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Send me a photo of a garment that you made using fabric from Timmel Fabrics. Even better if you have also used a pattern from me. If I can use your photo on the website, you will receive a free pattern of your choice. Limit of one pattern per customer per 6-month period.

Kwik Sew 2266
- in rayon challis

I came across this pattern all cut out and ready to sew, last week, when I was cleaning up some things in my sewing room. Realising how difficult it is to find rayon challis these days, I decided I should get this made so that I can wear it. The only change I made to the pattern, once I basted the side seams, was to shorten the length by 3". Being short, a tunic that ends mid thigh on me is way too long.
Then I ran into the problem that you so often do with this type of garment - a completely uneven hemline. I must have gone up and downstairs at least 5 times, repinning the hem until it looked even all around. This meant taking it up another inch at the side seams and then pulling the fabric tight before pressing the crease. Once that was done, I hand basted the hem before a final machine stitching. I also did not fold back the front facings as the pattern says to do, as I often find that I get a pull in the outer fabric, because the facing needs a little extra length in order to hang right. I let the facings fall where they wanted to, then hemmed the tunic by machine.
The pattern is out of print now, but I am sure that you can find something similar if you look. What I particularly like about this pattern is how nice the collar sits; it is well drafted and falls very nicely around the neck without any pulling. This tunic will go with the charcoal pants I finished last week, plus I have some navy wool blend that be another pair of pants to go with this. SWAP thinking sets in, and each project must have a couple of things to go with it these days.

Jalie 2793
- made by LeeAnne from Halifax

"First I want to apologize for the black fabric that does not show the details very well in a picture. (I even took the picture outside in the sunlight, and it was freezing out, in hopes of having the details show up better.) I wanted to try this pattern out with something inexpensive first – and this piece of cotton/lycra blend that I purchased at an Atlantic Sewing Guild fabric sale for $2.00 ‘fit the bill’.
I will be making this again in some nicer fabrics. Putting it together was a lot less work than I had expected and I really like the style and fit. I made my usual adjustments for my short body – shortening it between the shoulder and underarm, shortening between the waist and bust and again below the waist. On the front, I made the alteration between the bust and waist by shortening both the main pattern piece and the band under the bust.

One note about this pattern, most of the pattern pieces are cut on the fold, which means that you cannot fold your fabric in half and cut out all the pieces. In fact, it is even a challenge to get all the pieces on a fold if you fold your fabric so that the selvages meet in the middle, thus giving you two folds. It would be worth it to make some of the smaller pieces into whole pattern pieces so that they do not need to be cut on a fold.
The band around the neckline of this top is put together completely before attaching to the body of the garment; this makes it ideal for embellishing. There is a tie in the back, but that could be eliminated. The top could also be lengthened into a dress. You can see it made up as a dress on the Jalie website (look in ‘Hall of Fame’). You can also print off the pattern instructions from the Jalie website (much easier than using the instructions printed on the pattern sheet.)
In conclusion --- another winner from Jalie!!"

Vogue 8151 tee shirt
- made in a rayon print jersey

This tee pattern has bust darts, a very nice neckline treatment, and a second version which is a wrap top with ruching at the side seams. I have made this tee three times now and each time, I get the fit a little more to what I like. You really have to persist with a pattern to get it right, rather than tossing it and trying another one. If you only make a pattern once, you are always working out the kinks rather than getting a garment you will enjoy wearing.

Close up of neckline
- vogue 8151 tee shirt designed by Sandra Betzina

I like the neck treatment that Sandra has in this pattern. The binding is self fabric, folded over and applied to the right side, then it is pressed up and the seam allowances are top stitched in place. This binding application is just like the one I like best in ready-to-wear.

Town & Country from Louise Cutting
- made by Velma from Saskatchewan

"Several years ago, Julie paired this fabric with one of Louise Cutting's patterns, Town & Country, as her fabric/pattern special of the week. I had never used one of her patterns before but I was very impressed with this one. The instructions were very detailed. I especially liked the collar cut on the bias, then sewn together on the open end and finally the seam became the center seam of the undercollar.
The yoke facing was sewn in a fashion that required no hand sewing but is too complicated for me to explain. The instructions for that technique were not complicated however. The fabric has lycra in it and as you can see, it has rich colors, and was a delight to sew.
One of my friends saw this project before it was completed and now she is the proud owner of this shirt. Now that I am retired, I am looking forward to having more time to sew."

Vogue 2989 Jacket
- made by Miriam from California

"The fabric was a dream to use and perfect drape for the Vogue wardrobe peplum jacket. The diagonal weave-stripe was small enough to not have to use a specific layout to match the stripes but still distinct enough to create a lovely chevron effect with the peplum and contrast design with the bodice. The fabric has just enough stretch to give a comfortable ease but not so much it sags out of shape. A bonus is that it is so lightweight , perfect for a cardigan type jacket here in our warm Californian winters! Ideal for layering over light tops but not so thick like the sweater knit in pattern photo that would be too hot for me."

The fabric is available on the Knits page
Light Grey Chenille Knit - 87% polyester, 13% acrylic, 60" wide, $8/metre

Link to Vogue 2989

Tweed Jacket front view

For a few weeks, I have been distracted from SWAP sewing by a tweed fabric that I saw made up by Robin (just down the page a bit). I was smitten by her jacket and the idea was stuck in my head to make a similar one. Hope Robin doesn't mind, but since we live a thousand miles apart, there is no fear of running into each other!
The tweed is a thick chunky blend of acrylic, cotton and wool. I could only see it as an overcoat until Robin sent me the photo of her jacket. This fabric is available on the Coatings link.

I used a pattern from Burda World of Fashion 10/06. The pattern is #135, a plus size pattern (don't be put off by plus size, since half of us fall into that category). Burda works well for me with very few alterations. Their patterns are already drafted for C bust cup in the plus size patterns, so I can skip the full bust alteration I usually have to do. All that is required is to shorten the bodice and sleeve, the easiest alterations to do. Sometimes, I will reduce the shoulder width as well, since my upper chest area doesn't fill out the size that I cut.

Tweed Jacket side view

The jacket has a shirt type collar, but it is constructed with the tailoring techniques of sewing the top collar to the facing and the undercollar to the jacket body, then joining those two with the critical point being that notch. Most patterns with this type of collar don't use tailoring methods to attach the collar but I find that it works much better for handling the bulk at the intersection of collar with jacket.
For interfacing, I used fusible knit interfacing on the facings, collar pieces, and on the hems of the jacket and sleeves. I didn't want this jacket to become stiff, but wanted it to remain soft, more like a sweater. Fuse-a-Knit was the perfect choice.

For lining, I used Bemberg (rayon) lining in black since rayon breathes and will be comfortable to wear. I attached the lining to the facing by machine but I always do the hems by hand, as I like to do some hand stitching and I feel that it gives me better control over the garment. I have too many jacket hems get hitched up by a lining that didn't have enough ease in it.
I draped my mannequin with a piece of plum cotton lycra jersey, it's a good match as you can see. I look forward to wearing this jacket, especially with a soft pink blouse or sweater over black pants.

