Tag Archives: pattern geek-out!

Autumn/Winter Daydreaming, 2015 Edition!

September 15, 2015 By in Uncategorized Tags: , 125 Comments

Hi, guys! I hope you are all well! I am in a particularly busy stretch right now, and what that usually means for me is that my brain is in overdrive, cramming sewing daydreams into every spare moment! So I thought it might be useful to type up my autumn/winter sewing plans to get them out of my head, and to hear what you guys are interested in sewing for the upcoming season change! (Note: all photos are the property of their respective pattern companies).

I am the first person to admit that I just don’t have any interest in wearing dresses once the weather turns cool. Tights just don’t feel that warm to me, plus, let’s be honest– I don’t prioritize shaving my legs on dark winter mornings and stubbly legs + tights = itchy city! But. BUT. For some reason I’m finding myself interested in shirtdresses these days, so I’m thinking I should try at least one! True to my style, these are loose and don’t really have a defined waist, so maybe I should just keep them short and sassy and just wear them over skinny jeans? Anyway, my #1 choice is the Named Clothing Wenona dress. I just love all the interesting details in this pattern- it’s so cool! I already have it in my stash as it was a Christmas gift from my brother, so it’s on the top of my list.

I’m also loving the lines of the Style Arc Italia dress! If the illustration doesn’t lie, it’s got a nice, body-skimming fit, and the lines are very flattering and fun.

I may also just try out a tunic version of the Grainline Archer. Also, I should really make myself a new Archer to usher in fall weather, yeah? It would be criminal not to! I loved Kendra’s silk Archer, and although my workplace is super casual, I’m tempted to try a dressier version like hers.

The Rèpublique du Chiffon Dominique jumpsuit is another thing that I’m super anxious to make! I’d planned to make it all summer long, but we had a particularly hot summer here in New York and it was just too sticky to wear pants! I really want to make this in the next couple of weeks so I can get some wear out of it before winter hits. But, I can always throw a blazer over it during cooler weather, so I guess it isn’t completely a summer garment, right? PS- anglophones, English RDC patterns are coming soon!!

Another transitional pattern that I may try is a pair of Style Arc Lola pants. I’ve had this pattern for nearly two years (!), but haven’t gotten around to making it yet (I’ll be honest… the instructions confused me every time I pulled the pattern out, so I kept shelving it). Are these even cool anymore?

This fall/winter, I’d also like to make real trousers. I found a cute pair at a sample sale in the Garment District that I’d like to copy, and I also like these Burda Satin Trousers 07/2015 #117A (uhhhhh… but not in satin).

If I can, I’d really love to join in the fun and sew a blazer alongside Gail and friends in October. Gail’s been making some AMAZING blazers lately, and I know it would be a great experience to learn from her! I like the cut of the Burda Essential Blazer and may try to give it a whirl. TRY TO IGNORE THE BIRD ON HER SHOULDER WHY BURDA WHY?!?!?!

This one is just a daydream… you guys, I REALLY WANNA SEW THIS JACKET, but I just can’t have any more casual jackets! I have way too many, and my coat closet is bursting at the seams as a result! But how cute is the Named Clothing Harriet Lumberjacket?!?! I looooooooove it! Can you guys please just sew lumberjackets so I can look at yours in a pervy, envious way?

Now let’s just disregard what I said about my poor, groaning closet because I am still hopeful that I can make the Grainline Cascade Duffle this year. I bought super awesome wool coating for it last year, but couldn’t get organized enough to sew it up before spring hit. I can always cram one more coat in the closet, yeah?

I’ve really enjoyed having a shiny new pair of jammies this summer, so I’d love to add a second pair of Carolyn pajamas, this time in flannel. What’s better than flannel for the winter months?! Nothin’!

