There is a movement in sewing, like in many other old established practices, to move back to the pre-industrial methods of creating. Embrace the process, one teacher might say. Another will say, experience the calm and creativity of a hand stitching practice. As a custom dressmaker, my career prior to…
Category: Technique
Lace Encased Appliqués
Time to get sewing friends! In this post, we will look at how I turned a precious scrap of fabric into appliqués on a cropped Funnel Neck Variation of the Tabula Rasa Jacket. The appliques were further elevated by a halo of guipure lace cut into small motifs and used…
Pieced Hibernation Tabby
Some fabric really calls to you; Carrie and I were so drawn to the Tilda Hibernation cotton collection that we ordered up some of each of our 5 favorite prints. It arrived in late September and we have been playing with it ever since. Carrie made an adult size Tabula…
Flat Piping Defines a Knit
Adding detail to a knit top is a fun way to keep tees made from the same pattern like the Tabula Rasa Knit Tee and Tunic, looking fresh and interesting. Flat piping is a great detail that is not difficult, but does require a bit more “seaming” attention than is usually…
Back to Basics — Understitching
Today we take a closer look at understitching, the next post in a series about sewing techniques included in our new Glossary of Common Sewing Terms. I was inspired to take on this nerdy topic while sewing a sleeveless Carpe Diem dress, which benefits from understitching at the neckline and…
Oops, Need to Cover a Spot?
This perfect summer Tabula Rasa Jacket was featured in the Classic Sewing Summer 2022 edition. It was quite a wardrobe favorite last summer worn with blue, tan or black Eureka! Pants. It features the opened neckline discussed in the blog post Hot Summer Sewing. The Peach Soutache Jacket also has…
Gathering Stitches-Expanding the Definition
We presumed everyone who sews knows what gathering stitches are and how they are used in garment making. Then we met our 8-12 year old testers for the Tabby Jacket and realized some explanation was in order. “Gathering Stitches” is included in the Fit for Art Glossary of Common Sewing…
Holiday Gift – Composition Book Cover
It is the Fit for Art tradition to offer a gift idea with downloadable instructions to thank you for your ongoing support. Why not gift yourself the time to make one for yourself? Or, choose stash fabrics or an embellishment technique to decorate one for a friend or family member. …
Finish a Carpe Diem with Binding
Today we are looking at an alternative way to finish the armholes and neckline of a sleeveless Carpe Diem Dress or Tunic. Patterns and instructions for finishing those areas with a traditional facing is included with the Carpe Diem, as seen on this sleeveless double gauze top. A few weeks…
Notched Carpe Diem Top
Carrie made this notched scoop neck top very early in the development of the Carpe Diem Dress & Tunic pattern. The notch opens the neckline up a bit, making it easier to pull a top or dress on over your head without a back closure. While the notch design didn’t…