Jalie Sweetheart Top
- made by Val from Richmond Hill, Ontario

"I really like the cut of the Jalie patterns as they are quite modern but being 59 years old and a little rounded, I am worried about looking like mutton dressed as lamb. Usually they show petite bodies in the pictures of the garments but actually provide sizes in the pattern which span a wide range of body size.
The trick is to compare your measurements with the detailed bust/waist/hips they give. However you then have to decide how much ease you feel that you need. This all depends on the amount of stretch in the fabric you have chosen and your comfort in wearing something that is designed to be revealing and fitted rather than loose. The thickness of the fabric makes a difference too. A more beefy fabric seems to be better in a slightly larger size.
You can measure another similar piece of clothing whose fit you like but I have happily made several of Jalie’s 2566 cardigan and T-shirt in the size that is 1” bigger on the bust and felt that the fit was not too revealing. On the other hand I have also made 3 versions of Jalie 3682 in the 2” bigger size and made a much different fit that hangs loosely and consequently I think they look “older” and less casual! Anyhow this one I made in the closer fitting 1” bigger than my actual measurement so you can see it is a tighter fit.
I was concerned that the neckline might reveal my less than shoe string straps of my bra as it angled towards the arm at the sweet heart neckline. However I was happy to see that there is no chance of anything showing and it even conceals the bulge from my pacemaker/defibrillator!
Jalie uses interesting and non traditional pattern pieces to shape their tops without using darts etc( the yoga exercise top,2444 is excellent here too). So it is important to follow their diagrams and brief but clear directions on how to construct the top. It takes less time to actually sew the top together than to understand how to assemble it. Once it is cut out, and there are only 4 main pieces and two pieces of binding, I found it took me less than 2 hours to assemble it using a serger to do the mainseams and my sewing machine to sew down the center front piece of elastic ( the only notion needed apart from thread ) that gives the dipped shape to the center front and then the hems of the sleeves and lower edge. The binding that goes from the underarm around the front yoke, across the back and to the other front yoke to the underarm is simple to sew and makes a very neat, professional finish to the neck and the yoke.
I used the Joker rayon jersey from Timmel and it is the perfect weight and stretch for this sort of top. I have previously used solid colours in these simple tops and felt that they needed some embellishment such as embroidery or a vest or cardigan on top to take the eye away from my mass! I didn’t use any knit interfacing on the hems as I might have done in a more insubstantial knit but I did baste the hems up with a giant hand basting so that I could sew from the right side knowing I was in the right place as well as holding the hems flat and untwisted."

Bergman Blouse from Loes Hinse
- sewn by Mary W from Halifax, Nova Scotia

Mary made this pattern in a knit, even though the pattern calls for wovens. She made it one size smaller and found the fit to be perfect. Now, since she has done it successfully, the rest of us can try it too. I would recommend cutting wider seam allowances, so that you can use them if necessary.

Mandarin Jacket from Textile Studio Patterns
- sewn by Mary W from Halifax, Nova Scotia
"I bought this lovely copper coloured linen from Timmel Fabrics some time ago. Finding good quality linen prints is difficult in my area so when I saw this, I just had to have it.

The mandarin shirt jacket is easy enough to make. Even a beginner can have success with this pattern. I made no alterations to the pattern other than adding two inches in length to the main body pieces. I fully intend on making this up again. Next time I will try the longer sleeve view.

I am a casual dresser so this can be for everyday. I think if I had included shoulder pads that would have dressed it up quite nicely for an evening out. This style can be made in just about any woven fabric with good results. Perhaps a nice tweed with a satin collar or an everyday fun cotton print. I love my linen, it gives the appearance of quality and is so easy to work with." - Mary Wilkins

Jacket in Rose Chunky Tweed
- sewn by Robin from Maryland
"I sewed this up on Sunday in just a few hours. I love that it only has 15% wool becuase I have been having some skin problems from wool lately.
I used a very simple pattern from Wild Ginger- Pattern Master Boutique. The front has side seams and waist seams for bust shaping. The back also has waist seams for shaping. The sleeve is a 2-piece but I could have gotten away with a one piece set in sleeve. There is a facing on the front but I made the collar using only one layer. I just serged, turned over and stitched. I was going for as casual as possible. I still have not put buttons on it, I will get around to it.

I chose a style with plenty of ease to accomodate the thickness of this woven. It is important to have enough ease because this fabric is bulky. It is lightweight, but thick and lofty. I decided against the fusible interfacing once I tested a small piece. Without interfacing, it is sweater-like (and although it is not a stretch fabric, it does have a little give). With interfacing, it would be good for a warm lined coat.

Also, I serged all the edges before sewing because this fabric ravels very quickly. As long as I was careful handling it, it was fine. Careful handling meant cutting on the cutting mat with rotary cutter and handling it as little as possible.After I gently carried it to the serger to finish the edges, I gently pressed it and made sure it still aligned with the pattern. Then I carefully pinned seams, making sure the beginning and end still lined up. After stitching, another careful pressing.
It was fast and easy.
I wish all of my projects went so well!
Don't we all?!"

Vogue 7944 in wool melton
- made by Joan K from British Columbia
"I sewed this from the wool melton mini check that I bought about half a year ago. It was fun - the wool seemed to mold to my touch.
I'm very 'homespun' and, if anything turns out, I always say -- 'It's by the grace of God!' I used black serger thread of 100% spun polyester. My son made me one of those stands with the rod and eye screw to feed the thread and then I've taped a safety pin onto an empty spool to feed the thread on my machine rod.
I didn't put in any shoulder pads. The interfacing is medium weight iron-on. My machine buttonholer did a fine job -- I stitched 10x on each end and sewed slowly down each side so the stitches would be close together. The material took so well to serging and was most enjoyable to work with."

Farewell To Arms Skirt
This is the four gore skirt from the pattern by Louise Cutting. I made in the chocolate faux suede that was here a little while ago. The skirt is so comfortable to wear, not too full around the waist, but swishy around the legs. The fabric was a dream to sew and press; it gave me no problems.
I had cut the skirt in size Large, but this proved to be too big. I took in the front and back seams, as the pocket construction won't allow you to take in the side seams once they are constructed. Next time, I will cut a size Medium; there is about 6-7" ease at the hips.

Pocket on the skirt from Farewell to Arms
The pocket is cut in one with the back of the skirt. The front is cut away and faced, then the pocket is laid behind the front and topstitched in place after the side seams are sewn. Therefore the pocket is only one layer of fabric and gives no bulk to the skirt. A very nice pocket construction.

Denim Jacket from Burda
- from World of Fashion magazine August /07
I finished my denim jacket, replacing the pattern's welt pockets with patch pockets, as I thought the thickness of the topstitched seams would pose a problem inserting the welts. I was pleased to find that my Janome 6500 machine made fine keyhole buttonholes, with topstitching thread in the needle and regular thread in the bobbin. A great notion to have is a buttonhole chisel for slicing open buttonholes neatly.

Side view shows the sleeve detail
- the sleeve ends with a curved hem that is faced; therefore the sleeve has to be lined to tame those facings that are 4" deep and sit up inside the sleeve. The lining was stitched to the facings by machine, but hand stitched to the armhole seam after the sleeves were completely finished.

Back view of denim jacket
Lots of topstitching which took time, but was well worth it. I used upholstery thread in a goldy brown shade in the needle, but regular thread in the bobbin. I had to tighten the top tension slightly to make sure that the threads were balanced. This jacket did take more time than I thought, but I am very pleased with the results and will wear it for a long time to come. The beauty of a denim jacket is that you can wear it with so many things, over casual pants and skirts and even with summer rayon dresses.

Fearless Tee
- made by Allison M from British Columbia

Neckline of Fearless Tee
"I received this pattern as my choice of the free patterns offered by Julie for completing last year's SWAP. It's a great pattern and has become one of my TNTs. I am very short bodied and had to make a small adjustment for that and for the slight slope of my shoulders (two pattern adjustments I always make) but, other than that, it was perfect. I also usually have to make a full bust adjustment but didn't have to with this pattern. I suspect that for someone taller than me, this pattern could be sewn up right out of the envelope. I have sewn it in cotton lycra, rayon knit and those lovely trendy mesh fabrics and it sews up beautifully in each one. I don't like my t-shirts to fit too tightly and while this pattern is meant for a snug fit, I found it easy to use for a less form fitting t-shirt.

I like the method of binding the neckline; it gives a clean, professional finish without a lot of fuss and muss. I have used self-fabric or contrasting bindings and I like the look so much that I now use this method to finish the armholes and necklines on all the workout wear I make for myself.

Fearless Tee in a leopard knit
The pattern instructions are very clear and although I am a somewhat experienced sewer, I believe that the instructions and methods are clear and simple enough to be followed easily and successfully by novice sewers.
I have also altered the round neckline into a v-neck and scoop neck and still found the pattern to fit well. I think this is because it lays nicely over the bust. I have also altered the sleeve pattern to make 3/4 and long sleeves.

Fearless Tee as a turtleneck
The turtleneck allows plenty of room to fit over the head but the actually turtleneck is not saggy." - Allison

Jalie 2444
- made by Ann M from New Brunswick
Ann made up the top and shorts from this Jalie pattern in brown tactel - a very soft nylon knit on the Knits link

Jalie 2444
- modeled by Ann
"I decided to made the top and bottom a couple of sizes bigger so they would not fit as tightly as the pattern picture shows, so they are loose fitting. To take in a little of the fullness around the middle I added a seam from the under arm to the hem line. This also added a nice design effect.
(Picture taken Oct 4 2007, a beautiful fall day for a run outside)
The bottoms are no longer "tights" like the pattern design, but "shorts". I also added length to the shorts. Next one I will do with contrasting colours although I do like all one colour. I am "sew" very pleased with the fit and fabric used. Over all I really like the style and will continue to use this pattern, also bought at Timmel Fabrics.

