Add Your Style to Fashion Patterns
Amy Barickman, my friend and guest, unlocked the magic contained in sewing patterns. The idea behind Magic Patterns has a copyright date from the 1920s. Amy has expanded on the concept bringing you versatility in garment design and sewing. Patterns are so much more than a flat sheet of paper!
I hope you’ll watch the second episode of Magic Patterns online or on PBS with my guest Amy Barickman. Amy modeled her concept of Magic Patterns after one of the sewing stars in the early 20th century, Mary Brooks Picken, founder of the Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences. Mary always encouraged students to add their own creative style to designs.
Following her lead, Amy and I show you how to use a basic style and then add personalized touches.
Magic Cardigan
Cardigan—the name makes us think of being cozy! From sleek jersey knit to a wrapped-up number, we’ll show you the details to transform this pattern into several styles with simple yet unique details.
Magic Dress Pattern
When making the magic dress pattern, you can mix and match the subtle style features. Focusing on the sleeves, learn how to easily change the styling with Amy’s easy-to-sew as well as easy-to-wear ideas.
Magic Coat Pattern
Sew a coat? Certainly! Working with patterns that have carefree styling is what this program is all about. Choose a beefy fabric; then match your imagination with one of the styles.
This bookfeatures six magic patterns that can be transformed into 36 different styles, with 216 different looks. Complete with beautiful full-color photos, step-by-step instructions, and a CD of printable patterns, this easy-to-follow book shows how six patterns x six looks x six fabric suggestions (for each look) result in a complete wardrobe. Amy and I guide you on how to tile the patterns, which are featured on the CD in the book.
This is the continuation of the story Amy told in her book Vintage Notions. This book shared a small piece of the history of her muse Mary Brooks Picken, and the school she founded, The Women’s Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences.
- Excerpts from the Institute’s newsletter Inspiration & magazine Fashion Service
- Vintage fashion illustrations
- Inspiring stories and testimonials
- Sewing lessons & techniques
- A monthly Magic Pattern—a fashion sewing pattern created from personal measurements instead of pattern pieces.
The sewing lessons, vintage wisdom, and beautiful (and fun to color!) illustrations will appeal to the modern sewists in our industry who love to buy, share, and enjoy inspiration.
To view the video & preview a free sample issue, visit: http://amybarickman.
Watch Magic Patterns (Part One and Part Two on Sewing With Nancy online.
Bye for now,
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Carolyn Solomon
I would love to make a coat. It would be nice to have something the right length and have the sleeves fit too!
JaneH
I think the short coat version is adorable. Trendy yet practical. I would love to make that.
Marsha Dimond
I can see some beautiful embroidery on these patterns. Thanks for the chance to win this pattern book.
Pam Hopp
Interesting product; I would start with the cardigan.
Carol P
I think I would start with the cardigan.
Rita S.
I would love to make the dress in some light fabrics for Summer.. Looks like an amazing compilation of possibility!
Cyndi
The short jacket is a great idea. There are so many possibilities!
Thank you for the give away!
Melanie
I think I would start with the peasant top. It would sew up quickly!
Tina
Love the cardigan
Ruth L
Nancy,
The first thing I would make is the cardigan. I live in Florida where it is quite warm most of the year, but air conditioned restaurants and theaters require a bit more coverage. I look forward to watching the second segment of Magic Patterns! Thank you for all the ways you have inspired me to be a better sewist.
Warm regards,
Ruth L
Suzanne. Tetreault
I lové the peasant top !
Jane
Love the white lace komono-like cardigan. I might just have to put this pattern book on my gift wish list!
judy stephens
The cardigan…so many options!
Diane C
I would make the cardigan. Also the dress
Jamie Soule
The Magic Pattern Book looks awesome! There are so many designs I would like to make but I think the one I would especially like to make is the Magic Dress. There are so many options to try.
Diana G
Ohhh I would love to make a peasant top and a coat and …. Oops you said just one (lol) ? Peasant top
Thanks for the chance to win !
Monica AD
The cardigan is a keeper … FIESTA 😉
Estelle
I would love to make the coat. I can see me wearing it now!
Becky M
I would love to make the cardigan. I’ve been looking for a pattern to copy the cardigans I am seeing in ready to wear.
Starla
I would love to make a coat. These are lovely and look comfortable.
KayZee
I like the cardigan with the hi-lo hem.
Nancy Goodfellow
I’d love to make the Magic Cardigan! I have loads of uses for one (or two……)
Nancy
Love the cardigan, would use constantly!
mitzi weber
The cardigan is where I would start, then go from there.
Mary B
Magic dress then on to other pieces. What a great selection!!
Louise Johnson
I am eager to play with the coat pattern! I would probably have fun with the cardigan pattern too. It is not fair for you to ask for only one “favorite.”
Joyce Fitzgerald
I would love to give this to my granddaughter she loves to make her own cosmi com costumes this would help her to transfer into tailoring
Beverly McCool
Definitely would sew the dress. Thanks!
Bonnye
I love the cardigan.
Jan F.
Love the peasant top, it’s a nice change from t-shirts.
Patty Sack
I like the dress pattern. Too cute!
Brenda
I love the cardigan.
Marty
Plan to first make a cap-sleeve dress with crew-type neckline for work wear this summet, then will sew a coordinating cardigan for when they crank the air conditioning too high. Thanks!
Paula Howard
Love that cardigan!
Ginger
I would love to sew the dress
Renea
I can’t decide between the dress or the cardigan. This book looks really wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway.
ZBWW
The tie-front cardigan. Perfect in knit, fleece, or woven fabrics. I’ve been curious about this book since its publication and it continues to charm with every review. I love patterns that embrace seamster’s sense of style, that give voice to their creativity. Magic Patterns indeed!
Melody Simonson
I would love to make the magic dress. With the sleeve options and different lengths of the dress, you could have a wardrobe with several dresses.
PamB
The cardigan and sleeve options so I can change styles without new patterns.
Tamara Shortt
I would love to make the magic coat. I made my first lined jacket in home ec class at 12 and I’ve had an obsession with coats and jackets ever since. Being able to make so many different styles from one pattern that I could use forever would be awesome! Thank you.
Barbara
Love the concept of using less patterns – that fit – to create more styles!
HMOE
Thank you for updating the Magic Pattern programs!
I think it is very valuable to encourage sewists to add their personal flair to sewing projects…and to see that the picture/illustration on the pattern cover is the minimum result of following the directions and recommendations.
Purchased patterns are just the framework on which personal creativity can be revealed.
I really appreciate your programs related to apparel and apparel accessories, but I look forward to each new program you make. When I can, I adjust my schedule so I can see your show (8:00 a.m.) before work or meetings. Thank you!
Michelle Hall
Both the dress and the cardigan look great!
Barb
I would make the cardigan first. But the coat would be a close second! Love the shows when Amy is a guest.
Nancy Foley
That would be a tough call, which one to do first. So many ideas come to mind when looking at the coat, then I look at the top……. Decisions, decisions.
Deon
I’d make the cardigan first. I have some lovely knits from Nancy’s Notions – the Bare Knits – but I was waiting to find a good, simple cardigan pattern.