Sewing Clothes For Your Body Type

Whether you follow the latest trends or set your own, knowing which garments suit your body shape is key to feeling comfortable in your own (clothed!) skin.  And if you just happen to sew your own clothes, then you absolutely know that every pattern may not be the right fit for you. Since everyone is a different shape and size, identifying which styles of clothing will complement your frame comes with ease if you are familiar with your body type.

The most common body types are pear (or bell), apple (or triangle), banana (or straight), and hourglass. Next time you’re picking up a pattern, keep a few things in mind according to your body type:

APPLE

If you have a larger bust and/or broader shoulders than your hips, make darker coloured blouses and jackets. Pair that up with a pant or skirt with interesting patterns to create an overall balance. 

PEAR

Hips broader than shoulders? Sew brightly coloured tops and dark or neutral bottoms. Give strapless dresses a try – to show off your petite shoulders, of course!  

BANANA

If your waistline is not defined and the top and bottom of your body are almost the same size, add dimension by making voluminous clothing such as gathered skirts or shirts with puffy sleeves. Include a belt with your outfit which can help create an illusion of a more distinct waist.

HOURGLASS

You have a defined waistline and even width of shoulders and hips, which means  you can wear patterns on top and bottom to keep a balance throughout. Try sewing a pencil skirt to flaunt your curves.   

The tips mentioned here are nowhere near “rules” you have to live by. You can simply follow them to enhance your figure by giving it some balance. 

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on May 19th, 2014

Learn To Sew At Your Own Pace

Now that you’ve completed the Introductory Sewing class at The Sewing Studio, are you wondering which course to take next? Introductory Sewing 2 could be just what you need!

Building confidence on the machine and honing your skills is your main goal and Introductory Sewing 2 offers just that! You will get guidance and assistance on new patterns and explore a variety of garments. Your instructor will review topics you’ve covered in Introductory Sewing such as: fabric fundamentals, laying out, cutting, and marking your fabric, as well as adjusting a pattern. Once you’re ready to go, you can jump into making a skirt, a pair of pants, a jacket or even a dress! A list of recommended patterns will be provided so that you can choose a style all your own.  And who knows – if you’re dedicated enough, you might even complete more than one piece in class.

Introductory Sewing 2 allows you to dictate the pace and difficulty of the project. Since you are used to the sewing machine and can pretty much kind-of-sort-of navigate your way through a pattern after completing Introductory Sewing, IS2 is a great stepping stone before you try to tackle an advanced class.

Register for an Introductory Sewing 2 class today and sew up a storm!

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on April 17th, 2014

Repurposing Your Clothes

Who doesn’t love shopping for new clothes? You get to try on skirts, pants, and tops and figure out how these brand new items will fit in with the rest of your wardrobe. What if I told you to skip the store and go shopping in your closet?! Crazy, right? Not really! Everyone always has clothing waiting to get dumped right around spring cleaning time, exchanged at a clothing swap, or lent out to a BFF – and you know those clothes are probably never going to be returned (maybe years later, if you’re lucky!). Repurpose these forgotten garments and turn them into something you’ll wear over and over again. Here’s how:

KEEP SENTIMENTAL ITEMS

You and your denim button up shirt have been through so much: windy summer days, casual Fridays at work, and don’t forget about the great recovery from that hot sauce stain! Keep that baby around and recreate it into a skirt with an elastic waistband or a fringed vest. You’ll get to keep a piece of something you already love and wear it as a totally new garment.

SPRUCE UP CLASSICS

That pencil skirt is your trademark, but let’s face it – it sure could use a little special something to freshen it up. Sew a fun belt to add to your classic skirt or add side seam slits to make it more interesting.

MODERNIZE    

I don’t know about you guys, but I definitely have a retro section in my boudoir. I love mixing oldies with current pieces for a one-of-a-kind look. You can even try utilizing pieces of your old school gear to add character to modern ones.

Repurposing your clothes can be a fun way to explore your imagination and get creative with your wardrobe. You’ll get to keep your favourites and make (somewhat) new pieces. Well, I’m off to use my Fresh Prince of Bel-Air shorts to make funky lining pockets in a jacket. Gotta go! 

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on April 23, 2014

Beginner Sewing Workshop

If you are looking to learn sewing essentials, but don’t have a lot of spare time on your hands, Beginner Basics might be just what you need! Beginner Basics is a one-time three-hour based Specialty Workshop offered at The Sewing Studio. You will learn sewing basics such as: threading a machine, winding and loading a bobbin, sewing straight seams, and installing a regular zipper.

Beginner Basics is appropriate for beginners (duh!), but also those who have not sewn in some time and need a refresher. It’s also great for sewing enthusiasts who may have a machine at home and have no clue how to go about tackling it. In this workshop, you are sure to get comfortable on the machine and will be sewing in no time! Once you’ve completed the workshop, you will be a proud owner of a zippered toiletry bag. 

And guess what? You workshop fee includes: use of machines and sewing tools, all supplies, as well as a  gift card to use for any future course you want to take at The Sewing Studio. Great deal or what?!

Register for a Beginner Basics workshop coming up on May 10th! This workshop is suitable for all sewing stars 15 years of age and up. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required, so make sure you save your spot.  See you there!

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on April 1, 2014