Introducing the Ribbon Skirt -- 7 skirts in 7 days!

Happy New Year Everyone!    My only New Year's resolution is to get this party going!  I'm cutting back on some of my other "work" so I can concentrate on crafting my blog.   I'm kicking it off by introducing my  jsterndesigns boutique line of patterns.  These patterns are unique because I am going to put all the instructions on my blog before I offer the pattern for sale.  You'll have the opportunity to check out the fine details of each design!  In addition to cutting, sewing and finishing instructions, I will show you a variety of looks you can get from the same pattern.  

The Ribbon Skirt has been my favorite skirt pattern since I drafted it in 2004.  It's fitted 4-gore design that's cut on the bias.  Fit and Flare!  The beauty of this pattern is that you can make it in 30 minutes if you're using a knit fabric.  I'll show you how to use the serger to add an elastic waistband (no casing) and finish the hem in two snaps!

This skirt has been a winter staple in my closet since 2004 (practically vintage!).  It's made of hunter green wool jersey... (I was having trouble getting the lighting right, so I decided to artsy up the shot in photoshop!)

I'm going to show you a different version of this skirt every day -- along with all the steps to cut, construct and finish it.  Of course, it's 12:45 pm on New Year's Eve, and I want to make a skirt to wear out tonight...  So, I'm going to whip up a black silk version (Think of it as a jsterndesigns version of Project Runway!)

I've been saving this beautiful black silk for a special event-- Perfect for New Year's Eve....   So, before I start cutting, here are the pattern pieces...  You can see that the side seams are shaped to fit at the hips and then flare to the hem for a very flattering fit!

I wish you all a safe and very happy New Year's Eve.  Stay tuned for Step 1-- Cutting Instructions to kick of the new year right!

Merry Christmas !!

I want to wish everyone a Wonderful Holiday (Merry Christmas)... This year is was all about the guitar for my husband... (Thank you Richard).     I hope you all have a happy day today and the whole New Year long!

.... I'll get back to the sewing and design next week!

Check out Flow Disruption... a Cool New Fashion and Inspiration Blog

....by one of my talented fashion students, Brittney!  Her blog Flow Disruption is part fashion diary and part what inspires her...   Actually, I'm very inspired by her, not only because of her creative fashion sense, but because she's doing it!  She's putting together cool looks everyday... photographing them and posting them on her blog along what moves her! (...and I'm one of her "behind the scenes" photographers!)  Her style is an eclectic mix of vintage chic, ready-to-wear and original designs.  ... Here she's modeling a garment from one of her Studio Methods Classes!

...If you feel like your closet is getting a little boring, or needs an update, check out Flow Disruption --you'll pick up some new ways to mix it up!

....and, I'm all inspired to get my blog on too!  Stay tuned for 7 skirts in 7 days!  One great pattern, 7 comfortable, fashion instructor looks!  -- Bonus, at the end of the week, I'll offer the pattern as the kick off for my new limited edition JStern Boutique Line!