Announcing! The Lela Skirt pattern is here!

June 19, 2019

Beth – Sew DIY

pattern, sewing, Sewing Tall, Baseball Skirt, Lela Skirt, Lela Skirt Sewalong

Announcing! The Lela Skirt pattern is here!

Hi sew-friends! Today I’m very happy to announce the release of the Lela Skirt pattern. If the pattern looks a little familiar, you are correct! I first released this pattern (view A only) in 2015 as the Baseball Skirt. This is one of my favorite patterns, especially for summer and I always felt like it deserved more attention. So, I have renamed the pattern, added two additional views plus the option for a midi-length. Soooo many more options now. And there are more sizes. The original version of the pattern had 7 sizes and this revamped version now has 17 sizes (to match the updated Lou Box Top). Additionally, this pattern is now drafted for a height of 5'10". As always, there are lengthen/shorten lines so that you can easily make a skirt at your preferred length. Seriously, the pattern is better than ever!

One big reason that I love this pattern is that it is very easy and fast to sew (even easier than the Lou Box Top). The Lela Skirt is a straight skirt with an elastic waist and a split hem. There are three pocket options – in-seam pocket, angled pocket and scoop pocket. Plus there are three hem shape options – a subtle curve, exaggerated curve and square. Combine all those options with the two lengths and you can create 18 different designs from this one pattern. The pattern pieces are a Mix & Match style and work in a similar way to the Lou Box Top.

In the video below, I show you all three views in action and talk a bit about sizing and fabric.

June 13, 2019

Beth – Sew DIY

Finished Make, Video, sewing, Finished Make 2019

VIDEO Four Handmade T-shirts

June 13, 2019

Beth – Sew DIY

Finished Make, Video, sewing, Finished Make 2019

Hi sew friends! Today I’m trying out a new content format for my weekly video. I’m sharing some things that I’ve made. For the past few weeks, I’ve been sharing tips and tutorials that will help you sew a knit t-shirt and today I’m going to share FOUR different t-shirts that I’ve sewn.

In the video you’ll get to see how the t-shirts look on my body and I give a few thoughts on each pattern. I’m keeping my reviews pretty brief because I honestly loved and would recommend all of these patterns. Keep in mind, every pattern is going to fit each person differently because we all have such different proportions. For reference, my measurements are approximately: upper bust: 35.5”, bust: 38.5”, waist: 28.5” and hips 39.5”. I'm also 5’11" with a long torso and square shoulders.

Also it should be noted that I used completely different fabrics for each shirt so it’s not a true one-to-one comparison. A different fabric will result in pretty different fits. So, this is just for fun, not a true 1-1 comparison.

June 11, 2019

Beth – Sew DIY

Finished Make, sewing, Finished Make 2019

DIY Knit Cocoon Dress - Review of the Tacara Dress by Seamwork

June 11, 2019

Beth – Sew DIY

Finished Make, sewing, Finished Make 2019

DIY Knit Cocoon Dress - Review of the Tacara Dress by Seamwork - Sew DIY

Today’s make feels like the perfect way to kick off the summer season. Because really this dress is all about the color. And if a super bright orange doesn’t say “Yay it’s summer!” then I don’t know what does. I really love the bright color of this dress and of course I also love the boxy silhouette.

The fabric is something that I picked up from a bargain bin in the downtown LA fashion district a long time ago. It’s very, very lightweight with a little bit of texture to it. It’s almost too lightweight for a dress but I threw caution to the wind.

This dress is made using the Tacara dress pattern from Seamwork magazine. If you’re not familiar with Seamwork, it’s a monthly online magazine and now also a sewing community. I always look forward to the first of every month because it means a new issue of Seamwork and two new patterns will be released. This dress has a very boxy cocoon shape that is similar to my Lou Box Dress 1 pattern. The big difference is that it is very fitted elbow length (or according to the pattern it’s 3/4 length) sleeves. I really love the contrast in proportions from the oversized body to the fitted sleeves. I also really like the center back seam. It’s a nice detail on an otherwise very simple garment.

I made a size 8. My measurements (38.5" bust, 28.5" waist, 39.5" hips) put me between a size 8 and a size 10 but because this pattern has such generous ease, I felt confident going with the smaller size. I also added 5” to the length of the body because I’m 5’11” and it hits perfectly at my knee. To determine how much length to add, I think I just held the pattern up to my body along with a tape measure and looked in the mirror. When adding length, I don’t think there’s a cut and dry number formula because our bodies all have different proportions. For example, my thighs are a little longer than my shins so I need to add more length to get to my knees. Other people might have the same inseam that I do but have longer shins so a knee length dress could be shorter for them. I did not alter the length of the sleeves which is probably why they sit a little more on my elbow than the middle of my forearm.

I mostly followed the instructions in the pattern but did a couple things my own way. The method of doing the pockets seemed overly complicated and I was looking for a quick and easy sew so I used this method from my Lou Box Dress sewalong. I suspect that the method in the instructions would make the pockets less visible. I just wasn’t feeling up for it. For the neckline, I just did my usual knit neckband technique (which I have a video about here).

I really love how this dress turned out. I think it will be perfect for summer. The lightweight fabric and oversized nature will be great on super hot days. I’ve already worn it a couple of times and it’s not surprisingly super comfortable. And that color just makes it feel super fun and special.