Bolt Neighborhood

No-Sew Spring Scarves

By Melissa. 

It is Spring in the Northwest.  Really.  The last possible frost date is the 15th, but I think the threat of it has been gone for nearly a month already, which means that everyone is itching for skirts, sweet prints, and something to take us through the next few weeks of 50 degree weather and rain showers. 

Scarves are so easy to put together and so easy to wear (not to mention, still on trend). 
From left to right:

Cotton Hemp Blend:  A 1/3' cut of this drapey, soft, fabric and you are mostly done.  Just pull a few threads at the selvage and along the edges to fray slightly and you are read to go.  Bolt sells it on the roll and it comes at 54" wide.

Shot Cotton:  The warp and weft are woven from two different colored threads, so when it washes up it almost glows.  Once you add some fraying at the ends, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between the one you made yourself and something off the rack (except that yours will be better).  I received this one as a gift from Nicole-- she used two different colored cuts and sewed them into a continuous strip.  I made two as gifts for Christmas, and then used techniques from this book to embellish the ends.  They work great as summer wraps as well.  44" wide off the bolt. 

Wool Jersey:  The easiest one of all!  Cut a strip of wool jersey in any length and you are done!  Finished!  No fraying, hemming or embellishing-- just looking good.  It would also look great with a cardigan for the men in your life. 

Cotton Lawn or Voile-- This lovely lightweight fabric is straight up cheery.  Serging the edges or using a rolled hem keeps it neat, but really, you can go without both of those things or cut the edges using pinking sheers to give it some visual texture.  The Liberty Tana Lawn we carry is so beautiful, but it is not cheap!  This is a way that you might incorporate a little into your wardrobe without breaking the bank (1/4-1/3' will do it).  Anna Maria Horner's lightweight Little Folks would be a perfect fit as well.  

They make beautiful gifts... Mother's Day is coming and this is a quick guy gift-- we carry more masculine wool fabric and lightweight flannels that are gorgeous (in a manly sort of way) right off the roll.

Laminated Cotton and a Cute Trench

Autumn shares her first venture sewing with coated cottons.  Come to Bolt tomorrow (Saturday, February 27) and receive 25% off all of our coated cottons and other fabrics on tall rolls!  We carry beautiful bolts from both Westminster and Kokka.  You'll also be supporting a great cause.

Now that you've gone to Bolt and bought some of that beautiful coated cotton, what are you going to do with it?  More importantly, what can't you do with it?  You might already know my plans... a simple and chic trench coat.  After I brought my fabric home, I started to feel very intimidated by it.  Can I wash it?  Can I iron it?  I decided to do without both of those things. 

Once I cut into it, I started to feel a little better.   I was so happy I remembered that any pins I put into my pieces would probably leave small holes, so I only placed pins close to my seam allowances and never on the fold (I didn't want holes down the center of my jacket). 

I started to get a little scared again when I actually started sewing.  I was really happy that this pattern is so simple.  What if I make a mistake and need to take out the stitches?  Well, it happened.  I really wanted to sew a hood onto the jacket, but after one failed attempt I decided not to.  Fortunately my holes are in inconspicuous areas of the jacket and are hardly noticeable.  

I'm so happy with the finished product-- much happier than I thought I was going to be.  The coated cotton is a really great product and the beautiful pattern choices are hard to resist.  I would love to use the same techniques for a raincoat for my kids.  I'm happy to just wipe down the outside of it when it gets dirty and since kids grow out of a size each season anyway, I can take advantage of all the gorgeous prints!

Thanks Autumn.  While most manufacturers recommend not machine washing laminated/coated cottons,  Kathy wrote a very helpful wash vs. non wash comparison as well as other tips-- there is also a beautiful tablecloth and totebag.

Spring Wardrobe Opportunity.

by Autumn. 

 
The Schoolhouse Tunic pattern by Sew Liberated has quickly become my new favorite pattern.  I have made three so far, one of which you can see at Bolt.  I have proudly stated that my Schoolhouse Tunic has become my uniform for this season.  It is comfortable, stylish, and great on many different body types. This uniform will most likely carry on into the next season too.

