News — sewing

We are super excited to be launching our Row by Row Quilt Pattern Kit today!This is our first year participating in the Row by Row Experience shop hop that takes place across North America all summer long. This year's theme is Home Sweet Home.  We were delighted to have a chance to use Lunenburg's nautical heritage and historic architecture as inspiration.  Our row, Lunenburg on the Water designed by Kat Frick Miller, includes the classic 'Lunenburg Bump' home and The Dory Shop with dories in tow on the waterfront.  Our row is assembled using foundation paper piecing techniques.  Pop in on June 25th for...

  I had been making Colette's Peony dress (in my head) for months prior to even choosing my fabric, attracted to it's clean silhouette, fitted bodice and sleeves and the oh-so-perfect boatneck neckline. It was no surprise to anyone around me that I also chose a boldly-patterned ankara wax-print cotton, as I'm obsessed with African textiles and adornment. I've always been drawn to statement pieces of clothing and accessories - I tried subtle once but it didn't take. Cutting Out & Adjustments As this was my first full, fitted garment I traced the pattern pieces onto tissue paper in the...

The pattern envelope is the gateway to a successful sewing project. Pattern designers include all the information you need to know to get started which is why it can be a little confusing or overwhelming at first. In this post we're going to break down the anatomy of pattern envelopes and give a little insight on how to interpret them. After reading this you should have complete confidence to head to the fabric store and get all of the supplies you need to get your project off on the right foot. This is an information-heavy post but it will always...

I tackled knits and came out on top.  I'm super happy with this dress. Before the holidays I bought the Makery's last Colette Moneta pattern with grand plans.  I hustled my way down to Patch in Halifax for a couple of yards of Chris' beautiful bamboo jersey.  I've not had much experience with knits so I set myself up with both the pattern and the Colette sew along as a guide.  More advice is better, right?Cutting out + pattern matchingAs I haven't really used knits much before I was nervous about cutting it out.  Add on top of that the stripe...

  With the arrival of Cotton + Steel fabrics to the Makery, I quickly jumped in whipping up not one, but two Wiksten tank dresses in a week.  This continues to be a favourite pattern of mine as it is a quick, easy and satisfying sew I can complete in an afternoon.   I used a contrasting solid cotton for the bias facing which allowed me to cut down on the required main fabric to 1.5 metres for the dress as opposed to the 2.75 metres the pattern called for.  Even though these dresses are both navy, the xo and arrow patterns give them...