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I just cut out my customized t-shirt pattern, and realize that I made a big mistake. Not with the cutting, but with the fabric. Because I didn’t want to risk using expensive material on this test project, I pulled something from my stash.

What was I thinking?! I should have tested it first to determine its stretch rating. Most t-shirt patterns are designed for “moderate stretch” knits, and clearly this stash fabric doesn’t fit the bill.

If only I had used the Stretch Ruler handout I give my sewing students! (Download a free copy here.) Trying to eyeball a knit fabric is a bad idea. Most knits look alike from a distance. Without testing the gauge, there is no guarantee that even an expertly sewn garment will fit and perform properly.

So now the question before me is: do I sew THIS shirt, if for no other reason than curiosity? Or do I pitch it, run to the fabric store, and buy something else? Stay tuned for the answer…

Now I’m on my own to explore the Pattern Master pattern drafting software in greater depth. It’s very cozy here, sitting in the back corner of the CQ studio. Lots of lively activity around me at the cutting tables. The studio windows are open, sun is streaming in, and the whoosh of the Powow River adds a soothing background sound, setting the perfect tone for creative contemplation. Ah…spring! Read more >

Greetings, CQ members and friends. For the next several weeks I’ll be blogging about my experiences with Crafters Quarters’ awesome pattern drafting software. While many of you folks think of CQ as a place for creating all sorts of fiber arts and mixed media projects, it’s also a phenomenal resource for those who sew clothing and home dec items: huge cutting tables, dress forms, sewing machines, and of course this software used by the fashion industry to create clothing lines for women, men, and children. Read more >