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Patterns
Monday, October 30, 2017
Monday, October 16, 2017
My Design Process - How I design my patterns
This week I wanted to share with you the process on how I my designs come into being – this is just the shortened summarized version (I don’t want to bore you too much), and I hope you enjoy this sneak peek into my processes.
I usually design my sewing patterns in one of two ways. I either A, am inspired by a photo or garment that I see online or in stores – I then design my own version, and recreate the pattern from there. Or B, I just come up with a design in my own head (according to a theme of sorts, usually from a mood board I’ve created), and then create the pattern from there.
This week I am working on a blouse design I found on Pinterest, that inspired me to create my own sewing pattern version – or in this case – two different versions.
Blouse picture from Pinterest
My own designs
As you can see, I’ve added a few different features, like the buttons on the shoulder line and the neck pleats moving to one side on the second design.
After I have decided on my design, I usually sit and stare at it for a few hours – it may appear that I am just day dreaming, but what I’m actually doing is looking at each and every part of the design, and each and every seam and section. In my mind I’m visualizing what the pattern pieces will look like, how I may have to alter or change each part to create various design effects – and how I should change each pattern piece to get the design effects that I’m looking for.
I usually make a good few notes during this process, and when I’m done, I sit down at my computer and start to digitally draw out and design those pattern pieces.
One of my digital designs
Once I have created the first pattern pieces, I print them out in one size and I cut and sew the garment, writing down and recording each step I take as I go along. Once I have done this I know the best processes to use to complete the garment, and I can see what changes I need to make to the pattern for it to work (if there are any). This process can usually go over a couple of days (sometimes a week or two) depending on how complicated the garment is, and I may even make a few samples to make sure I get the design right.
Once I have done all of this, I then grade the pattern. What this means is that I add in a few good sizes in the spectrum from extra small to triple extra large. Because I do this in CoralDraw, I quite literally carefully measure out each size and move each line and point accordingly (it’s at least another day’s worth of work).
After this is all done, I then type out the sewing instructions, and then re-create each step digitally. Digitally drawing each step (you will see some of my older patterns had photographs for each stage, but I found it was difficult to always photograph each step clearly, and the picture made the instructions file HUGE! Which is why I switched to creating digital renderings).
After a couple more days, when all of this is done, I then try to film the sewalong, as well as I photograph and edit the final version of the garment for packaging and marketing purposes.
After editing and final touches, I launch them all – preferably at the same time, but unfortunately sometimes I am short on time and they are launched separately.
SIGN UP to my newsletter – the blouse featured in this post is the next sew-along and FREE sewing pattern you will be receiving.
All of this takes days worth of work and effort, and I think that after a few years my skills have become vastly improved as I’m always trying to better myself and offer you better quality sewing patterns as I go along.
I hope you enjoyed this insightful peek into how I work
Happy Sewing
Monday, October 9, 2017
Sew your own capsule wardrobe
Nothing says “serious sewing project” quite like planning to sew your own capsule wardrobe. With the seasons changing once again, now is the perfect time to start planning such a wardrobe for the next few months to come.
So, what is a capsule wardrobe? Ideally it’s about 10 to 15 different clothing items that you can “mix and match” to create different looks and outfits for the season to come. This can go up to as many as 20 items, if you’re looking to include accessories, shoes, etc in the range.
If you’re not too sure where to start, here’s a sample wardrobe that I have put together for you to help you to be able to choose your own. And if you happen to love this wardrobe, you can purchase the entire collection as a set by CLICKING HERE.
To get started, you need a theme. I have chosen the theme “Athleisure” – this is a fun and sporty look that can cover casual as well as formal, and even professional wardrobes. It’s also very much “On Trend” for what’s happening in fashion right now.
Athleisure – well the word pretty much speaks for itself, it’s about taking a blend of athletic, leisure and formal wear and bringing it all together to create a “sporty yet professional” look.
After Ashley Olsen was snapped wearing a pencil skirt with a hoodie, it has become one of the most preferred Athleisure looks of the season, and one of the looks I definitely had to add into this capsule wardrobe.