Marfy Cape
- made by Maria G from Ottawa
"I FINALLY finished my cape I made from the Fantasia black. This is a Marfy pattern from the Fall/Winter 2007/8 catalogue. I used some cotton velvet for the pocket bands and used it to cover the buttons, the top button and then used buttons as cuff links. And sewed the lining in by hand. It is cosy and warm yet elegant and timeless."

This fabric is still available in the white on black. Click here - Coating Fabrics to view Fantasia cotton melton

Summer 07 Contest Results
Eight ladies completed garments and sent in photos this summer. Each had added some extra detail to the pattern (in some case, more than one detail!) and the results are posted here - enjoy!

Linen Skirt & Cotton Lycra Tee
I made this skirt from OOP Burda 4072 in a printed linen that was here earlier this season. These printed linens wash and dry beautifully and they don't seem to wrinkle as much as the solid colour linens. The tee is a combination of Burda 3691 and the Fearless Tee of Cecelia Podolak. I liked the neckline of the Burda pattern better so used that, also used the shaping of the side seams and the front hemline which is curved. The armhole and sleeve were copied from the Fearless Tee pattern. This is my attempt to make a custom tee that fits just me! I am pretty happy with the result, but as you know, we always find something we want to improve.

Burda Blouse
- made by Diane E from CA

"Sometimes a stash fabric and new pattern pair up unexpectedly, as was the case with Julie's unusual leaf-print poly sheer and this Burda World of Fashion magazine pattern
Burda blouse

I had originally purchased the fabric to make a Loes Hinse pullover top, but I was concerned that the bold print and unbroken lines of the top would overwhelm me. The Burda pattern was a nice solution, with its fitted waist and v-neck.

Working with this fabric was not difficult, but it did require planning. Here are a few tips:
First, cut the fabric with a layer of tissue paper underneath. This prevents the fabric from slithering away from the pattern during cutting, and it also keeps the bias areas, such as the neckline, from stretching before stay-stitching.
Second, consider the interfacing options. I selected prewashed silk organza for the collar and front facings. I made samples, and organza was the least visible choice, beefing up the fabric just enough, without changing its sheer character.
Third, use French seams. I serged each seam at 3/8", wrong sides together, pressed the seam as sewn, and sewed the same seam, right sides together, at a scant 1/4".
Fourth, I used Wonder Tape to secure all hems before sewing. This wash-out adhesive tape provides stability while sewing, and leaves the hems flexible.
Last, select lightweight buttons that won't cause the lightweight sheer fabric to sag, and stabilize your buttonholes with lightweight cording. I used one strand of sewing thread, just to keep the buttonholes from stretching."

Traditional Blouse #600
- from Silhouette Patterns by Peggy Sagers
I made this pattern in a navy shirt weight linen that was in my stash from last summer. This linen is similar to the navy linen in stock at the moment, a good weight for blouses and shirts. This is my third time making this pattern and I always wonder why I haven't made more of them. My favourite one of this pattern is made up in a rayon batik that feels soft and comfy and cool in the hot summer.

This pattern has a good fit for me and it goes together quickly. I just have to pick up some dark navy buttons; you would think that with the hundreds of buttons I have here, I could find 5 that worked with this, but no they are a shade too light.

Hoodie in Grey Jersey
- made by Maria G from Ottawa
"Here is a pic of Maggie (aged 13) in a hoodie I made of that fabulous bonded jersey. She loves it and it feels just great. Kinda of reminds me of Lulu Lemon knits. The pattern is a new Built By Wendy Simplicity pattern. They are drafted beautifully. I need to make her the matching yoga pants."
Maggie is wearing a Jalie T shirt underneath made from a poly knit and she wears it to death.

Yellow Linen Jacket
- made by Judith W of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
"Julie, here's a pic of a jacket that I made from the daffodil linen blend (65 poly/35 linen). This was originally just an overblouse type jacket for work, but now I'm thinking it's too nice looking for work.
I used your tips for the collar and stand. The jacket has a self facing, and only the collar stand is interfaced - I've never had any luck with fusible interfacings, and I like the softer drape of fabric with no interfacing. I used silk thread, and find that I like using this thread for most garment sewing.
When the jacket was finished, I put it in the washer on gentle, then dried it on low heat, and this is how it came out - no ironing, not even a touch up!!!
This fabric was a treat to work with - I sure hope you get some more in."

Linen Capris
- made by Mary W of Halifax
"Julie had some lovely coral linen that I made up into capris. The pattern is Vogue 7940 by Sandra Betzina, cut off mid calf length. I love this pattern, the flat front fit suits me perfectly.
The blouse is a poly/cotton Vogue 2634 view E. The print matches the coral linen perfectly. The blouse is a little longer with slits at the side seam. Very casual yet pretty for summer. They look like they belong together."
Mary is the owner of Sew-What's-New, a site with lots of sewing information

Twice as Nice Tank Top
- from Saf-T-Pockets Patterns
In a class last week, Ping made this tank top from two silk fabrics that she has in her shop, Silver Silk. The leopard print is raw silk, 45" wide, at $30/metre; the reverse side is cream noil poplin, 50% silk, 50% cotton, 45" wide, and $8/metre. These fabrics are quite beautiful together. If you are interested in obtaining these fabrics, let me know and I will put you in touch with Ping.

Petite Plus Jean Jacket & Jeans in Leather
- from Kathleen Cheetham
"I just wanted to share my news and let you see what's putting a smile on my face this spring. I've been riding on the back of my husband's bike for years. Last spring I decided to get my license and my own bike. I started with a little trainer, a Honda Rebel 250 then moved up to this beauty. It's a 2003 Honda Shadow Ace 750. My husband Dan found it while searching the ads. (One of his favorite pastimes!)
Do you like my leathers? Our resident seamstress, Vija made them for me and did a beautiful job. The pants are made from our #605 Jeans pattern and the coat is a modification of the #204 Jeans Jacket.

For the pants, we cut one size up to accommodate the thickness of the leather. The length was extended a little to be sure I have complete coverage when my legs are extended on the bike. We eliminated the back pockets, and added a washable fine cotton/poly lining.
For the jacket, we cut up two sizes to accommodate kasha lining, thinsulite, the thickness of the leather and an occasional extra sweater. The lower band was eliminated. The front was lengthened to just touch my leg when seated. The back was lengthened so that it would just touch the seat of the bike when I'm in riding position. Instead of snaps, the front has an inside double-separating zipper. Outside pocket flaps were eliminated. Side pockets are zipped and there are two inside pockets faced with leather."

Fearless Tee
- from Material Things
made up in teal cotton lycra jersey

I cut the size that corresponded to my bust size and made no alterations to this pattern. Cecelia wrote me a note that I should try it just as it is, without altering for a full bust. She was right; this fits perfectly. There is only one adjustment that I will make on my next one; that is to correct for a narrow front shoulder. But this is an alteration that I have learned I have to make on all patterns. The next tee will have the front shoulder line altered to be 1/2" shorter; I will then ease the back to fit.

Neck Binding on Fearless Tee
- from Material Things
Cecelia uses the same binding technique that Sandra Betzina uses in Vogue 8151. A strip of self fabric, cut on the cross grain, is folded in half; then it is sewn right side to right side of the garment neck; the binding is pressed up and the seam allowance is pressed down into the garment and top-stitched. This gives a really nice finish that I have often seen in ready-to-wear tees.