I’m really, really getting excited about knitting this fall! I’m slowly but surely making my way through the Bradbury for Man Friend (both sleeves and the back are done; just the front left to go). I absolutely adore the Stonecutter pattern, and even though it terrifies me a little, I really want to give it a try. Survey: how many times do you think I’ll have to stop and rip back because I’ve screwed up a cable? My guess is 7 times…

I treated myself to a copy of Pom Pom Quarterly a couple weeks ago, and wow, it is serious eye candy! Now I basically want to knit EVERYTHING in it. But, I’m trying to be reasonable, so if I finish Stonecutter in a timely manner, I’d love to try the Magdalen scarf, featured on the cover. Isn’t it gorgeous?

I also adore the Karusellen hat… SO CUTE GUYS.

Last but not least, I spied this scarf on Instagram just this morning and instantly added it to my queue. It’s the murmuration scarf by Kate Davies and man, it’s so cool! Even if I don’t have time to knit it, I’ll enjoy just thinking about it!

Alright, how about you guys? What are you daydreaming about these days? Any fun sewing plans? Tempted to try any of these patterns?

Autumn/Winter Daydreaming: Coats, Coats, and More Coats!

September 6, 2014 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , 172 Comments

Hi, dudes! Hope your weekends are all off to a great start! I’ve been in a bit of a sewing pickle lately… it seems too late in the season to keep sewing summer clothes, but it’s been so hot lately that it’s not much fun sewing cool weather clothes! I’ve made a couple of fall pieces that I haven’t worn or photographed, but I’m just not feeling too inspired to sew more at the moment. So, what have I been doing instead, you ask? Daydreaming about coats!

I put together a quick list of what I wanted to make this fall and winter, and it turns out that all I want to make is coats! Off the top of my head, I came up with a list of six (SIX!!!) coats/jackets that I want to sew (only four were for me, but still). Shocking! I’m making a jacket for my mom and one for my sister, using Pauline Alice’s Ninot jacket pattern, but I really need to narrow down options for myself. [ETA: There’s a discount code for Pauline’s shop good until Sun 9/7 PM- use “1YEAR” for 20% off!!] So I thought it would be fun to have an old-fashioned pattern geek-out focused on outerwear! It’s a long post, but if you make it to the end, there’s a fun surprise! (Note: all photos are property of their respective pattern companies, and are used with permission).

Pauline Alice Ninot Jacket

I already have the Gerard coat pattern by République du Chiffon. Dudes, I love this style. It’s really, really (probably intentionally) similar to an Isabel Marant coat that I love so much that it makes me feel kind of weird and sweaty. (Sidebar: if I were rich and frivolous, Isabel Marant would take ALL my money. Good thing I can sew!) I’m not 100% sold on the dropped-shoulder look on me, but I still want to try this pattern. (If you’re not sold on this pattern yet, check out this version on the Made by 6 blog! If I ever saw her in real life in that jacket I would grab it and run!) Bonus: this pattern is in English, so if you’ve been wanting to try RDC but don’t speak French, here’s your chance!

République du Chiffon Gérard

Next up, the Yona Wrap Coat by Named. Setting aside the irritating premise of a “Native American-inspired” collection (it’s not like there’s a giant group of “Native Americans” with one singular history and culture, people!), I’m drawn to this coat. It’s similar to the Gerard coat, but has one of my favorite details, a raglan sleeve, plus a fun cocoon-y shape. I also really like the fabric they used in the sample. Stripes FTW!

Named Yona Wrap Coat

Here’s another pattern I found that’s super cute- the Malu Coat, by Schnittchen. I’ve never used one of their patterns, but I really like this look. I rarely like/use hoods (I prefer a stand-up collar and a hat), but this one just looks so cozy and sweet.

Schnittchen Malu Coat

Here’s a fun one! It’s a new Burda plus size pattern, Paneled Wrap Cardigan 9/2014 (but let’s be honest, it’s totally a coat). Check out the line drawing- this design is chock-full of delicious seamlines! Wouldn’t this look amazing in a soft gray wool with tons and tons of topstitching?

