Focus On: Collars

By Sherri of Sew Betty and Dot

We may not often give too much thought to collars, but the collar in its many forms is an important design element on a garment: when one says "Peter Pan," "sailor," or "Mandarin," we all instantly know what those specific collars look like. And the word "collar" features in several English-language idioms: "blue collar worker"; "hot under the collar"; and in law enforcement terminology, a suspect is "collared" (perhaps derived from the fact that policemen grabbed suspects by the belt and collar).

The history of collars is a bit murky, but it appears that they developed out of the drawstring edge of a chemise, the undergarment that men and women wore for centuries under their outer garments. That ruffled edge developed into ruffs--think Queen Elizabeth I--and then into other forms and shapes.

Until the early twentieth century, men's shirts had detachable collars (and cuffs)--because the body of the shirt was usually hidden under a waistcoat or jacket when the man was out in public, the fact that it hadn't been washed for several weeks wasn't readily apparent; filthy collars and cuffs, however, would be instantly noticed, so clean ones could be substituted much more frequently than the shirt itself was laundered.

Let's take a look at some collars--by no means an exhaustive examination--and observe how they change the look and feel of a garment.

 Clockwise from top left:
1. Stand-up collar with horseshoe neckline: Simplicity 8307
2. Sailor collar: Butterick 3532
3. Wide notched collar: McCall's 5251
4. Jabot collar: Butterick 4658: DejaVu Patterns

Clockwise from top left:
1. Petal collar:  Simplicity 8485
2. Nehru (technically a Mandarin collared jacket, but wanted to show the guys some love!): McCall's 9484
3. Cape collar: Advance 8234
4. Ruffled collar on bateau neckline: Vogue 1355

 Clockwise from top left:
1. Peter Pan collar: McCall's 4162
2. Roll collar: Advance 3111
3. Ruffled collar on V-neck: Simplicity 5896
4. Flat collar with ruffle: Simplicity 4913

Clockwise from top left: 
1. Mandarin collar: Simplicity 6537
2. Sailor collar: Marian Martin 9442
3. Bow collar (and Mandarin!): Simplicity 3438
4. Scalloped shawl collar: Butterick 4558

 Clockwise from top left:
1. Dog ear collar: Simplicity 9691
2. Cowl collar:  Vogue 5558
3. Wing collar: Butterick 5216
4. Chelsea collar: Simplicity 3615

Picture yourself in one of these collar styles--which one do you prefer? Tell us in the comments If your favorite style is not pictured here, tell us about it.

Busting the Summer Boredom Blues

By Ally B.  of Design Rewind Fashions 

Lazy summer days are the things dreams are made of . . . unless you are a kid on summer break without a clue of what to do.   At some point we all hear those dreaded words, “I’m bored!”  

Sewing is a wonderful way to keep kids entertained, help them learn a truly valuable life skill, and give you the opportunity to learn a little more about how your child works.  

A few months ago I discovered Simplicity 8431 – a 1969 vintage pattern of zodiac transfers appliques.  

What I find to be the best feature of this pattern/transfer is the ease of making something children and adults will find adorable.  It is also a fun project to do during summer to give later for holiday or birthday gifts.

My middle school age daughters have not sewn much.  Since they both are fierce perfectionist, I wanted their project to be a little challenging for their skill set and yet give them a boost of confidence that sewing is fun when they saw their end product.  Keep this in mind when picking a pattern for a child or even for yourself if you are new to sewing. We all want our work to look like the pattern envelope – or better.   Vogue Couturier looks amazing but if you begin with items that are highly difficult to construct it is likely your project will never see the light of day.

Most children have an innate desire to construct or create.  The process of choosing fabric to the thrill of operating a sewing machine (“something grown-ups do”) gives them a sense of ownership in the project.   My daughters chose to put their transfers onto pillows they would make (Simplicity 8431 does not come with pillow patterns – it is just the transfer so you will need to decide how to use it.  Placing the transfer on a book bag would also look cute too).

Their pillows turned out amazing!  What I love most is the pillows are just one outcome of this project.  We also spent a really fun day together and they helped each other learn skills the other had already figured out.  They also were beaming with pride when their creatures started to materialize from all the bits of felt. Yes, there were moments of frustration but they were short-lived and now they have their own, very unique pillows.  Well, until the holidays.  They decided to make pillows for all their aunts, uncles and grandparents.

Below is a small selection of patterns available in Etsy shops from some members of the Pattern Patter team.  These have been selected for their ease of construction.  Do you love to sew?  Take some time to teach the next generation.   They will always remember you for it!

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