Mock Wrap Skirt and Sweater
- made by Nancy F from Albuquerque, NM
"Both pieces are made from gold wool blend jersey I bought from Timmel Fabrics. The top is from the OOP pattern, Kwik Sew 2565, which consists of long and short sleeved T-shirts. This time I modified the pattern by cutting the sleeves 3/4 length. The skirt is from the Sandra Betzina Vest and Skirt pattern by the Sewing Workshop. The skirt is a mock wrap style that skims the body but is not tight.
The jersey is a real pleasure to work with. It's fairly thin yet opaque. The top went together very quickly and easily. Although I have a serger, I used my sewing machine for both pieces, using a narrow (0.5) long zigzag (3.0). Also, I used a bit of water soluble stabilizer at the beginning of each seam to prevent the thin jersey from being "eaten" by the machine. This is a good way to use up those dried up pieces of Solvy, by the way.
I used a stretch twin needle extensively on both pieces, primarily for hemming the sleeves and hem of the top. On the skirt, the twin needle was used to finish the edge of the overlap and the hem. I like the look of double rows of topstitching but don't have a coverstitch machine, so this is an alternate method. I used wooly nylon in the bobbin for added stretch. FYI, the wooly nylon needs to be hand wound onto the bobbin to preserve the stretch. I also loosened the upper tension so the double row of stitches lays flatter. I'm really looking forward to wearing this outfit. I still have some jersey left and I'm planning to make a coordinating cardigan from it."

Nancy's elegant outfit is made from a gold wool blend jersey that is no longer available. I would recommend this interlock if you want a similar garment. Click here to view a gold/black interlock that would work well for an outfit like Nancy's.

Jalie 2681 and Jalie 2682
- made by LeeAnne from Halifax
"The skirt and top were made for my daughter to take to California for a wedding she is attending (and there was no opportunity to get a picture of her in the finished outfit before she left).
They are made out of the Mocha Lace (sorry only a remnant left now) – this is a beautiful fabric and very easy to work with.
Jalie 2682 Women's Top – really, really nice and went together in no time. I made the size that corresponded with my daughter’s measurements (shortening the lower bodice pieces before cutting out) but she found it a little loose so I took it in at the side seams. I would not have found it loose but she is 21 and wears her clothes more fitted than I do. As well, the lace is what I call a “soft knit”. If it were a fabric with lycra, it may not have needed taking in.
The upper, front bodice is lined. I made the version without the zipper. I read over the instructions for this version several times as they did not make sense to me but then just went ahead and did exactly as they explained and ‘wow’, all I did was sew two seams, flipped the piece around and I had a fully lined upper bodice piece with a completely finished neck. However, it has to be lined with the outer fabric; you cannot use a different fabric for the lining. If you go to www.jalie.com and click on “print instructions” for this pattern you can read the instructions.
The Mocha Lace had a very interesting selvage, kind of like a ruffley elastic which I trimmed off, lightly pressed and attached to the bottom of the top as a trim.
Jalie 2681 Gore Skirt – is very cute and simple to sew. It has an elastic waist but does not have the typical ‘elastic waist’ look (as you can see on the pattern envelope). The waist has a bit of a curve so it sits just below the natural waistline and does not have that gathered look. I made View C which consists of eight gores and eight godets. The bottom of the skirt is very ‘flippy and swingy’. I made the size that corresponded with my daughter’s measurements and did not have to make any adjustments (except shortening the pattern pieces before cutting it out). The directions were to sew all the gores together from the waist to the mark for the godet and then insert all the godets. I decided to attach a godet piece to the bottom of a gore piece and then attached the next gore piece with one seam from waist to hem and went right around the skirt in this manner – it took all of 20 minutes on the serger.
I’m looking forward to trying other versions of this skirt (and the top, too) – maybe for myself next time."

Pastel Stripe Shirting
made by Mary W from Halifax
"This is the blouse I made up with the pastel stripe shirting Julie had. I love the fabric. After pre-washing, I cut it out and stitched it up in no time. I chose a Vogue Today's Fit pattern 7636 without the pockets. I have made this before so there were no surprises. I laid the yoke pattern pieces on the crossgrain to give a little interest. I found the fabric picked up and reflected the colour of my pants. Maybe it was my imagination but I love how it looked.
The blouse is very comfortable for everyday and I'm sure it will be well worn. What more could you ask for?"
Link to Sew-What's-New, the sewing site owned by Mary

Vogue 8203 and Travel Skirt
made by me
"I made this jacket in black linen herringbone that was in my stash for a few years. The pattern is for an unlined jacket, but I chose to line this to give it more body and also so that it would slip on and off easily. I made The Travel Skirt in rayon challis a few years ago and found that it teamed up nicely with the jacket."

Bergman Blouse
made by LeeAnne from Halifax
"This picture really does not do the top justice. It is actually my favorite Loes Hinse pattern so far. This top has vertical seams from shoulder to hem on the front and back. They show up much better on the pattern envelope than in my picture. These seams are actually curved – over the bust and into the waist on the front, and more subtle shaping on the back pieces. This gives the top a very nice shape, but it does not show up in the photograph.
I made my top from a wool jersey and it went together very easily – probably took about 1½ hours including the topstitching, hemming, making the button loop, etc. That front keyhole opening is low, and I did not make it as low as the pattern called for. Next time I’ll shorten it as I do not like the look of the cami underneath. I made size XXS. My measurements are larger than those given for XXS, but I find that LH patterns have a lot of ease. The top is not very long. I am 5’1” and very short in the body so I took it up ½ inch above the waist and ½ inch below the waist and I would not want the top any shorter. I did not make my usual alteration through the shoulder area because I was making XXS but next time I will as I find the fit a little sloppy in this area.
You could do a lot of interesting things with this pattern because of the piecing. For instance you could use coordinating or contrasting fabrics, you could embellish, for instance, the center front piece(s), or add some details at the seams. I’ll definitely be making it again.
PS – the skirt is Loes Hinse tango skirt reviewed further down the page."

Sonya's Blouse #575 made by Janette

"I finished this pattern last week, it is easy to sew and the results are very professional.
I will be sewing more of this pattern for the summer; I love the fit and the style lines are very flattering."
Janette made this pattern in a cotton print.

Side view of Sonya's Blouse

Back view of Sonya's Blouse

Vogue 2090 (out of print)
- in stretch cotton from Hamil Textiles
I made this blouse as a muslin because I actually want to make the dress from this pattern for my SWAP. However, I liked the blouse so much that I made a second one in white cotton as well as having the dress cut out in red and white striped linen. It really does save a lot of time to re-use and re-work patterns in different fabrics and with slight variations; in this case, the dress will simply be the blouse lengthened to mid calf.

Vogue 2090 (out of print)
- red striped linen
Having made this pattern up twice as a blouse, I have now made it as a dress in lightweight red linen. I just need to buy buttons for this and do the hem, which I will do by hand.

Cross Over Top from Jalie Patterns
- made by Betty F from New Brunswick
"I was anxious to try my hand an another knit after getting some advice from the Stitchers group. My Jalie patterns had arrived from Julie, and with it some cotton-lycra jersey that was begging to be made up. Unlike the Jalie "Choice of T-shirt" pattern, this one has a wide band sewn on the crossed-over edges. Since my neck-binding attempts have been disastrous to date, I thought this might be a bit easier.
The tracing and cutting took a couple of hours, and the sewing of this garment did not take much longer than that, though I did it in several sittings. Much of the time was spent experimenting on scraps to get settings correct on my (new and first) serger, and on holding my breath hoping everything was going ok.
Much to my delight, everything went smoothly. I used a 4-thread overlock for sewing on the band, and all but the shoulder seams. I used my sewing machine for the shoulder seams because of the way the back neck is finished. Sometimes I basted first. I hemmed the bottom on my sewing maching with a stretch zig-zag stitch that has a row of straight stitching along each side. I ended up a very happy camper -- sitting snugly by the fire.
Speaking of snuggly: the shirt fits perfectly through the shoulders and sleeves. It is only at the waist, and through the lower back that the sizing seems a bit off. It turns out I was off by an inch in my waist measurement - (blame Christmas). On the other hand, there is enough fabric in the cut of the garment (and the extra 1.5 inches that I added for my long waist) to make crosswise wrinkles which hide some of the underlying imperfection. Even so, next time I would use a larger size for the side seams with fabric having this amount of stretch.
I am pleased with this shirt in spite of its tight fit. It is comfortable, and will probably stretch a little over time. Also, I hope to shrink a little over time. "

Max's Jacket from Silhouette Patterns
- made by Lois T from Kinburn, Ontario
"When I did a muslin for this jacket, size 6W with a "D" cup, it was too wide in the shoulders and upper chest. I sent an e-mail to Peggy Sagers about the best alteration to do. She suggested removing fabric from the princess seams, with more from the centre pieces than the sides. I did this removing about 3/4" total from the shoulder width tapering to nothing above the bust. I also thought that the collar was too high in the centre back, she suggested a solution but really encouraged me to leave it as drafted which I did and it worked out okay. I liked her method of inserting the sleeve in the fashion fabric and I didn't have any trouble with the lining sleeve either(bonus)."

