Pattern Making Paper

Ever wonder what sewists use when tracing patterns or when they actually make patterns, whether it’s their own or a final copy of a favorite? We searched our membership and came up with these suggestions. Looks like there’s more choices out there than anyone knew! If you have another paper that you find works well for you, let us know.… Read the rest

Fur the Fun of It!

By Cindy Vance

What does one do with a little over a yard of luscious faux fur from Silhouette Patterns?

I decided to make a finger-tip length vest. The inspiration was Let’s Sew – The Fur Vest – Episode 193 from Silhouette Patterns YouTube channel. I followed Peggy’s suggestions on modifying a blouse pattern because it doesn’t have shoulder pads like a jacket pattern usually does.… Read the rest

Looking Back at Native American Heritage Month

November was Native American Heritage Month. Celebrating belatedly with Plano member, Debbie B as she shares her journey into her heritage and learning to make Choctaw apparel. Enjoy this 30 minute interview!

Learn more about the Choctaw heritage on their Main Website and their YouTube Channel. See more about the traditional dressmaking process here.… Read the rest

Advancing Sewing Skills Online

Over the past few months, our members have shared their favorite source of sewing inspiration and their favorite books.  This time some of our members are sharing their favorite online learning opportunities.  We have heard several people lament that the pandemic seems to be dealing a blow to their sew-jo. … Read the rest

After the Masks

When COVID sent us all inside, our minds were consumed with questions like

WHAT NOW?

We needed something to combat all kinds of feelings.  Fear.  Boredom.  Lack of purpose.  And we had to find the solution to those feelings within the confines of our own homes.

Because we sew, many of us found the solace we needed right inside our sewing room. … Read the rest

Fireside Chat with Suzy Furrer of Apparel Arts

Suzy Furrer is the star of our next fireside chat and she is another delight you won’t want to miss. Suzy is the founder/director of the Bay area fashion design school, Apparel Arts where she teaches classes on pattern making, textiles, sewing, design principles and tailoring.  In addition to teaching at her own school, Suzy teaches at conferences, guilds, and schools around the country, online on Blueprint, and has even taught for big name companies like GAP, Pixar, and Lucas Films.… Read the rest

Plano ASG meets Jenny Rushmore at Cashmerette

When Jenny Rushmore saw a gap in the options pattern companies offered curvy sewists, she didn’t sit back and accept it. She started her own company and filled it! We recently had the pleasure of a fireside chat with her and heard about her journey through building her company, Cashmerette and co-founding the Curvy Sewing Collective.… Read the rest

Plano ASG meets Heather Lou at Closet Case

We recently had the distinct pleasure of spending a half hour with Heather Lou, founder and director of Closet Case Patterns. Heather has taken her business from her first pattern, the Bombshell swimsuit back in 2013 to the extensive line of 23 patterns, 7 supply kits and 4 online classes she offers today.… Read the rest

Behind the Scenes with Claire Cochran at Stitch Buzz

If you are a garment maker, you have very likely either made a cardboard template or wished for one many times. When Claire Cochran of Stitch Buzz felt that way, she invented a permanent one! In 2011, Claire launched her business with just one specialty ruler. Watch this 20 minute interview as she takes us behind the scenes into that journey.… Read the rest

Jeans Making – Part 2

Welcome back and thanks for joining me as I chronicle my grand jeans making adventure.  I had lots to learn about the various denim weights in Part 1

In Part 2 I found out the big thing to learn was JEANS FIT.  I had no idea when I started this that I would need to make 3 muslins!
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Jeans Making – Part 1

Part 1 – Getting Ready

Two years ago, I decided I wanted to jump on the jeans-making band wagon.  I bought the Closet Case Morgan boyfriend jeans pattern and was ready to go.  Six months later I had done nothing so when our chapter offered a jeans technique workshop, I was excited to attend. … Read the rest

Can We Put Your Mind at Ease?

By Debbie Bowles and Sheryl Belson

A few years ago, I adapted my knit Grainline Morris blazer pattern so I could make it with some luscious silk matka. I made all the pattern adjustments to shift from a zero-ease design that works with the stretch of a knit to a design that would work with a non-stretch woven.… Read the rest