This week we break down our favourite simple and advanced hacks that will let you get the most mileage out of your patterns! Everything you need to know, from must-have hacking tools to how to mix your favourite patterns. You can hack it!
Tag your old & new hacks with #youcanhackit!
The York Pinafore is a playful addition to your handmade wardrobe. It is easy to layer over tank tops for summer or turtlenecks and leggings for colder weather. The York Pinafore is a modern take on a classic pinafore dress with a cocoon shape and two views.
We’re going to Quebec! Come chat about clothes at the Love to Sew Montreal Meet-up!
- Location: La Fontaine Park, Montreal (Exact location in the park will be announced in the Facebook Event Group and on Instagram on the day)
- Date: Saturday, June 9th, 2018
- Time: 12:00–17:00 EDT
We are hoping for good weather so that we can set up near the water, have a picnic, and hang out for the afternoon.
Come when you please, bring your own snacks and beverages, and wear your handmades (if you want) so we can feel them up!
Email hello@lovetosewpodcast.com if you have any questions!
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Looking for pattern hacking inspiration? In Episode 39: Cultivating a Stylish Wardrobe with Erica Bunker, we discussed going to online retailers to look for trendy details to add to existing patterns in your collection. Some of our favourites:
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How to Make Single Welt Pockets from Workroom Social
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Patch Pockets! Coco Top + Dress from Tilly and The Buttons
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How to move bust darts tutorial from Megan Nielsen
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The Southport Dress by True Bias easily becomes a Southport tank!
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Caroline has a life-long love affair with the Mandy Boat Tee by Tessuti. Some hacks that she has done with it: extra length and an added side slit, or slash and spread for a more relaxed fit.
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Add a cuff to the Nikko Top from True Bias
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Add a Thumbhole! How to Sew Cuffs with Thumbholes: A Blackwood Cardigan Hack
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Add seams to do colour blocking or add other fabrics! Helen hacked a version of the Seamwork Kenedy.
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Mixing and matching patterns in Boundless Style by Kristiann Boos
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Caroline’s “South Runway” pattern mashup! Easy Short Sleeved Kimono Dress by Pattern Runway and Southport Dress by True Bias
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Tag your old & new hacks with #youcanhackit!
Follow Helen! Blog: Helen’s Closet, Instagram: @helens__closet
Follow Caroline! Shop: Blackbird Fabrics, Instagram: @blackbirdfabrics
Leave us a voicemail with your questions, comments, and feedback: 1-844-SEW-WHAT (1-844-739-9428)
E-mail us: hello@lovetosewpodcast.com
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Hi ladies, love your show! You have become my new walking buddies!
Just two suggestions re: “aggressive backstitching” Episode 43
–if your sewing machine has a “knot” option, this works well on fine fabrics. Just 5 little stitches in the same spot and voila’ your “backstitching” is barely visible
–tailors often decrease the stitch length as they approach the end of the seam, thereby eliminating a reverse stitch and creating a smoother finish
Hope this helps.
Hi Mary – these are awesome tips! Thank you!
This just blew my mind! Backstitching is the bane of my sewing existence. Thank you for sharing an alternate technique to tying a knot. I am definitely going to give short stitching a try from here on out.
Hi Ladies, Loved this episode! Do you have any suggestions on how to add bust darts to a pattern? I made the Scout Tee, I really need bust darts. I made the size 18 and it is just a shapeless mess on me. I think bust darts would improve the fit.
Thanks again for your entertaining & informative podcast.
Alice B
Hi Alice! Here’s a great article on how to do just that: http://curvysewingcollective.com/how-to-add-a-dart-and-an-fba-to-an-unshaped-top/
Thanks for listening!
HELP!!
I want to make my first Mandy Boat Tee, but want to hack the sleeves to be half sleeves instead of 3/4. Can’t for the life of me figure this out!!!
Thank you ladies for ALL of your inspiration and encouragement!!!
I know it’s hard work, and I hope you are feeling the love!!!
Suzanne, thanks for your kind comment! We think this Bluprint resource may be helpful with your sleeve hack: https://www.mybluprint.com/article/how-to-alter-a-pattern-for-sleeves-that-fit-and-flatter
Wishing you all the best, and thank you so much for your support in listening to the podcast 🙂
Hi Sam, Melanie, Caroline, and Helen: I was listening to the hack it episode (#43) and checked all the links. I just wanted you to know that the link to Sleeveless Archer Variation No. 1 by Jean and Grainline doesn’t go — anymore. Sure LOVE the Podcast. Good luck with your move Helen and Sam !
Thank you, Kirbo! We will update these links 🙂 Thanks for listening to the show!