Wednesday, May 27, 2009

There's now a page on Facebook

I've added a page to facebook for The Pattern Loft. Please use the link on the right and become a fan. I have added a discussion regarding New Pattern Lines to be added to the store. Check it out.

Happy Sewing!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Inspiration - Table Linens

Do you like to decorate your table? Here's a little bit inspiration for both the sewer and the knitter -

Here is a lovely Heirloom Table Runners. This patchwork table runner is made with silk, rayon, polyester, cotton, and viscose fabric. It is finished with cording and tassels. Dry clean only. Price tag varies based on size: $370.00 to $495.00. How many table runners could you make for those prices?





Here's an interesting place mat & napkin set - the Grosgrain Place Mats & Silk Napkins by Ann Gish. The place mats are hand-knit satin ribbon. They are 19" x 14" and machine washable. The napkins are 22" square and also machine washable. Price tags: 4 place mats - $380.00, 4 napkins - $160. 00.





Happy Stitching!

Friday, May 22, 2009

Shop Talk - New DVDs by Pamela's Patterns

Today, Pamela's Patterns were restocked and I received new DVDs on The Perfect T-Shirt, T-Shirt Makeover, and Pamela's Favorite Bias Skirt. Here's a glimpse:




To find more detailed information regarding each video go to the "What's New" section of the store or to the "Pamela's Patterns". Use the store link to the right.

Happy Sewing!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Inspiration - Track Suit and Shop Talk

Today's inspiration is once again for children. However, this look could easily translate into adult clothing too.

Here's a little Juicy Couture Tracksuit. Isn't it cute? The hoodie has a little bit of embroidery on it along with the kangaroo pockets. It is made from a cotton/polyester terry. The pants have a draw string waistband and are also made from a cotton/polyester terry. Price tag: Hoodie - $78.00 to $82.00, Pants - $64.00 to $68.00 (pricing is dependent on size selected).

I think this would be very easy to duplicate. For the pants, you could try the 2-Piece Yoga Pant pattern by Silhouettes. There is also an adult version. I don't have a pattern exactly like the hoodie pictured but Hoodie & Top pattern by Silhouettes is similar. There is an adult version of this top, also. Both would need a slight modification to put a center zipper in but that would be very easy to do. Just remember to add the seam allowances. If anyone knows of a tutorial on how to turn a top pattern into a jacket, let me know where it is and I will add the link.

I have updated the Amy Butler section in the store. Many items have been restocked and there are new patterns available as well. I think I have all the current patterns and a few of the OOP patterns as well. Here's the direct link to Amy Butler Designs aka "Midwest Modern".

Happy Sewing!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Shop Talk - Colette patterns are here!

The new line of patterns are here and ready to purchase at eBay. Here's the line drawings:


There is more information about each pattern in the eBay listings. Go check out the "What's New" in the store.

If you want to keep up with what's in the store, I have joined Twitter. The ID is PatternLoft. I'm new at Twitter but will be attempting to make a new entry everyday.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Inspiration - Little Girl's Dress - Shop talk

I'm still looking at the little girl dresses for summer. Here's another example of a quick easy little dress with just a little bit of embellishment:

Rosette Shirt Dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim. This little dress is sleeveless with a round neckline and rosette front detail made from cotton. Price Tag: $195.00.

Again, I think this little dress could be duplicated using the Uptown Tops & Trousers by Indygo Junction. You would need to borrow some details from heirloom sewing such as adding pleats before actually cutting out the front. As far as the front detail, how about using a wide ribbon for the background and mitering one end. For the rosettes, you will have to play a little bit with this to get the desired look. Here is some information on how to make this type of a rose using ribbon - Make a Ribbon Rose. Use fabric instead of ribbon and be sure to sure thread/floss that matches. You might also consider cutting the fabric on the bias so there isn't much in the way of raveling. There are also a link for instructions on the March 13, 2009 blog entry.













The new pattern line has arrived. Here are three of the patterns. Aren't they wrapped beautifully? This is the first time that I have received patterns from a designer wrapped in such a way.

There is so many new items to be added that I almost don't know where to start. Lots of new patterns (and re-orders, too), buttons, threads, etc. It will take me more than a week or two to get this uploaded. Check back often. I will post what has been added.

Happy Sewing!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Inspiration for Children and Of Course Shoptalk

For me, Quilt Market is over. However, I've discovered that I'm finding several designer items that relate to piecing. Here's an example:

Here is the Striped Dress by Chloe. It is described as white/multicolored stripes, jewel neckline, sleeveless, straight skirt, and made from cotton. You really need to click the link and zoom in. The stripes are pieced cotton in shades of white to a light taupe. There could be some other pastel colors in there. Price tag is from $450 to $536. Think of the design possibilities with using this technique. It wouldn't have to be done in pastels and white. It could be bold. I would think that is wouldn't have to be just for children either.

I do have a pattern in the store for younger children with similar lines. It's Uptown Tops & Trousers by Indygo Junction. This pattern has 2 tops and pants.This is a very versatile pattern. One of the tops could easily made as a sleeveless dress/jumper and this technique could be used. Add fun to the project by letting your child pick the colors.

Happy Sewing!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Shop Talk - Quilt Market, New Patterns, and Inspiration

It's the middle of the Quilt Market. I have enjoyed going to my first market and it has been a bit overwhelming. There is so much stuff. I met several people - Kathy of Studio Kat, Jesse of Bananafana, Barbara of Vanilla House Designs, and Amy of Indygo Junction. Today will be my last day attending. Originally, I had planned on spending the whole day but I'm not going till later this afternoon.

I have purchased many new patterns and a new pattern line. All should be up at eBay by the end of new week. I even have a new PJ pattern for boys and girls. This is going to be a very versatile pattern. It contains versions for both summer and winter. Here's a peak:

















We had the most beautiful day in Pittsburgh yesterday. The sun was shining and the sky was blue. Ok, the sun does shine once in a while but we don't usually have the beautiful blue sky. This made me think about summer tops. Here's a few from the shop for you to think about:

The Perfect Tank Top pattern by Pamela's Patterns. This tank has a little more coverage along with the v-neck. When picking your size remember to use the high bust measurement.













Tank Dress Group pattern by Loes Hinse Design. This pattern is really versatile. It contains 2 dresses and 3 tops. Eileen Fisher uses the style in a lot of her summer items.






Tank Top / Pleated Top pattern by Silhouettes Patterns. This pattern has two top patterns included.

Don't forget about skirts and pants to go with those tops!

Happy Sewing!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Inspiration and Shop Talk

Here's a dress with lots of embroidery around the neckline. The Embroidered Dress by Shoshanna. It is made from a silk/linen blend. Along with the embroidery at the neckline, there are also some beads. This is dry clean only. Price Tag: $375.00







Here's an interesting Stretch Poplin Dress by Melissa Masse. It has a v-neck, bell sleeves, and made from cotton/spandex. This looks like it would be very easy to duplicate with the right pattern. Anyone have any pattern suggestions?






Here is a Leaf Print top by Penta. This top has a v-neck, sleeveless, and made from silk charmeuse. Dry clean only. Price tag: $145.00. This top would be easily to duplicate using Socialite Dress pattern by Anna Marie Horner. You would just need to decide on the desired length and figure out how much fabric.


Here's a Print Tank by Caroline Rose. It's 100% polyester and dry clean only. Price tag: $105.00. This would be very easy to duplicate using the Tank Top pattern by Silhouettes.







Hope you found some inspiration today.

Happy Sewing!