Posts by lizhaywood
The knit fabric experiment
The zero waste hoodie top pattern is almost here! Are you sick of hearing about it yet?! (No? Last week’s post is here.) The pattern is with the Editor at the moment, getting checked, wormed and vaccinated before it’s released into the world. So this is a short blog post to show you the knit…
Read MoreInside the glamorous world of fashion photography
It’s photography week for the zero waste hoodie top. I find photo shoots lots of fun. Also incredibly tiring as well, probably because I talk non-stop the whole time! There are no modelling agencies out here in rural Australia. Therefore as well as using myself as a model I ask “regular everyday people” to model…
Read MoreMaking a zero waste pattern Part 4: just keep drawing, just keep drawing…
Welcome to the next installment of the zero waste hoodie top pattern, which is unfolding week-by-week on this blog. If you’d like to catch up on the back story, Part 1 Where I tested out the initial idea from a tiny sketch. Part 2 Where a sample is sewn and some thought given to multiple…
Read MoreMaking a zero waste top: episode III
Hi Everyone, welcome to week 3 of this zero waste top project. So far….. Week 1 showed the idea I started from. I made an initial pattern, cut one out and pinned it together. In week 2, I sewed a proper sample, had a think about making multiple sizes and found some fabrics to use.…
Read MoreAs it happens: part 2 designing a zero waste top
It’s week 2 of Making a Zero Waste Top, and to my relief things are coming along nicely. If you missed Part 1 it’s here. With the “exciting” bit done (ie seeing if it’s going to work), it’s time to settle down to some sewing and problem solving, which I enjoy too. During the week…
Read MoreAs it happens: designing a zero waste top (part 1)
Many pattern designers and authors, including moi, like to keep their projects under wraps until it’s ready to show. Often it’s to stop someone pinching their idea before they bring it to fruition, but sometimes it’s because they aren’t sure of the outcome or how long it’s going to take. Over the next several weeks…
Read MoreMaking origami ribbon trim
While flipping through my sketch book looking for something, I found a page with notes for making a ribbon trim where the ribbon is folded origami-style. I’d folded some paper to work out how to do it. Luckily, I write the source of inspiration on all drawings, and it seems I saw a video of…
Read MoreNew zero waste pattern: Clair Skirt
Hello All, Introducing my new zero waste pattern: the Clair skirt. This skirt pattern is for sale in my Etsy shop. Please enjoy 25% off for the month of July. The Clair skirt + bag, hat or apron is zero waste; the offcuts from the skirt are used to sew an accessory. It’s an example…
Read MoreHow to sew a zip without using pins
Or: Sewing outside of your comfort zone. Like a sewing challenge? Yes, it’s possible to sew a zip without using any pins, just using your hands, technique and some practice. It’s a massive time saver (factory machinists do it) and it will generally boost your sewing speed and confidence. Our sewing teacher at TAFE taught…
Read MoreBreezy wrists: revisiting the zero waste Jedi coat
Regular readers of this blog may remember the zero waste coat that looked like a Jedi costume. It was adapted from the tessellated coat + dress from Zero Waste Sewing. Here’s the coat from the book: It was one of those garments which I was very happy with and thought I’d nailed every aspect: pattern,…
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