Today is the start of something new. We are launching a collection, not in one go but over time it will be added to at various points. The pieces are not flashy but they are necessary. Welcome to the Basics Collection.
Like many sewers I love making clothes, but there are some pieces that I’ve never found the right pattern for, or it was easier to get a ready to wear piece because the patterns weren’t modern and didn’t work the way I wanted. These were just every day pieces, Basics.
Throughout May I watched with eager anticipation to see what everyone was wearing for Me Made May. During the month and in almost all the round ups people mentioned that they need Basics. Everyday pieces that fitted into their lifestyles. That let them be comfortable after a hard day at work, allowed them to be active with the family of a weekend or were just a necessary addition to their wardrobe.
This tied in with my need for pieces that allowed me to have an entirely me made wardrobe that let comfort and fashion merge and are the items that are at the core of what many of us wear.
And so the Basics Collection came into being. Today a single piece kicks it off. A women’s racer back singlet, suitable for stretch knit fabrics.
In each pattern you receive
- pdf pattern that utilises the least amount of paper to print it on. Works on both letter and A4 formats
- copy shop print size, see the file name for the size of paper you need for printing
- an instruction manual. Read the handy “read before printing” page to see which pages you need to print out. Saving you paper and ink
- the signature Measure Twice Cut Once Designer Manual which gives you the opportunity to flex your design skills and bring your own style to the pattern
Over time the Basics Collection will be added to. Giving you modern patterns that perfectly fill those gaps within your wardrobe.
velosewer
Nice idea. Basics are not amazing or earth shattering but necessary. I like it.
Susan Goodwin
Thanks! I just kept feeling silly buying Basics because I couldn’t find the right patterns, so I made the patterns! Seemed easier than continuing to buy things that are easy enough to make.
Sewsarahblog
Think this is an awesome idea! Can’t wait to try it!
Susan Goodwin
I’m so glad you like the idea! I’ve been worried all day that people might think it was a bit boring to work on basics. So far the response is fantastic, couldn’t be happier.
Kirsty
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see what else is in the Basics collection.
Susan Goodwin
Thanks! It’s quite nice to work on every day pieces.
Christy
Wow you are getting quite the collection here. Congratulations!
Susan Goodwin
Thank you! It’s great to be able to continually add to the collection and see it grow.
Stephanie
You so read my mind. Only on the weekend was I looking for a singlet (yes some of us still wear them) and and couldn’t find anything half decent. So getting this a making at least 5 of them . well done.
Susan Goodwin
I’m so glad everyone likes the idea, I’m always looking for something comfy for after work when I want to just chill. I figured making it was the easiest way to get it.
Crafty Albumine
Love this idea of this collection! I can’t wait to try it… You never have enough basic garments 🙂
Susan Goodwin
So very happy to know everyone is liking the idea.Everyday pieces are super appealing because we do wear them all the time.
Claire
Great idea. Basics might seem ordinary but being able to make them in the colours you want, exactly when you need them is one of the main reasons I’m learning to sew. I WILL end up with the perfect tee-shirt that I can replicate to my wardrobe’s content. I’m looking forward to seeing this collection grow.
Susan Goodwin
aren’t we all looking for the perfect tee-shirt? I have 2 current favourites, maybe a 3rd just sneaking in. It’s exciting to know the basics collection will keep growing just like my own wardrobe does as I add pieces to it.
Erin
I agree with everyone else – an excellent idea! It’s funny how it’s the basic garments that you wear the most, but that are the furthest down the list when it comes to thinking of what to sew. If I did a tally of everything I wear, the tank tops that I wear as pyjama tops in both summer and in winter (underneath a jumper when it’s chilly) would come out clearly on top. After all, I might wear a particular me-made dress only once in a week, but I wear pyjamas every night. I purchased all your knicker patterns last week (I only just recently discovered your blog and shop) and I think I might have to add this singlet to my collection 🙂
Susan Goodwin
Oh I am so glad you like the idea of the collection and that you like the knicker patterns too! When I look at what I wear, the pieces that get the most wear were knickers, bras and basics like singlets. Well 2 out of 3 are now made by me and I’m working on the third!
Alex
More often than not it’s the well designed and fitted basics that become the go-to’s for me. A favorite pair of jeans with a great white tank or tee with a scarf (Marimekko of course!) are what I generally reach for outside of work. Excited that some great well designed patterns will finally be available!
Susan Goodwin
oh yes the Marimekko is a must! am so so so glad people like the idea of basics. I was trying to find the holes in my cupboard and that’s when I realise I buy the most basic pieces and that I didn’t need to.
Gillian
Woah, I love this concept! I was just talking today on Twitter with some other sewists about how great it would be to be able to buy mix-and-match blocks for basic knit dresses. For example, a kimono sleeved bodice, a sleeveless bodice, and a bodice with sleeves… a full skirt and a straighter skirt… expansion packs with different kinds of sleeves, necklines etc… It would be SO great! I mean, I basically already have TNT patterns for all of those things, but it would be great to have it ready to mix and match so that every new pattern didn’t need a muslin! That’s my dream…
Susan Goodwin
ohh that’s a good dream to have! I like that idea.
Fabric Tragic
Amazing idea, and I just realised I wasn’t following you, so that has been amended! Am now off to find your Spotlight bunny dress! 🙂
Susan Goodwin
Thank you!
I think bunny dress may be pre blogging days, you can spot it during my Me Made May round up though? I do love the Japanese Lawn fabric, it’s so lovely to wear and perfect for the Sydney climate where you want coolness without sheerness.