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New Sewing Pattern Release! The Nixie Briefs...

Wednesday, December 6, 2017





With their delicate overlapped side curves, The Nixie Briefs are cute, playful and feminine, all while keeping your bum happily covered at all times.


Undies are something I've been meaning to make for a very long time and the design for Nixie has been in my head for equally as long.  I wanted my undies to be super comfy (like a big warm hug for your bum), while still being a little flirty and something a bit different with those fun design lines I love adding into all of my patterns.

Plus, it just seemed like the perfect time to release a little scrap-busting pattern to sign out the year with. If you've made a Gable, Bronte or Juniper, I'm sure you'll have plenty of lovely little scraps just begging to be turned into your very own Nixie Briefs - they were designed with the same fabrics in mind, just for that very purpose.


The Details


The Nixie Briefs are a step above your standard underwear fare - with a higher rise at the back and full bum coverage, they're your new everyday knickers with a fun twist.

Choose from a hipster or high-waisted brief, then get adventurous with those knit fabric scraps, mixing and matching to your heart's content. Instructions are included for finishing with fold over elastic (FOE) as well as lingerie elastic, and you can choose to overlap either the front or the back on both variations, making them a quick, satisfying and unique make.

Update your undie drawer, safe in the knowledge that plumber's crack, hungry bum and drab undies are a thing of the past.



High-waist Nixie with front overlap and lingerie elastic.

Hipster Nixie with back overlap and fold over elastic.


Skill Level

Nixie are the perfect undie pattern for confident beginners. Take your time with the side curves and use a tricot (or wide zigzag) stitch around the elastic - you'll have the prettiest and comfiest pair of knickers you've ever worn.


Fabric Options

The Nixie Briefs should be made with stable knit fabrics that have a good amount of stretch across the grain. A minimum of 30% stretch is recommended for best results as Nixie has built-in negative ease. A fabric with 4-way stretch is the best choice for maximum comfort.

Cotton/lycra (spandex/elastane) combinations work well for light-weight, breathable briefs, but other options include stretch lace/mesh, stretch rayon knits, power mesh etc.

The Nixie Briefs were drafted using a 95% cotton 5% lycra spandex knit with a weight of 180GSM (grams per square metre).

I recommend using a breathable natural fabric like stretch cotton or bamboo for the gusset liner.


The Layers Function

Your Print-at-Home Nixie Brief pattern now includes the Layers Function!

You can choose to turn on and off any number and combination of pattern sizes to suit your personal needs and preferences. Check out page 3 of your Nixie instructions for a full step by step tutorial on using this handy little function.



So, what do you think of Nixie?

You can purchase your Nixie Brief sewing pattern for just $8 USD directly from my shop using the button below.


The links to your Nixie Brief pattern will be emailed directly to you where you'll be able to choose from the easy-to-assemble A4/Letter version - with included Layers Function - OR the A0/Print Shop version (or both!).

I'd love to hear how you're getting along making your very own Nixie Briefs, so why not tag me on Instagram or use the hashtag #NixieBriefs so I can see your pants (not necessarily on... hehe).

If you have any questions, please sing out.

xx
J
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The Nixie Briefs Sewing Pattern - Coming Soon!!

Thursday, November 30, 2017

A little bit vintage. A little bit flirty. A lot of comfort and not a plumber's crack in sight... Oh, hey there Nixie!

I know that most of us probably have a little bit o' buyer's fatigue right now, especially after all those Black Friday sales. But I am squeezing in one eeny weeny, teeny tiny pattern release before the end of the year...

The Nixie Briefs (undies, knickers, pants - what ever you'd like to call them...) were designed for maximum comfort with a little bit of edge - hungry bum and plumbers crack will be a thing of the past.

With your choice of a high waist or hipster and instructions for fold over or lingerie elastic, you'll say goodbye to all those random knit fabric scraps and hello to some fabulous new knickers.

If you'd like to be the first to get the Nixie Brief sewing pattern, as well as have access to the subscriber-only discount, make sure you sign up to the newsletter before 8pm Monday 4th December NZDT.


See you all next week,

xx
J
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Black Friday Sale - 30% off Store-wide!

