Hi Everyone! I had some time this week to sit down and read the article I authored in the Summer Issue of Threads Magazine. The topic?? One of my favorites… pants fitting! In this article, titled Key Measurements for Making Pants, I took a look at the range of pants styles and the different kind of …
Plus Size Pants Fitting and a Little Knitting on the Side
Hi Everyone, I’ve been working on plus size pants fitting and a little knitting on the side. (A little knitting past my bed time.) As it turns out, these two projects are competing for my attention. I’m on a mission to finish my first knitted skirt & make my daughter, Anna, comfortable non-stretch pants. Pants …
Thoughts on Positioning Back Pockets
I want to share some thoughts on positioning back pockets. The process of making a well fitting pair of pants can be a labor of love. First the pattern needs to be adjusted to achieve a great fit. This can involve multiple fit muslins and pattern adjustments. At this point I recommend tracing a neat …
Stitching Zen with Gail & Jen
Happy New Year Everyone! I’m kicking off 2019 with a new exciting sewing adventure… Stitching Zen with Gail & Jen. My friend Gail and I have teamed up to offer a unique sewing experience. We have planned a year of exclusive patterns, fitting techniques and embellishments. My favorite part is creating new looks… So, after …
Shop Small Saturday Sale + My Favorite Turkey Soup Recipe
Happy Holidays. I can’t believe we’ve already celebrated Thanksgiving! (Hope everyone had a very happy Thanksgiving). Today I’m celebrating Small Business Saturday with a little sale… 30% off all patterns and workbooks. The coupon code is ShopSmall30. (Sale ends Sunday at 12:00 pm pst.) I also want to share my favorite Turkey Soup Recipe. I …
Cut Apart Your Old Bathrobe to Make a Pattern for a New One.
Hi Everyone, I hope everyone is shifting into Fall… I’ve gotten into the routine of going to visit my Mom and Dad every Tuesday (when I’m not traveling). I have to admit, it’s my favorite day of the week most weeks. My Mom likes to hang out with pjs and a robe when she’s home …
Luxury Skort and Simple + Tank Top 2 Ways Pattern Hack
Hey Everyone, I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day Weekend. I had the best day! First we all gathered together for brunch at my Mom’s house. My brother whipped up amazing bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches. My sister brought a yummy fruit salad. I was in charge of the Bloody Marys. I suggested it …
Happy Easter Pants
I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and Passover this weekend. I had a perfect weekend… A little cooking, a little pattern design and fitting, a little sewing and a little family gathering (Plus my husband spent the entire weekend working on setting up my Fancy New Streaming Software with HDMI out, 2 camera views …
Spring Break = Skort and Simple & Nike Dri Fit Pants Repair
It’s Spring Break at J Stern Designs… Anna was on spring break last week and Abby’s home this week. I really miss my girls, so I’m always happy to have them home. In addition to the dirty laundry they bring home, there are usually a few “projects” for me. This time, I had projects of …
Comfy Clothes in a Weekend @ The Cool Stitches Pop Up Sewing Lounge Wrap Up
Hey Everyone, I wanted to take a moment and share all the fun we had this past weekend. I drove up to Fleming Island on Saturday afternoon from Orlando. On the way, I passed the Daytona 500 Speedway. I arrived with perfect timing to join Debbi and her parents for a yummy dinner at her …