Soon we are going to be having a bit of a celebration sale for our 1st Birthday!
Newsletter subscribers are going to get a few days advance notice, so why not sign up now and be the first to get the news?
I promise that the Newsletter will be jam packed filled with good things, not spammy and not too often.
Even though it’s technically meant to be winter here in Sydney it seems my brain and the weather have skipped straight to summer and so I thought a timely release of some summer tops was in order. So here are two brand new releases for the Basics Collection.
Women’s tank top featuring bound straps and stretch band at waist. Sure to become a wardrobe staple as you layer it under jackets, wear it on it’s on in the summer time and mix it up with some trims to make cute sleepwear. A very versatile wardrobe addition.
Suitable for knits. Body ideal for combed cotton knit, jerseys,interlocks and single jerseys or knits with lycra. Need a minimum of 5% stretch. Binding can be self fabric, fold over elastic or woven bias binding. Band fabric Ideal for Rib knits, knits with an elastane/lycra/spandex content is necessary.
Women’s Baseball Singlet with scoop hem and low back. Featuring twin needle neck, armholes and hem. Perfect for a warm summer day with a low scoop back (not too low you can still wear a bra) and then the curved hems skim over the hip ensuring a flattering look over the stomach.
Suitable for stretch knits with more than 5% stretch only. Ideal for knits, jersey, interlocks, ribs and lycra blends. An elastane/lycra/spandex content is highly recommended for a better fit.
Both are available right now in the shop.
The very talented Beth from Sew DIY has nominated me to be next in the Blog Hop. It’s aim is to share a little bit about the creative process and what inspires us to share and create. It’s been wonderful thinking over why and how I create. I highly recommended if you are feeling a little chaotic or down, take some time to reflect on your makes. It will lift your spirits and give you a renewed sense of accomplishment!
Why do I write?
I write because it’s one of the easiest ways to communicate. I wish I could talk to everyone in person and explain all my ideas and designs. That however would take a lot of time and involve a lot of travel. So while that would be awesome, I can’t afford that much travel.
Instead I write and try and communicate my ideas and design philosophy that way. I love to share ideas and knowledge so I’m trying to communicate as much “stuff” as I think is interesting to people. Sometimes I get stuck, in that I have too many ideas and no way of knowing if people would find it deadly dull or really interesting? When that happens if I find it interesting, then it goes up.
What am I working on?
I’m working on new patterns, so many ideas and plans happening there. I have 2 new patterns releasing tomorrow!
So far I’ve been working at releasing patterns as mini style ranges and this idea is going to continue. I want everything to co ordinate together so it becomes part of a larger more cohesive brand philosophy. I’m big with planning and from working as a designer we tend to plan out our collections 12 to 18 months in advance. I’ve been taking this approach with Measure Twice Cut Once and have a release schedule planned out. This helps me to be organised and allows me to slow down a little too. Sometimes I want to rush and get it all out there. Then I sit back and look at the schedule and say to myself “no there is a plan here, stick with it”. I want the business itself to be sustainable but also fun. Sewing is enjoyable and I want to encourage people to sew and create their own styles in a way that is difficult to do when you have to rely on ready to wear.
Personally I’m also working on some sewing of my own. I want to be ready for summer so I’m trying to add in some pieces that were missing last summer. Sewing for myself goes in cycles and it seems so much of my summer garments have just worn out, am looking forward to replacing loved pieces and finding new styles to try.
This year I also set myself some sewing challenges. One of which was making my own underwear, so I’m looking forward to finishing up some bras very soon. I’m also stash busting and have found some truly wonderful pieces that I have loved adding to my wardrobe. I’ve really liked setting myself a challenge this year, am thinking over what I should challenge myself to sew next year already.
How does it differ from others of its genre?
I hope it does? I’m trying to share my knowledge of working within the fashion industry and how I mix that with my own sewing and of course, developing patterns.
I think I’m still finding my voice. Working on what I am trying to communicate. Long term I’d like to have the blog contain informative posts about the patterns, new release’s and hacks/DIY’s you can do with the patterns. Plus I’d like it to have more series and articles covering design and how things are approached from an industry viewpoint. I tend to pull inspiration from everywhere and feel like sewers could learn from industry in the same way knowing how to sew influences my design and industry practices. It’s not a case of one being better than the other, more of a collaborative duo that can benefit from each other.
