An Invitation to Making Zen 2026
Making Zen is a FREE five-day online event for hand stitchers and crafters. 30+ textile artists will guide you through workshops on a range of stitching techniques and creative processes.
Read more and register here for FREE. It takes place on 4th-8th of May. Each day, 6-7 workshops will be available to watch for 24 hours, and we will create along together.
I’m presenting a workshop and a new pattern. It’s a jersey knit top made using a tessellating pattern.
My day for presenting is Thursday May 7th, and the workshop runs for 33 minutes.
This top is sewn entirely on a regular sewing machine, and I think it would suit intermediate sewers. I’ll be showing you how to get the most out of your fabric, and some techniques I use for zero waste patterns.
The top is designed for drapey, hi-stretch knits such as viscose, bamboo or silk. If you’ve never sewn knits before, I’ll be guiding you with some tips.
The pattern comes with the workshop as a downloadable pdf (A4, US Letter or A1). The cutting and sewing instructions are IN the workshop (so do take notes as you watch because it will only be up for 24 hours – there aren’t any written instructions except for a few details written on the pattern. Or order a VIP pass for lifetime access.).
Are you wondering if this pattern will fit you? It comes in 19 sizes, to fit bust measurements 34″/86.5cm – 70″/178cm. Here’s some quick, informal snaps from my fit testing:
The fit testing went very well. One model said she felt so comfortable that it hardly feel like she was wearing anything. More than one liked that the fluted sleeve covered their upper arms. Apart from my teens who also tried it on, all the fit models were aged 50+.
The Making Zen Online Retreat is full of really talented, interesting people generously sharing great stuff, and it’s an easy way to discover new people or new crafts. If you’re doing homeschooling, this is an excellent way to explore some new crafts with your children.
Want to watch at a relaxed pace? A VIP pass is available, giving you lifetime access, a bundle of extras from all the artists, and early access to watch the workshops.
I hope you can join me there. Cheers!
(PS – the links in this post are affiliate links; if you click on it and decide to purchase a VIP pass, the Haywood family benefits.)
Dear Liz, Thank you so much for the heads up! I have signed up for the free pass and am looking forward to making your knit top! Best, Giul
I hope you enjoy it! This is a special Making Zen, as it’s the 5 year anniversary of it.
I love this Tshirt! OK you twisted my arm. I registered:)
I think this is a bit “you”, Michelle. The pattern is actually a descendant of the boho dress in Zero Waste Sewing, which I know you’ve made.
Looks like you found an excuse to try use a ‘fancy stitch’ on your machine!
I’ve signed up, of course.
Well spotted, yes I did!
Hope you enjoy.
Great! I’m looking forward to listening to you once again, thank you. I must say on the other hand that I’m a bit puzzled by the direction the workshop is taking… “spiritual practices for makers”, “use crystals to ignite your creativity” were the most striking titles that turned on a red light in my head. I’ll nevertheless take a look to the other offers with delight.
Thanks Liseli, crystals notwithstanding I think this is going to be an excellent event.
Yay! Liz, your lessons in the Making Zen workshops are always enjoyable and inspiring. I am really looking forward to learning how you make this beautiful top❤️
Many thanks Suzi, and I hope you enjoy it.
I love the design of this t-shirt. A cut on sleeve (grown on sleeve/ extended shoulder sleeve) always gets my attention.
I signed up for the free version, with reminders on my calendar. Are the pattern files going to be a zip file? Just wondering because that will help me determine if I should watch on the computer or my phone.
I hope you enjoy it!
For the pattern files, I submitted 3 x pdfs, one for each paper size, unzipped. I don’t think they’ll zip them but a computer would be better to download them from.
What an amazing gift! Thank you ☺☺
My pleasure!