Blog

Practical Clothing

Taylor McVay November 13, 2013

This week I finished up a windbreaker. I had some rust orange ripstop nylon in my stash for years - yes, years - just waiting to be made into something.

I used fluorescent orange utility cord for the drawstring and fluorescent yellow bias tape for the casing and I quite like the effect. The utility cord is a little on the stiff side- it sticks out rather than hangs. Not so bad I guess, since I do really like the look of it, not to mention the nice visibility factory.

I added a zippered pocket for keeping little things in and stitched it into the hem to attempt to prevent the dreaded pocket bag hole.

I decided to base the design on a 1970's McCall zip up jacket pattern. I changed the design quite a lot...mostly I didn't have a good block of my own to work with. After completing the windbreaker, I realize I should have opted for the later. The pattern has a drop sleeve, rather than one set-in traditionally, which I feel like has less mobility though it is more roomy. I was going for mobility with this windbreaker, since I plan to wear it running.

That's another thing...

I've never been an athletic person - in the slightest - so this is incredibly new territory for me. I even tried running multiple times in the past and hated it. Something was different the last time I decided to give it a shot. Now I'm hooked and, in general, I really like the way I feel getting this much exercise. Though it's presented me with a problem: What on earth do I wear?

I am not fond of jewel tones, which for some reason tends to be the color palette of the majority of athletic wear for women. I've decided I will start making myself pieces for running, especially winter running, that are a marriage of performance AND style. This windbreaker is the first piece in this puzzle.

Now that it's getting even colder in New England, I have ordered some recycled woolblend polartec fleece from the mill that produces Polartec in Lawrence, MA. Very psyched...I love when fabric sourcing is super local.

Do any of you who run/play sports/work out feel similarly disappointed with your clothing options? Ever made any active wear?

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The other thing I managed to sew this week was a little hands free treat training pouch for puppy class. it was a quick project with just the right amount of engineering to keep it interesting. I used scrap canvas, lined it with clear vinyl from a roll I found in the barn when we moved in, and finished the edge with some scrap poly grosgrain ribbon. Pattern is made up, based on versions I’d seen on other puppy class attendees. It’s super handy and Clover likes it too (mostly because there’s food inside of it.)
[image: a shot looking down at my feet. I have a dark red pouch full of dog treats clipped to my hip. My puppy clover, a 6 month old black lab mix, is looking up at me longingly. She’s doing a very good sit.] #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #positivedogtraining

The other thing I managed to sew this week was a little hands free treat training pouch for puppy class. it was a quick project with just the right amount of engineering to keep it interesting. I used scrap canvas, lined it with clear vinyl from a roll I found in the barn when we moved in, and finished the edge with some scrap poly grosgrain ribbon. Pattern is made up, based on versions I’d seen on other puppy class attendees. It’s super handy and Clover likes it too (mostly because there’s food inside of it.) [image: a shot looking down at my feet. I have a dark red pouch full of dog treats clipped to my hip. My puppy clover, a 6 month old black lab mix, is looking up at me longingly. She’s doing a very good sit.] #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #positivedogtraining

I haven’t been able to do much sewing for myself lately, but when I discovered this linen jersey folded up in a bin while looking for something else and found myself with a few spare hours, I decided to make a T-shirt. I’ve never really been a T-shirt person. However, I do have a really intense love for those old, threadbare kind of shirts. So soft and blown out and worn through, rugged and experienced and delicate all at the same time. This one is going to get a lot of wear this summer. (Linen jersey is from @stitchsewshop . Pattern is my own.)
[image: a close up on my torso wearing an off white drapey T-shirt made from linen, with grass and trees in the background. The sun is shining and the picture looks hazy with a slight lens flare

I haven’t been able to do much sewing for myself lately, but when I discovered this linen jersey folded up in a bin while looking for something else and found myself with a few spare hours, I decided to make a T-shirt. I’ve never really been a T-shirt person. However, I do have a really intense love for those old, threadbare kind of shirts. So soft and blown out and worn through, rugged and experienced and delicate all at the same time. This one is going to get a lot of wear this summer. (Linen jersey is from @stitchsewshop . Pattern is my own.) [image: a close up on my torso wearing an off white drapey T-shirt made from linen, with grass and trees in the background. The sun is shining and the picture looks hazy with a slight lens flare

When I’m not teaching or making patterns, I occasionally do consulting and pattern making for all kinds of cool clients. Right now, I’m working on an adaptive T-shirt prototype for @girlschronically_rock . Swipe to see the shoulder magnets in action! [image 1: a close up of a black shirt with a white and pink “girls chronically rock” logo that has been modified to close at the shoulders with magnets. Image 2: a boomerang of the magnets in action.]