This pattern is quick, easy,fun and rewarding.  I love the pleats and find them very flattering.  On the last tunic I made, I gathered the skirt instead of making the pleats, and it turned out just as lovely.  Another great modification that you could make is to add a button (or three) to the top for style and function.   

The tunic can also be made in many different fabrics with great results.  The first one I made out of a heavy cotten flannel.  The sample at Bolt is made using Anne Marie Horner's voile fabric.  Some of the new Japanese linen would be a great choice too. 

Are you interested in making your very own Schoolhouse Tunic?  Buy the pattern at Bolt and take my class!  There are still spots left in the Schoolhouse Tunic class that starts February 17th.

Inspiration.

by Lupine.

Wow. Just a quick morning visit to a couple of my favorite blogs and this is what I see. A knock-off of the best possible sort, and inspired from the newly anticipated Built By Wendy dress book (expected to arrive at Bolt with in the month). As if I needed another reason to put that book on my list. Leave it to Amy and her green silk number.

And a real body in the Jalie jeans pattern that I have been eying. I have issues with jeans myself, but really who doesn't. I have often thought I should just make my own.

And with the approval of the Selfish Seamstress, now I just may do it. Bolt is the home of many exciting and hidden treasures, denim being one of things that lurks in a bin all rolled up in plain sight. Or, waiting quietly down in the corner on a bottom shelf minding its own business. Like many fabrics at Bolt, the selection is not huge, but it is all so good, that there is no need to weed out the unsavory options. 

   

And that Jalie pattern is there, I can hear it calling my name just now. Pattern Review has some good things to say about it, and well, so does Ms. Selfish herself.

Sencha Blouse Pattern Review

Melissa Lim reviews the lovely pattern Sencha by local pattern maker Colette Patterns. I made this blouse the same weekend as Melissa, out at the beach, and found it also to be terrific and straight forward. I did the suggested hand sewing by machine, using a blind hem stitch, and it came out nearly invisible. 

I spent last weekend's rainy Sunday sewing up the Sencha blouse, one of five new patterns from local company Colette Patterns. I had previously sewn up the Parfait dress, and I'm happy to say that this top has the same easy-to-follow directions. 

The pattern still comes in a charming booklet format but with more of a modern look and includes instructions, a glossary, a space for notes, and the tissue pattern tucked in the back. There are three variations of this blouse: version one snaps in the back, version two has neck tucks and buttons up the back, and version three has a keyhole neck with ties and also buttons up the back. All three versions have deep tucks in the front and back that provide flattering shaping and make the blouse look good tucked in or not.

 

I chose to make version three and I used the Baby Bouquet voile from the Little Folks collection by Anna Maria Horner. This blouse is a great project for beginners–as I mentioned earlier, the directions are very clear and easy-to-follow–and reinforces the use of basic sewing skills. The most time-consuming parts were pinning and sewing the tucks and handsewing the hems of the sleeves and the button plackets. Of course, you could just machine sew the sleeves and plackets, but I think the handsewing adds a nice vintage touch to the overall look.

 

I didn't make any modifications to the pattern. The only thing to note is that in version three, when you are attaching the ties, the directions say to center them over the small circles above the keyhole neck. However, there were no circles marked on that front pattern piece. It was easy enough to just center each tie on the straight edges of the neckline. 

I love the retro styling of the blouse and how it closes in the back. The pattern is simple enough that you can easily add your own embellishments to customize it. I'm already plotting to make another version of this blouse using one of the pretty new Liberty prints that just arrived at Bolt. 

 

P.S. For those interested in the Rooibos Dress by Colette Patterns, Bolt is offering a class on Wednesdays, March 3 and 17 from 6:30-9 p.m. Your sewing skill level should be moderate. Cost is $57.

New Class List!

 

If you're familiar with our classes, you will surely notice the absence of Lupine as a teacher on this list.  Lupine is being kept busy with organizing the opening of the new Modern Domestic down the street.  We are super excited getting all this put in place and ready to go and will keep you informed of the progress.  Lupine will be teaching at that location and we expect to see the first list of classes in a month or so.  In the meantime, you will still find Lupine's posts here, filling us in on her latest project, technique, ideas. 

