Browsing Tag

sewing patterns

Better late than never… A few Cabin Testers!

Sewing Patterns, Uncategorized July 31, 2021

In my usual style, I am writing this post much later than I had anticipated… but that’s pandemic life for you!

When I use a testing group, I usually like to select just a handful of people. I have found that my brain gets very quickly overwhelmed when I am working with too big of a group. I remember a few years ago I decided to simultaneously test half a dozen patterns with so many different people. I struggled to keep track of everything and I am sure I missed out on important feedback. It is such a gift of a persons time and materials to test out a new pattern, so I find personally when I use a smaller group I can most effectively make use of that feedback.

Anyway, enough about my process! Here are the makes my tester group made for my Cabin panties! These testers were amazing. Quick, thorough and concise! Thank you so much to all of you.

I wanted to send a bit of a special shout out to Erin from Dog Under My Desk, who tested out my pattern just a few weeks before giving birth to a new baby! Thank you so much for sharing your time and knowledge with me.

Tori made these amazing rainbow bokeh print Cabins. If you love sewing lingerie, you need to follow her on IG.

Tori’s make! IG @lachesisandco

I love Charlenes makes! Through her feedback, we found that fabrics with more vertical stretch like bamboo lycra jersey tend to be the ideal for the best fit. I’m in love with the linen look fabrics she used.

See more of Charlenes makes @ohsocherie

The mock fly front seems to be a popular variation! Amanda used this amazing geo-floral as well as a solid bamboo lycra jersey.

Follow Amanda in Instagram

Felicia from Sewing with Rascals (I can relate) used this adorable custom printed fabric for her Cabin’s. One of the things I like about this pattern is that the standard view has no centre front seam. This can really help highlight larger or more complicated prints and patterns as they are not obscured by any seam lines.

Felicia’s adorable Cabin’s

I’ve also continued making Cabin Shorties for myself, including my favourite pair made out of this custom printed bamboo jersey. I used a 1″ stretch lace around the waist instead of standard elastic. This can make the waist less sturdy, so if you have problems with the lace rolling or sliding down, you can always run a length of 1/4″ elastic around the inside of the lace to help hold it in place.

Made by yours truly.

I hope seeing these makes has inspired you! Right now the Cabin Pattern is 50% off as a part of my Spin the Wheel Sale… I’ll explain more about that in a separate post!

Oh, and if you are ever interested in testing a new pattern, I usually put out Tester Calls in my facebook group.

Birthday Time

New Items, Personal, Sales June 30, 2018

Has it really been another year already?

Tomorrow is the big day… Canada Day and my birthday!

This year feels like a big one. Thirty Five. 35.

Thirty Five is the year that your doctor informs you that your fertility is quickly declining and you are becoming of advanced maternal age. I joke, of course, but I have to admit I’m feeling the pressure of aging despite the fact that I also feel in the best physical health of my life. I’m active, I’m running, I’m feeling pretty good! But I’m also struggling with certain things, like a recent diagnosis of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) which is causing me to worry about my weight (needlessly, but it is a constant source of anxiety for me) and of course that constant question of whether or not I will (or can) have another baby.

This is a question I never considered. When I finally decided that we would have one child, I thought that would be it. It wasn’t until the last year or so that I really started thinking honestly about having a second. I love my life right now. Isabel is amazing and I can’t imagine life with another one of her running around. I’ve talked a lot about my thoughts on only having one child, but I’ve had some things happen in my personal life lately that have me reconsidering…

Stressing about grown up stuff is no fun… fertility worries, a new car payment, Isabel starting school, plus my usual neuroses has had me all out of sorts.  When I get in these slumps I find it so hard to focus on any specific task. I’ve been in the process of revamping my Grace & Bambi Patterns, two of my very first patterns, but I have had such a hard time just keeping my thought process running in a straight line that it’s taking me much longer than usual. My creativity runs like a fast flowing stream with millions of little tributaries running off in all directions… One thing leads to something else, which leads to another thing, which ends in nothing ever getting done.

