. 
and the living is easy . . . . June, 2013
 
.
New Fall Patterns

Time to do what we do in the summer, purge the closet, make a new wardrobe and dream up new places to wear it!  To make sure the living is easy this summer, the new patterns are pullover or slip-on with no closures that always need fixing or any of those annoying fitting 'issues' -- no matter what shape you're in. They just float over the body and land in the right places. Things work, life's easy!


The Batwing Blouse
.
The Batwing has only one main pattern piece which is cut twice making this project a fast one! It's a blouse cut on the straight grain at front and back (with fold or seam),  which causes the cut-in-one sleeve to fall on the bias and drape softly against the body. The hemline shapes to the hip with a bias gusset and the wrists fit closely. The pattern may also be left open in the front as a cardigan. It coordinates perfectly with the Cocoon Coat, below, with its similar dolman sleeves. Details.


   

The Cocoon Coat  

.

This short coat is based upon the molded elegant look of the toppers in the Balenciaga era. It has deep dolman 3/4 raglan sleeves which begin at the hip and are seamed into a funnel neck.  It has a front facing but no closures. The lavender  sample is done in wool coating with a directional nap and the rust is a polyester taffeta; both create an interesting change in light reflection for the design.  Lining is optional. Some of the variations for this design include a variety of fabrics from sheers to rain wear --  and it could be cut as a full length coat, perhaps with a zipper! Details.         

Next
 
The Four Square Dress

 
This one is totally bias but never clings, just skims.  I have one more sample to do but already I know I'm going to live in it!  Anything that is one pattern piece, makes me look great and pops over the head, is just a complete winner.  Think I'll just stack up lots of fabrics  and cut a bunch at once -- short, long, variable hems -- they'll all work.  The next version will be in in a shimmery crepe-back satin in black or cream so stay tuned for that next month.

Then after that -- MEN!  I feel personally responsible for coming up with something in the jacket department this fall that will rescue men from boring blazers.  Have we all had it with same old or what??  The jacket will be subtle, very cool and very different -- nothing scary, guys, and it may convince you that learning to sew has a strange mechanical attraction!  And for a more important rationale to get on board, read this and then -- make the jacket!
 
.
Last thing  . . .

This is a good time to cut and sew outside -- set up a table and move the operation outdoors!  Teach a kid out there!  You'll feel like you're doing what you're supposed to be doing to keep the outdoors great. You have to live it if you're going to make a difference.


Thanks to all and Happy Fourth!!
Sandy Ericson
Center for Pattern Design
Join Our Mailing List!