friends online. Because I talk about it so much, I…
Finishing the edge of a sleeve can involve hems, decorative stitches, elaborate cuffs or selvage edges, just to name a few. I love to add detail to the edges of my sleeves. It provides an opportunity to repeat a fabric that is used but not featured in the garment, and…
How do you get started on a new sewing project like a quilted or layered jacket? If you have been sewing complex projects for years, this might be second nature, but for a rookie or returning sewist, a multi layered project can seem daunting. I am already thinking about sewing…
In March and June posts we teased you with plans to sew a couple of Tabula Rasa Knit Tees in fun SewBatik jersey. Finishing sewing projects takes more than planning, as you well know. We proudly featured the finished tops in our OSQE booth last weekend and in the Knits…
During my brief spurts of isolation organization, two garment restyling projects were unearthed. Each was a pre-Fit for Art top that needed a DIY sewing wardrobe update. It was a fun challenge. Project #1 The beige linen print top featured an extended shoulder style. I loved the fabric and the…
When exploring design ideas for a new piece or group of fabrics, sketching is a great tool. Not extravagant fashion sketching, but basic sketching. When it is done on a croquis or body model that reflects your proportions, the information is invaluable. Carrie and I both work on our personalized…
While preparing to teach the Knit Fit Nuances class online June 17 and the Knits that Are Sew Fabulous class at the Cleveland/Akron OSQE, I have been reflecting on my knit sewing journey. Sewing with knits was a new concept when I was in high school. My family had recently…
Are you sewing or designing in any new ways? The forced isolation of the last 14 months led me to take a virtual art quilt class. It’s part of my ongoing effort to develop a more abstract eye in relation to sewing and wearable art. My travel schedule has never…
