megan nielsen design diary

the reality check

Meg — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 05:00:10 +0000

As a reader of my blog, you probably know by now that I’m a really hard worker. I’ve never been one to sleep in, begin work at 10, take long lunches and leave at 4. No. I like to get things done, as many things as I can. I’m up super early, and in bed super late. I don’t take breaks, pretty much ever. I’ll fill in every minute of every day with “things that need to get done”.

And finally, this week, that kind of behavior caught up with me. I had the reality check.

After feeling off colour for almost a month I finally went to the doctor – and found that I have an ulcer. He gave me a talking to about my unhealthy lifestyle, and he was 100% right. I am run down. I live unhealthily. I don’t sleep well, I don’t eat well, and I certainly don’t have any balance.

It will get better, and go away if I rest – but if I keep pushing (as I’m prone to doing), it will get worse.

There are moments in your life where you’re given the opportunity to do the right thing, and at this moment, I know the right thing is to take a good rest, and get better. Even if i don’t like it.

I struggle with this, because I know myself, and I know the second I put my backside on a couch I will feel a wave of guilt and laziness. But I know it needs to be done.

And the idea of taking a break so soon after releasing my new collection scares me – but I always try and make my decisions first as a mother, before I consider the business side of things. And I know this is the right thing for my family. I can’t look after anyone if I’m not healthy, and I haven’t been healthy in a while.

So my dear friends after that incredibly rambling mind dump – I am just here today to let you know that I’ll be taking a month off to rest, recoup and get better.

Please don’t feel worried though – I will be back in a few weeks, this is just a holiday – and though patterns won’t be available through my store for a few weeks, you will still be able to find your favourite sews via my lovely stockists

Thanks for understanding.

Love and hugs! Meg XOXO

Eucalypt dress variation : faux leather collar and patch pockets

Holly — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:00:08 +0000

Let’s finish off the week with another Eucalypt variation, shall we? This time – a dress version. Here, you won’t have to make any changes, just some easy additions! And by easy, I really mean it. I’ll be showing you how to attach a faux collar, which is a million times more simple than a full standard collar. And don’t forget the patch pockets, too! To top it all off – I’ll be doing it all out of (faux)leather for a rich look.

Ok, let’s get started!

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Read the rest of Eucalypt dress variation : faux leather collar and patch pockets (298 words)

Eucalypt tank variation : colorblocked button-front

Holly — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 12:00:09 +0000

Are you guys finding some of the Eucalypt tips and tutorials from earlier this week helpful? Well let’s continue on with some more Eucalypt fun, today! I have a super fun variation to share with you. That is what is so great to the Eucalypt tank /dress – it lends itself to so many variation options. The possibilities are endless! One really easy option? Colorblocking. You can color block vertically, or as I’m going to show you today, horizontally. Combined with a button up front placket, it makes for a detailed and unique version of Eucalypt!

********EDIT: an awesome observant reader pointed out a mistake I had made while making this top. I’ve now corrected the instructions to accommodate for the correct amount of seam allowance. The parts of the instructions that have updated are now italicized. Sorry for mistake and the confusion!********

Ok, enough with the chit chat. Find out how to make this Eucalypt variation after the jump…..

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Read the rest of Eucalypt tank variation : colorblocked button-front (497 words)

Tutorials you might find useful when sewing the Eucalypt tank or dress

Meg — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:00:17 +0000

Though the Eucalypt is a beginner pattern – i know it can be nice to have a little extra help sometimes. So I thought you might like a little round up tutorials that would be useful when making the Eucalypt woven tank or dress.

To make this pattern extra pretty for sheer fabrics, the instructions in the booklet show you how to do french seams. But sometimes photos are even better right? This tutorial will show you how to get perfect french seams every time: How to sew french seams

But maybe french seams really aren’t your thing? If you’d rather try a different seam finish, then you might find this tutorial helpful: 6 seam finishes and when to use them

Though we provide a pattern piece and instructions to make your own bias tape in the pattern – but maybe you need a bit of extra help? This tutorial for how to make bias tape might help

The hem on the Eucalypt is curved, but not as much as the other patterns in Breakwater – but the ideas we share in 3 ways to sew a rolled hem might help. Don’t forget to pay attention to the actual hem measurements for the Eucalypt, they are wider than for say Cascade or Crescent.

And lastly – you know i’m a stickler for pressing. The real trick to getting your hem, french seams and bias neckline to look awesome – is pressing: The importance of ironing & pressing your sewing creations

Did i miss anything? Any other tutorials you found useful when making Eucalypt?

Tutorial : raising the eucalypt armscye

Holly — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:00:15 +0000

Ok, let’s talk Eucalypt, my friends. The Eucalypt tank / dress is a wardrobe basic, and is meant to have a loose, relaxed fit. Part of that loose fit means that the armhole (or armscye) hangs a bit lower than some of the other Megan Nielsen patterns. If you like that relaxed fit, well then awesome – no changes needed! But if you are feeling like it might be a little too low for you, if you are worried about your bra peeking out from the side, than it is a suuuper easy adjustment. No, really. Because there is no sleeve involved, adjusting the armscye is as simple as redrawing the curve. No headache involved!

