Figgy's: A new look and three new patterns

One of our most popular children’s sewing pattern brand ‘Patterns by Figgy’s’ has had a total refresh and has rebranded as ‘Figgy’s Patterns’. A subtle difference in name, but a grand difference in actuality. 

Ayashe

Designer Karen LePage is no longer working with the brand, leaving to pursue new projects and Shelly Figueroa has teamed up with a new partner, Daniela Caine to bring a new aesthetic to the label.  I spoke to Shelly about the change and she said “What's great about running your own business is you get to evolve naturally. Rebranding was like being given a second chance but with wisdom on your side. I feel the brand is authentic to my taste and style and I am lucky to share this with Daniela. Simple, modern and contemporary is exactly Figgy's and exactly us.”
Figgy’s will be releasing two collections a year, Spring and Fall, in the size range 18m to 8/9yrs. And, in Summer each year a baby line for ages Newborn – 12m will be released.

The new patterns that have been released are really refreshing. There are two outfit sets and a Jacket, and we're really excited to have them at exclusively available Backstitch. Within the UK you will always be able to get Figgy's Patterns here first.


Ayashe

Ayashe is a blouse and skirt set, there are two collar options to the blouse, two sleeve options and several hem options – you will definitely be making more than one of these blouses. The pleated skirt that completes the Ayashe set has deep pockets, and instructions for an ingenious way to insert elastic that can actually grow with your girl!

Nituna

The Nituna jacket is a swing coat that will make your heart skip a beat. Easy to put together and less time consuming than you would expect. The jacket has options for a fully reversible version with bound edges or a lined version.



Sunki

Sunki is a dress and leggings set. The pocket dress is brilliantly styled with great potential for contrast fabric highlights. The dress includes special pleated shoulders that give a lovely feminine touch. The leggings go together in a snap and before you know it you have an outfit.
Figgy’s Patterns will be reprinting just two of their most popular patterns from the original brand, with the remainder of the ‘Patterns by Figgy’s’ out of print and in limited stock.

Related Products

All Figgy's Patterns
Ayashe Blouse and Skirt
Nituna Jacket
Sunki Dress and Leggings

Sewing for Boys - Treasure Pocket Pants

The day that my copy of Sewing for Boys was delivered was a very happy one.  I have two small boys and sewing clothes for them has never been the most exciting prospect.  There are some lovely patterns available for boys, but lets be honest, the girls are catered for rather better!

This new book by Shelly and Karen of Patterns by Figgys is totally brilliant.  Crammed full of wearable and practical clothes for boys aged 0-7 years.  There are 8 full size pattern sheets in a pocket at the front of the spiral bound book, followed by some general tips and instructions for using the book. 

Then comes a series of pages with large pictures showing all the projects in different make-ups... A great format - it makes it much easier to choose a project.  After that you have the instructions for each pattern, and then an appendix at the end with instructions for particular techniques.

This week I finally got around to making a project from the book.  I went for the Treasure Pocket Pants.  The pattern instructions are excellent, and I found Karen's Sewalong instructions really helpful too.  I used some navy needlecord that I've had kicking around for ages, and some crimson Klona Cotton.

This morning my little man wore his new trousers for the first time and off we went to climb the Tor.  The pockets are properly kiddy friendly, roomy and good for putting things in (I know, but most pockets on kids clothes are not good for putting things in!).  They are great for running in, and look good too!

I already have plans to make up another pair of these trousers for the smaller boy, and then I'm rather taken with the idea of the Two-in-one Jacket.

Related Products

All Patterns by Figgys

All Patterns for Boys

Klona Cotton

An interview with Shelly and Karen from Patterns by Figgy's

I was lucky enough to interview the amazing team that is Shelly Figueroa and Karen LePage from Patterns by Figgy's.  You can read the interview over on the website within the Articles section.

We hear all about the inspirations and motivations behind Patterns by Figgy's new collection.  Go take a look!

New Spring 2011 season from 'Patterns by Figgy's'

I'm happy to announce that we now have the new collection of patterns in the shop from Patterns by Figgy's.  There are three new styles in this collection, all for children aged 18 months to 6/7 years.  Each pattern has two styles, and picking up on the success of the Tee for Two pattern, two of the new styles have both boy and girl options.  How brilliant is that? 

There is the Jane Dress and Blouse.  Perfect for the girly girl, this pattern has puff-sleeved long or short options with pockets for the dress and a hip sash for the blouse.

Then there is the Franco & Fiona Dress and Blouse, an asymmetrical asymmetrical vest and pinafore.  Both items are fully lined with fresh lines and crisp inverted pleats which show off contrasting fabric really smartly.

Finally, there is the Vien & Rue Jackets.  These smart, fair-weather, double-breasted, fully lined jackets for girls or boys, have options for buttons sleeve tabs, back belt, and a round or pointed collar.

So, which of these are you tempted by?

Patterns by Figgy's - New Sizes and working with knits

We recently received some new stock from the lovely Patterns by Figgy's.  They have expanded their range by adding the larger 8-14 year sizes to their Tee for Two and Little Woo patterns.  Both of these require working with knits. (perfect with our Cafe Dot interlock knits from Oliver & S)  And, don't be afraid of working with knits... they assure us that if we follow a few rules it's actually a very forgiving fabric to work with!  They have a great blog post here about working with knits, and another showing us yet more tips and tricks.

If you want more inspiration, then take a look at their Flickr pool.

Patterns by Figgy's: New kids pattern range

We're excited to announce that we have expanded our pattern range and become the first UK stockists of boutique pattern label ‘Patterns by Figgy’s’.  Click here to view the patterns in the shop.

Patterns by Figgy’s is the creation of two seamsters, Shelly Figueroa and Karen LePage, who met online through a shared love of sewing. Their first collection came in the Spring of 2010 and they are planning three collections per year, with their third ‘Fall 2010’ coming later this summer.

The current pattern range includes dresses and skirts for girls aged 12m – 6yrs and shorts and hoodies for boys aged 18m – 14yrs. These stylish patterns are very accessible to all stitchers catering from beginners upwards, and customers are well supported with tutorials on the Figgy’s blog.

Patterns by Figgy’s are also unusual in their support for the home sewer in that they have a ‘Sharing’ policy. This policy permits their patterns to be handmade into products for sale by the individual crafter, just as long as you declare that it is a ‘Patterns by Figgy’s’ pattern.

Related Products:
Mary Go 'Round Dress
Ofelia Dress and Bloomers
Ella's Bubble Bottom Skirt
Beach Bum Hoodie and Board Shorts: 18m - 6y
Beach Bum Hoodie and Board Shorts: 8y - 14y