May 3, 2014

Spring 2014 Collection: Meet Jade!


 
Knee Length, Layered Lower Jacket with ruffled cuffs
Made from black slub linen

And last, but certainly not least is the third new design for the spring collection, the Jade Jacket! I know I have said this before but really, THIS ONE is so EASY you won't even believe it! There are only 4 pattern pieces in the whole pattern and only the bolero length is lined. That means there are 6 whole seams in any version you choose! There are NO FACINGS, as the edge is finished with a lining for the bolero length or with a bias binding for the longer lengths.


Bolero Length with Lower Back Detailing
Made from Textured Matka Silk (purchase at www.bblackandsons.com)
 
 

There are a variety of variations with an optional collar, back detailing, cuffs, and edge finishing. I even went back to my old roots of applique and had some fun with wool felt and hand applique with Pearl 5 cotton thread! (this is for those of you who feel adventurous!). All of the instructions and pieces for completing the applique are included.

 
Knee Length with Three Quarter Length Sleeves and Raw Bias Binding on Edges
Applique completed by hand featuring Wool Felt for pieces in assorted colors, stitched with Pearl 5
Made from Textured Matka Silk (purchase from www.bblackandsons.com)
 


I chose a variety of fabrics to make this jacket from, as you will see. Everything from linen to silk to faux fur to KNIT was used to create these jackets! With so many options, you can make this jacket several times and none of them will resemble each other.

 
Fingertip Length with Ruffle Detail on edge and ruched sleeves
Made from lightweight knit
Shown here with the new Tara Tank Dress
 
 
Bolero Length with Turned Cuffs, bodice was cut on the bias for a chevron effect
Made from Chinchilla faux fur by Shannon Fabrics
Shown here with the Marilyn Dress, available on our website.
 



This jacket is designed to be worn open with the option of belting it. You can also easily alter the length of the sleeves by adding or subtracting from the ends of the bodice pieces. With dolman sleeves, the fit is easy and comfortable.

Fingertip Length with Lace detail added between upper and lower jacket sections,
 narrow collar and cuffs
Moda Mochi Linen Dot by Moda Fabrics
 
The new patterns are now in stock! Go to our website to place your order today!
 
Happy Sewing!

May 1, 2014

Spring 2014 Collection: Meet Willow!


Tunic Length & Three Quarter Length Sleeves
Moda Bella Solid (color: feather) and Moda coordinate
 
 
Close-up of the embroidery work on the bodice....designs courtesy of Alison Glass...see the link to her website below!
 

It is time for the second reveal of the spring collection! Today I would like to introduce the Willow Tunic. This design is a semi-fitted sheath with princess seaming on the front and back. There's a zipper incorporated into the left side seam so that the back has a nice uninterrupted flow to it.

There are no facings, as the yokes are self lined, and you have a choice of either a cap or three quarter length sleeve. You can also choose to make a tunic or dress length. I wanted to design this so that there was enough ease through the hips to wear skinny jeans or leggings underneath without fitting too closely so that you are fussing with your clothes all day. I hate that feeling! It is nicely fitted without being too loose or tight....resulting in a rather nice silhouette!

As you will see throughout the photos, I have offered several variations for the design. I even got ambitious and embroidered one on the bodice and sleeves. For the embroidery, I used 2-3 strands of DMC floss in a variety of colors and stitches...whatever suited my fancy at the time! I chose to feature the fabulous designs in Alison Glass's embroidery patterns for the stitching. Her patterns are great! If you don't know about Alison, she is a wonderful fabric designer for Andover. She designs quilts and embroidery designs that are based off her graphic art. You can see more of her work and order her patterns over at www.alisonglass.com. I used motifs from Clover Sunshine Animals and Flowers.

So without further ado....here are the variations for Willow, with fabric and design details listed with each.

 
 
Dress Length & Three Quarter Length Sleeves
Anna Maria Horner's Pretty Potent from Free Spirit Fabrics
 
 
Tunic Length & Cap Sleeves
Michael Miller Fabrics: faux patchwork and coordinate
Renaissance decorative ribbon featured on the yoke and hemband
 
 
Dress Length & Cap Sleeves
Modern Eclectic by Blend Fabrics
Side Fronts, Backs and Yokes were cut on the bias
 
 
Tunic Length & Three Quarter Length Sleeves
Maisie by Blend Fabrics
 
 
Dress Length & Cap Sleeves
Damask, Dot, and Houndstooth by Riley Blake Fabrics
 

The new designs are now available for sale! Go to our website and order yours today!!
 
Happy Sewing!