Amber's Muddy Works Tee

--amber

I've been coveting Jaime's cute Nani Iro Nuance Tee for a while. When we recently received Tomotake's Muddy Works fabrics I couldn't resist this soft double-gauze, hand drawn polka dot in a pale warm grey.

Pattern: Nani Iro Woman T-shirt
Fabric: Muddy Works Double Gauze 1 1/2 yd
Size Made: One Size
Alterations: None

Double gauze is perfect for this pattern, a loose, easy fitting tee, and it makes a garment that is oh-so-soft and comfortable.

I won't lie, wearing my new tee is kinda like wearing the comfiest pajamas in the world, but with a little bit of sophistication.

The Nani Iro Tee pattern is actually more of a diagram on drafting your pieces (in Japanese!) I lucked out--since Jaime already drafted the pattern, this top just took me an hour or so to make. The simplicity of the pattern, though, should make drafting it easy enough for intermediate or ambitious beginner sewists to tackle. Just remember to use centimeters, not inches, or your shirt will be very big!

Find the free Nani Iro Womens T-Shirt pattern here. There are lots more Nani Iro free patterns there as well!

Jaime's Washi Blouse

The Washi Dress pattern by Made by Rae has been one of our most popular patterns, and I finally got around to stitching up my first one. It was everything I had hoped and dreamed it would be!

This Lecien Japanese lawn is lightweight and a great choice for summertime garments. I love the vintage feel of this tiny floral. The Washi Dress has several options - it can be a dress or a tunic, with or without tiny sleeves, and you can choose to make it with a cut-out neckline or straight scoop neckline. I chose to make a sleeved-tunic with the cut-out neckline.

This tunic sewed together nicely. The back has a shirred elastic waist which makes for a fitted top that is super flattering. The sleeves and armhole are finished with a bias binding, and the neck opening is faced for more structure and stability.

I am excited to try all the options - next up is a sleeveless top with regular scoop neck. There are still some warm months ahead to enjoy wearing some new Washis!

Better Know A Crafter: Stephen West

Stephen is an amazing knitting designer which we are so happy to have hosted at Fancy Tiger Crafts for a visit recently. He brought about a million of his knitted shawls to the shop for us to drool over and taught us amazing things about his design process. In his down time, Stephen spent some time in our sewing classrooms whipping up four tank tops and a patchwork shirt. He just might be the most prolific crafter we've ever met.

Stephen West AKA West Knits

Stephen enjoyed some Colorado brews during his visit

What kind of crafts do you do?
I  live in Amsterdam and travel a whole lot to teach knitting workshops. I design knitting patterns and publish knitting books. I like colors and shapes and making things to wear. I also like making videos and practicing jump rope moves. I knit and spin and I pretend to crochet and sew.

Tell us about your sewing process.
I wanted to make a shirt so I picked out some jersey and flannel with my face screen printed on it. I started sewing and when the shapes didn't match I filled in the spaces with animal fabric. 

Sweet Stephen face detail and kitten in a basket patchwork!

I didn't like the sewn neck I tried so I cut it out and added a knit neckline. I also added a crochet drawstring to the bottom.

The multi-talented Stephen combines knitting, sewing, patchwork and crochet in one garment!

How did you learn to sew?
I kidnapped my mom's sewing machine in high school and made pants and lots of bags. I taught myself to be a master seamster.

One of Stephen's new tanks

What is your favorite animal?
I like foxes. Red foxes.

Thanks Stephen! We miss you already!!