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Discovery of the Month
Have you ever seen a designer garment and thought, I would love to find a sewing pattern like that? Well, there’s an Instagram account that will help you match your favorite designer and ready-to-wear looks to sewing patterns.
Paperbagwaist is run by Erin Orr, a costume designer and supervisor for film and television who learned to sew while she was working her way up in the industry. She’s mostly self-taught, learning from “a lot of trial and error.”
“My motto is ‘there’s a pattern for that!’ because in most cases, there really is! It’s often vintage, and may need a few tweaks, but fashion is so cyclical. Most of what we are being sold has come down the pipeline before in one way or another. And there is nothing more satisfying than being able to say ‘I made it!’ when someone compliments your outfit.”
Erin’s Instagram account gives you a quick and easy way to compare the style lines on patterns to the clothing you find in your favorite boutique. It’s inspiring when you are looking for an adventurous new project—and it leads to some fun hunts on Etsy or eBay to find an out-of-print pattern.
Follow Paperbagwaist and give pattern-matching a try! And Erin loves to hear your success stories, “The absolute best is when someone is inspired to make something from a pattern I posted—and then shares it with me!”
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In this issue, The Fabric Store shares expert tips for sewing with merino wool—their specialty. Don’t miss the rest of their inventory, because there’s some special fabric to be found, everything from rayon and cotton to sustainable designer deadstock.
How Patterns Work: The Fundamental Principles of Pattern Making and Sewing in Fashion Design is a straightforward, super-clear explanation of how patterns translate to the body. What makes this book different is that it’s designed for the beginner. If you feel daunted by pattern making textbooks, read this first. It simplifies the concepts, and it’s the perfect companion to your traditional pattern making book!
Bianca is the face of Vintage on Tap, and her expert videos take you behind-the-scenes while she sews, to demonstrate how great fit affects your happiness and self-esteem. She covers individual patterns, tutorials for selecting fabric, techniques, and fitting videos—and keep an eye out as she documents sewing her own wedding dress!
