Sparking Creativity with a Single Sewing Pattern

 Are you ready to dive into new sewing patterns, or do you want to challenge yourself to create something amazing with the ones you already have?

In our example pattern, Vogue 7538 was released in 1968. The sewist noted a similarity to Simplicity 7467, released in March 1976, albeit with a wider neckline and the addition of a ruffled, tiered skirt included in the pattern. 

Here are some ideas based on her notes.

1. Lengthen the blouse to wear over pants

2. Substitute a buttoned cuff instead of elastic at the wrist. How dramatic would this look with a cavalier cuff? A frilled or ruffled cuff? What about an entire wardrobe of detachable cuffs to suit any mood?

 

3. Smock the top of the sleeves or the bodice---or both--- instead of gathering.

4. Use color blocks, prints, or different textured fabrics (e.g., eyelet and cotton voile), which might be a stash-buster if you don't have enough of either fabric!

5. Lengthen the bodice to dress length. Use a 20" zipper for opening or widen the neck for pullover dress.

6. Convert back opening to front opening and self-face or bias-bind. Close with buttons or tie.

7. Add a frill or ruffle to neck.

8. Change the jewel neckline to something else. 

9. Consider fabric choice. Vogue 7538 recommended "soft fabrics such as broadcloth, surah, crepe, and jersey." The sewist suggested voiles and sheers. Simplicity 7467 recommended "crepe, crepe-back satin, crinkled muslin, gauze, challis, chintz, sateen, cotton broadcloth, printed voile, flocked fabric, lightweight knit." How would your fabric choice affect drape and wearability?

10. Consider belts as accessories! A self-fabric or contrasting fabric obi belt or macrame belt would rein in fullness. There are many online obi belt pattern tutorials. Here are a few:

DIY Reversible Obi Belt Tutorial

DIY Trendy Obi Belt

DIY Loewe Denim Obi Corset Belt

Working from a pattern you’ve already sewn gives you so many advantages. You already know what alterations will be required, you understand the fit, and it’s likely to coordinate effortlessly with pieces already in your wardrobe.

The sewist who had Vogue 7538 in her collection wrote notes to herself on the outside of the envelope. What’s your favorite way to experiment with a pattern you already love?

How do you organize or keep track of your sewing projects?

It's Just Fabric; We Can Out-Think It

 

It's just fabric; we can out-think it.

It seems that you are quoting a phrase from a sewing discussion topic on PatternReview.com. The phrase was used by a user named BriarRose, who was commenting on a thread about Carol Burnett's outfit on a TV special. The user was expressing their admiration for the fabric design and their confidence in their sewing skills.

The phrase could also be interpreted as a metaphor for creativity and problem-solving. It implies that fabric is not a fixed or rigid material, but rather something that can be manipulated and transformed by human ingenuity. It also suggests that there are no limits to what one can achieve with fabric, as long as one has the right mindset and attitude.

There are other contexts where the phrase could be relevant, such as physics, fashion, or philosophy. For example, some physicists have argued that spacetime is not really a fabric, but rather an illusion or an emergent phenomenon. Some fashion experts have criticized the sustainability of fast fashion and the use of synthetic fabrics. Some philosophers have explored the nature of reality and the role of human perception in shaping it.

In any case, the phrase is an interesting and provocative one, and it could inspire many different kinds of creative works. For example, one could write a poem, a story, a song, or a code using the phrase as a theme or a prompt. Here is an example of a poem that I wrote using the phrase:

It's Just Fabric; We Can Out-Think It

It's just fabric; we can out-think it 
We can cut it, sew it, dye it, knit it 
We can make it into anything we want 
A dress, a coat, a hat, a flaunt

It's just fabric; we can out-think it 
We can stretch it, bend it, fold it, twist it 
We can shape it into any form we need 
A tent, a sail, a flag, a creed

It's just fabric; we can out-think it 
We can weave it, quilt it, patch it, stitch it 
We can mend it into something new and strong 
A bond, a bridge, a story, a song

It's just fabric; we can out-think it 
We can dream it, design it, create it, invent it 
We can make it into something that reflects our soul 
A vision, a passion, a purpose, a goal

This entire article and accompanying graphic image were generated by an AI prompt on the phrase "It's just fabric; we can out-think it."

Neighborhood Group Meetings Are Held on Zoom!

 

Are you worried about possible exposure to COVID-19, but still want to connect with your sewing buddies? We have the answer, and it's ZOOM!

All of our Neighborhood Groups are meeting virtually to share our love of sewing, no matter what form that might take---embroidery, quilting, crafting, and garment sewing. We are also still meeting at the same Neighborhood Group meeting times listed on our site, and we have sought out subject matter experts to do special event presentations on what we call "Fourth Saturdays!"

We have found that Zoom meetings have increased attendance as driving, distance, and traffic frequently present barriers to gathering. Zoom is an app that can be easily mastered and there are plenty of tutorials to help you adjust to this new normal. 

If you're not on our list to receive information about our Zoom meetings, contact one of the Neighborhood Group leaders on our site. We also post our meetings and reminders on Groupworks.

If you're sewing masks, we'd love to know how many you've sewn so we can add that to our tally. This helps us support our charitable organization status as a chapter of the American Sewing Guild. 

Spring Fling 2020: "Sew Your Own Path" on March 14, 2020!

Join us on Saturday, March 14, 2020, to hear Michelle Umlauf share her story on how she went "against the grain" to pursue a career in the sewing industry!

Michelle graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and spent nearly 20 years working for the federal government. With her husband’s encouragement and support, she made a major career change and is now pursuing her dream of teaching others how to sew, quilt and embellish. Michelle is a member of the American Sewing Guild. In 2014, she became the president of the Maryland ASG Chapter.

Michelle enjoys all types of sewing and likes to challenge herself with incorporating new techniques in her projects. She is partial to free-motion sewing, and using Sulky products has helped her learn and gain confidence in this skill. Michelle says that the book, Embellish Your Life with Sulky, is right up her alley. She hopes to inspire you at our annual Spring Fling!

In case you haven’t yet signed up for our March 14th Spring Fling or the workshop the day before, please remember to send your registration soon.
More things to do at the Spring Fling:

• Swap fabric or sewing supplies on our Swap Table  
• Participate in our fashion show 
• Channel your inner kindergartner and enjoy "show and tell"

You will have a great time & a chance to catch up with your sewing friends!  

The Registration Form is attached.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1fez96nZgkqgWRyWxEk6BaCJ0h_vYG1AY
The deadline is March 2, 2020.
Mail your Registration Forms soon!