Friday, November 24, 2017

It's that time of year, the time to plan your holiday sewing and stock up on sewing patterns while you're at it.

And did you know that you can currently get 30% off all patterns, storewide from now through until Monday*? 

If you've had an Ivy or Laneway Dress planned, or a comfy Bronte Top or Gable Dress on the brain, use the code SEWTIME at the check out to receive 30% off your entire order.

This is the only public sale I do each year (unless you're a newsletter subscriber, then you get exclusive discounts on all new pattern releases, so er, maybe you'd like to sign up?) so now is the time to stock up.



xx
J

* Sale ends 8pm Tuesday 28th November NZDT.

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The Pattern of the Month - The Auden Men's Cardigan

Wednesday, November 15, 2017



I don't want to freak you all out, but did you realise that Christmas is slightly less than 6 weeks away now...?

I know that making something for the men in your life (husbands, brothers, partners, fathers, sons etc) can be a daunting task. It's hard to know what exactly they might like — enter the Auden Cardigan.

If you have someone in your life that likes a touch of the vintage mixed with everything modern, then the Auden Cardigan might just be up your alley.

It's faster and easier to make than you might think (no bust adjustments necessary!), it has lovely details that you can incorporate for a subtle or bold look (saddle shoulders, optional elbow patches and the choice of an incorporated neckline or a contrast one) and it's super snuggly and warm made up in easy-to-sew sweatshirt knits — mmmmmm, fleecy goodness.

Auden was the latest in my Pattern of the Month series, and so if you'd like to read a bit more about the pattern and how others have found stitching up the Auden Cardigan for their loved ones (or themselves!!) then please read on...


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It might be spring in New Zealand but it's still cold! Kristina went for Auden View 2 and used a leftover piece of 'dandy linen' from Miss Maude (that I've actually had my eye on...) for the contrast band and elbow patches.

I can't wait for the already cut out purple version with black denim elbow patches and an additional band around the bottom (per the model's request, and a mighty fine one at that!).


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When I originally sent Auden out to testers, the number of them who requested a version for themselves was what inspired me make the ladies version, Juniper. However, a number of those testers actually made an Auden for themselves, so when Nadine put her hand up to make one for herself, how could I resist?

A few things to think about if you're a lady who might want to make Auden — it's going to be a grandpa cardigan on you, but an oh-so-snuggly one and Nadine's is no exception. Check out the sleeve length (noted in the Final Garment Measurements) and keep in mind that the cuff is deliberately chunky, so feel free to shorten it for a slightly more delicate look.


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More tweedy-contrast bands on Jen's Auden Cardigan! I love this colour combination too — it's really the perfect cardigan for a stroll in the countryside in autumn, don't you think?


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Erica's Auden Cardigan is a great example of how you can modernise Auden using plain fabrics in contrasting colours. The saddle shoulder is subtle when the sleeves and body are made in the same colour but the neckline pops in contrast.

I can also tell that it's been made in a really nice mid- to heavy-weight sweatshirting — it's holding its shape really nicely through the neckline and looking very snazzy (if I do say so myself!).


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Jillayne's cardigan is yet another example of a modern take on Auden and with a few little tweaks to round two, I think Jillayne will have the perfect fit.

The sleeves are deliberately longer on Auden than most men's clothing — David always has 'short sleeve syndrome' and so I thought it would be nice to make a pattern that already has longer sleeves for the lengthy-armed men out there.

Jillayne thinks she added about 1" too much length, but I think it's probably quite a novelty to have sleeves that are too long (David thinks that would be the best day ever) and luckily, you can roll sleeves back easily or just leave them as is on those cold days.


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I love this quilted knit sweat shirting so much! It almost looks like Auden has been turned into a coat for those extra cold days (which is something I think I need to do). The saddle shoulder detail still stands out, while not taking over the quilted motif.

And that colour!


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Auden + a wool-rayon double knit = cosy perfection. Also, another example of how you can keep the look subtle by sticking to one colour and using the incorporated button band (View 2) with some slightly contrasty buttons to finish off the look. 

