Lifting Pins and Needles

This sewing year is ending with that amazing feeling of making something great and also easy! The New Nyoka crossover top and dress for knit fabrics from Sinclair patterns is most probably my last sewing project of the year. The Nyoka is the type of project that looks complex but is actually deceptively EASY TO SEW.  I am sharing how to sew this interesting bodice, step by step, including the front extensions, stabilizing the shoulders and waist and how to sew an awesome V neckline binding technique that is top notch.  I’ve made a top with rib knit and created chevrons on the front and back just for fun.  I also made a dress with a gorgeous flowery athletic knit.  Lots of sewing to see!   

The Buy one Get one FREE sale from Sinclair patterns is happening through the 1st of January with the code BOGO1 and its one offer per client.  The NEW NYOKA crossover top and dress is included in this sale! After the sale is over, it will be 20% off through the 5th of January.  

This is my general affiliate link: http://sinclairpatterns.com?ref=38 

Link for the Nyoka: https://sinclairpatterns.com/collections/all-patterns/products/nyoka-crossover-dress-and-top-for-knit-fabrics-pdf?ref=38  Video from this podcast episode: https://youtu.be/e-S1M91dd5Q

Sewing a holiday dress this year is not too practical, but it does not have to be less fun.  I chose the Holly dress from Fibre Mood to sew mine, just for fun.  It's a simple design with very elegant features in the collar with a gathered neckline and the bishop sleeves with cuffs and a delicate continuous bound vent. I am sharing the preparation (cutting & interfacing) and how to sew the collar & neckline in detail in a step by step sewing tutorial.  See the video here: https://youtu.be/INgbesdddR4

The Bardon dress is a NEW FREE PATTERN from peppermint magazine and I have sewn it using the WORST FABRIC in my stash.  Beware…. I used my only piece of Crinkle rayon. You’ll see the practicalities and difficulties this fabric presents, even in its beauty and comfort…..It is actually suited to this style.  Come and join me sewing this easy and comfortable dress.  I won’t be taking mine off.  Here is the video on my channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8YRbJKn8x0&ab_channel=LiftingPinsandNeedles

The Vivace dolman (Love Notions XS-5X) for woven & knit has short dolman sleeves and & to wear it in the cold, I'm sharing how to lengthen the short sleeve on any dolman .  Also I am sharing a tutorial on how to match stripes when you sew any garment.  🎥video: https://youtu.be/do0NEmUeAWQ 📸BLOG: https://liftingpinsandneedles.com/2020/12/04/lengthen-a-short-dolman-sleeve-easily-vivace-dolman-love-notions-stripe-fun-matching-and-not/

A robe is a great garment to make for your cozy and not so cozy lounging, and it’s also the perfect easy to sew and fit gift to sew for your loved ones. The Compose robe is new from Love Notions and is available for women and kids.  Woven and knit fabrics will work and I’ve made one of each! If you are newer to sewing, you will love seeing the sewing footage.  I am sharing how to sew this robe, with some extra tips and tricks!  One of mine can be outerwear too! It’s all about the fabric choice.  The Compose robe for women and kids are both 25% off through the 7th.  Here is the video of this episode https://youtu.be/Vw5tjRhDUq4

I tend to sleep in whatever and it's time to stop that.  I have made 2 beautiful pyjamas with the new Pine Cove PJ pattern from Itch to Stitch.  This design is for woven fabric and they have a super original wrap collar and front that is adjustable with ties.  No buttons, no facings, no fuss.  I am sharing how to sew this unique wrap collar and ties along with other practical aspects of these beautiful pyjamas.    The Pine Cove PJS  from Itch to Stitch (sizes 00-40US) are 20% OFF through the 7th of December.  You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/insom18eutI

I might not be the world's biggest pocket lover and usually skip them.. UNLESS they are truly beautiful to look at and the technique interesting. I found this with the Alana dress from Sinclair patterns and I actually sewed the pockets AND LOVED them! This is a gorgeous knit dress with princess seams and side panels that a great for contrast fabric. I’m sharing how to sew this dress! It’s very beginner friendly.  Get the pattern HERE & See the video on my channel: https://youtu.be/FqB27aSdHuI

A shirt is a beautiful classic garment to have forever and even more special if we sew it! The Mila shirt from Itch to Stitch has all the great and fun features to sew and can look very differently with your choice of fabric…. Flowy or structured…. Or BOTH.  I am sharing how I combined a flowy chiffon with a nice structured shirting to facilitate the placket, collar and cuffs.  As always, lots to see and especially the sleeve details.  See the video here:

https://youtu.be/p0UYl55L8nc  and get the pattern 25% off HERE

Heads will turn with these sleeves :) Sewing Pleats & gathers makes a striking look.  he new Cambria top from GreenStyle Creations is an easy to sew knit top with extra special details on the sleeves: pleats and gathers! Beautiful and feminine look.  There are many options to choose from and there’s a bust dart on the full bust option! I am a fan. I´m sharing how to sew the sleeve details, cuffs and knit bust dart.   

The Cambria top from GreenStyle has sizes B-M (up to bust 61” & hips 62”), has a standard & a full bust option and it’s 35% OFF (Reg $12, now $7.80) through Tuesday the 24th.  This is my affiliate link:  https://greenstylecreations.refersion.com/l/141.912846 

To see more garments sewn using GreenStyle creations patterns, this is the playlist on my channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwk5xT21q_c0ezgojr_V8F0IPERigbDU1

The Palermo top and dress is part of my PURPLE capsule collection! I have chosen to make the top with crinkle chiffon am sharing how to sew the center slit, the bias tape facing / casing for the neckline.  This beautiful flowy pattern is easy to sew, more than you would think!   

Follow along with the PLAYLIST for this SEW BEAUTIFUL PURPLE CAPSULE series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwk5xT21q_c2szzAPSMVatFUeeuIUq930 

I will be sewing the 8 patterns from the book SEW BEAUTIFUL by Kennis Wong from Itch to Stitch for my capsule collection.