So, I’m trying to get back to what I did two years ago, when I was in one of the deepest depths of my depression and anxiety… allowing myself time to do the things I like. Making new things when the inspiration hits. Taking pretty pictures. Eating chocolate cake. Picking wildflowers. Making the time to run or do yoga. And writing.

I’m also taking vacation for the first time since Isabel was born (she’s almost 4!). We’re going camping, just for two nights, but I’m looking forward to disconnecting and spending a few days in the woods.

And of course I’m running my annual Birthday Sale! Pretty much everything is 20% off. No coupon necessary in my Etsy Shops, but you can use coupon code Birthday20 to purchase patterns directly on my website. Sale ends July 4th!

The Delphine Thong

Design Diary, Lingerie, New Items, Sewing Patterns September 19, 2017

Warning: butt cheeks ahead!

In my younger days, I wore thongs a lot more. It was the style of the times.  As I’ve “matured” I’ve replaced most of my skimpy thongs for more comfortable (still pretty) styles. That’s not to say that thongs aren’t comfortable – they definitely can be! And they serve a practical purpose…

A High Waist Thong may not be super practical for every day wear, but hot damn… it looks great on. I was skeptical when I first started getting requests for a high waist thong, but I thought I’d try it out. I was very pleasantly surprised!

The Delphine Thong

As I was developing this pattern I wanted to come up with a way to use scalloped stretch lace on a high waist thong – that’s View C of the pattern. It’s a little bit Ultimate Lace Panties mixed with a little Ava Panties and I’m really happy with how it turned out. The style lines allow you to mix and match colours and fabrics, one of my favourite things to do with a design!

I made a few different sets as I was sewing up samples, pairing the basic high waist version with my Natalie Crop Top, then I made some bottoms for a Romy Bra and Jasmine Bra (from my Valentine’s Day Sew Along) from my own lingerie drawer.

Continue Reading

Printed Patterns are Here!

Sewing Patterns August 15, 2017

The hardest part of running a small business, aside from feeling like you’re always at work, is having to do things that you have no idea how to do. For instance, I’ve had to fumble my way through figuring out how to file sales tax, how to set up import numbers, how to build a website (still figuring that one out!). Truth is, I just can’t afford to outsource all of these things, so I DIY it. I spend a lot of my day going, “I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I’M DOING!!!”

Printed patterns was one of those projects where I had no idea where to start. Lucky for me, my best friend Abbey just happens to work in printing! She amazingly took on this project with me and helped me get professionally printed paper patterns and gorgeous glossy booklets!

When these first arrived in the mail a few weeks ago, my jaw dropped when I opened the box of booklets. I’ve looked at my PDF’s until my eyes were ready to shrivel up like raisins, but I had never seen them in full glossy professional print! They look so beautiful! I’ve always wanted to create products that are not only fun to use (or wear!) but also beautiful to display, and I have to say that these nail it!

And… I have to give a HUGE shout out to my dear Abbey for working on this for me.  I could not have done it without her.

I’ve started out with my Jasmine & Ava patterns (but hope to release more if there is the demand) as they are two of my favourites.

With my printed patterns you will receive the pattern printed on a single sheet of paper,  no taping required, and a pretty glossy booklet containing large, full-colour photographs, all packaged in a re-sealable plastic pouch.

You can purchase the printed patterns HERE or through my Etsy Shop!

If you run a sewing shop or boutique and would like to carry my printed patterns, please send me an email or contact me through Etsy for details.

This project was so fun to work on and Abbey and I already have a couple more things up our sleeves!

Something Fun!

Lingerie, New Items, Sewing Patterns March 22, 2017

I’ve been busy!

I just finished updating the Jane & Lola patterns, and in the process (on a sick day I might add) I came up with an adorable idea…

Undies with animal ears!

I’m not the first person to have this amazing idea. Knickerocker has been making the most adorable animal undies for a while now.  I don’t plan on making these to order (ok, maybe I will by special request), so definitely check out Knickerocker if you’re in the market for a cute pair of cat-ear undies.

The thing I love most about this pattern is that the possibilities are pretty much endless… after I had made my first sample, Sonja from Ginger Makes gave me the idea of sewing Pug Undies. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it myself!

