The Robson Coat: At last a trench for the grown-ups!

Tasia of Sewaholic is bringing out her patterns at breakneck speed right now.  This next pattern, released today and hopefully in the shop within a few days in the shop now, fills a gaping hole in the coat patterns of Backstitch... A trench coat!  Hurrah!

We already have a trench for the kids, with the Oliver+S Secret Agent, but up until now, we didn’t have one for us grown-ups.  Well it’s here and it’s brilliant.  The Sewaholic Robson pattern stays true to the classic design and will mean we can all have this outerwear necessity in whichever colour we fancy. 

 

I actually don’t have a trench coat and have been painfully aware of this hole in my wardrobe for some time.  Now I will just have to make myself one.

Alma Blouse and Kelly Skirt

We've had a couple of hot new patterns come in recently and both are flying out. 

First off is the oh-so-clever Megan Nielsen's new release: The Kelly Skirt.  Isn't this just the perfect skirt?  I just have to make myself one of these.  The Kelly is an (incredibly flattering) high waisted A-line. It features a button fronted placket, wide fitted waistband, large scoop pockets and pleating in the front and back.  And, it is designed for beginners in mind, so everyone can give it a go!

Then we have the Alma Blouse which is the latest from Tasia of Sewaholic Patterns.  This is a great 'no button' blouse and as usual Tasia has given different neckline and sleeve options that mean there are almost a gazillion different versions of this blouse for you to try.  Thanks Tasia!

And, whilst I'm on patterns, Megan is hosting a Banksia sewalong starting in September, so if you have been thinking about making the Banksia blouse, then this is a great opportunity to get expert guidance through the whole process.  Details are on Megan's blog here.

Sewaholic Renfrew Top - The Perfect Tee

We've had this new pattern from the fantastic Tasia at Sewaholic for a week or so now, and it's set to be a favourite.  Tasia is busy designing a full wardrobe of patterns, and what wardrobe would be complete without your basic tee?

The Renfrew Top has three sleeve options and three neck options which are all mix and match giving a whopping nine different styles of t-shirt.  I didn't even know that was possible!

This top is destined to take the fear out of sewing with knits too, billed as 'the knit top pattern for people who dislike sewing with knits'. Instead of standard machine-stitched hems, the sleeve and body hems are finished with bands. These banded hems are easy to sew and finish the edge in a professional-looking way.

Not sold yet?  Well, go and take a look at the Sewaholic Flickr Pool... they're starting to pop up in there!

Sewaholic Lonsdale - new dress pattern and a sew-along

Did you see that we had the new Sewaholic dress pattern in the shop?  The Lonsdale Dress is the latest pattern to come from designer Tasia Pona. 

The perfect summer sundress, the Lonsdale is fitted on top with a flared skirt, and your choice of a flattering knee-length or dramatic, full-length dress.

And the best thing?  Tasia is hosting another sew-along for this pattern.  Sewaholic sew-alongs are famed for being an excellent way to achieve great results, with the pattern designer there right on hand to guide you through the making of your dress.

The sew-along starts on 25th July, and is at a sensible pace.  Check out the details and schedule here.

Part II of our interview with Sewaholic Tasia Pona

Part two of our Tasia Pona interview has gone into the articles section on our website... go take a read.  Tasia talks about her design process, her sewing space and her favourite cocktail!

And, there is (just!) still time to order your Crescent Skirt pattern in time for the sew-along which starts on Monday. 

An interview with Tasia Pona of Sewaholic Patterns - Part I

Here at Backstitch we love Sewaholic Patterns.  The Pendrell Blouse has been a real hit, and the Crescent Skirt is going to be a summer staple... the Sewaholic Crescent Sew-Along starts on the 18th April, so still time to get your pattern and invaluabley be guided through every step by the designer herself.

Tasia, the brains behind the label is an inspiration and her enthusiasm for dressmaking seems to just burst out of her.  I was lucky enough to interview Tasia and we have part one of the interview on the site now.

Thanks for reading, enjoy this sun, and Part II of the interview will be posted next week, so watch out!

The Crescent Skirt from Sewaholic

After the great success of the Pendrell Blouse, the first pattern from Sewaholic, we are now really excited to have in stock the second pattern, the new Crescent Skirt.

The Crescent skirt is a great gathered skirt with a fitted yoke. Your choice of a slightly gathered skirt, a fuller gathered skirt or a longer, knee-length skirt. Optional trim or contrast topstitching highlights the fitted waistband. Or, keep it simple with the seamline details only. A great addition to your wardrobe.

Apart from the fact that this skirt is awesome, do you know the most exciting thing?  Tasia is running a sew-along on her blog for the Crescent skirt to help you through the pattern.

Guidance topics to expect from Tasia in this Sew-Along:

• Recommended Fabrics
• Links to Pre-washing, Cutting, and Measuring
• Fitting Tips
• Sewing Steps
• Zipper Insertion
• Slip Tutorial
• Sharing your Finished Skirts
• And most valuably, help and instruction from Tasia herself.

Oh, and it has pockets... yes, pockets... perfect.

Introducing Sewaholic and the Pendrell blouse

Exciting news! We have a new pattern designer in the shop:  Sewaholic Patterns are the patterns designed by Canadian Tasia Pona.  Tasia is a self confesed sewaholic and has a great blog full of projects, tips and sewing inspiration.

The Pendrell blouse is the first pattern from Sewaholic Patterns, and Backstitch is the first to bring it to the UK.  The blouse is a feminine semi-fitted top with a choice of unique draped sleeves, flirty double ruffles or a classic sleeveless shell. A great addition to your wardrobe!

Best of all, Tasia is running a sew-along for the Pendrell on her blog which started on Monday and finishes on the 14th of February, so you've still time to hop on board and be guided through the pattern by the designer.