 

If you're interested in taking a class or two, stop by, or give us a call to get yourself signed up.  If you're planning on using a gift certificate to pay for your class, we will need to receive the certifiicate (either by mail or in person) to secure your spot in the class.  The list goes out to folks on our e-mail list first, so some of these may have filled up.  Give a call and find out!  And, if you want to get yourself signed up on the e-mail list, go here.

 

Belle Skirt

Date/Time: Sundays 1/31, 2/7 4:30-6:30 pm

Instructor: Sally

It’s not too early to get started on a spring skirt. This popular skirt looks great made up in the heavier home dec fabrics or lightweight wool! With a bias cut yoke and narrow elastic at the waist, it has a flattering fit with the ease of an elastic waist. Choose up to three different fabrics for this fun skirt or give it a classic look by sewing it up in one solid color. We will talk about lengthening or shortening the skirt without losing the tiered shape, as well as fitting on the bias.

Skill level: Novice

Instruction Cost: $45

 

Chic and Simple Trench


Date/ Time: Tuesday 2/2 and Wednesday 2/10, 6:30-9:00 pm

Instructor: Autumn

Make a great coat that will keep you warm through these chilly days.  Using the pattern in the book Chic and Simple Sewing we will make a simple trench. Use some of Bolt’s wool, a patterned canvas, or upholstery weight fabric for your trench. We will also talk about different ways we can dress up this simple trench coat.  In this class, we will be veering away from the pattern in the book and adding a lining to your coat to make it chic and warm for the winter.  Check out the store sample--you're sure to fall in love!  The skills you will be enriching are cutting fabric using a pattern, follow along with a pattern, sewing a basic seam, lining an item, and topstitching.  This class is for the novice sewer.  You know how to sew a straight line and are ready to sew a garment for yourself.  For this class you will need a sewing machine, scissors, Chic and Simple Sewing Book, thread, and fabric for your trench.

Skill level: novice

Instruction cost: $57

 

Basic Handstitching/Embroidery

Date/Time: Wednesday, 2/3 6:30-9:00 pm

Instructor: Shelly

In this class you will learn the basics of hand stitching. You will learn the blind stitch, backstitch and the running stitch.  We will create an embroidered dishtowel, napkins or any other fun object you would love to embroider with your own personal drawing or pick up a Sublime Stitch packet for ready-made iron on patterns.  Here you will find a few samples of what we can create.

Skill Level:  Learn to Hand Stitch/ Beginner

Instruction Cost: $30

 

Little Sleep Well PJ’s

Date/Time: Thursdays, 2/11 and 2/18 6:30-8:30 pm

Instructor: Shelly

Adorable, cozy and stylish pajamas for your little one or “tween”.  The low-rise pants have an elastic waistband and an optional drawstring.  Pajama top sleeves can be hemmed with a deep hem, ¾ length or regular length.  Pick bottoms, tops or both.  In this class you will learn how to use elastic, hemming methods, buttonholes (optional), ties or snaps (optional). 

Skill Level: Novice

Instruction Cost: $45

 

Zippers I 

Date/Time: Sunday 2/14 4:30-6:30pm

Instructor: Sally

Are you ready to learn zipper applications? Come learn easy ways to sew zippers in your garments and craft projects. In this hands-on class, we will cover centered zippers as well as lapped zippers, making you ready to tackle any project that calls for a zipper, from a throw pillow to a prom dress.