This week, @hi.ravelry took a strong stance against Trump, his administration, and their harmful policies. I’m sure this comes as no surprise to any of you, but I support Ravelry’s decision. More platforms need to put their foot down and cease tolerating (or ignoring) harmful and hateful ideologies. While ravelry’s move doesn’t ‘fix’ harmful biases in the knitting world, it’s a step in the right direction.
.:.
I also want to recognize the tireless work of many other folks (many of whom are BIPOC, queer, disabled, etc) continuously putting themselves out there, drawing attention to important issues, holding people accountable and spreading knowledge. Thank you.
.:.
I’m not surprised but I am disheartened that there has been such a massive amount of backlash against Ravelry’s statement. So many people of privileged identities (white, wealthy, cis, hetero) choose to cling to beliefs and structures that cause harm to others just because they cannot give up control (and often, they feel entitled to it.) We have a responsibility to take care of others, especially those who have been harmed by the structures we’ve benefited from.
.:.
[image: I am holding a partially knit striped hat in my lap, wearing jeans and a floral shirt. Over the image, text reads “I stand with Ravelry”]

This week, @hi.ravelry took a strong stance against Trump, his administration, and their harmful policies. I’m sure this comes as no surprise to any of you, but I support Ravelry’s decision. More platforms need to put their foot down and cease tolerating (or ignoring) harmful and hateful ideologies. While ravelry’s move doesn’t ‘fix’ harmful biases in the knitting world, it’s a step in the right direction. .:. I also want to recognize the tireless work of many other folks (many of whom are BIPOC, queer, disabled, etc) continuously putting themselves out there, drawing attention to important issues, holding people accountable and spreading knowledge. Thank you. .:. I’m not surprised but I am disheartened that there has been such a massive amount of backlash against Ravelry’s statement. So many people of privileged identities (white, wealthy, cis, hetero) choose to cling to beliefs and structures that cause harm to others just because they cannot give up control (and often, they feel entitled to it.) We have a responsibility to take care of others, especially those who have been harmed by the structures we’ve benefited from. .:. [image: I am holding a partially knit striped hat in my lap, wearing jeans and a floral shirt. Over the image, text reads “I stand with Ravelry”]

Hey y’all! I had the opportunity to chat with @abbyglassenberg on her awesome podcast about teaching, running Blueprints, social media, art, anxiety, and more. I still haven’t listened to it (too nervous I said something weird or inarticulate... hopefully I didn’t!) but I had a lovely time recording it and Abby is an excellent host. Have a listen if you’ve ever wondered what my voice sounds like! 😉😅 .:. [image: a selfie I took in front of my shower curtain printed with blue leaves. I am wearing yellow dangly earrings and looking away from the camera with a half smile. The podcast logo and title are at the bottom]

💙Big news y’all! I’ve just finished the first of my size addition updates! A-frame will soon be available up to a 61” hip!💙
.:.
To finalize this pattern and get it out there, I need some help! If you have between a 51” and 61” hip and would be interested in sewing up an A-frame skirt, send me a DM with your email, waist/hip measurements, and if you’d like to make V1, V2, or both.
.:.
You will receive a PDF of the pattern and some additional treats as well. I’m looking for somebody for each size (K-P). You don’t need to be an expert sewist, but since this round of testing is for fit (not construction) folks with some experience are preferred.
.:.
[image: on a table covered with blue and green abstract fabric, a sheet of paper with part of a pattern showing multiple size lines. There is an a-frame paper pattern, blue chalk wheel, blue pen, and several tiny green pine cones on the table as well.] #plussizesewing #curvysewist #indiepattern #patterntesting

💙Big news y’all! I’ve just finished the first of my size addition updates! A-frame will soon be available up to a 61” hip!💙 .:. To finalize this pattern and get it out there, I need some help! If you have between a 51” and 61” hip and would be interested in sewing up an A-frame skirt, send me a DM with your email, waist/hip measurements, and if you’d like to make V1, V2, or both. .:. You will receive a PDF of the pattern and some additional treats as well. I’m looking for somebody for each size (K-P). You don’t need to be an expert sewist, but since this round of testing is for fit (not construction) folks with some experience are preferred. .:. [image: on a table covered with blue and green abstract fabric, a sheet of paper with part of a pattern showing multiple size lines. There is an a-frame paper pattern, blue chalk wheel, blue pen, and several tiny green pine cones on the table as well.] #plussizesewing #curvysewist #indiepattern #patterntesting