So… I’ll be periodically providing free add-ons for this pattern. I’ll be posting the Pug Add-On soon, and a Peter Pan Collar Add On as well. If you have any ideas, please feel free to leave me a comment and I’ll see if I can make your wishes come true! Here’s a quick sneak peek of the Add-On’s that I almost have ready…

You can purchase the Miyu Pattern, which comes with instructions for the Kitty and Bunny Ears HERE, or on my Etsy Shop.

The Cora Elastic Strap Garter Belt

Lingerie, Sewing Patterns January 11, 2017

When I spoke to Rachel from Maker Style a while back, we talked breifly about how our styles have changed over the years. I definitely would say I’ve developed a more modern, minimalist aesthetic.  When I first started designing, my focus was on making things as elaborate, complicated and filly as possible. Over the last couple of years, I’ve come to learn I feel most comfortable in the most simple things. Simple lace undies, comfortable cotton bras (but in fantastic prints), staple black leggings, staple oversized top.

So, I really like this garter belt. The Cora tutorial does not come with any pattern pieces, but measurements and instructions on how to make a variety of elastic strap garter belts. You can make these in a variety of widths of elastic, which will slightly change the overall look, but I’d recommend not using anything less than 1/2″.

 

I’ve actually released this in two versions. There is a full tutorial for $2.99 that will walk you through all of the styles. Then, I have a FREE version that will walk you through how to sew the Lace-V style.

Out of all 5 styles, I think the single strap version might just be my favourite!

Introducing… The Ultimate Sleep Mask Pattern

Sewing Patterns, Uncategorized June 6, 2016

 

Sleep masks are something that I added to my Lingerie Shop a couple years ago. Over the years, I like to think I’ve perfected my technique and learned a thing or two about how to put a nice mask together. Sleep Masks are something that I have a lot of fun sewing. I like taking a basic pattern and figuring out small changes I can make to turn it into something really unique.
You might remember me talking (or ranting on twitter) about my battles with some pretty hardcore insomnia over the years. Whenever I feel a bout of sleeplessness coming on, I thrown on my favourite sleep mask. Something about the ritual of putting it on helps put me in the mindset for sleep. Well, that and Sleep With Me Podcast (a serious life saver). So, I can truly say that these are personally tried and tested (and loved).

 

I wanted to add a few patterns to my Pattern Shop that would be more suitable for people who are just learning how to sew. The Ultimate Sleep Mask Pattern does require you to have some basic sewing skills, like how to use a sewing pattern, how to cut fabric, and the basics of how to sew a seam, but other than that, it is a great starting point!

 

My Sleep Mask Pattern makes use of materials and supplies you can find at almost any sewing shop. You may even be able to get everything you need at your local craft store! It just takes a small amount of fabric, (a fat quarter will do!), some cotton for lining, cotton quilt batting, and a strip of any type of elastic (though I like to use Fold Over Elastic). One of my pattern testers even suggested using long ribbons for ties. I’ve done something similar on one of my Silk Sleep Masks.

 

The Ultimate Sleep Mask Pattern allows you to make a basic mask, with tips on using lightweight fabrics like satin, a mask with sleep-eye embroidery, or cute little animal masks in the shape of a kitty, bear, fox, and bunny. I already have plans on a quick and easy tutorial on how to make a Panda mask! I’ve even had the idea of cutting little eye holes to make fun costume masks for kids.

 

 

I’ve spent a lot of time and attention on providing some extra in-depth photos for this latest collection of patterns. I have tried to make my instruction manuals both useful and beautiful! I really hope you enjoy sewing this pattern. I think it’s something a little different (and also makes a great handmade gift! I’m currently in the process of making a batch out of some heirloom fabric for a friend).

 

 

Sweet Dreams!

It’s finally here… (almost)

Uncategorized June 4, 2016

newpatterncoll

It’s here! It’s pretty much here! I’ve drafted, tested, graded, trued, sewed samples, tested, received feedback, edited and edited and edited, photographed, and edited some more… but it’s here (basically). I’ve listed all but one of my new patterns in my Etsy Shop.

