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PDF patterns are a modern convenience. I've also heard them called a modern nuisance. A lot has happened in the world of PDF patterns since those early days and I think PDF patterns have a lot to offer. PDF patterns are fast. Almost as soon as you pay for them they are sitting in your inbox ready to go. There are no shipping costs or shipping delays to deal with. PDF patterns can also be printed multiple times. If you cut the wrong size or your pet chews the living daylights out of the centre back panel you can just...

I like to imagine the intricate robots with their delicate fingers, that must work on the principles of static electricity, folding tissue paper patterns with absolute precision. This origami magic is clearly not the work of human beings. I have to imagine it that way so that my self-esteem doesn't plummet and take my sewing mojo with it. Tissue paper patterns are a pain. A sort of necessary evil. I haven't met anyone who admits to liking them. There are a few people that I've met who actually refuse to sew based solely on their hatred for the stuff. Sewing...

I sometimes think about how wonderful it would be to have the pattern designer sitting next to me when I open up a pattern and start to sew. We would chat about the inspiration for the design and I would get all of the dirt on design changes. There would be a lot of sewing talk as pattern pieces were nudged into place on the fabric. And when I started to sew she would gently stop me and explain that she much prefers 1/2" seam allowance. She proceeds to tell me the story of how she once had an instructor...

There are times throughout most sewing projects when things can feel overwhelming. None more so than at the very beginning. The choices seem endless: style, fabric, buttons, snaps, sleeve lengths, skirt lengths, welt pockets, patch pockets, bold patterns, plain colours, to have contrasting fabric, to not have contrasting fabric. But being able to sort through all of these things and pick exactly what we want is also where the fun lies. Striking a balance between the two is the key. Picking out a pattern is usually the first step when starting a project. Once it's picked, I like to take...

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