May
Sewing MODKID Style Review + Giveaway
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Welcome to the Sewing MODKID Style book tour! And apologies to anyone who was looking for this post on Friday. Due to a scheduling snafu at FQHQ (i.e., John had the wrong date!) we’re joining the tour a bit later than expected. No worries — we still have a great post and a book giveaway to get to, so let’s go!
As the father of twin girls, I was very excited to get my hands on a copy of Patty Young‘s new book, Sewing MODKID Style from John Wiley books (check out WileyCraft.com). Patty’s fans already know that Patty is a popular sewing blogger and prolific designer of both patterns and fabric (through Michael Miller). As the mother of two girls herself, her style has a decidedly fresh, playful, colorful and feminine spirit.
My excitement, however, was mixed with some trepidation — Patty is known for her expertise on sewing with knits, and I had never sewn with knits before. With book in hand and some newly acquired knits, I was ready to tackle a project from the book.
Full-size pattern pieces are included in this fun enclosure, featuring some of Patty’s designs!
But first, a bit more about this gorgeous little book itself. Sewing MODKID Style is subtitled Modern Threads for the Cool Girl, and inside you’ll find a wide variety of children’s clothing and accessory patterns in the true MODKID style: not only are they cute and stylish, but are highly functional for kids’ everyday activities like running, climbing, and playing. Let’s face it: our kids are not easy on their clothes!
Inside, you’ll find the 20 project ideas organized by chapter:
- Accessories, including a headband, leg warmers, and more — plus a pattern for a full-size quilt made entirely from knits!
- Bottoms, such as yoga pants (or shorts), skirts, and leggings.
- Tops, from a tank top to a sweater and many in between.
- Dresses and ensembles — you’ll even find a swimsuit and cover-up project!
As valuable as the patterns themselves is an extensive reference guide on sewing and finishing techniques for knit fabrics, including double knits, jersey knits, and lycra. I used these instructions extensively, as I’ll describe in a bit.
Although it’s not snowy here in NC, I still thought some knit scarves would be a fun project!
Instead of just reviewing the book, I wanted to actually make a project from it. I decided on the Stripwork Scarf, which seemed like a beginner-friendly pattern, and something I could easily make two of. (Remember, I have twins — just making one item is not an option!) After selecting a variety of knits (I went for a more scrappy version of Patty’s pattern, which only uses 2 fabrics), I went to my local sewing store for some new supplies. Patty provides needle and thread recommendations, and I was easily able to find the items I needed.
A sample page from Patty’s invaluable Guide to Sewing with Knits.
The saleswoman at my local shop helped me select these 80/12 jersey needles, appropriate for most interlock and jersey fabrics. Patty explains why these ballpoint needles are most appropriate for sewing with knits.
Patty recommends a polyester thread (which has more elasticity than all-cotton thread).
After reviewing Patty’s tips on the proper settings on my machine for sewing with knits, I was ready to go!
Don’t have a serger? Neither do I. But Patty includes full instructions on how to use the different stitches on our home machines to effectively sew with knits.
I started my project using the stem (or stretch) stitch, but decided that it was taking too long to sew my seams! Patty’s instructions helped me select the proper length and width of my stitches.
After some trial & error, I decided that a regular zig-zag stitch was what worked best for me.
As soon as I cut my fabric, I was ready to go! The scarves came together very quickly, and the forgiving instructions provided an easy and approachable project to truly get comfortable using knit fabrics.
My girls love their new springtime scarves and are already asking me what I’m going to make them next!
Um, yeah … so we did our photo shoot in our pajamas. I’m sure you’re familiar with the “morning after a late night sewing finish photo shoot”. No big deal!
Stylish AND easy. What could be better?
We’re excited to offer up a free copy of Sewing MODKID Style to a lucky Fat Quarterly reader! Simply leave a comment on this post and tell us about your experiences sewing with knits, or if you’ve never done it before (like me!) We’ll draw a random winner in about a week.
There’s a chance to win a free copy at each stop on the tour, so please be sure to visit these other great sites:
Monday, April 2nd, 2012: Wiley Craft Blog
Wed., April 4th, 2012: A Sewing Journal
Friday, April 6th, 2012: Pink Chalk Studio
Monday, April 9th, 2012: Melanie Dramatic
Wed., April 11th, 2012: Stop Staring and Start Sewing
Friday, April 13th, 2012: Generation Q
Monday, April 16th, 2012: Lil Blue Boo
Wed., April 18th, 2012: True Up
Friday, April 20th, 2012: Paige Hill
Monday, April 23rd, 2012: Boutique Café
Wed., April 25th, 2012: The Long Thread
Friday, April 27th, 2012: Sew Pretty Dresses
Monday, April 30th, 2012: Prudent Baby
Wed., May 2nd, 2012: Our Busy Little Bunch
Friday, May 4th, 2012: Fat Quarterly <— YOU ARE HERE!
Monday, May 7th, 2012: Making It Fun
Wed., May 9th, 2012: MODKID blog
Good luck! If you make something from Sewing MODKID Style, we’d love to see it!
