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Welcome back to Seamwork Radio! In today's special sewing roundup episode, we're sharing what we're making, what's exciting us in our sewing rooms, and answering listener questions. We'll also cover some new things we're trying and share our current recommendations.
Sewing Roundup: What We're Making and What's New
This episode is all about the projects on our cutting tables, the techniques we're experimenting with, and the tools that are making our sewing easier. Plus, we're answering your questions and sharing what's new at Seamwork!
Listener Question: Favorite Accessories to Sew
Marcy asks: "What is your favorite type of accessory to sew? I'm looking for ideas between bigger sewing projects."
Accessories are perfect palette cleansers between larger garment projects! They're quick wins that can help you practice new techniques, use up fabric scraps, and add finishing touches to your handmade wardrobe. Some of our favorites include bags, scarves, headbands, and hair accessories. They're also great for trying out new fabrics or colors you're not sure about yet.
Current Sewing Projects and Inspiration
We're always curious about what our fellow sewists are working on! Right now, we're thinking about shift dresses and all the possibilities they offer. A good shift dress pattern is like a blank canvas - you can play with fabrics, add embellishments, or keep it simple and classic.
The beauty of having go-to patterns in your arsenal is that you can return to them again and again, each time creating something completely different based on your fabric choice and finishing details.
Something New We're Trying
It's always exciting to branch out and try new creative practices! Sarai has been spending 15 minutes each morning doing drawing and watercolor painting. While this isn't sewing-related, creative cross-training like this can really influence and inspire your approach to garment construction and design.
Taking time for other creative pursuits can refresh your perspective on sewing and help you see your projects with new eyes. Whether it's sketching, painting, or even just looking at art and design in other mediums, it all feeds back into your sewing practice.
Tool Spotlight: Wonder Tape
Let's talk about wonder tape - this narrow, double-sided fusible tape is a game-changer for so many sewing situations! You can use it to hold buttons in place while you're sewing them on, which is especially helpful when you're dealing with multiple buttons or trying to get perfect spacing.
Wonder tape is also fantastic for stabilizing knit hems, holding pockets in precise position before stitching, and anywhere else you'd normally baste but want something more secure. It's one of those simple notions that can make your sewing process so much smoother.
What's New at Seamwork
We've got some exciting new patterns to share! Brom is a shirt dress with a unique pleated sleeve detail. It's fitted through the bust and waist with an A-line skirt that hits below the knee. The standout feature is the deep knife pleat at the sleeve hem, secured with buttons - it's such a sophisticated detail that elevates the whole design.
Cosmo is a pullover blouse with a flat lay collar and gathered sleeves. It's semi-fitted with elastic shaping at the back waist and a lovely V-neckline. The gathered sleeves with elastic at the hem give it a romantic, vintage-inspired feel.
Next week, on our YouTube channel, we are releasing a video called "Never Struggle With Plackets Again: The Easy Method" - perfect timing if you're planning to sew the Brom dress! We also recently covered sewing linings, which is always a popular topic.
Free Pattern Alert
This fall, you can get the Aims blouse pattern for free! Aims is a romantic, oversized button-up blouse with raglan sleeves and front and back gathers on a lined, curved yoke. It features tons of volume from all those gathers, and the yoke is perfect for adding special details like embroidery or contrasting fabrics. It's the kind of pattern that feels like you're creating an heirloom piece.
What projects are you working on right now? What new techniques are you excited to try? We'd love to hear about your current sewing adventures in the comments!
