Posts Tagged ‘zero waste’
On Writing Sewing Patterns
Please enjoy this little vignette I created for Instagram, showing how I write a sewing pattern. The pattern shown is doll’s clothes for the zw cloth doll. At the end are some writing tips that I’ve found really helpful. Here are some things that have really helped my instruction writing… 1. Write with two people…
Read MoreMaking Wendy Ward’s zero waste trousers
Some time ago I bought Wendy Ward‘s new book How to Sew Sustainably. Actually, I borrowed it from the library and liked it so much I bought a copy. I really liked the trousers and dress made using the same cutting concept, and wanted to try them. Cleverly, the dress is the trousers turned upside…
Read MoreXanthea as a Dress: Free Pattern Update
It’s been a long time brewing, but finally I’ve nailed a dress version of the very popular Xanthea top. Xanthea is a zero waste, bias cut t-shirt for wovens or knits. It comes in 19 sizes, to fit up to a 117cm/70″ bust, and it’s very economical on fabric. It has a long sleeve option,…
Read MoreTrying to fix the world’s problems, one pajama at a time
My children, who aren’t particularly “tidy” sleepers in bed, have been complaining that their pajama shorts cut them in half. You know what I mean by this – a kind of naturally-occurring pajama wedgie. Their pajamas are loose enough, but I told them that if you change position in bed, you often need to move…
Read MoreNew Pattern: Doll’s Clothes zero/low waste
Hi All, it’s been a while since I put out a new pattern, but this one has been a return to my sewing roots! It’s an extension pack for the zero waste cloth doll, and contains 9 outfits all with a storybook costume theme. The pattern is in my shop now; please enjoy 25% off.…
Read MoreBook Review: Zero Waste Nähen
It’s my pleasure to review Stephanie Kroth’s new book Zero Waste Nähen. Nähen translates as sew or stitch, and this book is a collection of 25 zero waste sewing patterns. [In the interests of full disclosure, I offered to review this book when I heard it was coming out, as I thought you would like…
Read MoreFinishing that Sashiko Jacket
Have you ever started a project without thinking the design through clearly? “Guilty, your honour!” I’ve now finished adding sashiko stitching to the jacket I cut from an old army blanket, which I’ve been making for Zero and Zen, a course I’m presenting with textile artist Kate Ward. (Btw, it’s not too late to register…
Read MoreThe Last Book Week
Here in Australia, it’s Children’s Book Week. Primary schools across the country are reading, visiting libraries, doing book activities, and arriving at school for one day dressed as their favourite book character. Or whatever character can be conveniently tacked together from available costumes at home. I understand that some parents loathe the dress ups part,…
Read MoreApril and May: A Year of Zero Waste Sewing
Earlier this year I started a new book project, A Year of Zero Waste Sewing, to be published in installments as a zine. The first one is complimentary – read about this project and download your free copy here. April and May are now ready, and in my shop. They’re $AU5 each (+ tax). Here’s…
Read MoreThe Quest for the Perfect Oven Mitt
Kitchen harmony took a dive on the weekend, when it was declared that the two (mis-matched) oven mitts currently in service were “unfit for purpose”. Maybe yours are in the same sad state as ours? I’ve been meaning to make some new ones for ages. Sure, I could buy some, but I could make some…
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