The Shop Company is listening to us

Two years ago I inquired about and then purchased a dress form from The Shop Company. I was delighted with the well informed response to my questions and quick delivery when I finally ordered.

Since that purchase I have been on The Shop Company's email list and receive occasional updates about new products.  The two most recent I find very interesting.   One about scissors and another about cutting mats.

SCISSORS

 

I just put aside my two much liked Ginghers and a Mundial because sharpening services are not readily available where I live.  And I ordered a pair of true left handed Kai 8" shears to keep things going until I am near a sharpener.  I would love to try the scissors from The Shop Company but first they will have to come out with a left hand version.

CUTTING MATS 

Self-healing, non toxic, odor free, non slip mats?  It is surely a cutting table dream come true.  Someone heard all our wants in a mat.

To the people at The Shop Company - we like that you are listening! 

And...

MY DRESS FORM  

The dress form deserves a good review on it's own, but for now here is a picture and link.  It is a wonderful sewing room tool.

Happy sewing,

Liz

A basic but stylish shirt please

A plan is taking shape in my sewing imagination, a wool shirt in a basic style, something that could be worn as a jacket over a tee shirt.  Maybe I will start with a flannel shirt to test.  So which pattern, where is a simple but stylish shirt pattern, one that is shirt-like but still feminine.

Shirt by Theory

An inspiration photo, I like the slim yet roomy shape and the small collar.

Shirt at next.co.uk

The rounded collar in the plaid is nice.  I also like that the buttons are in pairs.










Ottobre Design has a couple of choices but I would need to make small construction changes to the pattern to make a better shirt.  Then, in a timely for me post, Lena at Iconic patterns writes about sewing a shirt and offers a list of changes to make.  Thanks Lena!  Now if only she would sell that pattern...

Crowdfunding a new pattern, a good thing?

 Pattern #1105

Here is something new to me, Iconic Patterns is crowdfunding the next new possible pattern.  If I am interested in having this pattern then I can pledge the amount an individual pattern will cost, or more if I like.  If enough people pledge making the total reach the necessary minimum the pattern will be developed and produced.  No money can be lost on pledges since no one is charged if the funding minimum is not reached.  You can read Lena's blog post on the topic and there is more info on crowdfunding at the Iconic Patterns faq page. 

I think I like this idea.

• The patternmaker, in this case Lena who makes amazing patterns imho if the Jess Jeans and the Sammy Cami are any indication, knows she/he will get paid for the work involved in getting a pattern to market.
• I can support the patternmaker and end up with a pattern I really want.
• The patternmaker will not spend fruitless time developing a pattern that not very many people are interested in buying.

The only downside?  My own disappointment if pattern that I really want does not go to market.

I have already pledged my bit.  I see perfect summer wear.  Even if I just turned on the furnace for winter, I would love to have this pattern asap.

Pattern page