I have decided to go with 10 different patterns that you use to get this look.
So here are the 10 patterns I’ve decided to use in my example, and below is an example of at least eleven different style combinations – though I’m pretty sure you can get a lot more...
- Collared Scarf Pattern – CLICK HERE to view it now
- Angelique Ladies Shirt Sewing pattern – CLICK HERE to view it now
- Raglan Sweater sewing pattern – CLICK HERE to view it now
- Yoga Tank Top – CLICK HERE to view it now
- The StrappyT sewing pattern – CLICK HERE to view it now
- Ladies Padded vest sewing pattern – CLICK HERE to view it now
- Ladies Hoodie sewing pattern – CLICK HERE to view it now
- Angelique Shorts sewing pattern – CLICK HERE to view it now
- Pencil Skirt sewing pattern – CLICK HERE to view it now
- Ladies tights sewing pattern – CLICK HERE to view it now
I've put together a few combinations for you to inspire you on a brand new look. For your capsule wardrobe, choose similar fabrics with similar colors (this range is particularly suited to a variety of knit / jersey fabrics). We suggest going with a mix of one or two neutral colors, as well as colorful colors, but no more than one print (your single colors can be tied in to match colors within your print of choice), as this will allow you to bring the various pieces together.
CLICK HERE to view the entire collection now at a HUGELY DISCOUNTED price
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Boo Le Heart Sewing Patterns
Boo Le Heart Patterns was created by Indie Sewing Pattern Designer Nathalie Marran in 2011.
As a third generation seamstress, she has a lifetime of experience behind her. She also has a diploma in fashion, and has been creating designs of her own since 2003.
She works from home, getting up every morning to express her joy, passion and love for sewing through new designs (and looking after her nine rescue animals). Being able to share her work with the world, and bring the joy of sewing and creation to others is her greatest dream come true.
How Boo Le Heart Works
You can Support Boo Le Heart Patterns in one of three ways:
- By purchasing sewing patterns and sewing supplies on the website and watching the FREE YouTube Sew-Along Videos for the sewing patterns.
- Subscribe to our Patreon Page – A monthly subscription to watch all of our sew-along videos, and you get the sewing patterns for FREE
- SIGN UP to our newsletter to receive FREE sewing patterns, and all the latest sewing news from Boo Le Heart, and CLICK HERE, or scan the below QR code to buy the designer a cup of coffee to say thank you for all her hard work.
Books available on amazon.com
Here are the books written by Nathalie Marran, available for kindle or as a paperback through amazon.com
Make It Sew
The complete guide for dressmaker’s looking to start their own sew-from-home business. Click Here to view it now.
Sew Basic
Coming Soon – Watch this space!
This book is designed to share with the novice sewist all the information they need to get started, and not feel so intimated by approaching the sewing machine for the first time! Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know as soon as it's released.
Happy Sewing!
Monday, August 14, 2017
Grow your own fabric
Recently a friend sent me a link for a video about Allan Brown, who harvests wild stinging nettle to create his own fabric. He makes it look incredibly easy, and I find myself wondering what other plants can be used (I’m based in South Africa so stinging nettles aren’t so common) and whether or not I have the courage to give it a try.
Here’s the video for those who wish to watch it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0SFRIZqkfE
And isn’t it amazing, if we put our minds to it (and managed to find the time) we could really create custom garments from scratch, from the thread up... and can you imagine the money we could save from all that store-bought fabric hoarding – I have at least 15 crates... that’s right CRATES of fabric at any given time. – and of course this process can be used for creating balls of yarn for knitting and crochet projects too.
While looking more into the concept of using plants to create fabric, I came across something else that is completely wonderful – GROW YOUR OWN LEATHER IN YOUR KITCHEN! - Suzanne Lee has come up with a method where you can grow your own leather! It’s a wonderful, magical tea that ends in happiness. Here’s her TedTalk video so you can see more on the subject. https://www.ted.com/talks/suzanne_lee_grow_your_own_clothes
And while a dream of finding the time to create all these wonderful things, I must admit for right now, it’s just a little easier for me to pop online or into the nearest fabric store, but perhaps there’s no time like the present to start a new fabric adventure...
