Hi guys,
It pains me to say this but it was brought to my attention that there’s an error with the two facing pieces of the 6101 Skirt pattern. The error is on pattern pieces 4 & 7 of the pattern, with the scaling being incorrect. This mistake happened during the final layout of the pattern, which is how I missed it during the testing process, as it didn’t exist at that point. I’ve provided a download below for the two pattern pieces.
For those of you who have bought this pattern from my shop, you should be able to download a new copy of the updated file from your account or email link from the purchase receipt, but I will also email you directly with the updated file. If you’ve bought the pattern as part of the Sew Indie Month 2015 then please use the download link below to get the updated pieces.
*Update, Mari has kindly updated Bundle 2 to include the revised pattern file, however if you downloaded the bundle prior to September 14th, you will need the new facing pieces.*
I always strive for professional work and I apologise unreservedly for this error.
Category: Sewing Patterns
Introducing the 8101 Halter-neck Swimsuit Pattern
Sploosh! That is the sound I hear in my head every time I see this swimsuit!
The local lido’s (outdoor community pool) are about to open in the coming weeks here in Brooklyn and I’m so very excited about sporting this bad gal whilst splashing about in the pool. I’m even tempted to take it down to Coney Island and dip a toe in the sea!
I was actually working on an entirely different pattern, but sometimes no matter how much you try and make a design work, it just doesn’t want to play ball. Whilst struggling to accept that not all designs are meant to be, I had an irresistible urge to get this design onto paper. It wouldn’t leave me alone, so one day I got up and gave in to it, expecting it just to be a cathartic exercise of releasing my demons and getting out onto paper. But somehow it just worked, the first sample looked amazing on my fit model and with a few tweaks here and there, it fell into place. I think it was a lesson in itself that sometimes you’ve just got to listen to your gut, let some stuff go and embrace other ideas.
So at the 11th hour I decided to shelf the other pattern and work on releasing this swimsuit pattern that was getting me so excited. All THE FEELS!
Enough of the touchy feelies, and onto the pattern itself!
The overall design concept for this swimsuit was based on the tie strings. This swimsuit has a lovely shaped décolletage with double rouleaux straps for the halter-neck ties. The bust cups have soft gathers for shaping and are fully lined. The leg cut is low but shaped at the front so it doesn’t cut straight across your hips horizontally and flows round to the back with full coverage for your bottom. The ties at the side seams on the hips allow you to either leave it smooth with a low-cut leg or to scrunch it up and have soft gathers at the sides.
The pattern comes with 3 variations. The first version is a one-piece that comes with a higher back, providing a little extra coverage, which is good if you’re keen to add support with a shelf bra under the bust, as this version makes it easier to have the elastic going all around your torso at the same level.
Version 2 is also a one-piece but with a lower cut back that joins up just above the waistline at the side seams.
Version 3 is a bikini, and in keeping with the retro feel of the low-cut leg I decided to make it high-waisted. The bikini top has a partial band that shows off your beautiful back and uses the halter straps as a part of the back closure. You can play around with how you tie them up at the back. I quite like the criss-cross look myself.
This pattern comes with 3 cup sizes – B/C, D/DD, DDD/E so you can really tailor this swimsuit to you curves. I also want to note that the measurement chart in the pattern takes your under-bust measurement, instead of the traditional bust measurement, so you can fit the bodice of the swimsuit to your torso and then pick the cup size that’s right for you, much like when fitting a bra.
The swimsuit is designed for spandex with four-way stretch and needs 50% stretch on the crosswise grain and good recovery. Which means the fabric usually contains a minimum 10% spandex/Lycra. For the lining generally a Poly/Spandex or Nylon composition is best.
The format of the instructions with this pattern has been set up to make it as seamless experience to sew as possible. I’ve broken down the detailed instructions into 3 separate sections – one per variation – and there’s a hyperlinked menu so you can skip straight to your version and sew!
The pattern pieces for each version of the swimsuit are group together in the pattern file, with a ‘map’ and list of the pages you need to print found in the instructions booklet, so you can print the specific cup size and swimsuit version you want to make. The pattern pieces are whole, which I find makes it easier to handle as there’s not cutting on the fold.
I hope you love this swimsuit as much as I do! I think it has a lot of potential with different prints and I’ll be following up with some posts on some pattern changes you can do with it in the coming weeks.
You can get the pattern here.
Introducing Pattern 6104 the Box Pleat Skirt
Both charming and sweet, the 6104 is a skirt that will never go out of style. With its classic A-line cut and adorable pleating, this can be worn with anything and for any occasion. If you need further proof that this is the perfect item for any woman’s closet, the skirt even features pockets because–as all of us know–the best clothes are always fashionable and practical.
The 6104 is a fitted, lined skirt that falls above the knee. The front features a flattering curved yoke with a single wide box pleat down the centre front. The welt pockets, with their ergonomically designed pocket-bag shape, are fully functional—large enough for your full hand and entirely useful for storing small items like a driver’s license or credit card. The pocket-bag shape is my absolute favourite (seriously, I cannot go on enough about how much I love this pocket) for any and all designs—whether it be for sewing patterns or garments made for industry clients.
The back of the skirt is kept clean and simple with darts for shaping and a zipper closure. The lining includes a centre front seam slit for ease of movement under the skirt.
Variation 1 has straight waistband that joins via two vertical sets of hook and eye at the centre back.
Variation 2 has the lining attached to a yoked facing in place of a waistband, for those who prefer to have a seamless finish at the waistline. This version works well if your body proportions include a short-waist and/or a large bust/cup size, as it won’t feel like the waistband is taking up all your midriff.
