Introducing Paper Patterns!

Hot on the heels of last week's Sorrel Dress release comes the release of 4 more paper patterns!

During my Kickstarter Campaign last year, we surpassed my initial goal so quickly that adding on additional patterns was just a no-brainer. I didn't have any more 'new' patterns ready for release at that time, but I knew that there were firm favourites that everyone had been asking about having paper available for for such a long time.

So, I decided to do an initial run of paper patterns for The Pippi Pinafore, The Gable Top, The Juniper Cardigan and The Ivy Pinafore. You can purchase all of these, as well as Sorrel, in both Digital and Paper format from my shop or from my lovely Stockists.

If your favourite local retailer isn't listed, you can either ask them to get in touch with me, or I can get in touch with them for you — just email jen at jenniferlaurenhandmade dot com and I'll get right onto it.

And just for a bit of fun, which patterns would you like to see in paper next?

xx
J

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New Pattern Alert! The Sorrel Dress...

Sorrel is a fresh take on the classic shirt-waist dress, seamlessly pairing vintage elements with modern design.

With inclusive sizing, A to D cups and pockets!

Now available in Digital and Paper formats!

After last year's successful Kickstarter campaign, I'm so happy to finally be able to release The Sorrel Dress today, in both digital and paper pattern variations.

The Details

Shaped with double open-ended darts around the bodice and skirt waistline, Sorrel's relaxed silhouette and sleek skirt provide the illusion of a fitted garment with all the comfort of a shift-style dress.

A simple foldout collar frames the face, creating a gentle V neckline and grown-on sleeves lend a casual vintage vibe.

Layer with fitted long sleeves and boots for cool weather, or make up in a seasonal double gauze or flowing cotton lawn for a light-weight summer garment.

View 1 includes a separate button placket, great for playing with prints and different fabric layouts. View 2 has a grown-on button placket, helping keep the design simple and the construction straight-forward.

With A, B, C & D cups included, as well as clever inset pockets, Sorrel is a perfect project for confident beginner seamstresses.

Multiple Bust Cups & Inclusive Sizing

The Sorrel Dress spans across a large range of sizes from a 6A (bust size 74cm or 29") all the way to a 24D (bust 126.5cm or 48 3/4").

Included in the instructions are a full set of Finished Garment Measurements as well as a step-by-step guide to figuring out which bust cup size you are, so that you can make a garment that fits your unique shape.

Skill Level

The Sorrel Dress is a perfect project for confident beginner seamstresses.

Sorrel looks like a more complicated shirt-waist dress than it actually is! The collar is cut in one with the front bodice and open-ended darts eliminate the sometimes troublesome bubble tip that can so easily appear with traditional darts.

The frame-skimming silhouette is as easy to fit as it is to wear - with grown-on sleeves and side seam pockets.

Gathered Sorrel Dress Tutorial

Get even more out of your Sorrel Dress pattern with the easy Gathered Skirt Tutorial here!

With a looser silhouette, it's perfect for the warmer months when you may not want a fitted garment (or you're 18 weeks pregnant like I was in these photos). I can also attest that it's the perfect breastfeeding dress post-partum. Comfortable, stylish and so easy to wear.

Tester Makes

During the campaign last year, I posted several sets of Tester Makes which you can read through below.

They're a great way to see what the dress looks like on many different silhouettes, as well as getting an understanding of where the hot spots are in the pattern.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Emmy Couture

J Noyed Creations

Samantha

You can purchase both the digital and paper Sorrel pattern directly from my website, or find out where your nearest JLH Stockist is here. And while you're at it, why not add another paper pattern or two to your order?

Don't forget to tag me on Instagram and use the hashtag #SorrelDress

xx

J

New Sewing Pattern Coming Soon - The Gable Top

I've been a bit MIA, mostly because I've been putting the finishing touches on my next pattern, The Gable Top, which is coming soon...

Sign up to my newsletter to be the first to know when it's here 

AND for a limited time subscriber only discount!

Gable is a modern take on an elegant classic 50's design - with 3 seasonal variations suitable for all seasons and made with comfy knits, Gable is a beautiful and quick project, that'll become your new go-to knit top pattern.

See you soon!

xx
J

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Coming Soon, The Hunter Tank Sewing Pattern...

Sign up to the newsletter to be the first to know when it's here!

xx

J

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A Busy Week...

Last week was a busy week, so much so that we completely forgot about taking photos for Me Made Maternity Week 24 - oops!

We went to a friends wedding on Saturday and I was still able to fit into one of my new dress pattern samples. It was really nice to be able to wear the dress somewhere before it got to the point that it was just too tight. The image above is a little sneaky peek of it...

I'm still working away on the final tweaks for the dress pattern, but I've had a few other projects that I've left sorely hanging that desperately need to be finished, then I can work out the last few details, and have the pattern ready for release on Wednesday next week. Woot!!

We also had to decommission our kitchen for the first half of last week due to getting new flooring in. There was dust everywhere and we had to cover everything with plastic drop cloths to try to keep the dust off our kitchen things. But my goodness, what a transformation! It really does look amazing. We also sanded and varnished the little built in wooden shelf and the window frames in there and after nearly a year, the kitchen is finally coming together. A new housey-post is due soon I think - I feel like we're finally moving in, after, oh, you know, only a year...