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In the last year I’ve been trying to sew more with knits. I’m finding better success using my serger for most of the main sewing. I even made an ice skating outfit for my daughter’s American girl doll using shinny, two way stretch fabric.
Great review! I have only seen with knits once and it was a semi-success. I could definitely use patty’s information in this book! I’ve been too scared to try knits again.
Thanks for all the tips!
I’ve never sewn with knits but I’d like to have a go!
I have never sewn with knits! I’ve only been sewing since January, and I’ve been afraid of anything but quilting cotton. I would love to learn, though!
Years ago, when my kids were small, I was quite comfortable sewing with knits. Now that it’s time to start sewing for grandchildren, I find that I’m a bit nervous about it. Oh well, it’s probably like riding a bike. Thanks for the great giveaway.
I have a big pile of knits that keep accumulating, but I always wimp out when it comes to cutting and sewing. Maybe I just need the right kick in the tuckus!
I’m a huge fan of sewing with knits, because I know the clothes I make fom them will be worn the most-always comfortable & lots of stretch! I’m spoiled though-I do have a serger! I love Patty’s patterns & her knits!
I have used knits once before, the pants turned out pretty good, except for where I had to ‘un-sew’ in a few places – I left a few little snaggy holes :O
I’ve never tried sewing with knits. Sounds scary! But it also sounds like something I should learn to do so I could try some fun projects. Maybe I could master it!
I’ve made a few things, but not much recently. I just don’t find many great knit fabrics that I want to use. Would love to see manufacturers branch out and release lots of new fabric lines with knits.
John, your daughters look beautiful in their new scarves. Very stylish!
I’ve never sewn with knits, but I’ve got several patterns that I’d like to try out. I’m a pretty new sewist, so I do admit that I am intimidated by sewing knits–but then again, I’m intimidated by A LOT of things when it comes to sewing. I probably should just dive in and do it!
I was very intimidated by knits and my first effort was a total disaster! Then I tried using my walking foot and oh the difference! I now have an overlocker but I still use my regular machine for the tricky bits and for hems etc. Thanks for the chance to win this neat book!
I tried to sew myself a tank top, and let’s just say it is sitting in the bottom of my shirt drawer, and maybe just maybe it might somehow make it into a pajama top, but let’s be perfectly honest, PROBABLY NOT
it was a sad attempt, a sad attempt indeed. but I still have more knit fabric to use and try again. I have Patty’s pattern for one of her dresses, and I hope to make myself one soon for the upcoming warm weather.
thank you for this chance, I would love to win a copy of this book!!
Back in the polyester days, I sewed with knits some. Very different from now. Recently I attempted a simple gathered skirt for an 11 mo grandniece, the knit was too heavy, so know that need some up-to-date assistance. Thanks for that chance! With 5 grandnieces ages 6 to 7 months, know this book will be extremely useful for me and my mother (their great-grandma makes them dresses).
I have just dabbled with knit wear sewing. Thanks for the opportunity.
I’m getting excited to sew with knits! My little girl is graduating kindergarten this year and I will definately make the dress!
I sewn with knits a couple of times and wasn’t exactly thrilled with the end result. So I’m hoping to win Patty’s book and get her pointers on knits. Cute scarves!
I’ve never stitched knits because they scare me! I’ve got 2 girls too although mine aren’t twins but they would love those scarves.
It’s funny because I don’t sew with knits, but my Mom just said the other day “the next thing we need to do is to get you sewing with knits”, so with her at the helm, I don’t think I’m too far off.
I love sewing with knits, just make sure to use a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch. Thanks for the giveaway!
I had reasonable results when I made a couple of dress-up capes so I’d like to progress to some real clothes now! The book sounds just what I need as a novice – thanks for the chance to win
I have never sewn with knits, but I have twins who have had nits!
Yes please! I have never sewn with knits. I have a beautiful little namesake who is 3 years and I would love having a crack at making her some clothing.
Great review and very cute scarves! I’ve just started sewing with knits and I’m now gaining a bit of confidence. I would love to make some of the shorts and leggings for my daughter and nieces from the book. It’s high on my wishlist.
I have never sewn with knits before, but i’d love to try!
Thanks for a chance to win this fun book. I used to sew with knts and
am trying to get back into sewing with them.
I got a serger for my 10th wedding anniversary so I’ve done a little sewing with knits, but nothing with a pattern. Would LOVE a copy of this book!
I have enough of one of Pattys knits to make myself a skirt and have had it for two years BUT I am too scared of sewing with knits to try. Maybe this book will give me the confidence to use it for something for my girl instead.
I have sewn with knits but it was YEARS ago when I was a teenager …….. you know back when all of us felt we could rule the world and had no fear of anything? I need Patty’s book now because I am nothing like I was when I was a teenager and have all sorts of fear that stops me before I start most of the time. Plus I have three grandchildren to sew for so this book would be awesome to own. Thank you for the chance.
Those scarves are wonderful! I’ve never really sewn with knits. I’ve made a few costumes with non-cotton material, but the stretchiness of knits and my lack of a serger has always kind of deterred me. This book looks very inspiring however, it sounds like her instructions actually make it easy! Thanks!
