Spring time; pattern review Hello, fellow stitchers! Since the last time I wrote to you, Spring has arrived, April Fool’s Day has come and gone, Passover is almost over, Easter is in a couple of days, and the tax filing deadline of April 15 is just around the corner. Where has this year gone?? The message boards (http://pub38.ezboard.com/bsewingwebonlinecommunity) have been quiet, so you must all be busy doing something (sewing, maybe?). Spring is a great time for sewing, with lots of pretty pastels, florals, and lightweight linens in the stores. Come visit the front page at www.sewingweb.com for some ideas on spring sewing. As I promised you previously, I have a review of Brown Paper Patters, a company you may not be familiar with. Brown Paper Patterns (BPP) takes a somewhat different approach to patterns. Instead of trendy styles that can change from season to season (or even week to week!) BPP opts for simple lines with easy construction and a minimum of details. The patterns come in sets, of Pants, Tops, or Skirts. I decided to make the Slip-on Top from the Tops package. (http://www.smartcart.com/1sew/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=BBAGTOP) When you open the package, you will notice a couple of things. First, despite the name, the patterns are printed on the same lightweight tissue paper used by other pattern companies, but in white, not the tan usually used. Second, the Steps of Construction are printed separately from the Methods instructions. Each pattern, with a descriptive name rather than just being called “View A” or “View 1”, has its own (1-page) Construction sheet, with the fabric layout diagrams on the reverse of that page. This makes it a lot less confusing deciding which of multiple layout diagrams is intended for your chosen view, size, and fabric width. The Steps of Construction are just that: the steps themselves, listed in order, without detailed instructions on HOW to do a step. The Construction sheet lists in bold print the techniques listed in the Methods booklet. If you are already an experienced sewer, the one small (about 5”x7”) Steps of Construction sheet is a handy reminder of the order in which to do things, and is much easier to handle than the large sheets that are usually included. However, if you are not experienced, or not familiar with a step (applying a neckline facing, for example), then you turn to the Methods booklet. This is a separate booklet, the same convenient size as the Construction sheet, listing, in alphabetical order, the different methods and techniques used in that particular pattern package. Some of the listings are general, such as “seam finishes” and “hems”, and will apply to any pattern. Other listings such as “sleeves” or “neckline facings” are specific to the package you are working with. The directions given are clear and easy to follow, and the pattern pieces fit together well. I found the sizing of the pattern to be accurate, and a comfortable fit based on my measurements. Since I am on the tall side, I did find the blouse I made to be a bit short for my taste, about 21” finished length, but it would be easy to add a couple of inches to the bottom when cutting out the pattern pieces. I would say that Brown Paper Patterns are good for both beginning and experienced sewers. For beginners, the patterns offer a chance to learn basic construction techniques such as facings and darts, with an attractive, wearable garment as the end result. The simple lines of the designs also make them a good choice for showing off a special fabric. For more experienced sewers, the patterns can be a jumping-off point, with endless possibilities for embellishments, contrast fabric, etc. On the Slip-on Top I made, I used a contrast fabric for the neckline facing and turned it to the outside, creating a design detail out of a necessity. (Keep an eye on the Gallery for a picture! http://www.sewingweb.com//spgm/index.php) Until next time – May your fabric bins never be empty and may you always have time for sewing! Lois Fitzpatrick Online Community Director http://www.sewingweb.com http://www.sewingpatterns.com lois@sewingweb.com