I also want to show more of my own makes, I’m terribly behind on my own makes as I keep putting them aside for more sample testing or patterns. In looking back over the blog for the Blog Hop it’s the one thing that is glaringly obvious to me. I need to show more of my own pieces, not only to show the person behind the brand but also I genuinely enjoy the comment and feedback from the sewing community. So that’s a big challenge I am setting myself and have the determination to make sure I don’t fall behind on it again.
How does my writing process work?
I open a post and write? I try to write like I talk, but I also like to be organised so there are plenty of pre written posts that get scheduled in advance. I want to try and share knowledge as much as possible so I try to write in a way of sharing and I hope that comes across?
I have lists and lists of topics I want to write about, so I write a list and then try and add it to a plan. Sometimes people will ask a question or mention something in passing and that sparks an idea so it all goes on the list and then I filter it out later when I sit down to write.
To keep myself on track I have an iCal colour co ordinated schedule so I know what posts are going live on what dates. This way if work or life gets in the way there is always something happening on the blog. I deliberately leave gaps though as I want to be spontaneous and celebrate things as they happen too. I work as a freelance designer a lot, so I will go from weeks of non stop to to a break of a few days or a week and then back again. It can be tiring but it also forces you to be organised about everything. From buying groceries to getting the washing done. So in the quiet work times I like to bank as much work as I can here on the blog so that the creativity of my day job feeds the blog and vice versa.
As part of the Blog Hop I get to nominate the next creative person to join in. I’m choosing the lovely Erin from Dog Under My Desk, not only does she do the most amazing bag patterns, she is soon to take the big leap and come to live in Sydney! I can’t wait to finally meet her in person.
Writing about fabrics is so difficult. Do you go super indepth and technical, do you make it so they look at garments they already have. What if the fabrics are called different names in different countries. What if you suggest a fabric and someone tries and it doesn’t work?
This and a million more questions bombard my brain when I go to write about fabrics. So much so you’ll notice that this post is out of sequence to what I told you was going to happen in the Basic’s schedule.
So I’m breaking fabrics down and going with what feels right.
All fabrics are different and a fabric that may work perfectly for me may not work for you. Reason being is not all fabrics are created equal and we all want things to fit in a certain way. So before we even get into specific fabrics my best advice is to make your muslin/toile/sample in as close as possible fabric to your final fabric. Ideally if you can make it in the exact same fabric that would be awesome (though not always practical or affordable). If you use something with super stretch to it and make all your adjustments based on that and then the next time you use the pattern you use something with barely any stretch then there are going to be issues.
So number 1 tip – use the same or as close as possible fabric as you can for your muslin/toile/sample.
Number 2 tip – check your stretch % and mark it on your pattern so when you come back to it you can check your new fabric and see if changes need to be made. Your future self will be happy with you if you do this.
To check % I tend to grab a piece of paper and draw a 10cm square on it (hint: use the size test piece included in your pattern). I cut a 10cm square of fabric or I mark 10cm square on the fabric. Stretch the 10cm of fabric as far as you can and mark it in the paper. Do this for the height and width of the fabric square. You want to cut out with the stretchiest direction of the fabric going around your body not up and down. Measure how far over the 10cm your fabric stretched and then turn this into a %.
Number 3 tip – measure yourself, measure the actual pattern pieces (allow for seam allowances). Choose the size that suits you best taking into account the % stretch you can use from your fabric. Ideally for the Race Back Singlet you want to use a little bit of stretch but not all of the stretch. If you are using it for a super fitted or swim top then you may perhaps want to use more of the stretch but just make sure you can still breathe ok?
Once you have that you can cut out and start sewing. In order to get to this stage though we need to talk about some specific fabric choices. In the pattern I’ve suggested
Suitable for stretch knits only. Ideally for 1 x 1 Rib knits, jersey, interlocks. An Lycra/spandex/elastane content is highly recommended for a better fit. The finished garment measurements are measured without the aid of stretch so you can see you need a proper stretch fabric to ensure a good fit.