And paper pattern-wise? Well, I've just started the tentative first steps towards this wee goal last week too. It involves new a logo and blog branding - watch this space (er, blog...).

xx
J

Pattern Testers Wanted!

Thank you so much to everyone who has signed up! 

The database is now closed due to the overwhelming number of people on it and I truly appreciate it!!

Since the release of my first pattern, I've had a few people email me offering to test any future patterns I may have, which has been absolutely amazing. I've always taken them up on the offer, because, why on earth wouldn't you? I'm now at the stage where creating a small database of those lovely people who want to do some pattern testing for me would be extremely useful, so, would you like to do some future pattern testing for me? Because, I'd really love it if you would (and would be forever grateful!).

I've written up a little FAQ about testing to hopefully answer some of your questions -

1) Do I get paid to pattern test?

Unfortunately not, but you do get a (hopefully) cute pattern! Once all feedback is collated and any changes are made, I'll also send you a final copy of the updated pattern as a thank you.

2) Do I need to blog about it once the pattern is released?

Absolutely not! In fact, I have testers who don't even have blogs or an internet presence. What I need from testers is honest feedback about the pattern, and then should you wish, you are more than welcome to blog about your experience with the pattern (good or bad) once released, but there is no small print stating that you have to blog about it (though obviously, I'd welcome it!).

3) Do I need a blog or web presence to test?

Again, absolutely not, see above answer.

4) How do you pick who get's to test?

Once I have the next pattern ready, I'll email the entire database to let you know. From there, testers will be chosen on a 'first in per size' email basis. If the first 10 people signing up are all a size 14, obviously I need a range of sizes to test for me, and sending the pattern to a large group who are all sewing up the same size isn't going to give me a good idea of how the pattern works across all sizes. So in that instance, the first few in that size group will get to test.

5) What do I have to do?

Once you've received my email with a description of what the next pattern is, if you want to test it, all you have to do is let me know. If I receive your email before the testing group is full, I'll email you the pattern with a list of questions I'd like to know about. After you've made the pattern, you'll need to email me back with the answers to my questions and any other comments you think might be useful for me to put into the pattern (whether it's fit, typos, missing information, instructions that are hard to understand etc). This usually needs to happen with a 2-3 week turn around.

6) What if I'm too busy to test a pattern with a 2 week turn around?

I'll always let you know what you're in for before you commit to testing a pattern. If you think there's no way you'll be able to provide feed back in that time (sometimes sooner!) then I'd appreciate it if you'd pass on testing this time and let someone else do it.

Don't worry, just because you pass this time, doesn't mean you get a black mark next to your name for next time :)

7) Is the pattern going to be in pdf? Do I need a printer? I hate pdf's by the way...

Yes, at this stage all my patterns are in a digital pdf format. I am looking into paper patterns depending on demand, but that is realistically not going to happen until at least the end of the year/beginning of next.

So, yes, you'll need a printer. My patterns work for both A4 and US Letter sized paper.

I think 'hate' is a rather strong word, but I understand the difficulties of working with pdf patterns. However, if you're yet to try one of my PDF patterns, I hope I'll curb some of that dislike. My pdf's are laid out in a way that you don't end up needing to rearrange your entire living room to tape together one big blob of paper. You get to print out only the version you want to make, and you'll save a bunch of paper and time doing it my way :)

8) What if I don't like the style of the pattern on me?

I'll hopefully describe the pattern to you as best I can without actually showing everyone what the pattern looks like (cause that'd be giving it away!). Based on that information, you'll need to decide if you think it's something you'd like to make, and then fingers crossed you like it. If you end up hating it, obviously I'd still love your feedback and I guess you'll just need to look at the pattern objectively (rather than emotionally) so you can let me know any issues with it.

9) What if I'm a beginner seamstress?

Great! I will be releasing patterns that suit different levels of sewing experience. If I've stated in an email that a pattern is intermediate or advanced but it sounds like something you'd like to have a go at making, then please feel free to sign up. You never know, while I think it's an advanced pattern, you might think it's super easy, which would then mean I'd need to re-think my classification of the pattern anyway.

10) If I sign up and give you my email address, will you use it for other spammy 

purposes, or give it to spammy people who will send me spam?

No way! Your email address will specifically go onto my testers database, and you'll only ever get an email from me if it's about pattern testing (unless you'd like other emails of course! Email penpals anyone??). And I'll never give your email address to spammy people either, don't you worry (damn them and their promises of enlarged bodily bits that I don't even have!).

xx

J

PS) Apologies for being mean in my last post, hehe :) Here is more of a hint - the next pattern is for wovens and is a skirt/dress combo :) Is that better?

Sneaky Peeks...

I've been neglecting this poor wee blog of late, mostly due to this...

O hai new pattern!