Max's Jacket from Silhouette Patterns
- back view of the jacket
"When I purchased the fabric from you Julie, I didn't realize that I would have to match the pattern, but it worked out okay. I found the fashion fabric a little scratchy (a brown suiting with some metallic threads through it) so I used dark brown cotton velvet for the facing and purchased velvet piping around the front of the jacket. I didn't like the bow on the pattern envelope, but I did have a purchased closure in mind but the store was sold out so now I have to find something else that I like.
I will make a minor adjustment (forward shoulder) to the pattern before making it again. I wore the jacket today and I am very happy with the style and fit and I am going to try it in linen."

Link to Silhouette Patterns

Black & White Boucle Jacket
- made by Margaret R from Prince Edward Island
"Last summer I was fortunate in being able to attend a dream sewing week sponsored by Julie, in the company of sewing guru, Sandra Betzina, a queen of fitting and alterations.
Yes I was one of the girls who sewed with Sandra Betzina by my side. For 5 days we did nothing but trace patterns, make alterations and make muslins."

Vogue pattern 2872 by Anne Klein
- Margaret's pattern for both jackets shown here

Brown Tweed Jacket
- Margaret's first jacket
"Vogue pattern #2872 was one of many that I was able to fit for myself, so when it came to cutting into the beautiful two tone brown wool tweed, purchased from Julie, all my fears were gone.
I started with a size 16 and shortened the pattern 1" above the waist, to accomodate for being short waisted, also shortened it 1 1/2" below the waist because I am short. Decreased it by 1/2" on the sleeve end of the shoulder (narrow shoulders) - this doesn't alter the sleeve itself if you do it Sandra's way.
I have a bit of a round back -- so in the upper back piece I added in two places an extra 1/2" (total 1"); you do this by making a cut in the upper back pattern piece perpendicular to the center back seam and spreading it 1/2" each place tapering to nil at the arm edge."

Browm Tweed Jacket with gored skirt
"The pattern called for 4 patch pockets on the front -- I eliminated the two upper ones as well as all the topstitching. This was the time I decided to try my hand at bound buttonholes -- which I hadn't done for quite some time --- used the brown wool from the skirt to face the buttonholes, and had leather look-a-like buttons in my button box just waiting to be used up.
The collar was one of the easiest collars I have ever made -- simply 2 rectangular pieces cut on the bias, it is a wide collar and although it is buttoned down it is worn high around the neck, which makes it cozy and ideal for cooler days."

Black Gore Skirt
- made from Margaret's stash
"The matching skirt, wool gabardine from Julie is also from the same pattern, It is A-line, above ankle and has a godet at the back, making it so elegant to wear. It doesn't have a waistband but a facing to which the lining is attached, and sewn as one and turned to the inside. It has a center back zipper. The only alterations I had to make on the skirt were to increase the waist by 1", decrease the hip by 1 1/2", and shorten the length 2" which was the same amount that I had previously shortened the jacket. For me with a heel that works."

Vogue 8166
This pattern from Sandra Betzina, Margaret made from a cupro rayon in a wine colour. Margaret altered the pattern to fit during the workshop with Sandra last summer.

Vogue 8166
Back view of Vogue 8166 shows how nicely Margaret got this pattern to fit her

Vogue 7808
This is a Koko Beall pattern for an unlined jacket. Margaret made it up in a double faced denim fabric that I had last summer. One side was navy with rust stripes and the reverse side was rust with navy stripes. The fabric called out to be made into a jacket where the reverse side could show on cuffs and collar.

Felted Wool
- made by Liane from Hermitage, TN
"This is a great example of how fabric really can change the outcome of a pattern. When I bought this gorgeous wool from Julie last February, I had hoped to make it up before the weather got too warm. Mother Nature had better plans and let the weather warm up early here in Tennessee. Julie’s gorgeous wool was relegated to the stash closet. With fall’s cool winds, I decided on the LH Sweater Set cardigan because this fabric is really bulky and I didn’t want to deal with too many seams. All the facings are cut-on on this pattern, so that solved another problem with how to finish the edges.

Back View of Liane's Sweater Coat
I altered the pattern to make it a bit longer and a bit larger around the hip area. I didn’t want that much bulk to hit at my largest area. This additional ease and length allows the cardigan to skim over the hip area and not get hung up. I sewed the seams with a small zig-zag on the sewing machine and finger pressed them open. This pattern calls for serging all the edges and then sewing them down with the sewing machine. This fabric does not ravel, so I simply turned the facings and edges to the inside and whipped them down my hand. The hand stitches snuggled down in the loft of the fabric and are completely invisible."

Silk Noil Jacket
- made by Betty in Norwood, Ontario
"I am attaching a jpeg of a jacket I made last winter for a trip to Paris in June. The pattern is Dianne Ericson's Santa Cruz Jacket in her ReVisions line, my absolute favorite jacket pattern. I used the turquoise silk noil that you offered as a hurricane relief item, and lined it with bemberg rayon. The piping and lapels are two complementary quilting cottons -- I added an extra lapel. The linen pants are Louise Cutting's One-Seams."

Vicki in Victoria, BC is an avid sewer and just sent me photos of many coats and jackets that she made up with fabrics that she bought over the last few months.

Wool jacket with needlefelting
- made by Vicki G from Victoria, BC
This is the navy wool melton made in an old pattern that I had from Macphee Workshop. It is sort of oversize and good for putting over big sweaters and suit jackets. I tried my hand at needle felting on the collar. No patterns, just invent as you go.

Close up of needlefelting
I cut out the collar with about two inches extra around it but next time, I would just trace out the collar with chalk and leave a larger piece as it was hard to hoop it when cut out. It was hard to hoop also because it is heavy, so I just sort of stretched it out with my left hand while I felted with my right. Fun and easy too.

Coat in Moderno Boucle
This is the same coat as the one above, but with a hood, and lined with hot pink silk. I left the selvedges on as it made an interesting design down the front.

Mokey has a tweed coat too
The MacPhee Duffel Coat in black and turquoise tweed. I made a corsage with sheer turquoise chiffon for the lapel. Mokey has one too, but without the corsage. We don't wear our coats at the same time

Trilogy Three in One from Akasha Designs
I made this in the wine red melton wool and cranberry corduroy. I had a little piece of tapestry from a thrift shop that matched and a brocade that I had on hand, turned to the wrong side. It was fun making the jacket but think it would be much easier if all the fabrics were a similar weight. Covering the edges was hard going through all the thicknesses.

Zip Front Jacket from Petite Plus Patterns
I made this in the black and brown Italian wool; then couched some interesting wools and beads on the front.

Sweater in gold/black tweed
This was the sweater knit which I lined with sports mesh. I copied an old purchased sweater. The trousers are the taupe and black mini check wool in the Flat Front Pants from Petite Plus Patterns.

Crazy quilted jacket
made from RPL with the fronts pieced with bits and pieces from the scrap box

Duffel Coat from MacPhee Workshops
This coat was made up in the black merino wool with a collar. I was going to needle felt winter flowers along the front edges, in cranberry, winter white and emerald green, but my thrifty nature got the better of me and I decided that a plain black coat would be much more useful in the long run. the fabric is so wonderful that I know I will wear it for years so I think I will try needle felting a scarf in a piece of the fabric that I had left over. It will be a nice project for over the holidays. the scarf in the photo is a printed silk chiffon that was in stock a while ago.

Cotton shirt
- made by Maria from Ottawa

"I thought you might like to see your “menswear” fabric done up as a blouse. I used a Built By Wendy pattern to make use of the stripes. Well DD loved it so much she absconded with it. I thought it was a bit too retro but she calls it her "schoolmarm" blouse. And she never wears blouses. Go figure. The fabric is the cotton shirting stripe (available on the Shirtings link)and it was a very nice fabric. Great value for the price too. The kids at school liked a lot too."

