Last weekend I took two classes on industrial sewing techniques from Robin Bolton, a certified Islander Sewing System instructor. The workshop was sponsored by our local chapter of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals. The first day, we learned several industry tricks for improving the speed and accuracy of…
Category: How to
Outfits by Lugene
This June we are delighted to have several teaching opportunities. We sure do love to teach classes that revolve around our patterns! This weekend I presented a trunk show at Sew Right Sewing Machines in Queens, New York followed by teaching a two-day Tabula Rasa Jacket Workshop. It was great…
Sew! Let’s Get Dressed: Summer Pants with Slits
Sewing pants for summer is so easy! Armed with your well fitting Eureka! Pants that Fit pattern, you can stitch up pants in fun prints and solids. As you choose that lighter weight or colored fabric, make sure the fabric is opaque enough that no lining is needed. Pre-wash your…
Sew! Let’s Get Dressed: Knit Sleeve Variations
As Rae mentioned last week, we are working on a knit pattern with neckline variations for the Tabula Rasa Knit Tee and Tunic. We hope it will be ready for release this Fall. In the meantime, I’m going to share a few easy sleeve variations that you can try now!…
Sewing Basic Jackets
Sewing basic jackets might seem boring after last week’s blog post about a colorful, pieced and quilted vest, but it is a good way to get started with a new pattern and to test the fit of your Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern. We met lots of new friends at our…
Placing Knit Prints to Complement the Body
In any garment sewing, it is wise to be observant when placing a print on the body. Usually I am trying not to draw attention to my bust line and full arms, so my habit is to drape my printed fabric on the dress form or over my body in front…
Sew! Let’s Get Dressed – Beaded Accents
In the Fun in New York City post and on the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo blog “The Makers Experience” posted on February 6, we talked about the fabulous sheer bundles we have available in our Expo booth. They are perfect for stitching up a Tabula Rasa Jacket with Swing Variations. The new…
Sew! Let’s Get Dressed – Trimming the French Jacket
One of the last steps in completing a Tabula Rasa French jacket is to apply the trim. I love the way trim personalizes the jacket; trims can keep the jacket conservative and predictable, dress it up, provide an artful edge, or give it a fanciful finish. Whichever direction you choose…
Sew! Let’s Get Dressed – Managing the French Jacket Handwork
The Tabula Rasa French jacket pieces are quilted to the lining and the bouclé seams have been sewn on the machine. Reaching this place is satisfactory because after hours of basting, fitting and quilting there is actually a jacket. But one look at the inside reminds you that there is…
Sew Let’s Get Dressed- French Jacket Tools and Tricks
Much of the sewing on a couture French jacket is handwork. I can attest to this fact because even though I spend several hours a day hand stitching, my jacket is not finished. I have found that having a supply of good needles close by is helpful and so is…



