Hackers unite! For Kimberly has challenged us to remix one of her patterns in an unique Remix the Stitch series and this couldn´t have been more fun. And enlightening, ha. I have realised that:

a) I know nothing about fit.

b) I know nothing about flat pattern alterations for fitting purposes.

c) I have no idea if something is well fitted or not.
d) I do, however, know how to follow instructions and operate a sewing machine and a serger like a ninja.
e) I´m very creative when it comes to altering patterns but not everything works.

That being said, I decided to remix something simple: the Capitol Hill dress turned playsuit, by mixing it with the Alexandria Peg shorts from Named. Haha S.I.M.P.L.E. Since I didn´t have the time to muslin and record those alterations on the patterns, I made the changes I needed by trial and error, modeling on myself (aka try it on, too loose here, pin it, tuck it in, better now, now it´s short there, gaaaahh, what if i cut this bit off?... etc etc). I choose a beautiful burgundy crepe from my stash that is actually quite medium weight but with a nice drape and some stretch. First challenge was the bodice, since I knew I wanted to keep the pleats as they are the main feature for this pattern, but it ended too high from my waist, so I had to lenghten it. Because of this, the pleats design got somehow lost near my waist and wouldn´t be noticeable, so I transfered them to the neckline. I knew I could because I had extra fabric in the chest area and pleats are just an easy way to adjust that. Also, I needed it to adapt to the trousers waistband, so I wanted it larger at the bottom.

So, back to the neckline pleats. I marked and basted them upside down, but they were opening to much and spreading towards the armscye and making funny and not flattering lines, so I abandoned the outer set of pleats and left just the big inner ones, played a bit, basted, unpicked, steamed, basted again, until I ended up with my lovely inverted pleat. I named it The Batcave. I´m pretty sure I can put my wallet, car keys and Iphone in there. Not Iphone 6, though. Neverthless, I can honestly say I never saw that feature anywhere, so that makes this jumpsuit even more unique.
I feel the neckline pulling down a bit and I think it´s a combination of the weight of the fabric, the rise needing more lenght and the shoulders more wideness.



If you haven´t noticed, I´ll make you look again by talking about the back invisible zipper and the way that back seam perfectly matches the shorts back seam. I have no idea. I added the waistband and just elasticized the back, so I guess I missed the alignement after doing that.




Because the density of the fabric, this will actually be perfect for Fall, or those schizophrenic days when it´s 9ºC in the morning and 28ºC in the afternoon.
This brings us to hack number two. I have been dreaming about a boho large fitted, flare dress all Summer and finally did it. Fabric is a light and soft rayon challis, again from my stash. I remixed the Ravenna top by lenghtening it to dress size, keeping the hi-lo hem. I removed the dart by cut-and-spread towards the center and accentuated the A-line. I also added a little flare to the sleeves and shortened them, finishing with some soft gathers at the neckline and rolled hems.




Though it looks quite simple, it really was the look I was going for and I assure you it does not resemble in any way a hospital gown. It will look perfect with an oversized cardigan and some ankle boots. In fact, that´s practically my Fall uniform.




But all these remixes bring up a paradoxal question: if we can hack all patterns, why buy more? Do we need anything else rather than basic blocks? Why yes, certainly. Because:
a) I´m not a pattern maker, so it can go wrong sometimes.
b) Some basic blocks are so basic that altering it to achieve a certain look or add a certain feature would be so much work.
c) We are a comunity that indeed supports designers and their businesses. They are interested in making their patterns the best they can so we can feel good about the clothes we´re making, and we´re interested in the same. Win win.
d) I stopped buying clothes but I can´t just not buy anything. And shoes are good but, let´s face it, a girl needs more in life.

It´s the last day of the series and I´m sure you didn´t miss it, but here´s the amazing line up: they´re all really worth a visit!

Tuesday, September 8th: Meg Cookin' and Craftin' | Jennifer Ginger Peach Studio
Wednesday, September 9th: Ajaire Call Ajaire | Heidi Handmade Frenzy | Stacey Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts
Thursday, September 10th: Melissa Rebel & Malice | Annika Näh-Connection | Abby Sew Much Ado
Friday, September 11th: Katie It's Hard to Hear Up Here | Jane Buzzmills | Lisa Mabey She Made It
Saturday, September 12th: Elena Randomly Happy | Allie Indiesew | Jess If Only They Would Nap
Monday, September 14th: Jaime Made By Jaime | Lauren BASTE + GATHER | Sara Made by Sara
Tuesday, September 15th: Audrey Skirt Fixationy | Teri Fa Sew La | Hayley Welcome to the Mouse House
Wednesday, September 16th: Emi Just Add Fabric | Rachael Imagine Gnats | Teresa Dandelion Drift
Thursday, September 17th: Kaysie | KZJO'STUDIO Rita Conversas de Hermanas | Stephanie Swoodson Says
Friday, September 18th: Andreia In a Manner of Sewing | Nienke Pienkel | Abbey Sew Charleston

This is a really big anniversary for Kimberly so she´s offering 50% off all patterns in her shop, both pdf and paper, and 40% off Stitch Kits. This sale will run until September 20th. No code necessary.
There´s also a big giveaway TODAY with some amazing prizes from throughout the pattern and fabric world! Oh and look! For that I have one of those helicopter annoying thingys that make you visit 296 pages for a chance to win! Wait what!? Aaaaall you have to do is give a virtual high five!? Pff, don´t burn your finger.