Tango Skirt from Loes Hinse
- made by LeeAnne White of Halifax

"Only one pattern piece for this pattern … but you have to cut out 10 of them!! That was probably the most difficult part of making this garment especially since I used a chiffon which likes to slip and slide all over the place. Then all you have to do is sew the panels together, put in the elastic waist, hem and you’re done. I lined my skirt but rather than cut out 10 panels of lining, I sewed 5 panels together and then used it as a ‘pattern’ to cut out a front and back.
I really like the shape of this skirt. It has a very nice flip at the bottom, which is an attractive shape on most women and is easy to wear since it does not restrict your stride when walking or ride up when you sit down. I have a very short body, so I shortened the pattern piece ½” through the hip. I shortened the length above the flare as well.
This skirt is more suited to a fabric with a small print because the panels are quite narrow and a larger print just gets all chopped up (as mine did). There is an article in the Oct/Nov Threads called “Deconstructed Seams”; I bet you could use some of the techniques described to do some interesting things with the seams in this skirt …… so many ideas and not nearly enough time!
To conclude, I will definitely be making this skirt again."

Fearless Fitted Jacket from Cecelia Podolak
Mary Baxter made this jacket in a chocolate faux suede.
"Cecelia Podalak's Fearless Fitted Jacket and Vest are classy looking garments, the results well worth the effort. Not a fast sewing project nor one for beginners. Do not be put off by all the pattern pieces which are precisely marked and go together easily. Pattern adjustments are included in the instructions.

Closeup of Fearless Fitted Jacket

The jacket and vest are lined with shaped side panels, front and back shaped yokes, a zipped front, inseam invisible zippered pockets and a wing collar with lapel. All the princess seams, yokes and collar are top stitched. The jacket's two piece sleeves have wide hem facings which allow turned back cuffs.

Back of Fearless Fitted Jacket

The garments have a 4 3/4" ease at the bust and 6" at the hips. I preferred less ease and adjusted the pattern accordingly. Suggest a muslin to determine fit since once those seams are top stitched, you don't want to be faced with alterations.

Fearless Fitted Vest om green faux suede
I liked the pattern so much , I made up both pieces using Julie's faux suede."

Closeup of Fearless Fitted Vest

Brenda in Trilogy 3-in-1 Coat
I noticed Deirdre Packer's jacket on Julie's website and liked the fabric and the style she had chosen so I thought I would try my own version.
I purchased Julie's wool Moderno Boucle fabric ( which I understand has sold out) and her Trilogy 3 in 1 pattern from the AKASHA Clothing line of patterns. This pattern was designed with quilters in mind as it has a lot of different options for piecing and quilting.

The back view of the Trilogy Coat in embroidered wool

Closeup of the curved seaming on the coat

I am not a quilter, I cheated and used the curve piecing line as a guide to place a fusible bias tape on the fabric as a design element.
Here is how I did it... 1. place water soluble stabilizer ( it is easy to see thru) on top of the pattern piece and trace the curved lines.
2. lay the traced stabilizer on top of the fabric and stitch all of the design lines.
3. tear away the stabilizer to see your design lines then iron the black bias tape called Quick Bias by Clover on the fabric, I used a featherstitch to sew the tape down but a straight stitch down both sides of the tape ( or a twin needle) would also work. This sounds like a lot of work but it went very quickly.

Detail of the stitches on fusible bias tape

This pattern can be made into a shirt , jacket or a coat and there is also an option for a quilted reversible coat. I chose the shirt pattern ( the middle picture on the envelope) and made it a tad longer to a car coat length . I used Julie's Fuse a Knit to interface the entire fronts and back of the jacket, this is an extra step that really makes a difference when making a jacket or coat because it will add a lot more body to your garment. I really like this Fuse a Knit interfacing I use it on a lot of fabrics knits or woven. I also used Julie's shoulder pads for an entire Timmel project!

Garbo Jacket from Loes Hinse Patterns
Veronica lives in Alabama and finds that these sweater/jackets are perfect for wearing in air-conditioned offices.

Front view of Garbo Jacket
made up in gold boucle sweater knit

"Here are a couple of photos of the gold boucle Garbo jacket and a Garbo "work in progress" with the red boucle. Yes, I really do like this pattern! :)
The short version of the Garbo jacket is almost instant gratification. A jacket can be cut out and sewn on a serger in a matter of hours. The picture on the pattern doesn't do the pattern justice. Although the back of the jacket falls straight from the shoulders, the front has hidden shaping in the side seams and skims curves without clinging. I fall between sizes and as Loes lists only 3" of ease for the bust and 2" for the hips, I decided to try the larger size for my first attempt. I used Julie's gold boucle knit and remembered why I love sewing with knits. The fabric was a joy to work with. I followed Loes's instructions and did not interface the front and back facings, although I did stabilize the front v-neck. The only alteration I made to the pattern was to shorten the sleeves a couple of inches. The whole jacket went together easily and hung correctly even without the interfacing.

Second Garbo Jacket in red mix boucle knit available on the Knits link

I'm already making a second Garbo jacket, this time out of the red boucle, and I can imagine using the front and back pattern pieces with just a few alterations to make a vest. I think this pattern is very versatile and a definite keeper."

Petite Plus Sweater Set - I made this for myself from cotton lycra jersey in a pretty teal green shade.
After making a big goof with the front band, I bought more fabric and recut the front and backs, determined that I was not going to leave this unfinished. It was worth the effort as the completed set is very nice.

Close Up of Cardigan - Scared of buttonholes in knits? If your machine has a buttonhole for knits, try it - it is much nicer as it has fewer stitches and doesn't distort the knit as a regular buttonhole would do. If not, be sure to use Solvy on top and possibly also underneath your buttonhole when stitching. The buttonhole will come out smooth and flat since the Solvy will stabilize the knit.

Twice as Nice Tank Top - I made this from the cotton print #300 and made the reverse side from cream handkerchief linen
I don't recommend using the cream linen with a print as the print does show through. However, I don't intend to wear the linen side out, so this is not a problem for me. The pattern can also be made in a single fabric only; the designer recommends binding the neck and armholes with self fabric. I can also see that you could cut the reverse side as a facing only. The instructions are great; you can cut the second side short (just bring it about 3" below the armhole, then curve it up over the bust in front and also curve the back up to look like a facing shape). Everything is put together by machine, no hand stitching and it all works like a charm. A very useful technique to have in your repertoire of sewing skills.

Mani's Blouse - made by Allison Maxwell from British Columbia
The fact that Allison has made this pattern three times puts this pattern on my to-do list!
"This blouse is sort of like potato chips...can't have just one!
The first version I made was the navy one. The fabric is some lightweight berber I bought from Julie some time ago. Except for a brief spell of warm weather, it has been very cool this spring so when I was looking to try this pattern, I decided to go for a warmer fabric.
By the way, the little black fellow is my pug puppy, Jin. Blind since birth, he's a very capable little fellow and loves to be what he considers a sewing assistant.

I really liked the look and fit of the pattern so I then made the yellow top out of a lightweight microfleece. Rather than use buttons of a similar colour, I had decided before making the top that I would use black buttons.

Then I decided that black piping would be in order to accentuate the lines of the blouse. I cut 1/4" wide strips of black microfleece, pulled them until they formed a sort of cording and then appliqued the cording along the seam lines."

"Hopeful that the weather will warm up some time soon, I decided to make a short sleeved Mani's blouse using some black rayon from Timmel fabrics. I had also bought a batik rayon with a black background and turquoise and purple speckles throughout. Deciding to experiment a little with the pattern, I used the coloured batik to make the small inset piece of the blouse. I then made up a pattern for wide legged, pull on pants using my Wild Ginger software and made the pants from the coloured batik. I am quite pleased with the overall effect of the coloured inset piece and plan to repeat that with yet another version of this blouse.
I really like these Silhouette patterns. You will notice that the blouse front looks a bit wonky but it's actually not. Because these patterns have different sized pieces for different bust cup sizes, I could make the front actually fit my curves and hence, the blouses look a little wonky because they are missing the anatomical features which fill them out and make them fit well! I was amazed not to have to alter the pattern in the bust and armscye area as it fit well in both areas. I am short and have a very short torso so I usually have to alter all my patterns. As well, the lines of this blouse are very flattering.
One tip I would pass on is not to wait until the blouse is all sewn together to make the button holes. Once I had made the pattern once, I realized that it would have been more efficient and easier to sew the button holes after step 5 in the pattern, once the front panels of the blouse were completed. Also, the instructions say you can use either a knit or woven fabric. I think that this blouse would be particularly nice made up in one of the fabrics that has a little bit of lycra in it."

