Sunday, June 12, 2016

Organizing and a quick pattern giveaway

Even though I am not buying new patterns very often I seem to have quite a stockpile. Which previously was contained in a reasonably neat manner but now seems to have become a messy jumble. I am one of those people who, when looking for something rummage through the patterns, or my recipe book, or workbench in the garage and then once I find what I am looking for dash off to do whatever project was underway. Often leaving the other stuff tossed aside. Mostly tools and patterns for some reason.

And then I get motivated and put everything back where it goes. Until the next time :)  All  you neatniks are shuddering at the thought, right?

Anyway - I did notice that I have some patterns I will never use and thought I might do a drawing for international readers for these two patterns.

Which look rather blah on the pattern envelope. A strange combination of both geriatric and juvenile. How is that even possible?  But they are useful basics that you might want to try if you are located somewhere these big 4 envelope patterns are prohibitively expensive.

patterns for giveaway

The Simplicity pattern is one of there Amazing Fit patterns, which has both cup sizes and lots of info on fitting in the pattern instructions. (it is size US size 10-18, EU size 36-44 although the finished bust measurements run from 36" to 45", allowing for a good 4-6" of ease there. I know that seems excessive but I suggest choosing your pattern size by measuring your high bust and take it from there.


The McCalls pattern is a Palmer and Pletsch pattern, they are well know for fitting - while I don't agree with all their methods or assessment of fit their books do explain really well how to diagnose and adjust most any fit adjustment. Their McCalls patterns are kind of clever as the patterns have pre-printed lines on them for doing an FBA, swayback etc.  This is for knits and is US size 16-24 which says a finished bust measurement of 39.5 to 47.6".  It looks like it would make a quick and easy knit dress for summer or winter depending on the sleeve choice.

Last year I did a giveaway of the Frixon marking pens and decided to toss in a extra pattern with them. I received this response  Marisa in Spain
"The pattern was a complete surprise! Thank you! It is my first envelope pattern e.v.e.r. and I never thought they came with so much information! My first Simplicity pattern too! Usually I buy Burda magazine and Patrones, which are both famous for their  sparce instructions. But those pants, those pants are a complete lesson on how to sew pants!"
"I have read and re-read the pants pattern like if it was a novel. So much information! I might have to think about investing in some Simplicity and Vogue patterns in the future. Meanwhile, I need to source the fabric and the courage to sew a test version."

I hope Marisa doesn't mind that I used her words but they are so charming!  I hope she has had a chance to try out the pants pattern (which was a Simplicity Amazing fit pants pattern). I like the idea of reading a pattern like a novel. As someone who has recently started using Burda patterns I can completely understand about the sparse instructions. I think if I were a beginner they would lead to a lot of tears and throwing things. I know people complain about pattern instructions and I have tried to look at some of my vintage McVoguerick and Simplicity patterns and then compared to current ones - the instructions seem remarkably similar. I think it is just what you are used to.

OK - so international readers only  - please leave a comment and let me know what country you are in, and which pattern you would like. I will do a drawing on Thursday 6/16.

Speaking of Burda - here is a sneak peek of Burda 06/2016 # 105A which has currently jumped into the lead spot for favorite item  of the year. I know - I know. Not a stitch of tailoring, not a lapel to be seen, nothing tricky, just a simple denim dress but ooooh pattern love.

burda dress sneak peek

Dress completed, pictures taken and I will post this one next. By the way if you look at my Instagram you have seem this already. So what is the etiquette for repeating pictures? Is it repetitive to use the same ones on IG and the blog? Does it even matter?

Happy summer sewing,
Beth

garden photo for the day - there are just a few blossoms on the lemon tree, mostly baby lemons trying to make it to next spring. And delicious lemons on the tree, from last year's blossom. fyi, it is a Meyer lemon and they stay on the tree all year round.


lemon blossoms

28 comments:

  1. Meyer lemons make the best lemonade, but I grew up with one of those trees in the backyard so I am biased. And yes, we had lemons pretty much year 'round. They are hard to come by here on the East Coast. For commercial production it is my understanding that true Meyers have been replaced by a hybrid that is firmer. They are not quite the same. No need to enter me in the pattern giveaway, but good luck to everyone else!

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  2. What does it say about me that I have both of those patterns in my stash as well and haven't made either one.

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  3. I love the lines of the Simplicity pattern and would love to make that dress. I live in Canada. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  4. Hi! I'm in Sweden, and love reading sewing blogs. No lemon trees here though. However I believe I have just the right fabric for the Simplicity pattern. Keeping my fingers crossed!

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  5. Thank you
    Your blog is my go to for inspiration...not only for sewing and techniques but also for gardens. I live in Canada.
    .

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  6. Thank you
    Your blog is my go to for inspiration...not only for sewing and techniques but also for gardens. I live in Canada.
    .

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  7. That's a generous giveaway. I don't need any patterns, but just wanted to say I enjoy and learn from your blog.