For many years I collected vintage crewel embroidery kits. Most of them were made in the 70’s and feature appropriately 70’s subject matter (house plants, holly hobby, woodland creatures, etc.)
.:.
Over the years I used them mostly for supplies, repurposing the crewel yarn and the canvas for other projects, but I’ve recently become interested in stitching them up as is again, with the intention to maybe incorporate them into a future clothing collection. .:.
[image: an embroidery hoop with an in progress wool embroidery project. The design is dried flowers stitched up in earthy hues. In the background are a pair of gold scissors in a blue leather case.]
#vintageembroidery #crewelwork #70skitsch

For many years I collected vintage crewel embroidery kits. Most of them were made in the 70’s and feature appropriately 70’s subject matter (house plants, holly hobby, woodland creatures, etc.) .:. Over the years I used them mostly for supplies, repurposing the crewel yarn and the canvas for other projects, but I’ve recently become interested in stitching them up as is again, with the intention to maybe incorporate them into a future clothing collection. .:. [image: an embroidery hoop with an in progress wool embroidery project. The design is dried flowers stitched up in earthy hues. In the background are a pair of gold scissors in a blue leather case.] #vintageembroidery #crewelwork #70skitsch

I feel like this @lisacongdon poster my puppy ripped up is a metaphor for my life at this moment. Trying to handle things with grit and patience.😅😬
.:.
But I have good news! The first pattern to get a sizing update is on its way to completion, slowly but surely!
.:.
It will be available to purchase as a PDF and will also be available free to those who have purchased the print or PDF pattern in the past.
.:.
Can you guess which pattern it is? It’s one of my favorites, great for summer, and, if we’re being honest, the easiest to re-grade 😅.
.:.
(Also, ICYI, Clover has recovered almost completely from her surgery, though not without major bumps in the road. Feeling grateful for healthy dogs and sunny weather and spurts of creative time.)
.:.
[image: a poster that reads ‘tools of the trade’ and features office supplies with words on them like “patience”, “enthusiasm” and “extra strength grit”. It has been ripped and chewed in several places by small, sharp puppy teeth.]

I feel like this @lisacongdon poster my puppy ripped up is a metaphor for my life at this moment. Trying to handle things with grit and patience.😅😬 .:. But I have good news! The first pattern to get a sizing update is on its way to completion, slowly but surely! .:. It will be available to purchase as a PDF and will also be available free to those who have purchased the print or PDF pattern in the past. .:. Can you guess which pattern it is? It’s one of my favorites, great for summer, and, if we’re being honest, the easiest to re-grade 😅. .:. (Also, ICYI, Clover has recovered almost completely from her surgery, though not without major bumps in the road. Feeling grateful for healthy dogs and sunny weather and spurts of creative time.) .:. [image: a poster that reads ‘tools of the trade’ and features office supplies with words on them like “patience”, “enthusiasm” and “extra strength grit”. It has been ripped and chewed in several places by small, sharp puppy teeth.]

I need a haircut super bad but I like my outfit today and also look at all this Spiraea. #memademay 🌿🌿🌿
[image: me standing in front of a set of barn doors holding a large bundle of white spiraea branches. I’m wearing a floral print tunic over jeans and a railroad denim chore coat.]

I need a haircut super bad but I like my outfit today and also look at all this Spiraea. #memademay 🌿🌿🌿 [image: me standing in front of a set of barn doors holding a large bundle of white spiraea branches. I’m wearing a floral print tunic over jeans and a railroad denim chore coat.]

Received some goodies from @beyond_measure_uk who has the most beautifully curated collection of sewing tools and notions. Both pincushion and scissors case are made in collaboration with local UK artists & craftspeople. #smallbusiness #ceramics #sewingtools

Received some goodies from @beyond_measure_uk who has the most beautifully curated collection of sewing tools and notions. Both pincushion and scissors case are made in collaboration with local UK artists & craftspeople. #smallbusiness #ceramics #sewingtools

The other thing I managed to sew this week was a little hands free treat training pouch for puppy class. it was a quick project with just the right amount of engineering to keep it interesting. I used scrap canvas, lined it with clear vinyl from a roll I found in the barn when we moved in, and finished the edge with some scrap poly grosgrain ribbon. Pattern is made up, based on versions I’d seen on other puppy class attendees. It’s super handy and Clover likes it too (mostly because there’s food inside of it.)
[image: a shot looking down at my feet. I have a dark red pouch full of dog treats clipped to my hip. My puppy clover, a 6 month old black lab mix, is looking up at me longingly. She’s doing a very good sit.] #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #positivedogtraining

