There are so many options for finishing a garment’s hemline. While building the Creative Hemlines class for our spring Expo season, I realized that a solid knowledge of hem finish options is essential before launching into more creative hemlines. So, here is a rundown of hem finishes that can be…
Category: Technique
Collage and Paint before you Sew
Embellishing fabric for a unique garment is one of my passions. It is also the organizing principal behind our French Retreat which we hope to host again in August of 2022. It was there that I first envisioned a summer weight embellished garment combining my interest in collage and stencil…
Boro Vest Completed!
I first conceived and started this Tabula Rasa Boro Vest project three years ago. Along the way it was put aside and picked up occasionally to work on during an extended car trip or the like. Last month I vowed to get it done in time for the upcoming Original…
Hand or Machine Finishes?
How do you choose the final finishes on each sewing project? Utilitarian clothes are often finished by machine, but pretty clothes feel special when finished by hand. Hand Finishes for the Blouse Early this spring, I made a tunic length blouse using my Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern modified with the…
Sparkly Block Print Knits
Sewing Tabula Rasa Knit Tunic tops is a quick and easy way to perk up a comfy, casual wardrobe. This fall, however, I took the slow path to new knit top nirvana by practicing, planning, and finally painting one. It is made from a lovely soft gold sparkly knit jersey that…
Comfy COVID Glamour Pants
Let’s close out 2020 looking at some clothes that are easy to wear during these “stay at home” times. Today, enjoy this look at some rayon glamour pants to sew for the holidays. They have the wide leg silhouette and Hollywood waistband found in the Glamour Details Pattern for Eureka!…
Bead the Seams for Festive Garments
When I find a sewing technique I love and master, it is time to push the technique in a new direction. My current article in Threads Magazine, Beaded Connections, is a perfect example of continuously stretching a favorite technique. Why Rolled Edge Seams? In the beginning, I first used rolled…
It’s Vest Season!
If you haven’t yet made a Tabula Rasa Vest, get started now making a vest for Fall! They are so easy to make with the Tabula Rasa Jacket pattern – just leave out the sleeve and finish the armhole edges to make a perfect vest. We tell you how in…
Sketch Sewing Possibilities
Sketching is such a useful tool to inform your sewing and design work. I have always found it helpful when designing something for a special occasion. Now that I have a reliable croquis, a My Body Model that reflects my unique shaping, I pick it up to sketch quick ideas…
Fingertip Pockets for Eureka! Pants
Everyone wants to put pockets in their handmade pants and we love pockets in well fitting pants too. There are several pocket designs available for the Eureka! Pants when you graduate from pants fitting to serious pant sewing. The Trouser Detail pattern offers a slash pocket design. The Sporty Details…