The skirt being modeled is made from a lavender bouclé with a coordinating rayon lining. The hem has interfacing fused all around the circumference of the skirt, which really helps support the shape and makes the A-line silhouette really pop out. For a softer silhouette you can leave out interfacing the hem.
The skills you’ll be using for sewing this classic skirt up are sewing straight and curved seams, including a shallow convex/concave curve for the front yoke. There are two single welt pockets, and the pattern comes with step by step illustrated instructions so anyone new to welt pockets can still make this skirt up, or you could leave the pockets out altogether if you want a cleaner finish to the skirt front.
Some fabric suggestions that would work with this patter are crepe, light-weight wool, corduroy, bouclé, twill, medium weight woven fabrics that hold a crease (for a crisp pleat definition). If you choose a fabric with a softer hand you’ll get more of a soft shape and a less pronounced pleat at the centre. Any lightweight fabrics are not likely to be able to support the welt pockets.
I think this pattern has just enough pieces that you can get playful with contrasting topstitching, piping at the yoke seam, or go with contrast yoke and welt flaps. I think I’ll make up my own with some Embroidery on welt flap or embellished with some sew-on stones for a bit of understated evening glam.
Check out the 6104 skirt in the shop.
Introducing the 6101 Fit and Flare Skirt
6101 is a versatile skirt that’s appropriate for both work and play! Whether you pair it with a demure blouse for the office or a leather jacket for a night on the town, this skirt–with its flattering cut and unique seaming–is sure to get praise wherever you wear it.
This fit and flare skirt pattern sits at the natural waist that falls above the knee. The hem has subtle shaping around the skirt rising slightly at the sides and dipping down at both the front and back. The flare at the sides gives it more movement and swish as you walk. The smooth flat centre front and back, coupled with the close fit around the hips lends the skirt a playful sophistication. The lining is attached to a waistband facing and has shallow side slits for ease of movement. The skirt should hit at the natural waist and fall above the knee.
The instructions booklet comes with an overview and more detailed illustrated steps for sewing the skirt and lining. The skills you’ll use to make this skirt are sewing straight and curved seams, inserting an invisible zipper, sewing in a faced lining and hemming (unless you use a non-fraying fabric like I did with the mustard boiled wool, then you can skip that altogether!). Some of the trickier techniques that may be more challenging for a beginner are sewing concave and convex curves together for the front panel and corners on the back of the skirt, however the detailed steps provide you with how to put it all together.
While I use the 6101 as a work wardrobe staple, fabric choice and what you pair it with will make the world/this skirt your adorably outfitted oyster. A heavier fabric will accentuate the silhouette (I’ve just started making it with neoprene for something fun), while a fabric with a softer hand (like a ponté) will adapt the flare into delicate and subtle folds that swish as you move. Perfect for the Summer heat!
The skirt’s unique seam lines will allow you to play around with contrast panels and textures. I’m already dreaming of an Autumn/Winter version with leather on the hips and a bouclé for the flare. The version of the 6101 that you see featured in the accompanying photographs was made with mustard yellow boiled wool and a coordinated rayon lining.
You can find the 6101 skirt (as well as my other Maison Fleur patterns) in the shop.
Introducing the Sweet Summer Top 1301
The 1301 is a summer top that complements anything from high-waisted shorts to casual jeans to a breezy A-line skirt. The top features a fitted bodice and sleeves that tie at the shoulder for a sweet and flirty touch. With its 1960s flair and nipped-in waist, the 1301 looks good on all body types. Warm weather is coming; now show what your mama gave you!
Designed to accentuate a curvy silhouette, it features curved darts on both the on the front and back, allowing for a more natural and bodice hugging shape. For the wearer’s convenience, the top features an invisible zipper on the side seam. It finishes at hipbone level, making it easy to tuck in or leave out.
If you’re a lover of vintage style (even when it comes to your skivvies!), rest assured that this top has been tested with vintage-style bras and allows for that special, pin-up girl silhouette.
This pattern comes with a standard bodice and three shoulder/sleeve variations:
Version 1 features tie knots at the shoulder, leaving it up to you to play with positioning. Please note that the neck facings lead into the shoulder ties so they will be visible. I recommend using the same fabric for all elements of the top or—if you want to be adventurous— choosing a contrasting color for the neck facings to add a fun pop at the shoulders.
Version 2 is business in front and party in the back! With this variation, the ties go flat over the shoulder and fasten at the shoulder blades.
Version 3 boasts puffed kimono tie sleeves that are created with gathers and supported by a sleeve facing that sits against the arm inside and ties at the side of each arm. Like Version 1, the facings lead into the tie pieces, which will let you have fun with contrasting colors and prints.
The instructions booklet comes with an overview and a more detailed illustrated steps for sewing the top. The skills you’ll need to make version 1 are sewing straight and curved seams, under-stitching a facing, narrow hem and inserting an invisible zipper. In version 2 you’ll be sewing in button-holes. Version 3 requires a little more work with gathering and sewing in the inner sleeve facing, but I’ve included detailed steps on how to sew the sleeve facing onto the sleeve, so with some careful stitching and snipping you’ll be just fine!
For the 1301, I would recommend a light to medium weight woven fabric. For the sample in the photos, I used a cotton voile, but a small gingham print would be absolutely darling and de rigeuer for Summer 2015 trends. For a dressier look, you could try a silk dupioni, which will give the ties more body and lend more structure to the bodice.
You can also check out the 1301 Pinterest mood board that I’ve created with the inspiration behind the top and I can’t wait to start adding your makes to the board.
You can purchase the 1301 here, with 10% off until April 30th with the code ‘Spring10’ at checkout!