    I did not know that there is such a great difference in timing of Meyer lemon blooms between LA and Sac. Mine hit peak in March. http://badmomgoodmom.blogspot.com/2016/03/smell-o-vision.html

    The scent is lovely.

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  8. Hi Beth, Thank you for your generous giveaway. I would love to win the McCall pattern. I live in New Zealand and also have a meyer lemon which is covered in frost cloth at the moment in the hope that I will get the fruit and not lose them to frost as in previous years. I enjoy your blog, it actually gave me the courage to make my first coat and I enjoy a peek into your garden via your photos.

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  9. Hi Beth, I would be interested in the patterns. I am in England. I am a size 16/18 with lots of fitting challenges but a modest bust. Thanks Ruthie

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  10. I don't have any problem with people repeating pictures. I don't do Instagram (no time for more social networks!) so I'd love to see your Burda dress pictures here too. It's a lovely style. No need to enter me in the giveaway BTW - I'm trying not to grow the pattern stash for a while.

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  11. The denim dress looks a dream. I would like to win the Simplicity pattern. I'm in the Uk.

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  12. Oooo I'd love the McCalls, mostly because I'm trying to make some sleeveless work-appropriate tops and this looks perfect. I'm in the UK, and getting a bit weary of pdf patterns, actually tissue-fitting the Palmer-Pletsch way without having to print, cut, tape and then trace, would be great!

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  13. Firstly, l do like your dress, and please include lots of photos on the blog as I don't do Instagram. So no clash for me. I'd love to be in the giveaway for the McCalls top as I've never done a Palmer Pletsch pattern, and am trying to grow my tops selection. I'm in the UK by the way. You have readers all over!

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    1. Oh, my name doesn't show. I'd forgotten. It's Trish :-)

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  14. Thank you. Please put me in the draw for the McCall's pattern - knit tops are on my to do list. I'm in the UK.

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  15. Thank you. Please put me in the draw for the McCall's pattern - knit tops are on my to do list. I'm in the UK.

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  16. I'm not in for the draw as I'm not those sizes and I have already tried the McCall's. Those who are thinking about it might care to look at my review http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&ID=107802. Some reviewers have been more positive, others have had problems like I did.
    I do love your lemons, and I do sympathise with your "find it and get on with it" approach.

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  17. Just a response to the picture question. I am not on Instagram, so I would be seeing the pics for the first time. Even if I had seen them already, I don't think I would care about seeing them again.

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  18. Hi Beth
    I am an avid reader of your blog - love all your makes and the honest reviews you give. I already have the Simplicity in the stash waiting for its moment in time. The McCalls top looks interesting and a knit too which makes the fitting more forgiving. Many thanks Jacqui from New Zealand.

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  19. Hello! I love your blog and I miss a lot the pattern whisperer! I am italian but living in Spain. http://charmedesuet.blogspot.com.es

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  20. Thank you for the giveaway Beth. I would love to have the Simplicity pattern if picked. I am in the UK.

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  21. I enjoy reading your blog and like to see the pictures there as I don't do Instagram. The McCalls pattern is nice but too large for me so leave me out of the draw. I love your garden photos.

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  22. Hi. I like both patterns but only the Simplicity is in my size range so please put me in the draw for that one. I really enjoy your blog especially your Burdastyle makes. Carolyn from New Zealand.

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  23. Hi. I like both patterns but only the Simplicity is in my size range so please put me in the draw for that one. I really enjoy your blog especially your Burdastyle makes. Carolyn from New Zealand.

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  24. I love the details you've shown on the dress so far! I don't do IG - I can barely keep up with reading my emails and the few blogs I follow, so repeated pictures don't bother me at all. :-) The lemon tree looks lovely - I adore lemon desserts, lemonade, and even have a few lemon-chicken recipes I enjoy. I copied down a (not sure of the right word here - would it be recipe?) for making lemon dusting rags from One Good Thing by Jillee's blog a few weeks ago; if I had a lemon tree, I might have made those dusting rags by now!

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  25. I don't think I count as international (San Francisco!), but I like the patterns and would like to have them or one!

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  26. Hi Beth I only came across your blog last week and I have really enjoyed reading all your historical posts. I seem to share many of your views. I do not do Instagram being a bit of an IT dinasour so love to see all your photos. I really like your burda denim dress. I would really like to be included in the draw for the simplicity pattern I am based near Nottingham in the UK. I wish had the guts to do some blogging but I am not sure my IT skills are up to it unless you can recommend an easy guide to getting started? Keep blogging Dorothy D

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  27. So I would shuffle through piles and boxes of patterns looking for a project. Enough!! I put the pattern envelopes in a loose leaf binder, each in a sleeve protector. The patterns are in Manila folders, labeled, in numerical order in plastic file folder bins. Now I can peruse my patterns, get all info from the envelope and only dig into the bins when I will actually use a pattern.

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