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?

The organic Cut Out & Keep from Cloud 9 now in the shop.

We've had the Cut Out and Keep range from Cloud 9 in the shop for a week now and it is selling well.  The range is organic (100% OE100 certified) and printed with low impact dyes.  Printed onto 3.6 oz poplin and 115cm wide, the cotton is great for dressmaking, quilting and craft.

The range is designed by South African artist and illustrator, Heather Moore, also known as Skinny laMinx, and frankly they are lush!

If you can't choose between them we have the 5 prints that we are carrying available as a fat quarter bundle.  We've named it the Riveredge.

New Colette Patterns: Violet and Ginger

I've been awaiting these eagerly.  The new patterns from Colette arrived in the shop last week.  Both suitable for beginners and both seriously delicious.

The Ginger Skirt is a simple and pretty a-line skirt with high waistband. There are three waist band versions, a pointed centre waist, a shaped curved band, and a straight waistband.  The skirt can be cut on the bias if you are using stripes which makes for that clever chevron effect.

The Violet Blouse, another beginner pattern, is a button-fronted blouse with either short gathered sleeves or mid-length sleeves that gather at the hem with elastic. The blouse has a peter pan collar, bust darts, and back yoke with center gathering, and has a gentle loose fit.

Both these pattern are set to become classics, and both great for that summer wardrobe!

Oliver + S spring-summer patterns now in: Family Reunion Dress, Seashore Sundress, Class Picnic Blouse and Shorts

Hoorah! We now have the new season Oliver + S patterns in stock.  There are three new patterns, each in two sizes, the Family Reunion Dress (6m-4, 5-12), the Seashore Sundress (6m-4, 5-12), and the Class Picnic Blouse and Shorts (6m-4, 5-12).

And, do I have a favourite?  Oh yes... have you seen these shorts?  Irresistible.

Oh, Fransson!: Fifty Cent Weights

Check out this great tutorial from Oh, Fransson! for Fifty Cent Weights. A fun little project for fabric weights to use for keeping paper patterns weighed down whilst cutting out, or to stop pattern pieces wafting away in the wind! I am finding mine very useful for stopping fabric slipping off onto the floor when using my rotary cutter.

I used Woodcut - Passion from Anna Maria Horners Innocent Crush range for the top fabric, and Klona Cardinal for the bottom pieces. The only change I made to the pattern was to use 40 penny pieces instead of the recommended 50. I think British pennies are slightly bigger that US cents.

A highly recommended tutorial... I went a little crazy and made six... how many will you make?!

Related Products:
Woodcut - Passion
Klona Cardinal

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.

Stop Press! Lisette Patterns in stock!

Very exciting news... we have recieved a one-time-only delivery of Lisette Patterns.  These are the Simplicity patterns designed by the clever folks at Oliver+S.  We have limited availabilty of these patterns, and once they are gone, they're gone!