I used to sew knits all the time when they were in style. I don’t do much now but what I have done I found ballpoint needles for sewing machine and also for hand sewing. I’ve used them on other fabrics that were kind of different from regular cotton, etc. Needless to say I would love to win this book. Thanks for the givewaway.
I’m afraid I’m still a novice with knits, but am always eager to learn more and try some new things!
Well, i’m still learning, but not scared like i used to be. Knits are great, & the range of fabrics now is excellent too! Love to win1
xoxx s
I think sewing with knits is quite easy. Everyone always made it seem to be scary, but it’s really not. Thanks for the chance!
I’ve never sewn with knits… but I just cut out a t-shirt to sew for my son. I figure it’s something small and simple to try. Thanks for a chance to win!
I did not sew with knits before. But I would love to try
Susanne
I am absolutely terrified of sewing with knits, but would LOVE to make something for my little girl. Thanks for a chance to win!
I used to sew with knits all the time, back in the days when I made most of my own clothes. Thanks for the chance to win.
Well I am one of those persons who has the knits but not the guts to sew the knits would love the have the book. If I don’t win I will order it. Just love the patterns from Patty
I have worked with knits for years, sewed clothes for my kids and now I am sewing for my grandkids. Would really love to win this book for Patty’s tips and patterns. Thank You for the chance.
These are so cute! I have tried sewing with knits, in some cases it worked really well…in others, not so much. I’d definitely need a beginner guide!
I’d love to win this and play some more! Thank you for the chance!
I’ve never sewn with knits..but I would love to learn how. Love all the patterns included in the book!
I love sewing with knit! They are fast, comfy, and rewarding! I taught myself how to do lettuce leaf edges which I am now totally in love with!!!!
I love sewing with knits, but only since getting a serger. I found the sewing machine slow and the finish not quite right, since getting a serger most of the clothing I make is done with knits. I have a 3 yr old DD and make most o her clothing and also make some for me too. I would love to add this book to my pattern stash!
I have sewn with knits years ago making jumpers but not recently. I would love to start again. Especially to make those cute clothes.
I haven’t tried knits yet but I really want to because they are the basis of so many kids clothes (and comfy dresses for me!)
Great job on the scarves. This looks like a wonderful book. The only knit I’ve sewn was for a waldorf doll for my daughter. It was actually easier than I expected. Thanks for the chance to win.
I just sewed my first knit. It’s a nightgown for my daughter. It’s adorable! I’m inspired to buy a serger now so I can sew more.
You inspired me to sew with knits again..my granddaughter would love some of these patterns! I am going to get my serger out and refresh myself by making a scarf!
Thanks!
I’m scared of knits! But my niece isn’t, and this book would be a great gift for her.
I don’t have much experience with knits.
I seldom sew with knits…but have 3 little girls I sew for so would probably need to know about sewing with knits! Very cute scarf!!!
I like sewing with knits. I have a serger and it is very forgiving with any kind of knit!
I’ve sewn with knits a few times, but am still quite a novice. I’d love a copy of Patty’s book to give me some more instruction!
Does buying knit fabric and storing it forever because you are too scared to try to sew it count as experience. If so, I have loads. Actually putting it through my machine – not at all but buying it and thinking that it would make a good top, etc definitely.
I would love to own this book as it sounds like a really good reference to have.
I’ve been sewing for most of my life but have limited experience sewing with knits. I would love to make some more clothes for my grandchildren using knits. The cottons are always so pretty, but they wrinkle up in the dryer and then need to be ironed. Knits are great for wash and wear. I would love to win this book and thanks for the great review about it.
Cute scarves! I’ve sewn with knits for the first time this year using old t-shirts, it worked ok but I’d love to try with new fabrics! I’d love a copy of this to experiment for my 2 girls. thanks for the chance to win.
Oh I’d LOVE to win a copy of this book – I’m finding it very hard to find good patterns for children – babies easy but there are not many for when they get a bit bigger – I’ve not sewn with knits much and would love to get more experience in that area – the most I’ve done so far is making baby leggings from my old t-shirts!!
I am relatively new at sewing anything, and knits are particularly scary! I would so love to win this book, I have two girls to sew for.
I have never sewn anything with knits before, but I would love to learn how! I have so many little ones that I could sew for, and would love to make presents instead of giving them a toy that they may not play with. Thanks for the chance to win
I wish I knew about this blog hop earlier!
I’ve done a variety of things with knits, starting with the fleece pants I made on my mom’s old singer in grade 7. I’d love to try the yoga pants for my daughter.
The last time I sewed with knits I left the fabric in the dryer for way too long during the prewash, and the fabric didn’t stand up well AT ALL. I think I wore the shirt twice before giving up because it already looked like I had worn it to death! Oh well… time to try again!
Oh, I’d love to win a copy of this book! I’m new to knits and feel I need all the help I can get. Plus I think my almost seven year old would love everything in it!
I made myself a black velour stretchy blouse with long sleeves and an adjustable V-neckline. It was fun to sew.
trilliumcreates AT gmail DOT com
I love sewing knits. They’re so forgiving and the fit is a cinch compared to wovens. This book would be a wonderful chance to sew more knit items for my daughters.