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New Pattern! The Cedar Bodysuit

Design Diary, New Items, Sewing Patterns, Uncategorized June 27, 2023

Here is another one of those projects that I started ages ago… And when I say ages, I mean literal years.

I have this problem. It’s not just a design problem, but a problem that infiltrates my normal life as well. I’m not sure if it’s part of being a perfectionist, or what it is… I’ll use this pattern as an example. I started with a really simple design – the scoop neck bodysuit with a built in shelf bra. Then I thought, “a thong would be a nice addition… but wouldn’t it also be cool if I had a high neck version? What if I added ruffles? It would be so easy to make this into a tank top… oh, if I added straps I could make it a garter tank! But if it were longer it would make a really comfortable slip-dress / nightie… and what if I used the shelf bra as a stand alone bra pattern… what if I added cut-outs to the neckline?” You can see, my one idea grows and grows and grows until it is so overwhelming that I come to a stand still.

I do this all the time. I don’t know if there is a name for that, but I really struggle with it.

A few weeks ago I realized that this really stops me from getting anything done. I have great big huge intentions that are too big for one little lady to manage on her own. So I decided to take several leaps backwards and keep it fairly simple. As a bit of a compromise to myself, I added a few simple Pattern Hack’s at the end of the instructions to show you how you can easily take this pattern and make it a tank top, slip dress, or garter tank. One of my pattern testers took the ruffle pattern piece from my Kelly Pattern and used it along the leg line and that worked out great too!

I’ve always said that one of my goals with my patterns and my YouTube tutorials is to teach people methods of doing things… so you can come up with your own methods that work for you! So, I think reminding myself to keep thing simple is important so that I can maintain true to my roots.

The Cedar Pattern has both a low and high neck variation. Both have a built in shelf bra. Before I had my reduction this was an absolute must have for me, but even now, with smaller boobs, the added support is nice. It has the option of either a full seat or thong back and I show two different ways of applying snaps at the gusset seam. The pattern works best with fabrics with 4 way stretch. I had a lot of fun sewing it with sheer mesh and lace but also sewed one out of velvet and another using a rib knit from Bibs & Boots Fabrics.

As always, I’ve posted a sewing tutorial for this pattern over on YouTube, so you can check it out if you are wanting to preview how it is made. You can purchase the pattern on Etsy, or right Here!

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Introducing Hunter

Lingerie, New Items, Sewing Patterns September 7, 2018

Ok, every time I make a new underwear pattern I proclaim that this pattern is my favourite. Seriously though, these undies are my honest to goodness favourite as far as comfort goes! I’m wearing a pair in bamboo jersey right now. They are just perfect for my shape!

The Hunter Underwear Pattern is a pretty easy sew as far as lingerie goes. They have a simple FOE waistband and an elastic stabilized hem. The trickiest part of these is sewing the triangular insert, but I’ve got a video on how to do just that! This technique is a good one to know whether you’re sewing this pattern, my Clara Sleep Mask Pattern, or any other project that has sharp, inset corners.

I’ve been liking these for wearing under leggings when I go running. The elasticized hem stays put on my body shape and the mid-rise is really comfortable on my non-apologetically soft 35 year old mom stomach.

I really like this pattern. It’s basically what I’m all about… simplicity! To me, simple = sexy, or at least that’s how it makes me feel which is the important part, right? I’ve been stocking up my underwear drawer in these sewn in bamboo because it’s silky, soft, and lightweight, but I’ve recently ordered some thermal knits that I’m excited to experiment with for winter!

For a limited time, you can get the pattern for 25% off here and through Etsy.

Happy Sewing!

The Hyacinth Bralette Expansion Pack

Design Diary, Lingerie, New Items, Sewing Patterns April 17, 2018

I’m happy to see lots of Hyacinth Bralettes popping up on Instagram and in the facebook group!

One of my favourite things to do with a pattern is figure out all of the different ways I can style it. The Hyacinth has such simple style lines that it really adapts well to many different variations!