I’ll be adding one final pattern next week. It just needs one little tweak. I just couldn’t wait any longer. I am impatient.

Last Tuesday I did a really fun photoshoot with my beautiful friend/cousin, who modelled for me, and my friend Susie.  It was my first time photographing a model, and to make my life extra challenging, I decided I wanted a diffuse back lighting.  I’m excited to show you my new things! I’ll be posting about them piece by piece, but in the mean time, feel free to shop the collection HERE.

New Pattern Collection

Uncategorized June 28, 2015
I started working on these patterns right after I had Isabel. At first, things were easy… Izzy slept so much. Then she discovered the world and decided she never wanted to sleep again… But, with a whole lot of trial and error, lots and lots of patience, sticking to a routine, and a really good babysitter, I have finally accomplished something!
I wanted to create a collection of lingerie that could double as lounge wear. Comfortable, versatile pieces that are easy to sew. I wanted to take some vintage pieces, like ’20’s style tap pants and cami-knicker combo’s, but modernize them. So, here they are! I hope you like them as much as I do!

The Alice Knickers are my take on 1920’s style tap pants.  They have a modern low rise, and semi-circular cut which gives them a soft fluttery look.
I have a small collection of vintage slips. I’ve written about my love of slips before… they are so great to wear to bed. They are comfy but also so pretty. I’ve designed the Clementine Slip to be tight fitting, with just a little support under the bust.

The Eloise Shorts are perfect for wearing to bed. They are super short and have a low rise. I’m a lady with a bit of a tummy and like low rise garments because it doesn’t cut into my new mom soft belly. The shorts have a flat front, but elastic at the back.

I posted a picture of the Emma Romper on Instagram months ago and had so many people asking me for this pattern! It took forever, but here it is. I’ve already posted a tutorial on how to sew it with a cinched waist.

The Hannah Chemise is one of my favorites. I came up with this style soon after I had Isabel and was still sporting a pretty significant belly. The soft gathers at the waist are so forgiving. The banding around the top allows you to experiment with different fabric combinations!

The Ivy Lace Panties are designed specifically for use with Scalloped Stretch Lace. I recommend using 8-9″ wide stretch lace. I know that can be a tricky width to find, but Sew Sassy stocks it in quite a few colours.  You can sometimes also find regular width stretch lace that has a scalloped edge.

The Josephine Bralette is a style I’ve been making for a while. I really like it because it allows you to combine contrasting fabrics. The Josephine Bralette can be sewn two ways – either with a racer back or traditional hook and eye closure,

View A of the Nora Panties is my favourite thing right now! I want to make a dozen of these for myself. They are so comfortable and flattering. The Nora Pattern an be sewn so many ways. The pattern comes with instructions on how to make three variations… but I can think of a few other ways to sew them that would be fun too.

Lastly, is the Scarlett Bra. This is also a style that I’ve had in my lingerie shop for a while. The Scarlett pattern comes with instructions on how to style this bra two different ways. Racer back bras are my favourite right now. I’m not sure what it is, but I find them so comfy, and I love how they accentuate the shape of the back…
One of the new things I’ve been doing is working on some video’s. I’ve started a YouTube Channel, where I post some demo’s. If you’ve never sewn lingerie before and need a little help with the instructions, I’m hoping the video’s will be a help to you.
I have one more thing in store to share with you… but that will have to wait for another day! I hope you like the patterns. 

Me Made May – Cynthia Rowley Dress + Fabric HELP!

Uncategorized May 24, 2012
This is the second time I’ve used this pattern, and I really like it.  Its quick and easy to sew, and doesn’t use a ton of fabric.  I was able to cut this remnant of blue and black jersey I’ve had for a while, trimmed with some black organic cotton jersey.

I’m really happy with the dress, and I’ve worn it twice BUT after washing it, the blue and black jersey is starting to “tear” along the stitching lines.  I used a ball point needle and serged my seams, so I’m not sure what’s happening.  Maybe it was just a cheap fabric? Has this ever happened to you?  I really love this dress, and I’d like to be able to save it!