Sweater Coat from Loes Hinse
- made by Brenda Boudreau from Halifax
"When I first saw the swatch of the stretch denim print fabric I knew I had to have some. This fabric is a very lightweight denim with a paisley pattern and lovely muted shades of color that you can highlight with a solid color top or t-shirt. I also bought some of Julie's cotton lycra knit in the watermelon color that goes perfectly with the denim fabric. I haven't made the t-shirt yet but I had no trouble finding t-shirts to wear with the jacket because there are so many lovely colors in the fabric.

Close up of Denim Coat
The fabric was very easy to work with but it does not like the high heat or steam from the iron, thankfully I had read Julie's tips on sewing fabric with lycra content and followed her instructions. I made a few samples to test the temperature and found a silk setting and no steam to work well. I also used a Universal 80/12 needle. I have made Loes Hinse's Sweater Coat a number of times and decided to try it in the denim, the only alteration I made to the coat pattern was to shorten it to a knee length jacket instead of a long coat."

I have to insert here that this pattern recommends knits only for the coat; however Brenda has made it at least 4 times now in woven fabrics and didn't even alter the coat. This means this pattern is even more versatile than we thought.
Click here to see the pattern by Loes Hinse; it is multi-sized and the price is $20 Canadian.

Jalie 2005 with a design change
- made by LeeAnne White from Halifax
This is the boat neck version of the ‘famous’ Jalie T-shirt with ruching added to the side seams and lower sleeve seams.
"First, I want to talk about the boat neck. This is the second time I have made this view of Jalie 2005 and I have to say it is the neatest boat neck I have ever made. The instructions and diagrams seemed a little strange and I was tempted to do it my own way but decided to use their method. I was glad I did because the finish on the neck where the shoulder seams come together is perfect and once that was done, it was a cinch to top stitch down the rest of the neckline.
The gathering (or ruching) in the side seams is something I had noticed on many tops in the stores and thought it would be an easy detail to add. I like it because besides giving the t-shirt a little ‘pizzaz’ it also hides all those bumps and rolls that are especially noticeable when wearing a clingy knit.
Method: - Determine where you would like the gathering to be. I wanted mine from just under the bust to the top of the hem.
Measure the length of this area. On me it was 8 inches (I have a very short body).
Then lengthen the top thru this area so that it is double the length. For me that meant I now had a 16 inch length that I would gather up to 8 inches.
Do a machine basting stitch along this length (16 inches for me) on the front side seams and back side seams. Gather up to the desired length. Distribute gathers evenly and stitch side seams together as you normally would. It is a good idea to reinforce this seam with serging, zig zag or another row or two of straight stitching.
I also added a little gathering to the lower sleeve – probably about 3 inches of gathers. I think gathering from the elbow down would be nice but I did not have enough fabric to lengthen the sleeves that much.
This detail works best with light weight, rather drapey knits."
LeeAnne's tee is made in a poly/lycra knit similar to the ones now on the What's New page.
Click here to see the pattern Jalie 2005 ; it is multi-sized from small children to adults and the price is $13 Canaidian.

Rochelle's Reversible Jacket from Saf-T-Pockets -
These ladies from the Atlantic Sewing Guild took a class with Mary Baxter (far right) and made reversible jackets with the pattern Rochelle's Reversible from Saf-T-Pockets Patterns. The pattern is shown in fleece, reversing to an outerwear fabric, but Mary made hers last year in silk dupioni with the reverse side in a coordinating quilting cotton. When the guild members saw her jacket, they asked her to teach a class, so that they could make similar ones. There's nothing like a class of fellow enthusiasts to get you through a project.
From left to right: Diana Haydon, the president of the guild, made her jacket in a royal blue silk blend with the printed fabric a cotton-silk fabric all given to her by a friend. Angie Clarke made her jacket in copper dupioni silk, with a quilting cotton print for the reverse. Gail Rahal chose an upholstery fabric in a golden jacquard and the print is a quilting cotton. Barb Brown used an upholstery fabric that had shimmer to it and the reverse is black silk dupioni. Barb appliqued butterflies from the upholstery fabric onto the black side. Monica Browne used a printed cotton pique printed with bubbles and the reverse side is black silk. Mary, on the right, made the first jacket in copper silk dupioni with quilting cotton.
The class was a huge success and there are more members hoping that Mary will repeat the class in the fall. Just goes to show you that you can use the same pattern with a variety of fabrics to get a different look, not necessarily the one shown on the pattern envelope. When you sew, the only limitation is your imagination.

Jalie 2561 side view -
made by Cindy from Halifax, Nova Scotia
This is the Women's Pants Jalie #2561, the fabric is from Julie's, it is a brown polyester I think. It washes up really well, and again I have to say that the fit of Jalie's patterns did not disappoint. This pattern gives you two waist band options.

Jalie 2561 front view
I chose the narrow waistband and the pants do sit a bit lower than I am used to but they are very comfortable, I have made these a second time and was quite pleased again with the fit. I do find that the instructions for Jalie patterns in general take a little more thought as they don't always go together in what I would consider a traditional method, there are lots of pictures in the instructions and they are a great help when you aren't quite sure what the written part is telling you to do!

After reading all the swap pictures I am so inspired to get sewing I have been pulling fabric out of my stash and going through my patterns now all I need is a bit of time, well maybe a lot of time and I'd be good to go. Thank You Julie for your continued love of sewing and supporting the sewing community. Cindy

Jalie 2322 -
made by Cindy from Halifax, Nova Scotia
The next picture is of the Jalie Women's Shirt #2322, I love this pattern, I have to say I have made it up several times and have been pleased with the finished product each time. I did change the sleeve on this one from the cuff that is part of the regular pattern to a turn up cuff, which I just borrowed from another pattern. The fabric is just a cotton/lycra poplin like those that Julie carries.

Alex's Blouse -
from Silhouette Patterns
My most recent purchase from you was this peach t-shirt knit and Alex's Blouse pattern #700 from Silhouette Patterns, I have a couple of her patterns however this is the first one that I have actually made up and I was pleasantly surprised it looks just like the pattern picture! Peggy breaks her pattern instructions into sessions, cut out in one and sew up in another. The top went together quite easily, her instructions were clear and concise, the sleeve is in two pieces and I was anxious to see how it fit as I have not made a garment with a sleeve constructed in this way before, and again I was pleased with the fit in through the sleeve and shoulder, Peggy's patterns do have different patterns for different cup sizes, which make cutting out a quicker process as I didn't have to make these adjustments, I look forward to making this top again in a woven fabric I'm thinking suede like fabric.....

The skirt is the Jalie Classic Straight Skirt #2560, I actually was taking a class with Barb Emodi and chose this pattern, I have to say I love the Jalie patterns, they tend to fit just right, I'm tall so I lengthened it and I also lined it and I even took the time to interface the fabric as it is a loose weave chenille type fabric and I didn't want it to stretch or pick to easily.

Travel Skirt -
made by Claire from Green Valley, Arizona
"The Travel Skirt (by Kathryn Brenne) is a wonderful pattern. I made it with Batik Butik rayon which has the perfect weight/drape/swish for this pattern. Cutting the pattern out is the hardest part. Each gore of the skirt must be on the straight of grain for the skirt to hang correctly. I used a mat and rotary cutter which eliminated any fabric/pattern shift. After cutting it's easy going. Julie has written extra excellent instructions (included with each Travel Skirt pattern she sells) to compliment those of Ms. Brenne which made sewing this skirt a pleasant experience. The skirt fit me perfectly the first time! The only change I made was to make the belt longer to tie in a bow at the front versus lapping on the inside of the skirt. This was personal preference. I will be making another one."

Coat of Moderno Boucle -
made by Deirdre
"I used the Sewing Workshop's San Diego Jacket Pattern which is perfect for this fabric. It is not lined and was really easy to sew. The fabric is wonderful to work with. The fabric speaks for itself, therefore a simple style works best. The buttons were made with Fimo clay."