Skill Level: Novice

Cost: $25 + $7 materials fee

 

Proper Pillow Covers
Date/ Time: Tuesday, 2/16 6:30-9:00 pm

Instructor: Melissa
Does the new year have you looking for a new look, too?  It's time to slipcover your throw pillows!  This one night class for beginners covers a basic piped edge cover for a 18" square decorative pillow.  We'll sew a completed cover together as well as go over different methods of customization and embellishment.  Your couch will never looks so good.  
Skill level: Novice

Instruction cost: $30


School House Tunic


Date/Time: Wednesdays 2/17 and 2/24 6:30-9:00 pm

Instructor: Autumn

You will love the School House Tunic by Sew Liberated.  This tunic is flattering and has a charming design.  This tunic is cute layered with jeans or leggings.  Use the shirt variation and turn your tunic into a top.  It will look great in a variety of fabrics.  Choose a fabric with nice drape, such as a cotton, lightweight corduroy, or linen.  Some skills you will be enhancing are how to do a gather, sew pleats, sew on sleeves, and make an elastic casing.  This is a class for the moderate sewer who wants to brush up on some of these skills.  You will need a sewing machine, the School House Tunic pattern, fabric, scissors, and thread for this class.

Skill level: Moderate

Instruction cost: $57

 

 

Uptown Coat

Date/Time:  2/21, 2/28, 3/7 4:30-6:30pm

Instructor: Sally

This fitted full-length coat or hip-length jacket has a double breasted design that looks great on everyone. It features a tall collar that can stand up in a mandarin style or fold over. There are pleats on the front and back to add a little flare under the flattering empire waist. Make this coat in corduroy, wool, or velveteen to stay cozy and chic this spring.

Skill level: Moderate

Instruction Cost: $67 Class meets three times

 

Pink Chalk’s Mail Sack

Date/Time: Tuesdays 2/23 and 3/2 6:30-8:30 pm

Instructor:  Shelly

This is the perfect bag for the woman/child that needs a hands-free bag.  This “Mail Sack” is a roomy cross-body bag with two interior pockets one zippered and the other divided—perfect for a cell phone and keys.  This pattern includes two sizes, adult and child.  You will learn how to insert a zipper, line a bag and create pockets. 

Skill Level: Novice (should know how to run your machine)

Instruction cost: $45  

 

Favorite Things Little Hooded Jacket


Date/Time: Thursdays 3/4, 3/11 and 3/18 6:30-8:30 pm

Instructor: Autumn

Learn to make The Little Hooded Jacket pattern from Favorite Things, for your little one.  This is a versatile pattern with lots of fabric possibilities.  You will learn to trace a pattern (so you can use it again and again), construct and line a hood, sew in piping, attach sleeves and put in a zipper. This is a novice level class for those who know how to use their sewing machine, but need a little help with sleeves and zippers.  You and your little one will love this little jacket.

Skill level: Novice

Instruction cost: $67

 

Rooibos Dress by Colette Patterns

Date/Time: Wednesdays 3/10 and 3/17 6:30-9:00 pm

Instructor: Shelly

This gorgeous Colette dress (brilliant local designer) has a vintage feel with a modern touch.  Take this dress out on the town with little gloves and fancy tights or pair with flats and cardigan for daywear.  The high inset waist and gored straight skirt creates a very slimming look.  The neckline and scalloped pockets add just the right amount of detail.  Pattern sizes range from 0 to 18.  In this class you will learn how to insert an invisible side zipper and piece together fabrics to create a gored skirt.  You can also learn the optional piping for the neckline and pockets.

Skill Level: Moderate

Instruction cost: $57

 

Zippers II

Date/Time: Sunday 3/14 4:30pm-6:30pm

Instructor: Sally

Are you curious about INVISIBLE zippers? Do you wonder when to use one, and how to make it look right? Come learn in this hands-on class! We will help install the proper presser foot on your machine and sew an invisible zipper in class.

Skill level: Novice

Cost: $25

 

Learn to Sew: Farmers Market Tote Bag

Date/Time: Sundays, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4 4:30-6:30pm

Instructor: Sally

The same great Farmers Market Tote that we’ve offered before. This class is designed for the absolute beginner, even one who has never opened the box on that machine! Learn all the basics about fabric and pattern layout and basic sewing while making a medium size tote bag (approx. 14” wide x 16” tall x 4” deep). Use your unique bag for a trip to the Farmer’s Market, as a diaper bag or as a great craft tote.

