Back in 2013 I bought Natalie Chanin’s on-line Craftsy Course “Hand-Embellishing Knit Fabric: Stenciling, Appliqué, Beading and Embroidery”. I watched it and looked at the Vogue pattern that came in the post, and decided it was all too much. Apart from anything else the jacket would require 6 metres of fabric to make!
Then in lockdown I watched her new video (as it was free at the time) and got re-enthused! I bought her book “Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns” as it has ALL her previous patterns in, plus some new ones AND a couple of stencils all on a cd, and I started my hand sewn wardrobe. (P.S. I have cut my own stencils before, and if you want to try it message me for the best equipment!)
I have made knit clothes before, the best being the Baby Doll dress from the “Sew-U Home Stretch” book by Wendy Mullein, but I have to say I found the hand sewn version very relaxing. I have now made the A line tunic, the Classic Cardigan, the Swing Skirt and the Bolero, all between July and October 2020.
I have now gone on and used one of my self-drafted patterns (from another Craftsy Course, “Pattern drafting from ready-to-wear”) and sewn a tunic top by hand. I just find it more enjoyable that using my machines, and quite strong and stable enough to withstand being pulled on and off over my head!
And it looks fab!