Fimo Buttons
You need special buttons for a special coat

Deirdre's label
And of course, add your own label

This fabric is still available - click here to find out more

Bolero Jacket from Loes Hinse
- made by Fran from Washington
"This is a cotton knit fabric from Julie, I made it into a Loes Hines Bolero Jacket, tied at the waist with ribbons, and I used a vogue pattern for the funnel neck underneath. The only alterations I made to the jacket were that I made an adjustment for a long waist. I think this is a great pattern for a variety of different fabrics, as I have made it before with other alterations on it, and I also made the short one for my friend in a stiff brocade and it was just fine.
The vogue pattern is the only one of the top patterns to have a funnel, and it was dead easy to make. I made both pieces up, including cutting them out in an afternoon."

Embroidered Purse
- By Judith W. from Yukon Territory, Canada
"This purse was made out of Julie's natural canvas. If I'd known how soft and workable this cavas would be, I would have bought lots more. I make bags and totes as therapy when other projects become too daunting, too boring, or just too far behind. Totes and purses are fast and fit doesn't matter!
The pattern is a messenger bag-style, with two outside pockets. I like to add a hooky-thing for my cell phone, so it doesn't fall out. The original pattern was for denim, with daffodils, from an embroidery designer called perfect little stitches. I changed the strap to adjustable and made it out of canvas, too. The lining is also canvas - next time I'd make it something bright. One nice feature is that the underside of the flap, and the bag bottom, are stipple-quilted, giving some body.

Embroidered Purse
-
The embroidery design is cascading lillies, from Hatched in Africa.
The purse was fun to make. I hope Julie gets some more of this canvas, maybe in a darker colour for a fall bag? Hint, hint."

Jalie #2566 Sweater Set
- made by LeeAnne from Halifax
"It took no time at all to make up this t-shirt and cardigan – it went together without a hitch. The t-shirt is made from one of Timmel’s 88% polyester/12% lycra knits. The cardigan is a faux suede knit. You have the option of interfacing the front band. I did not interface mine as the knit was fairly stable and would not take the heat of the iron very well. I would interface one half of the band with a lightweight knit fusible interfacing if I were using a less stable knit.
This pattern (as well as the Jalie polo shirt) has more ease than the ‘famous’ 2005 t-shirt. I make size 9/10 when using #2005 but for this pattern (and the polo shirt) I cut size 4 for the neck and shoulders as far as the underarm area and then graduated out to a size 6 for the rest of the top. As usual, I shorten the pattern in 3 spots – the armhole, above the waist and below the waist.
I love the pattern and already have another cardigan cut out in a french terry. PS – the pants are Jalie 2561."

Europa Blouse from La Fred
- made by Elizabeth M. from Ontario
Elizabeth needed something to wear to a formal event. She chose the Europa Blouse from La Fred and made it up in the embroidered silk dupioni in teal.
"I was very pleased with the pattern and the fit - very concise directions and the end result was very wearable and admired by my husband (the most important one to please!)"

Close Up of Silk Europa Blouse

Link to Silk page for embroidered dupioni teal
Link to La Fred Patterns - Europa Blouse

Carol's Jacket from Silhouette Patterns
- made by Patty Glasgow from Ontario
This jean jacket was made using a stretch floral twill from Timmel Fabrics. I used the Silhouette pattern #900 Carol's jacket. However, I did modify the pattern. I used the size 4 for the jacket which would give me an ease of 3 inches. For jackets I like an ease of about 4-6 inches but was reluctant to go up to the next size since I didn't want the neck/shoulders etc to change so instead I added 1/4 inch to the seams for pieces 2,3 and 7 leaving out the center front seam and underarm seams. This made for a total ease of 6 inches which I was happy with. Because of this change, I added 1 inch to both the front and back yokes (only at the bottom of the yoke and angling the increase to zero at the shoulder seam since I didn't want to increase the shoulder length).
I decided not to use the bottom band since I didn't think it would be flattering to my figure. I just wanted to use a plain hem. Also, I found the finished length of the pattern way too short for me, so I added 6 inches to the length of the pattern. Finally, I added an inseam pocket to the front following the instructions in Threads vol. 123 page 38. The jacket turned out great. I will definitely wear it a lot this spring (when it finally warms up) and Iove the fabric."

Cowl Top from Loes Hinse
- made by Karleene Smith from Iowa
"Since I am 5'3" tall, I cannot handle the very long tunic type garments. I really liked the lines of the L.H. Cowl top. Living in the middle west of the U.S.A., we wear them from late October till late March. My fabric is a Rayon blend knit from Julie that has a wonderful feel and hangs so nicely.
I used the large size but made a number of changes. I shortened the total length by 5 3/8 inches and then used a 3" hem with 2 1/2" slits. The cowl got shortened by 4" and the sleeves by 1 1/2" and then used 1 1/2" hems. I find that I need a bit more in the bust area on many knits, so I added 1/2" just under the arms eye all the way across the front and then just eased it to the regular back piece, keeping the ease up towards the sleeve. On knits I always stabilize the shoulder seam by stitching stay tape along the back, then press the seam up, toward the back, and top stitch 1/4" from the first seam. This gives a good finish, hides the tape and makes for a firm shoulder seam. I know some people use clear elastic, but this is what has worked for me. (You can trim the stabilizer down a bit so that it does not show.) Also, I do give myself permission to stitch some Velcro on the inside along the shoulder seam and use ready made shoulder pads. It never shows in knits. Before topstitching the hem and sleeves, I used Design Plus ultra-soft double sided fusible but am pretty sure that Seam a Seam 2 would work well to give a stable area for stitching. I believe this pattern is a real winner, very comfortable to wear."

Jacket and Pants
- made by Hester Vair from New Brunswick
"I fell in love with this tweed fabric but was so slow in ordering it that there was not enough left to make a jacket. I added some taupe fabric that Julie helped me to match, and with Loes Hinse's Lugano jacket pattern I managed to squeeze a jacket out of the tweed. I like the design lines & the ease of construction in Loes' patterns, although they are the opposite of Betzina's in fit for me. After 5 jackets, I still have not got the shoulder and arm fit consistently correct for her patterns (I have small sloping shoulders, and I like more ease in the arm than her patterns allow). Even so, I find the classic designs easy to wear, and easy to sew."

Brocade Jacket and Silk Pants
- made by Hester from New Brunswick
"I used Sandra Betzina's V8089 for the jacket, and her V7940 for the pants. I have always found her patterns beautifully cut, and they fit me well. The jacket fabric was a bit tricky to work with: it snags easily, ravels unbelievably, and ironing seams has to be very carefully done to avoid marks on the right side of fabric. I used silk pins to avoid snags, and I serged all the edges before I began working with them. I made a muslin of the jacket first, and this turned out to be a real advantage in avoiding any holes and snags from unpicking, and knowing just where to serge the edges before sewing it together. The collar and cuffs (and a matching tank top) are made from the wrong side of silk charmeuse - I used the wrong side because I didn't need any more shine added to the outfit. In the picture the collar looks like it pulls at the bottom, but on the body it hangs correctly. I think that this pattern was a good choice for the fabric, it is simple and lets the dramatic fabric take the stage, there are not a lot pieces to be slipping and fraying as you sew, and the simple shape makes it is easy to iron when the rayon needs a pressing.

The pants are made in silk dupioni, which works perfectly with the butterflies in the silk, although it is hard to tell in the picture (I always rely on Julie to help me out with coordinating her fabrics). I washed the dupioni first to make it softer and a bit less shiny, and underlined it. I used polyester lining as an underlining, which I think keeps the pants crisp, but sometimes I think Bemberg would have been more comfortable. Julie's dupioni is a good weight - some are quite thin and would not work as well for pants."

Jacket in Reversible Fabric made by Hester Vair
- "I used Sandra Betzina's V8043, because her patterns always fit me well. I wanted to use the reverse side of the fabric so I added a shawl collar and used bias binding on the front edge and sleeve edge, and self-covered buttons. I did not use any facings (except for fusing support around the buttonholes) because I wanted to keep the fabric soft and stretchy (it is a stretch woven); I was worried the collar would be too soft, but I'm pleased with the result. The fabric has a lovely hand and was easy to work with."

Link to Deirdre's Poncho pattern
Click on the link to save it as a file, then open it to print off.

More photos on Page two. Click here Garments Page two