This is not the original third pattern I was intending to release. Nope, we had a slight falling out so decided it was best we move on and see other patterns, because time (and distance) makes the heart grow fonder and all that. I think we're making up again though, because as soon as this one is out, we're going to work on our relationship, take it one day at a time and then hopefully show the world what a beautiful and versatile couple we (and you!) make. #howmanytimescanapatternbedescribedasversatile ?

In the mean time, other pattern and I are working out the last few bits before it hits the inboxes of testers (who will politely rip it to shreds in the very best kind of way) and we'll then be able to deliver a new pattern to you at the end of August to hopefully add to your ever expanding list of 'Patterns to make'.

I'll give you a hint, intermediate and advanced seamstresses, this is your pattern. Keen beginners, time and patience may be all you need.

xx
J

Your Bronte Tops...

Today I wanted to showcase a few of the amazing Bronte Tops I've seen popping up lately. It's so exciting every time I see a new one out in the world!

Sue from Fadanista kind of blew my mind with her first Bronte top, in which she put the front overlap on top of the back overlap (it's designed to go the other way...) and wow, how cool does it look! Can I just say that doing it this way had honestly never crossed my mind, but now...

She also made a cute green spotty short sleeved version for fabric shopping in during her travels (me, jealous? Nope, not me...*cough*).

Heather over at Handmade by Heather B has made a gorgeous blue spotty version with some bonus fitting info for hollow chests and forward shoulders!

Tanya from Mrs. Hughes has made two versions, a gorgeous green and black stripe and a nautical stripe...

This Bronte dress from Gillian has me dreaming of a Bronte-Skater dress, what do you think?

I've fallen in love with the polka dot binding Tialys used on her Bronte...

Kirsten from Fifty Two Fancies made up both versions of Bronte - loving the gingham buttons!

Nicole from Sartorial Sewing has made a sleeveless Bronte! And she's hopefully going to post a tutorial on just how she went about it - can't wait!

Ela has made a Bronte from some absolutely gorgeous fabric, and the buttons she used for the neckline were found in an old shed in the Ukraine - I just love little details like that.

There are heaps more out there and you can either peruse the pinterest board for inspiration or add your own Bronte top to the Flickr group here.

xx
J

Bronte Top Sew-A-Long - Finishing the Neckline

Guys, we're almost finished!!

Today I'm going to be showing you two ways to finish off your Bronte neckline. You see, if you don't secure the underlap to the overlap in the shoulder area, you will get bunching when wearing it, which doesn't really give that smooth shoulder we're after (and I reckon it'd be pretty annoying actually).

There are other ways you could secure it, but the following are my favourite ways -

Buttons

Everybody loves buttons. I like to use three buttons down each side of my top, but I've seen some lovely versions that have just one in the corner etc. It's also totally up to you whether you use buttons or other notions as well.

Steps:
1. Measure out your binding overlap from the bottom of the sleeve to the top of the overlapped binding (where it's hitting 10cm in the photo below). Mark out where your buttons will sit evenly along the binding.

Note - it may be easiest to sew the two end buttons on first so you can get the middle button exactly in the centre.

2. Thread your needle with a double thread and a knot at the end. Place your first button on your binding.

3. Starting from the underside, thread your needle up through both layers of binding and through your first button hole. If you have a 4-holed button like mine, I like to stitch it down making an X in the centre with my thread, but feel free to stitch it down however you choose.

4. Stitch through your button holes 3 to 4 times each, secure your thread on the wrong side with a knot and repeat for the rest of the shoulder line. Then do the other side.

Invisible Hand Stitches

Popping in some invisible hand stitches will give your Bronte a clean yet finished look if you don't want to decorate it with anything.

Steps:
1. I like to sew my invisible hand stitches into the seam (photo a) rather than the top stitching (photo b), but either is fine. In fact, you could carefully sew over your top stitching with your machine if you prefer not to do any hand finishing.

a) Sew into your seam (my preferred method).


OR

b) Sew into your top stitching.

2. Double thread your needle and knot the end. Starting at the sleeve end, bring your needle up through the seam, through all layers, from the underside.

Note - try to find a thread that matches your Bronte fabric as much as you can, this will help hide those stitches. It was really hard to find something that matched my purple-grey fabric, but this thread still becomes invisible with some careful stitching.

3. Pull your thread all the way through until it stops at the knot.

4. You only need teeny tiny stitches on the outside of your Bronte, so now, go back in as close as you can to where you came out.

Note - don't pull your thread too tightly otherwise you'll get little tell tale dents along your neckline binding.

5. Where is that stitch? Invisible, that's where it is!

You don't need to worry too much about how far apart your stitches are on the underside (mine are about 1cm apart), just make sure the stitches on the outside are small so you won't see them.

6. Continue your small 'outside' stitches all the way along until you get to the end. At this point, you can choose to tie off your thread OR if you're like me, you can stitch the binding down at the corner as well...

7. Bring your thread up through the very edge of the overlapped binding (try not to bring it through the top, otherwise you'll see it).

8. Pull the thread through and loop it around twice.

9. Tie your thread off and repeat for the other side.

And that, my friends, is it. Done. Finished. Finito. Until the next Bronte of course...

Have you finished a Bronte top? Why not upload it to the Flickr group or flick me an email so I can showcase a few?

xx
J