Happy Sewing!
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
FUN PRINTED FABRICS
We love fun fabrics... especially ones that helps us to get through the middle of the year! Here’s our current top 5 fun prints, that we felt that we just had to share with you too...
Winnie the Poo! We just LOVE this fabric and had to start off with this classic children’s favorite! CLICK HERE to view this fabric in our online store.
The Nightmare before Christmas, Jack Skellington inspired print! A HUGE LOVE LOVE LOVE from us here at NonStopCraft. CLICK HERE to view this fabric in our online store.
If you love skulls and that vintage inspired Pin-up look, why not have a look at this skull and roses fabric. CLICK HERE to view this fabric in our online store.
How much fun is this My Little Pony Inspired Fabric! CLICK HERE to view this fabric in our online store.
And last but not least... kitties and spooks! How incredibly adorable is this? And if you order it now, it’s sure to arrive just in time for Halloween! CLICK HERE to view this fabric in our online store.
This week’s pattern for subscribers
Star Trek Inspired Doggie Jacket
We have to admit, one of our pattern designers is a pit of a Trekkie... and she has designed this incredibly cute doggie jacket which is going out FREE to all of our newsletter subscribers this Friday! If you’re not yet signed up, pop onto www.nonstopcraft.com to sign up today!
Featured pattern of the week
The Little Black Dress
Make your own fun, any time, and very essential Little Black Dress with this really easy to follow sewing pattern for our Strap Dress
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Make money selling your own patterns with us!
Start selling your sewing, knitting or crochet sewing patterns through www.nonstopcraft.com and receive this FREE ebook to help launch your new online business!
Happy Sewing!
Monday, July 10, 2017
Top ten favourite sewing gadgets
Every day sewing is made much more simple – not to mention FUN, with the gadgets we get to use in the process. This week at NonStopCraft, we decided to put together our top ten favorite sewing gadgets
- Quilting clips - perfect to help keep fabric in its place when your layers are just too thick for pins, or for when you are working with particularly thick or fabrics
- Pinking shears – we just love that we can finish off fabrics to prevent fraying / unraveling with these scissors – especially for those of us who don’t have an overlocker / serger.
- The rotary cutter makes cutting difficult and slippery patterns a breeze!
- We LOVE this little handheld sewing machine... we use it mostly when appliquéing delicate laces to bridal and evening wear – it makes the process of appliqué so much easier. It is also great for small quick jobs, like hemming a pair of pants, or sewing a patch onto a garment.
- Key-chain measuring tape – as a dressmaker on occasion we may be caught out without a measuring tape – from experience we know that this can be quite embarrassing, this key-chain can help to prevent those embarrassing moments
- Oh My Gosh! Laser scissors... never cut skew again with these awesome scissors!
- Stack and store bobbins – if you are big on saving space, like we are with our hundreds of different colour threads, then this may just be the gadget for you!
- Have no trouble threading your needles again with this handy little tool!
- Magnetic seam guides – this fun and bright seam guides will help you to keep to that seam allowance
- And finally... one of our absolutely favourite dressmaker’s gadgets, a portable steam machine... it’s truly amazing the amount of times a dressmaker may just find one of these handy
This week’s pattern for subscribers
Ladies Winter Jacket
This sewing pattern was designed for winter fabrics, and is the perfect casual jacket to wear during the winter months. Sign up for our newsletter by Thursday 13 July to receive this pattern FREE on Friday 14 July 2017.
Featured pattern of the week
Fiona Cape
This is an elegant cape, made to look like a draped blazer from the back, it is perfectly suited for formal and evening functions.
Sewalong of the week
Fiona Cape
Watch the sewing video tutorial for our Fiona cape, CLICK HERE and come and sew along with us and discover how easy it is to put such a stylish garment together.
Sell Your Own Patterns
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Happy Sewing!
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