Burda Paneled Wrap Cardigan (Plus Size) 9/2014 #137

Alright, I’ll reluctantly leave my favorite territory, Slouchy Coat Land, and venture into more classic territory. Here’s a timeless coat, V8884. I’ve been wanting to try my hand at sewing a trench coat for the longest time, but I have a RTW one from my pre-sewing days and can’t really justify owning two trench coats. Someday when mine dies I’ll sew one up… wouldn’t it be fun to have one in a crazy color?

Vogue V8884

OK, I didn’t just pick this next one because it’s animal print… but that didn’t hurt. This is Vogue V1365, a double-breasted wrap coat. There’s something so glamorous about a coat like this- I’d pair it with a floppy felt hat and oversized glasses and let everyone (OK, no one) think I’m an undercover starlet!

Vogue V1365

Speaking of classics, it doesn’t get more classic than Burda’s Barbour jacket for fellas! I’m not sure I’m up to the task of stitching up a coat for Man Friend, but I loooooooooooooove a man in a Barbour, so maybe I should just go for it! I’ll definitely do it if I come across some nice waxed cotton in my travels. Gorgeous!

Burda Men’s Barbour Jacket 10/2010 #137

OK, so this one is an imaginary pattern, but I’m crossing my fingers that Jen from Grainline releases a pattern for her delicious toggle coat! Does it make me a stalker to admit that I already have fabric set aside for one of these? Please don’t take out a restraining order on me, Jen! I just want my own Paddington Bear coat!!! [ETA: Pattern coming for this coat in the fall!!!!!]

Grainline Studio Northwoods Toggle Coat

Alright, that brings us to the end of this parade ‘o’ coats, so here’s your surprise! When I wrote to Silke of Schnittchen fame for permission to use her photos, she offered to give away THREE Malu coat patterns to Ginger Makes readers! How sweet is that! They’re not even PDFs- they’re paper patterns- and shipping is included! So, if you’d like to be entered to win, click here and give me your name and email! I’ll close the giveaway on Friday, September 12th at noon EST and choose three winners at random shortly thereafter. Good luck!

OK, it’s question time! Did you find any of these looks inspiring? What are your favorite coat patterns? Do you like sewing outerwear? Any tips or plans for sewing coats or jackets? What’s on your sewing table?

Odds & Ends + Pattern Geek-Out: Deer & Doe Spring-Summer ’13!

March 25, 2013 By in Pattern Geek-Out!, Uncategorized Tags: , , , 104 Comments

Hi, guys! I’ve been a bad, bad blogger. I’ve been crazy busy and feeling really overwhelmed by the thought of sitting down to post. But things are returning to normal and I’m excited to get back to more regular posting! Here are some quick bullet points to catch you up on what’s been going on chez Ginger:

There’s an “M” on his forehead (“m” for “mine, all mine”!). I will definitely be abducting him in the near future.  Sorry, Devra!

  • I did some top-secret pattern testing (another reason for silence on the blog)!  You guys.  You’re going to love this pattern.  I’m just sayin’.  GET EXCITED.
  • I broke down and ordered a walking foot last week.  I’m suuuuuuuper excited to make a plaid Archer shirt, and if that minimizes the cursing, sweating, and crying that I’ll probably be doing as I try to match plaids, that’s gotta be a good thing, right?  Anxiously waiting for its arrival as we speak!
  • On that note, I’m way stoked for the Archer shirt sewalong!  My new office job gives me normal-ish hours, so I *should* actually have the time in the evenings to keep up with this sewalong [sobs of joy]!
  •  And today my mug is over on True Bias as part of her new series, Tried and True!  You guys know Kelli, right?  If not, hop over there RIGHT NOW.  GO.  What are you waiting for?!

But now, let’s get down to our real business– a big, fat, sloppy pattern geek-out!  I didn’t even know this was coming, but I just happened to mosey over to Deer & Doe’s blog today and what did I see but NEW SPRING AND SUMMER PATTERNS!!!