Today, I’ve released an Expansion Pack for the Hyacinthe Bralette Pattern. This Pack includes lace overlay pieces, several back variations, as well as in depth instructions, including how to finish the neckline with fold over elastic instead of lace.

One of my surprise favourites is this keyhole cut out variation. I felt ho-hum about it when I was finishing up my first sample, but when I put it on, it just felt amazing to wear! It’s funny how designs can change based on how you feel in them. I paired this variation with my Justine Panties. I often forget how much I love this pattern. The minute I put this set on I felt like a million bucks.

 

I also really love the simplicity of the plain racerback variation. It’s reminiscent of my Josephine Pattern, but with the plain front. I really like how this style of back feels. For me, its super comfortable and conforms to the curves and angles of my back. I paired this version with a simple pair of Claudia’s.

The Celeste Panties make a great pairing with the Hyacinth Bralette. They are my go-to for everyday undies.

Without a doubt, though, this variation is my favourite. It’s the most forgiving and gives a great fit due to the adjustable nature of the strapping.

I decided to pair it with my Ava Panties, and sewed both pieces out of a mini-fish net. The inner goth in me loves it so much!

Get the Expansion Pack Here! Friendly reminder that you will also need to download the Free Hyacinth Bralette Pattern.

A year in the making, the Kate Camisole Sewing Pattern is Here!

Design Diary, Lingerie, New Items, Sewing Patterns, Videos June 5, 2017

I think it was a year ago or so that I first posted a photo on Instagram of this camisole… As I mentioned in my video post a couple of weeks ago, I went back and forth on a bunch of things (darts, fullness, etc.) and toyed with various ways to write up these rather complicated instructions. The pattern itself is very simple – just two pattern pieces! But there are just so many ways you can sew it – dressed up or dressed down!

Anyway… without further adieu, here is the Kate Camisole!

So far, of all of the variations I’ve sewn, I think this one in Cotton + Steel Rifle Paper Co. challis is my favourite. Even Isabel has asked for one in her size! I absolutely love this print and fabric.

The pattern comes with instructions on how to add a ruffle – I give suggestions as to how long to cut your ruffle, but you could even experiment with cutting an extra long ruffle band to turn the top into a flowy, bohemian summer dress.

I experimented sewing these tops out of linen, chiffon, double gauze, gauze, challis and silk charmeuse. I think my favourite fabric to work with for this style is rayon challis. It is just so light and drapey. Silk charmeuse is a close second.

The Kate pattern is an excellent pair for with any of my woven bottoms, like the Jane or Miyu panties. But remember, you can also use a woven fabric for the front of my Claudia Panties too! It works great in silk.

You can purchase the Kate Camisole pattern directly from my website HERE or on Etsy!

To view a video-tutorial outlining the basic construction methods, hop on over to my Youtube Channel!

 

New Pattern! The Claudia Panties Pattern

Lingerie, Sewing Patterns, Tutorial December 19, 2016

This is my favourite pattern ever (besides the Jasmine bra). I think I may have actually already made 100 of these, maybe even more!!! I am obsessed.

So, what is it that I love about this pattern, you ask? This pattern has the one thing I strive for in a pattern: versatility. You can achieve so many different looks with this one easy pattern.  Included in the instructions are directions on how to sew them with a pretty lace back with picot elastic around the front OR plain elastic edging, or  sewn entirely out of knit fabric with simple lace trim entirely around the legs. But, you can also edge these in fold over elastic, picot elastic, and while these are drafted for stretch knits, I’ve even made them with a silk charmeuse front!

Quick and Easy Directions for a Woven-Fabric Front.

If you want to use a woven fabric on the front I suggest using a light weight woven with a good bias stretch. Silk Charmeuse is ideal, but you could experiment with other fabrics too. I’d imagine a light flannel or lightweight cotton would work as well. Whatever you choose, the hip/back portion has to be sewn out of either stretch lace or stretch knit fabric.

All I do is fold my fabric at a 45 degree angle. This way you can place the “cut on fold” piece against the bias-fold. This is a quick and easy way to cut small bias cut pieces, without tracing the patter piece out mirrored.

You can purchase the Claudia Panties Here, or through my Etsy shop.