1 x 1 Rib – rib is beautiful to wear, soft and supple it gives you stretch and comfort. Look for lightweight ribs that feature a high % of cotton for a nice comfortable top. Some ribs will contain Lycra/spandex/elastane and some are finished with an elastomeric finish. This is a treatment that is added to the rib after it has been made and should be a permanent finish (meaning it’s not one that washes out).
Jersey – now this is a name that gets thrown around alot to describe almost any kind of knit fabric. I tend to use the term in the same way as Wikipedia does. A single layer of knit fabric that is most suitable for t-shirts. Jerseys can be a bit more stable than other knits so check your stretch % and measurements. I like jersey because it is stable and sometimes we don’t all want super soft clingy style fabrics. It also comes in different weights which can be super handy when building a wardrobe consisting of layering pieces.
Interlock – a softer more supple type of knit fabric. Interlock is often found in undergarments and very drapey styles of knit. This softness is wonderful to wear and play with though I can sometimes find it slightly unforgiving and prone to showing all the bumps.
With Lycra/spandex/elastane – the addition of any of this fibre will increase a fabrics stretch. The amount of Lycra added to the fabric is often given as a $ for example 95% cotton 5 % Lycra. This is not the same as stretch %, sometimes the 2 get a little mixed up.
Incorrectly some swim, dance and performance fabrics often get referred to as “Lycra”. While they may contain Lycra it’s more likely the actual fabric is a polyester/Lycra or a nylon/Lycra. This is good to know when searching online for fabrics and the terminology is different from the generic terms you may be used to using.
All of these fabrics would be good choices for the Racer Back Singlet and I hope you have fun experimenting with the style of fabric that suits you best.
Last week I shared with you some inspiration from The Designer Manual and how you can treat any pattern like a block and bend it, twist it, hack it to make it your style. Today I’m back with some extra images of inspiration that would all work perfectly with the Racer Back Singlet pattern.
1 – scoop out the underarms to create this look, paired with a black pencil skirt for an unexpected but fashionable ensemble. Image via The Sartorialist.
2 – a painterly fabric is on trend and adds a pop of colour to your look. Image via Friend in Fashion
3 – The always stylish Jessica Alba pairs a singlet with coloured skinnies and a blazer, I could’ve filled an entire inspiration magazine with cool photos of her rocking singlets.
I cannot find the correct image link for this one, if anyone knows can they let me know so I can update?
4 – a lace back can really showcase the beauty of the fabric. Image via KeC
In every pdf pattern released by Measure Twice Cut Once includes the exclusive Designer Manual.
When I first decided I wanted to release patterns I wanted to bring to them something more than one pattern is one make. I wanted it to be like how I work as a designer. When I’m working on a range a huge number of variables come into play from market wants/needs all the way down to how many cents I can spend on buttons. Some days it can feel a bit like design by numbers. But it has taught me a very valuable skill.
Every garment is a block.
A best seller last season can be tweaked this year and re released to become something new and exciting. Substitute that ruffle for a placket, move that trim, use that trim over there. Make things mix and match.
All of this has accumulated into the Designer Manual. Take the Racer Back tank, here are just some of the variations suggested
Even more than using my suggestions, I want you to use your own ideas. Mix and blend your own style into the shapes. Make it your own. Make it work for your lifestyle and what you want.
It’s truly exciting to be able to release the patterns and then see what you all create with them. The endless interpretations are a fascinating insight into what we all want from our wardrobes and how we make our styles work for us.
I sincerely hope that the Designer Manual inspires you to bring your own design skills to the patterns and interpret them for yourself.
Thank you all for the great response to the release of the Basics Collection yesterday. I’m so glad that the concept of wearable everyday Basics is so appealing to everyone.
To help you out with fabrics and planning for your new Basics there are some posts coming up that are filled with information. Here is a brief rundown of what you can expect
Requests have already been coming in for pieces that people want as everyday basics so if you have a special request pop it into the comments and we will see what we can do for you.
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
Over time the Basics Collection will be added to. Giving you modern patterns that perfectly fill those gaps within your wardrobe.
