Intro to Sewing Video Series: Using Patterns from Books

6 Comments August 19, 2016 aimeevictorianarmoire

In this video, we will complete the sewing patterns series by focusing on patterns one can create from books. Once I began delving into this type of pattern creation and design, my sewing really began to flourish! While it may seem daunting and a little confusing at first, with a little time, patience, and some discount fabric, pattern creation from books can be extremely rewarding!

In today’s video I will cover:

The differences between patterns from a book versus a ready made pattern
My favorite historical fashion books ( list and links will be under the video)
How to create and store your patterns
Pros and Cons of sewing from books

Intro to Sewing Video Series: Intro to PDF Patterns

1 Comment August 12, 2016 aimeevictorianarmoire

Today’s topic may either instill excitement or dread: print-out-your-own PDF patterns! Perhaps you have never tried, or perhaps you have had limited luck, or perhaps you are one of those lucky few who have had nothing but success. Either way, today is all about helping you understand this wonderful sewing pattern option.

In today’s video I will discuss the following topics:

What are PDF or downloadable patterns
How to store these patterns
Digital patterns
Pros and Cons of PDF patterns

Intro to Sewing Video Series: Paper Patterns

6 Comments August 5, 2016 aimeevictorianarmoire

Hello my friends!

Today we start the first part of a three part series focusing on the many ways to find, create, understand, and store sewing patterns. In this ten minute video, I will focus on the following topics:

How to read the back of commercial sewing patterns
How to care for and store commercial sewing patterns
How to read and store historical sewing patterns from specialized pattern companies
Tips to remember when working with vintage patterns
The Pros and Cons for purchasing, working with, and storing paper patterns

Introduction to Tucks: Part Two

Leave a comment September 19, 2015 aimeevictorianarmoire

Last time we discussed the basic two types of tucks along with several examples. Now for my favorite type: the shell tuck.

I came across this particular tuck in one of my 1940’s sewing books. I had personally never seen it before, nor was I able to find any examples of this tuck in use. However, I was so enchanted by the design, and the relative easiness of the process, I had to include it!

Let’s bring back the shell tuck!!

Now, go and tuck! 🙂

~Aimee

Introduction to Tucks: Part One

Leave a comment September 5, 2015 aimeevictorianarmoire

I love the look of tucks on a dress. I find the look to be so sweet and elegant, and are surprisingly very easy to create. All you need is a steady hand and a little bit of patience. The most common types of tucks are the basic tuck, the corded tuck, and the lesser known shell tuck.

Here are a few examples:

This week we will learn how to make a basic tuck and a corded tuck, starting with a basic tuck.

The basic tuck can be created either vertically or horizontally to add interest or take up extra length on a skirt. This tuck can be used on any year of historical sewing.

The corded tuck adds some weight to garments and is often found on petticoats.

The only rule of thumb for any type of tuck is to make sure you add in extra fabric when you cut out your pattern to accommodate the tucks.

Next post: Making a Shell Tuck

Introduction to Darts: Part Two

Leave a comment August 22, 2015 aimeevictorianarmoire

Now that we have learned the basic way to make a dart, here are two more advanced, yet very common types of darts: the body dart and the tuck dart.

The body dart is most often used for one piece dresses, as well as fitted jackets. Instead of have a triangle shape like the basic dart, the body dart has a diamond shape. I find that I use this dart the most with historical sewing.

The tuck dart, or inverted tuck, is a basic dart turned upside down. This creates more fullness at the top and is most often seen in vintage sewing (1930’s-1950’s) right below the bust line.

Here are the steps to create these two darts, starting with the body dart.

Here again are several examples of darts on historical clothing…

There are so many types of darts to learn, but these will definitely get you on the right path to a better fit!

Happy Weekend!

~Aimee

Next month: Introduction to Tucks

Introduction to Darts: Part One

1 Comment August 8, 2015 aimeevictorianarmoire

Darts have to be my most favorite sewing technique hands down. It has saved many a bodice from being a disaster with it’s ability to curve and alter the design. Darts can be used to take in extra fullness at the waist, the shoulder, the elbow, and even over the hips.

Here are some examples:

This week, I have provided a visual tutorial for the basic dart. This is great for the tops of skirts, or bodices.

With a little practice, you will soon be darting everything in sight!