I haven’t been able to do much sewing for myself lately, but when I discovered this linen jersey folded up in a bin while looking for something else and found myself with a few spare hours, I decided to make a T-shirt. I’ve never really been a T-shirt person. However, I do have a really intense love for those old, threadbare kind of shirts. So soft and blown out and worn through, rugged and experienced and delicate all at the same time. This one is going to get a lot of wear this summer. (Linen jersey is from @stitchsewshop . Pattern is my own.)
[image: a close up on my torso wearing an off white drapey T-shirt made from linen, with grass and trees in the background. The sun is shining and the picture looks hazy with a slight lens flare

This week, @hi.ravelry took a strong stance against Trump, his administration, and their harmful policies. I’m sure this comes as no surprise to any of you, but I support Ravelry’s decision. More platforms need to put their foot down and cease tolerating (or ignoring) harmful and hateful ideologies. While ravelry’s move doesn’t ‘fix’ harmful biases in the knitting world, it’s a step in the right direction.
.:.
I also want to recognize the tireless work of many other folks (many of whom are BIPOC, queer, disabled, etc) continuously putting themselves out there, drawing attention to important issues, holding people accountable and spreading knowledge. Thank you.
.:.
I’m not surprised but I am disheartened that there has been such a massive amount of backlash against Ravelry’s statement. So many people of privileged identities (white, wealthy, cis, hetero) choose to cling to beliefs and structures that cause harm to others just because they cannot give up control (and often, they feel entitled to it.) We have a responsibility to take care of others, especially those who have been harmed by the structures we’ve benefited from.
.:.
[image: I am holding a partially knit striped hat in my lap, wearing jeans and a floral shirt. Over the image, text reads “I stand with Ravelry”]

💙Big news y’all! I’ve just finished the first of my size addition updates! A-frame will soon be available up to a 61” hip!💙
.:.
To finalize this pattern and get it out there, I need some help! If you have between a 51” and 61” hip and would be interested in sewing up an A-frame skirt, send me a DM with your email, waist/hip measurements, and if you’d like to make V1, V2, or both.
.:.
You will receive a PDF of the pattern and some additional treats as well. I’m looking for somebody for each size (K-P). You don’t need to be an expert sewist, but since this round of testing is for fit (not construction) folks with some experience are preferred.
.:.
[image: on a table covered with blue and green abstract fabric, a sheet of paper with part of a pattern showing multiple size lines. There is an a-frame paper pattern, blue chalk wheel, blue pen, and several tiny green pine cones on the table as well.] #plussizesewing #curvysewist #indiepattern #patterntesting

For many years I collected vintage crewel embroidery kits. Most of them were made in the 70’s and feature appropriately 70’s subject matter (house plants, holly hobby, woodland creatures, etc.)
.:.
Over the years I used them mostly for supplies, repurposing the crewel yarn and the canvas for other projects, but I’ve recently become interested in stitching them up as is again, with the intention to maybe incorporate them into a future clothing collection. .:.
[image: an embroidery hoop with an in progress wool embroidery project. The design is dried flowers stitched up in earthy hues. In the background are a pair of gold scissors in a blue leather case.]
#vintageembroidery #crewelwork #70skitsch

I feel like this @lisacongdon poster my puppy ripped up is a metaphor for my life at this moment. Trying to handle things with grit and patience.😅😬
.:.
But I have good news! The first pattern to get a sizing update is on its way to completion, slowly but surely!
.:.
It will be available to purchase as a PDF and will also be available free to those who have purchased the print or PDF pattern in the past.
.:.
Can you guess which pattern it is? It’s one of my favorites, great for summer, and, if we’re being honest, the easiest to re-grade 😅.
.:.
(Also, ICYI, Clover has recovered almost completely from her surgery, though not without major bumps in the road. Feeling grateful for healthy dogs and sunny weather and spurts of creative time.)
.:.
[image: a poster that reads ‘tools of the trade’ and features office supplies with words on them like “patience”, “enthusiasm” and “extra strength grit”. It has been ripped and chewed in several places by small, sharp puppy teeth.]

I need a haircut super bad but I like my outfit today and also look at all this Spiraea. #memademay 🌿🌿🌿
[image: me standing in front of a set of barn doors holding a large bundle of white spiraea branches. I’m wearing a floral print tunic over jeans and a railroad denim chore coat.]

Received some goodies from @beyond_measure_uk who has the most beautifully curated collection of sewing tools and notions. Both pincushion and scissors case are made in collaboration with local UK artists & craftspeople. #smallbusiness #ceramics #sewingtools

Blueprints For Sewing