MAKER JOURNAL
vol.29 // Friday, July 31st
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Hello,
I hope this finds you well. The old curse "May you live in interesting times" has been coming to mind these days as we all find ways to navigate not only the relentless news cycle, but general existential uncertainty about the future. It weighs on me, as I'm sure it does with you. Things that help: sitting on the balcony with a close friend at a safe distance, watching the sunset and talking about our feelings. Hearing that Outkast's Big Boi is collaborating with personal hero Kate Bush. Figuring out the best recipes for the peak summer produce I'm getting in my weekly CSA box (this creamy corn pasta is *chef's kiss*). Using the AllTrails app to find nearby hikes and then gasping and cursing my way up a mountain only to reach the peak, get verklempt at the view, and realize it was all worth it. Getting obsessed with dyeing and revitalizing dingy whites with natural dyes (see above). Sniffling my way through Say I Do on Netflix. Going to bed earlier. It's truly about the little things these days.
In other news, it's been a busy summer for us at CCP. We changed our name a few weeks ago (more on that here) and are hosting a chill challenge on Instagram for the next week. We're inviting you to share your favorite Closet Core make (new or old!) using the hashtag #closetcorepatterns. We'll pick three winners next weekend, and each one will win a $100 gift certificate to the shop plus an individual half hour Skype/Zoom sesh with me where we can talk about whatever you want, whether it's getting fit help or a mini sewing tutorial or troubleshooting a sewing machine issue. You can get more details here.
We're also preparing to launch our gorgeousssss new dress pattern (coming your way this August!) At our photoshoot we also photographed the Blanca Flight Suit, Charlie Caftan and Kalle Shirtdress in our extended size range; Charlie and Kalle are the next patterns we are re-releasing in sizes 14-30, and you can look forward to that in September. If you've been waiting for Blanca in print, we'll have that available in August when we launch our new dress in print and PDF.
Hope you're finding your own "little things" in these wild times and enjoying the simple pleasures of summer (at least for those of you on the northern hemisphere!)
All our best,
Heather Lou & team Closet Core Patterns
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Sewing ...
A few pals released great patterns this month! Love the new Nova Jumpsuit Pattern from True Bias, looks like a comfy knit option for this summer heat. And Victory Patterns just launched their first pattern in extended sizing with the truly lovely Sofia dress, a shirred dress after my own heart.
Like many, Katie sewed up Elizabeth Suzann's Clyde pants and jumpsuit. I'm happy to hear ES will be releasing some of her designs as sewing patterns following the shuttering of her RTW business. Something to look forward to!
How cute is this crossed back sundress from Erika Bunker? Love the fabric she chose too!
Off the shoulder floral goodness from Tasha.
The Love to Sew Podcast has a great episode with tips for online fabric store shopping, go have a listen!
Jasika finished her Jasika Blazer and duh, it's fabulous. I can die happy now.
Love Lisa's take on the zero waste Envelope Dress pattern. It looks so great belted.
Pandemic Sewing ...
Monserratt made a video tutorial on how to make a custom size face mask if you are having a hard time finding the right fit.
The NYT has this article about an Haute Couture sewing collective making face masks for Paris's front line workers.
This article from the Washington Post is discussing how the pandemic has fueled a home sewing revolution that seems like it's here to stay.
Quilting ...
An interesting article on the history of quilt making, and how the art of patchwork is closely tied to the work of activism.
We are OBSESSED with the art quilts of Bisa Butler. She switched from oil paints to fabric when she had a baby and didn't want to be surrounded by toxic chemicals, and the result is truly the best of both worlds. I lose myself looking at these pieces, trying to figure out how she does it. Absolute magic.
The Berkeley Art Museum hosted a virtual tour of their retrospective on the work of quilter Rosie Lee Tompkins. Her patchworked textile art is a revelation and paved the way for so many other artists who were interested in the art of patchwork. Inspiring!
The Social Justice Sewing Academy is offering a Black Lives Matter quilt block that uses Foundation Paper Pieces in various skin tones as the background design. All of their quilting blocks are free to download and make yourself, and it's a nice way to practice a new-to-you technique in a small project.
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How great is this jumpsuit hack from Katie??! She used our Jenny Overalls (with our handy tutorial for adding center front buttons) mashed up with M6891 to create a super cool boiler suit. |
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Eli here has made a whole bunch of Cielo tops and I would be hard-pressed to pick a favourite. Go check them out!
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