Terms to know

Staystitching - Prior to pinning, basting and permanent stitching, curved areas that require extra handling should be staystitched. This will act as a guideline for clipping and joining the curved edge to the other edges, as well as prevent stretching. Staystitch in the direction of the grain 1/8" (3 mm) away from the seamline in the seam allowance, using the regular machine-stitch length suited to your fabric.

Half and Full circle skirts

To cut half circle: 

• Draw a square, take a third of total waist measurement which will be the radius of your half circle.
• Measure the length of the skirt; that will be the radius for the hemline.

To cut a full circle:

• Draw a square, take a sixth of total waist measurement which will be the radius of your full circle.
• Measure the length of the skirt, that will be the radius for the hemline

Adding a Sleeve to a Sleeveless Garment

As women get older, very few feel comfortable in sleeveless styles. It is really quite easy to convert a sleeveless style to one with a sleeve or vice versa. An armhole on a sleeveless garment is 1/2 inch (1-1.5cm) higher than one with a sleeve and fits in closer to the body at the underarm.

A change must be made on the bodice armhole before your favorite sleeve can go in. Lower the armhole on front and back bodice by 1/2 inch tapering back to the original armhole by front and back notches. Next, add 1/2 inch to the side seam right under the armhole, tapering off the addition by the waist. Conversely, you can create a sleeveless style from one with a sleeve. Simply raise the armhole by 1/2 inch tapering back to the original armhole by front and back notches. Next, bring the armhole in closer to the body by taking off 1/2 inch at each side seam under the armhole on each side tapering to zero by the waistline. If the pattern is one for knits only, you may not need to bring in the side seam as much. Do not cut off the 1/2 inch at each side seam until you fit it.  

If you have difficulty drawing smooth continuous curves and cutting lines which blend into the originals, Tailor and Designer curves are helpful. Designer curves work well for additions and subtractions between the waist and hip or above the waistline changes. Tailor curves work well for neckline and armhole changes.

Fashion Styles for Summer

This spring/summer is the season to glory in femininity......and the sewing couldn't be more enjoyable. Choose all-out frills or opt for sweet and romantic, rich and sophisticated, even sporty/chic styles. And, by all means, have fun with fabrics, colors and embellishments. You'll note that some trends from seasons past - trenches, polka dots, pastel tweeds and bold florals, in particular - have found their place among the pretty confections.

Mastering proportions is more important than ever. Simple boxy, swinging trapeze, and dramatic fitted garments, but the silhouette of choice is a fitted, shrunken jacket or top, a defined waist, and a fuller, relaxed bottom. Skirts are, in a word, voluminous: floaty, flounced, tiered, layered, ruffled, pleated, gored, with handkerchief hems - you name it - as long as the effect has feminine flare. Pants are straight and tailored, yet soft and slightly slouched - and the legs are cuffed, rolled up, or cropped for added style.

Online Classes

The Online Classes are well supported and the only class still to be presented this year will be the Pattern Making Class in November. A few new topics will be added in the new year. Watch this space. For more information on this classes, please go to ONLINE CLASSES.

SWP News

We once again had a good response to our Pattern Making classes in Australia and New Zealand and are off to participate in four Fairs in England in September/October. On our way back we will present classes in Brisbane (Australia) and the grand finale of the year will be the Quilt and Craft Fair in Hamilton (New Zealand) from 11-14 November.

Lutterloh Patterns 

The latest Supplements (No 253 & 254) are now available. In there, you will find the following interesting patterns:

253 - Summer

• Summer - Pretty dresses and tops, either fitted or flowy...all sorts to play with. Fabrics for Summer are bold prints on chiffon and nice colors
• Interesting trousers: straight legs with zips in seams and interesting pockets........or narrow straight legs in stretch fabric. 
• Fuller figure: Nice casual wear, top, skirt, trousers....all in stretch patterns. Smart "Wedding Dress" - I would use the skirt quite a lot - very interesting godget inset - could be use for all sorts.
• Maternity wear: At last a very nice modern dress and shorts which could be lengthen to long trousers. 

254 - Autumn

• Skirts: interesting pockets and godgets
• Trousers: heaps of detail interesting features to play with
• Tops: Very interesting, cutting on the bias, ruching detail.
• Jackets: All sorts - different collars and styles. The cutest dress or coat - casual or smart - this a pattern everybody should make.....if not for yourself...then for your daughters.
• Fuller figure: Very elegant Trousers and Jacket with rolled collar - cross over dress. Nice casual wear. The Cardigan jacket- different detail...absolutely a must. Smart frilled top with nice skirt.
• Dresses: quite a few with different detail. Also nice stretch shift dress or woven with cute jacket over it.  

Very good supplement. I feel like doing all the patterns.....a lot of inspiration for all sewers!!

The 40 patterns are available for US$21 plus shipment. You can also subscribe for a full year and receive 4 supplements of 40 patterns each for US$64 plus postage. To order please go to ORDER and follow the instructions.

 

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