The lovely Mel from Made by Melanie has nominated me for a Liebster award. It’s a series of questions you pass via various bloggers so you get to know a bit more about them.
So without further ado here is my Q and A
1. Why did you start blogging?
I started this sewing blog only last year. I had been sitting on the outskirts of the sewing community and honestly it looked like fun so I jumped on in. Previously I have blogged for my other online business, contribute to women in business blogs and run some community event blogs.
2. How do you get yourself out of a sewing funk?
I used to buy more fabric. Mum always says when you are feeling uninspired there is nothing like a new piece of fabric to get you started again. Now that I’m in stash busting mode, I like to take a look at my patterns and see which ones can be made up the fabrics I already have.
3. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Japan or England.
Japan because it’s awesome and I love traveling there whenever I get a chance and England because that’s where The Englishman is from and I love going to visit.
England is far prettier than it is given credit for. Filled with amazing places and food. Too often people dismiss it or only talk of London as a destination but I’m thoroughly enjoying seeing bits of the country each time we visit.
4. Sewing for other people: love it or loathe it?
An entire garment from start to finish love it. Mending or alterations HATE IT. Except I’m stupid, too nice and polite and either offer or when people ask I say yes. I’m resolving that after the batch I have now, am not doing any more alterations ever. Unless people are willing to pay ridiculously large sums of money and bribe me with chocolate and Liberty fabric.
5. What is your best feature?
I’m willing to help. Ask me how to do something and I’ll show you. Ask me to help you move house and I’m there. It sometimes backfires on me but mostly it’s ok. I love sharing knowledge and learning from other people so I like to share what knowledge I have.
6. What is your favourite fabric shop?
Nomura Tailor in Kyoto, no trip to Japan is complete until I have spent hours in there (and a small fortune).
7. What is your biggest sewing sin?
I never swap out my needles. I sew till that sucker breaks. It’s a terrible habit but I’ve also not had problems doing that either. It would have to be a very fancy and expensive piece of fabric that would prompt me to put in a new needle.
8. If you could make any sewing process disappear, what would it be?
Alterations. I want every pattern to perfectly fit me as soon as I cut it out. That would be bliss.
9. Which other crafts, if any, do you do?
Counted cross stitch, softie making (which is kind of part of normal sewing too I guess), drawing and photography. Does baking count? am a keen cook and baker always looking to improve my skills there. I also quite excel in the art of cat fur accumulation, though in truth that’s mostly the mini.
10. Cats or dogs?
Cats! Well cat singular as I don’t think Miss Mini would be very happy if there were cats plural.
Mini proving one can never be too comfortable or too fuzzy. I would love a sausage dog but mini would hate it and be like 8 times bigger than it too. It would be hard to explain that the dog nearly suffocated because the cat sat on it! Plus we have no space.
Thanks so much Mel for the nomination, I hope everyone learnt a bit more about me. Now it’s time to nominate some others, so they can share along too.
Maria from How good is that?
Steff from Where I create
Amanda from Bimble and Pimble
Michelle from ButtonTreeLane
Natalie from Natalie Jane Handmade
Sometimes things happen that are just really awesome, and this is one of those things. Last week we told you the pattern was available and now here is a bit more of the back story on how it all came about.
When we released the patterns I got in touch with Peppermint magazine to see if they would be interested in featuring them? Not only were they interested they wanted a design they could offer as a free PDF download as part of their Sewing School.
Yes! how exciting to be able to share a pattern with everyone.
We decided to work on a unisex pattern. With a few changes it goes from a standard men’s boxer short to a pretty women’s boxer perfect for bed time. I made up some samples for a photoshoot and sent them up to the Peppermint magazine office.
Here is how it all looks in the magazine (image via Peppermint). How fabulous is this photo?
This entire issue is dedicated to all things sewing and has wonderful profiles on how different people use sewing every day and as a means of earning money. I urge everyone to pick up a copy as it is a fascinating and inspiring read.
To get your FREE boxer short pattern follow this link and be sure to let us know about your makes, we can’t wait to see what style and fabrics you choose.
Huge thank you to Peppermint magazine for not only producing such a fabulous magazine every issue but for also featuring our patterns.