Datura

Oh my gah, how cute is this?!  The Datura blouse, a swingy (but not TOO swingy) woven top with neckline cutouts and buttons in the back (but NOT at the top of the back so my hair won’t get caught on the buttons… GENIUS).  And the sample is made in a gorgeous mint green– I can’t even deal with this.  Folks.  There’s a Peter Pan collar option.  I’m in danger of raving.

Reglisse

Look at this!  The Reglisse dress, a summery little dress that I’m DYING to get my grubby mitts on!  I usually hate elastic waists (c’mon, I’m not a toddler, people!), but I love the neckline, sleeves, and easy fit so much that I just want this pattern so badly!  I wanna swan around in a little sailor dress all summer long!

Chardon

Finally, the Chardon skirt!  I rarely wear skirts (it’s just too complicated to put together an outfit, as opposed to just pulling a dress over my head), so I’m not as tempted by this one, but I’m sure that this is making many other hearts go pitter-patter all across the blogosphere.  Plus there’s a cute ribbon bow at the back!  Sheesh, Eléonore, don’t you know I’m trying not to buy more patterns?!  Give a girl a break!

Man.  These are all just too amazing.  I have serious Paris envy, people (look it up, it’s a psychological disorder)!  Why am I all sweaty?

What about you guys?  What’s going on with you?  These patterns (or any other new ones) got you all hot ‘n’ bothered?  Do tell!

Pattern Geek-Out: Papercut Patterns!

November 26, 2012 By in Pattern Geek-Out!, Uncategorized Tags: , , 99 Comments

I don’t know about you guys, but I could sure use some cheering up today!  I’m having a hard time conjuring up a good attitude about going back to work after a holiday weekend (not to mention dealing with the newly-chilly weather here in NYC after enjoying sunny Florida for Thanksgiving).  But, if there’s anything that can put a spring in my step, it’s new indie patterns, so it was great timing that these landed today!  Wanna look at some photos and feel better about life with me?

Midsummers’ Night Dream dress (includes tank variation)

Here we go!  This is Papercut Patterns‘ new spring/summer collection (ha!  Why do you mock me, o warm and beautiful southern hemisphere?  Seriously, you guys, I HATE winter and am NOT emotionally prepared for this weather), Covent Garden.  Isn’t it too beautiful?  How dreamy is that dress above?  The color is RAD, I tell you!

La Sylphide dress

I can imagine quite a few of you in the dress above!  How cute is it?!  The La Sylphide pattern also includes separate blouse and skirt variations, so that’s pretty fun.

Petrouchka top and Rite of Spring shorts

Guys.  Do you want to hear a deep, dark, disturbing confession?  (Of course you do– you’re sick in the head!)  This whole time you guys have been freaking out about peplums, I’ve been all, “WHATEVER”.  There.  I said it.  NOT INTO PEPLUMS.  But for some reason, I actually really like this little top!  It’s sort of casual and flirty at the same time and also, raglan sleeves, dudes!  My fave!  One last thing: how much do you want a pair of orange wedges now?!?!?!

Coppélia cardigan (and the Rite of Spring shorts, again)

Look at this adorable wrap cardigan!  I’m so tempted to make this cardigan and use By Hand London‘s too-f-ing-cute tutu tutorial so I can dash around the house pretending to be a beautiful ballerina and not at all trying to fulfill some sort of crazy childhood fantasy… what?

Oh yeah– I should probably mention that Katie is running a free shipping special until Dec. 16th, which definitely makes a purchase more tempting since New Zealand is FAR, FAR AWAY IN THE LAND OF SUNSHINE AND DREAMS.  Definitely go check out the rest of her collection– it’s always such a treat when new indie patterns pop up!

What do you think, guys?  Do you like these?  How would you wear these styles?  Lastly, what are your strategies for beating the back-to-work blues?  Putting up Christmas decorations, drinking hot chocolate, and watching Christmas Vacation lessened the sting of re-entry a bit last night, but I’d love to hear your tips!