Skill level: Absolute beginner

Cost: $67 Class meets three times

 

Skill levels are listed after each class description. We currently offer mostly beginning classes, because that is what we’ve been hearing from our customers. Please feel free to let us know of class ideas you would be interested in — tell us when you visit, or send an email to info@boltfabricboutique.com  If you’re unsure of which skill level you are, here’s where we’re coming from, and if you still are unsure, talk to us.

• Learn to Sew / Beginner: you’ve learned to thread your machine and make the needle move. You know how to wind and change a bobbin, sort of.  If you haven’t yet taken your machine out of the box, ask us if this is an appropriate level for you.

• Novice: You’ve sewn a little, mostly straight seams, read through a pattern, maybe could use some help with that, or just some more practice with keeping your stitches straight. You’ve finished your pillows and want to tackle a skirt — with elastic.

• Moderate: You’re comfortable reading a pattern, have made a number of projects. Want to learn how to keep your zippers neat, make even darts, and successful alterations. You’re venturing into more complicated patterns (e.g., fitted and lined blazers, trousers, no elastic here).

• Advanced: You use a pattern just as the starting point, and jump off from there. You want to learn to make patterns, be more precise with your alterations, do more detail work. You tackle challenging patterns with joy.

Pattern Review: Favorite Things Uptown Coat

by Sally Hess.

This jacket gets so much attention, I’m ready to sew another one! When I made this, I used some old wool and lining that was in my stash so I didn’t have to worry about the jacket not turning out. I figured that I would need to alter the pattern at least a little bit, and boy was I wrong! The pattern went together beautifully and it fits like a dream!

I made two minor changes to the pattern. The first was to make the inside of the collar out of the lining fabric. I worried that the wool would be too scratchy on my neck, so I used the lining and am really happy with that decision. To use a bit of complimentary flannel or other cozy fabric would also be nice! I didn’t use the optional interlining, except in the collar. I wanted to be sure the collar would stand up straight.

The other change I made was to add an inside pocket. The lining has the same pattern pieces as the outside of the jacket, so the seam at the empire waist practically begged for a small pocket to be added. I’m not sure if I’ll ever have reason to tuck my passport in that pocket, but if I do, I’m ready! The side pockets are also nice, though they hang dangerously close to the hem. If you make the knee-length coat version, you won’t have this concern. Next time I might add some length to the bottom hem, so that it can have a deeper hem than the 1 inch hem that is allowed.

 

When the pattern calls for the lining to be sewn to the outer fabric, the directions say to sew up one side of the front, across the top (with the collar tucked between the two layers) and back down the other side of the front. I chose to do this in three steps. I first sewed the top seam, with the collar tucked between the layers. This gave me the control to be absolutely certain that the collar was centered. It also let me tuck in a small hanging loop (I love it when jackets have that!). and lastly, it allowed for some nice top stitching before sewing the two center front seams.

I hemmed the lining before sewing the lining to the jacket. This allowed me to turn the jacket hem up and over the lining.

 

After I sewed the lining to the jacket at the front seams, I trimmed the seam allowance at the corner, and turned the seam right side out. The jacket hem was now folded up just the right amount for me to blind stitch the hem. Once pressed and topstitched, the lining is firmly attached to the jacket at the center front hem. None of this is in the directions, but it is something you will commonly see on a button down shirt or anything with a facing at the center front. 

 

I think that Favorite Things has made another fantastic pattern. My experience with this pattern company has been very consistent. They have good lines that fit a broad range of body types and their patterns go together very well.

However, as with some of their other patterns, the directions are a little sparse and could be frustrating for beginners. When I tried to mark the buttonhole placement, I found the pattern piece was printed backwards, so the pattern had to be face-down on the fabric. There also aren’t very many of the small hints and tips that you sometimes see on other patterns.

This jacket would look great in any weight of wool, wide wale or fine wale corduroy or that lovely velveteen that I’ve been eying at the store. And the button choices?! I chose covered buttons in part because  I was a bit overwhelmed by the great button choices available! I do recommend making a corded buttonhole for strength and durability, because this jacket will get a lot of wear!

Year of the Cape.

by Lupine.