Marilyn is planning to slim down the cuffs a touch in her next version, but otherwise, I think this looks amazing!


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Dappled and dapper! The first purple Auden I've seen (but not the last, according to Plum Kitchen above!). Rhonda originally tried sizing down and doing a Full Belly Adjustment but then decided to stick with the straight XXL as the fit across the shoulders and back was spot on.

She does bring up an interesting point about how great it would be if there were different body pieces within a mens pattern to cater for different shapes (like I've done with the multiple bust cups in Laneway & Mayberry). It's something I will definitely look into — thanks for the idea Rhonda!


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We all need a little black cardigan, right? With Amanda's carefully fitted cuffs, this is definitely a dressy Auden look, even worn over a t-shirt. I also love the buttons Amanda has chosen here — the shine makes them pop just enough (and not too much!) against the plain black knit.


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This is David's pick of the bunch; Annie's choice of soft buffalo plaid reminds him of the classic NZ Swanndri workshirt (albeit less scratchy), with the addition of beautiful plain black cuffs. Annie didn't use buttons here, as her model prefers to wear his cardigans open, and I have to say I love the look. 


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And there you have it! Lots of lovely Audens — are you inspired to make one?

Plus, here are some previously published Auden Cardigan Tutorials (just in case you're interested!):



xx
J
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The Secret to the Perfect Buttonhole

Friday, November 10, 2017


Tailor's Tacks.

I know... you thought I was going to give you a Harry Potter magic buttonhole spell. Or, a brilliant sewing-machine-settings-sequence that works for every single sewing machine and fabric combination.

However, I think the fear around buttonholes is not the putting in of the buttonholes themselves, but more about the making sure they're evenly spaced, and, you know, straight.

Unfortunately, you can't get away with not testing how your sewing machine and particular fabric are going to play together - you will need to test and adjust your buttonhole settings each time, BUT, you can make it infinitely easier on yourself by marking out your buttonhole placement accurately so that when it comes time to put them in, you don't have to think about it and your buttonholes will come out perfectly spaced and non-wonky, every single time.

Enter, the humble Tailor's Tack.

If your pattern has buttons, it should come with the buttonhole placement marked somewhere. For Mayberry, I put them on the facing so that when it comes time to take your tacks out, if you accidentally get a little bit of brightly coloured thread fluff caught in the seam, it doesn't matter because you won't see it (and it happens to all of us at one point or another).

Steps:

1. Take a length of high-contrast thread and thread a needle - there is no need to knot the ends and it's totally up to you whether you use a double or single thread.



2. On the right side, thread your needle from one end of the buttonhole marking through to the other, piercing the underside of your fabric and coming back through at the other end of your buttonhole marking. Leave a long tail.



3. Make a loop of thread by going back through your already threaded sections, leave a long tail and snip your needle off.



4. Repeat for remaining button holes.


5. Take a pair of scissors and snip the loop in half.


6. Remove your pattern piece and assemble your pattern as per the instructions. Your tailor's tack's are pretty sturdy, and as long as you've left decent tail lengths, they should remain in place until you're ready to sew in your buttonholes.

To sew your buttonholes in, start at one end of the tailor's tack and stitch in a straight line to the other side. Remove your tack with a pair of tweezers.


See! Now there is no need to be scared of buttonholes any more.

xx
J
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The Pattern of the Month - The Afternoon Blouse & Shift Dress

Monday, October 16, 2017

It's time for the second Pattern of the Month Reviewer Round Up, The Afternoon Blouse & Shift Dress - as voted by the Reviewers themselves.

It's an oldie but a goodie, and it was incredibly heart-warming to know that people still love the pattern and want to stitch it up all these years later. 

Did you know it was the first pattern I ever released, 3.5 years ago? Two years after the initial release, I extended the pattern and released the shift dress - definitely the best decision ever.

To read each individual review, click their name at the top to be taken straight through - enjoy!

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Chloe's gorgeous Afternoon Shift dress looks perfect strolling the streets of France. Throw on a pair of stockings and some lovely flats, and it's the perfect, comfortable autumn outfit.

Chloe chose the back box-pleat variation for shaping the back.


