racer back tank – Measure Twice Cut Once

Posted on 24/10/201723/10/2017 by Susan Goodwin — 2 Comments

Sewing Adventures: Running Sloths

This top has been in the to do pile for at least 2 years? Possibly longer. I ordered the sloths when I got some pandas (you can see the pandas made up here).
Originally I had planned them as running tops and the pandas work ok but the fabric just isn’t good enough for summer running. So I’ve found that it makes it into the rotation for walks, weights and being on the bike trainer (like spin class but you get to use your own bike).

The sloths have been just waiting for the hemming to be done since the day after the pandas were made. Earlier in the year when I had planned to get a coverstitch machine this was going to be first thing I did. Then the getting of a coverstitch turned into a debacle and once again the sloths got set aside.

During my month of getting stuff done, I got my new Prym jersey twin needle, threaded it up and spent about 15 minutes finishing it off. Am so glad I did. Not only is it finished it also makes a nice addition to my current work out wear (current work outs consisting of walking or bike trainer, not allowed to do anything else yet). I still feel (and look!) quite swollen so I know these photos are in no way flattering but they are an accurate reflection of where I’m currently at.

The twin needle works like a dream. Perfect stitching and just glides over the fabric with not a care in the world. I’ll certainly be putting it through it’s paces on all kinds of knit projects from now on. Speaking of dreams, how lovely is my running view?

Overall I’m enjoying the sloths, much like the pandas I feel like the scale is too big and creates a kiddy type look as opposed to a cool print look. The fabric is fine for activities that don’t create huge amounts of sweat but the face of the fabric is quite easily affected. I already have more than one pull in the fabric from it snagging on a pin, my nails or general no rough useage.

Pattern: Women’s Racer Back Singlet from the Measure Twice Cut Once Basics range
Fabric: Activewear jersey from Spoonflower
Alterations: lengthened, graded out 2 sizes from Bust to Hem.

Posted on 25/07/201419/06/2019 by Susan Goodwin — Leave a comment

Using your Designer Manual for Basics

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.

Posted on 22/07/201419/06/2019 by Susan Goodwin — 4 Comments

Basics Collection – information schedule

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

Choosing fabrics for your Racer Back singlet
Types of stitching
Ideas from the Designer Manual
Additional inspiration
Sewalong dates

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.