The cape. A wonderful accessory for the young and old. They seem so fashionable these days, and a great use for some of that beautiful wool at the shop. Take a look at these stunners. I am not sure why I am not sporting one of these as I leave the house in my tall boots with two darling daughters all properly dressed in their little dresses... oh wait, that is my imaginary life again, I am lucky to have socks under my boots and a quick dab of lipstick to distract from all the other unfinished parts of my outfit.

Capes are here and there, making waves on runways and turning up in sewing patterns (above is one from Burdastyle), but really, who loves a cape more than a child? Check out these little cuties ready for some brotherly crime stopping.  

Each year I try and plan a gift that I can give to all the 2-5 year olds we know that we may celebrate birthdays. As many of our small friends have birthdays early in the year, I have to figure you what it will be just after the new year. 

This year, I declare the year of the cape! They go nicely over princess gowns in pink and purple sparkle and add a little something to the superhero jammies in bright red and gold. I like the gifts that can be easily made the hour before the party and customized somewhat for the individual child. If I pick a good idea for all the kids, I can actually stop thinking about kid gifts for an entire year. So long as I am sure to keep my stash up of shiny fabric nicely stocked. 

Maybe my other secret superhero plan should be making myself one of these lovely little numbers so when I set out I too can have some sort of extra power to help me take care of business.  

Colette Patterns are here!

by Lupine.

Yesterday I was talking with a friend about what project I am working on. My answer is that I am currently working on NOTHING. It is kind of a nice break, or was a nice break I should say. I am now going to be working on this beautiful blouse. It will be a nice self indulgent project for the start of the year. That is about what I need after a season of sewing for gifts to give away.

Which is your favorite Colette Pattern? I can simply not decide. But I am doing the blouse because:

A. I love it.

B. I am planning on teaching a class on it this winter or spring.

Oh, and C. I am obsessed with Mad Men and this really speaks to the beautiful clothes in that show and my fantasy of getting them to fit me. 

Anyway, come by and pick up a pattern to for yourself! 

The Best List Ever.

and a little peek at some of the new Heather Bailey "Nicey Jane" line that has started to arrive... 

 

You all sent wonderful comments and links in that little giveaway a while back. Now, over on the right, we have a master list. I say keep them coming! I think you will have a great time looking around at all the creative blogs, sites, tutorials, downloads, and other free goodies on our list.

I would like to take a minute to high-light a few favorites. They are all so good. Which means that you are all so good, and have a lot of exploring to do. Feel free to leave a comment with anything else wonderful that we might have missed. We can always use more for our awesome and growing list.

Blogs and Sites with great Tutorials and Freebies:

Burda Style website--all sorts of trendy, stylish clothing to try out.  Many from their members, folks making up their own clothes.  There are discussion groups too, so you can see what others are saying about a pattern before trying it out.  There is so much great information on this site.  Check it out!

All People Quilt

Creature Comforts has no-sew or paper projects.

Heather Ross has a great sundress and garden gloves.

Craftzine has patterns and downloads and tutorials galore.

Artsy Crafty Babe has some great bags and more.

Heather Bailey has a few goodies.

How About Orange

Dana Made It

Little Birdie Secrets

Skip to My Lou

Make Baby Stuff

PS I Quilt

Mairuru is from Japan and has lots of instructions for hand-sewn treats.

Weekend Designers will show you how to make your own patterns and sew up all kinds of garments and bags.

Sew to Speak

Amy Butler--there's a "free patterns" link on the bottom of the menu on the right side. The "craft patterns" are for her paper line.  Under the "Sewing Patterns" there are lots of great looking quilt and duvet cover patterns, decor projects, a yoga mat bag, a necklace, pillows and more.

Anna Maria Horner--there are more quilts, a pin cushion, "tote-able towels," a dog leash, a great little tutorial on circles for applique, and a pillow case dress.

The Purl Bee--so many sewing, embroidery, knitting and crochet patterns and projects.  Many of them have photo-rich step-by-step tutorials.

Individual Patterns and Projects:

Sweet little note keeper from Soul Mama.

pvc-free coated cotton would work well for this sandwich wrap.

Knee pad pants for kids.

Baby Shoes

Wall Pocket that is like a purse for a door knob.