Curvy Lines and a New Patchwork Sweater

plus an upcoming patchwork workshop!

PATCHWORK IN THE MULTIVERSE: Join Tanner Live on Zoom on October 7th at 9AM PST for a patchwork demo and sewing session. This three hour session will cover topics related to making patchwork for garments. Details can be found here.

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I think about shape. All the time I think about shape. Especially in the context of the clothes that we wear, the colorful patterns that decorate them, and even the ways in which we make them. Sewing patterns are just shapes sewn together. When you realize that I think sewing becomes less intimidating. Dare I say that shapes are more fun to think about then pattern pieces? If our goal is to make a garment of shapes that fit on our body, then our mission immediately becomes less complicated. Just sew the shapes together and hope for the best. Just attach the shapes and wear the thing and say that it is a fashion statement even if it is ugly. Shapes are our friends and they want up to succeed. Trust the shapes. Believe in the shapes. Sew the shapes.

With the colder weather approaching, I have been thinking about making sweaters for me to wear. This week, I made a pretty purple patchwork one.

With this sweater I sewed several curved lines. Sewing curved lines can be scary to some, but they are actually doable if you know a few things. 

First, when you cut a curved line in a piece of fabric the opposite piece of fabric should line up with its counterpart. Essentially, they are the inverse of each other and should fit together like a puzzle piece. 

Next, gentle curves are your friend when starting out. Begin with a slight curve and stay away from deep curves. 

Also, do not worry too much if the pieces do not perfectly align when you reach the end. Ask yourself, “Does it lay flat?” That will be the true test of if your curve was successful or not. 

I hope you are making something that brings you joy! I would love to hear about it.