The useful Tamarack

The Tamarack!  This is both a versatile tree and fabulous Grainline pattern.  Tamarack -from the native Abenaki language- means “wood used for snowshoes.”  Tamarack trees are native to Minnesota and their wood is used for framing houses, utility poles, paper pulp, and dog sled runners in addition to those wooden snowshoes.  Tamarack needles can be made into a tea to soothe sore throats!  So versatile- so many uses.

Grainline’s Tamarack pattern is also adaptable; I was inspired by Jen’s version of a non-quilted Tamarack . This option matched my need/want for a jacket/topper/blazer that works for my casual/professional work environment.

Here’s the low-down on my take on the useful Tamarack pattern:

I used an amazing cotton jacquard from Mood Fabrics. This particular design is no longer available, but there are similar choices here.

I cut my usual size 4 and squared the bottom front and back.

I faced the jacket instead of binding the edges per pattern instructions.  The fabric is a bit bulky and uneven- with a cool handmade vibe- and I worried that a self binding might be too lumpy.  Full disclosure- I also didn’t have enough fabric to make a bias binding- so typical!  It was easy to draft facings using the front and back pattern pieces.

I also skipped lining the jacket. I spiffed up the inside of the jacket with a snappy Hong-Kong finish on all seams and the hem. Oops- note that skimpy hem. Another sign of my lack of sufficient yardage.

No Tamarack trees were harmed in this post. Leftover holiday greenery!

Ode to the Archer

It is only fitting to launch this blog with an ode to Grainline’s Archer.  Before I discovered the Archer, I sewed almost exclusively from the big three pattern companies.  But, I got restless.  I had dabbled in vintage patterns and some craft patterns.  And then-happily- I stumbled across Grainline Studio. Oh brave new world! 

Grainline was a safe choice for my first independent pattern sewing project.  Archer was accessible, Grainline is from the Midwest- like me- and Archer appreciation is huge.  The Archer launched connections to independent pattern makers and the online sewing community- so grateful for that.  I return to the Archer often. To date, I have completed seven Archers (not all for me!)- and counting.

Here is my most recent Archer in an amazing silk from Emma one sock.  I am a sucker for floral button ups- and this floral is especially pleasing.  This exact print is not currently available but there are so many tempting choices

The Archer is a perfect and comfortable fit for me- I don’t adjust anything in the sizing.  Over the years, I increasingly add a smidgen to the length.  I might have increased this one too much.  Couldn’t decide if I would be tucking in or not.  Hmmmm….

Admiring the shirt length- or my new clogs! I used French Fuse to interface- my interfacing of choice for so many projects.  I almost always finish my Archer with French seams- but for some reason, I was in a rush to finish this model and skipped that. I did not top stitch the collar, because it turned and pressed so nicely I decided to keep it spare.