I have a new favorite fabric. Its name? Seawool! A few weeks ago, I decided to film a Ribbed Neckline Tutorial using the M&M Fielder Dress pattern. I needed to pick a woven fabric to complement the precut ribbing I intended to use, so – on a whim – I selected the Black colorway of [Read More]
31
Dec
Dec
The #FreeSpiritCoatStory is an awesome contest with great prizes, and it’s perfect for The Confident Stitch and our customers! Why, you may ask? Because, just like The Confident Stitch, it includes quilting AND garment-making! Plus, Free Spirit is awarding valuable prizes! Ending up with a gorgeous quilted coat that fits you like a dream is [Read More]
09
Dec
Dec
Sewing a ribbed neckline is challenging. The pattern piece never seems to be the right size, which in turn causes your neckline to either float away from your body or pucker like mad. I have a simple, stretch-as-you-go technique that results in a perfect neckline (almost) every time! Two main factors dictate the length of [Read More]
03
Dec
Dec
Over the past few years, I’ve noticed an increased amount of jumpsuit love – and it makes sense! What is more functional and comfortable than a grown-up onesie with extra pockets?! Whether you call this garment style overalls, dungarees, a boiler suit, or a jumpsuit – there’s no denying it’s a workhorse! Comfort? ✅ Function? [Read More]
26
Nov
Nov
Guess what!?! It’s that time of year again: Gift Making Time! I like to give people gifts made by me, or gifts, such as the Grainline Field Bag Kit, that they will enjoy making themselves. In either situation, the Grainline Studio Field Bag is perfect because of how little time it takes to make. I’ve [Read More]
21
Nov
Nov
Sometimes the most difficult thing about sewing – be it garment making or quilting – is knowing where to begin. How do I pick my fabric? Is it right for what I have in mind? What other fabrics will complement it? Will it look good on me? How do I care for it? What pattern [Read More]
12
Nov
Nov
Bonnie, the The Confident Stitch Sample Maker, recently sewed the Cashmerette Rivermont Top #1203 out of a St. James Knit in White with Navy Stripes. She made it for my daughter, Charlotte, who lives in Denver. Charlotte is a little bit smaller than me, but if something fits me, it’ll most likely fit her as [Read More]
22
Oct
Oct
Halloween is fast approaching, and with it comes the “costume conundrum” at The Confident Stitch. Halloween costumes are the antithesis of what we stand for. We love quality that lasts a lifetime. Costumes are usually poorly constructed single-use items. What is the solution to the conundrum? Create something that is neither poorly constructed nor single-use. [Read More]
14
Oct
Oct
The Somerset T-Shirt from Maven Patterns is an effortlessly stylish top designed for light to medium weight knits with a minimum of 40% crosswise & lengthwise stretch. It features an elegant bateau neckline, a flattering slim fit (which nicely accentuates the waist!), and 4 sleeve options: a long straight sleeve, a 3/4 length straight sleeve, [Read More]
23
Sep
Sep
For years I’ve wanted to make a cross-back apron, but I’m actually not a regular apron-wearer, so I hadn’t gotten around to it. Then we got the Maven Patterns Maria Apron pattern and soon after that the wonderful Charley Harper Organic Eastern Meadowlark Canvas in Forest. I knew as soon as I saw the canvas [Read More]