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Why make one when you can make three? It is called The Afternoon Blouse & Shift for a reason... it's quick! You should be able to whip one up in an afternoon.

Rhonda made two shift dress versions and a blouse and I think you'll agree that they look beautiful. And in such a fun array of fabrics — perfect for an up-coming Australian summer.


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I love how Katherine has styled her Little Black Shift. It really shows the versatility of the pattern and what a great piece it is for transitioning between seasons. 

Katherine also made the shift with the back box-pleat for shaping, but she decorated it with one of the buttons she used on the front. I can't believe I've never thought of doing this — it's such a sweet detail.


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The Stitch Sisters both made Afternoon Shift Dresses — Nikki made the pointed neckline (blue) and Rachel made the rounded neckline (tartan). And again, more beautiful autumn styling!

Head on over to their YouTube Channel to see their dresses in action!


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One of my favourite features of the Afternoon Blouse & Shift Dress is that the neckline is such a great way to showcase special/novelty/statement buttons, and Kristina's Kitty button is a choice after my own heart.


Kristina styled her crisp cotton poplin blouse with jeans and clogs and opted for a stunning silk/linen blend for the shift dress, showing that both types of fabric work a treat.

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Nadine made two different blouse versions, both in stunning pops of colour with more statement buttons.

Using a fabric with no print can really show off the neckline if you want to make a real feature of it, as Nadine has done. And I love how crisp and clean her versions look — a perfect blend of vintage-inspired and modern.


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Accacia also took the opportunity to make multiple garments from the pattern, and when I started getting the reviews in for the Afternoon Blouse & Shift Dress pattern, it became rather apparent just how many reviewers were making multiple variations.

Accacia put a dart into the bust of both of her versions after doing a FBA, and I think the fit looks beautiful on her! Head over to her blog to read more about her process. The blouse is her toile (and a damn fine wearable one at that!) and the shift dress her final make.

Oh, and let's not forget the cat getting into the action in the background. And up a tree no less.


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Another 'why make one when you can make three?' moment.

Sandra has gone above and beyond and showcased the pattern in such a lovely array of fabrics — from cotton voile, to a medium weight crisp cotton to a slinky polyester.

Sandra made no adjustments to the pattern and I think it looks amazing on her straight out of the packet!


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Jo's breezy rayon fabric choice is such a winner here. It highlights the kimono sleeves perfectly and just takes the over all vibe of the blouse up ten notches.

And I can't not mention the styling here — the boots, the skinny jeans and the roof-top garden deck — what's not to like?!


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Sylvia shows just how versatile one Afternoon Blouse can be.  From office-wear paired with the ultimate black wiggle skirt, to casual weekend wear in a pair of fitted pants.

Plus, the colour she chose is amazing, and I adore that teeny little button she chose for the neckline. While a statement button works beautifully, I love seeing the smaller button nestled perfectly in place.


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Tracey has the winter styling for The Afternoon Shift Dress perfected! Layered with a fitted long sleeve top, some tights and a pair of boots, all you need is a cardi and you're out the the door.

I also think that Tracey is one of the only reviewers to top-stitch her neckline down. There is plenty of room for your head if you also prefer this option (and I've done it for most of mine as well — it provides more security, especially when you have a grabby toddler). It can also be made a feature of by using contrasting thread.


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Another amazing statement button but this time it's on a Little Grey Dress! Sarah went with the rounded neckline and also opted for the back-box pleat shaping - a popular choice among the reviewers, it seems!


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Suzy



Suzy went for a bright summer / autumnal fabric here, and it looks ready for either sunshine or layering up. I especially appreciate the pop of colour in her statement button, and the mirrored flower-and-petal pattern makes a striking contrast to the pattern's neckline. 


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Marian Serenity




Marian's fabric is a stunning broiderie anglaise and it makes such a stunning dress. 

Can I also point out the gathered shaping at the back? This is the other option that is included for shaping the back if box-pleats aren't your thing. It's cinched in with elastic, making it incredibly comfortable.


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Such a fun, bright and inspiring bunch of makes - thank you so much reviewers! 

You can also check out some tutorials I've done for the pattern below:


xx
J
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