Read on the see how you can raise that armscye, and put you mind at ease….

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Read the rest of Tutorial : raising the eucalypt armscye (175 words)

Featured Indie Designer : Julia // Rennes

Holly — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:00:24 +0000

Hello friends! Today I would like to introduce you to our new Featured Indie Designer for June – Julia of Rennes. Rennes is a Boston, MA based design house that produces the most adorable clothing, bags, and other leather goods. Julia creates everything by hand, and you can just see the love put into every piece. I guarantee you’ll be smitten when you see her collections! Make sure to head on over to her shop and check everything out, and stop by her blog, to0.

You will see Rennes’ banner displayed on the sidebar for the entire month of June, so you can click over and shop at any time! And Julia will be back later this month to tell us her story about becoming a designer. You’ll definitely want to check back for that!

Make sure to visit Rennes all around the web:

[ website ]

[ shop ]

[ blog ]

[ instagram ]

[ pinterest ]

Breakwater pattern tester round up: part two

Holly — Fri, 31 May 2013 12:00:51 +0000

who: Andrea of Four Square Walls

pattern tested: MN2202 Cascade skirt

what did they think?: “The Cascade skirt is a beautiful design that truly disguises how easy it is to make! This version took me a couple hours total, and the most time-consuming part was turning the ties right side out. My skirt is made of crepe de chine, which has the perfect amount of body and drape for the pattern. I straightened out the hem a bit on this version so it’s knee-length in the back instead of mid-calf length. I plan to make another one in a fun rayon print that’s a bit shorter and has the buttoned waistband instead of the ties. I know it’ll be a quick and satisfying sew! Thank you for this stunning design, Megan!”

who: oonaballoona

pattern tested: MN2103 Crescent Blouse

what did they think?: “This was truly fun to make! The shoulder details are especially nice, and it was lovely to take my time and see the curves and cutouts take shape. This is really an enjoy-yourself pattern, with wonderful results.”

who: Michelle of Handmade Martini

pattern tested: MN2103 Crescent Blouse

any variations planned?: “Yes! I’d like to do a solid black version – no collar – with a chiffon bottom to it.”

who: Michelle of Handmade Martini

pattern tested: MN2203 Tania Culottes

what did they think?: “The design of this pattern is GENIUS. Everyone who has commented on my version says they had NO idea they were culottes just based on the pictures. It’s an easy pattern to execute and has unlimited possibilities. They are short, so be sure to check the final measurements before you begin.”

who: Miranda of One Little Minute

pattern tested: MN2203 Tania Culottes

what did they think?: “I loved this pattern. Initially, I was curious how the shape would look, but the high-waist and flowy legs are so flattering! For the test pair I used almost transparent cotton/poly and chose to use them as a swimsuit cover up. They were so fun to wear around the beach resort, and I can’t wait to make some more.”

who: Miranda of One Little Minute

pattern tested: MN2101 Eucalypt tank and dress

what did they think?: “Megan Nielsen really shines taking simple lines and making them flattering and unique. I love the dress version of this tank, with the french seam detail down the front. It fits just right, and is so easy to wear! ”

who: Kate of Sewing For Sanity

pattern tested: MN2202 Cascade skirt and MN2101 Eucalypt tank and dress

any variations planned?: “As it is getting cooler here in Australia I would like to have a go at making [the Eucalypt tank dress] up in a thicker knit ( like a fine or lacy sweater knit) to wear layered over long sleeve tee and tights. And maybe some large angled patch pockets too…

For the Cascade skirt I would love to try and make a lined version using a sheer top layer ( maybe even lace) and a contrasting lining! I could also see this in a chambray or even wool suiting fabric for winter, if I could find a suitable fabric that was fine enough with suitable drape for the style.”

What about you?! We’d love to see what you’re creating from the Breakwater collection! Join the Megan Nielsen Flickr group to share what you’ve been working on, and check out what everyone else is up to!

Tutorial : centered and lapped zippers

Holly — Thu, 30 May 2013 12:00:43 +0000

More zippers, my friends! Yesterday, we went over inserting an invisible zipper, which is the recommended zipper application for the Tania culottes. But it is just a recommendation – you do have options! So today I am going to go over two other zippers – centered and lapped. They are both pretty simple, I promise.

Ok, let’s get started!

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Read the rest of Tutorial : centered and lapped zippers (866 words)

Tutorial : How to sew an Invisible Zipper

Holly — Wed, 29 May 2013 12:00:14 +0000

Let’s talk invisible zippers. They have a clean and professional look, and are, well, invisible. The best kind, in my opinion. But for some reason, invisible zipper applications tend to be feared. But there really is no need! They are not as difficult as you might think.

It just so happens, that the recommended zipper application for the Tania culottes is an invisible zipper. So let’s go over that today, step by step, so that your Tanias come out absolutely perfect!

Ok, let’s go…..

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Read the rest of Tutorial : How to sew an Invisible Zipper (597 words)

scouted

Meg — Tue, 28 May 2013 09:00:06 +0000

A few weeks ago when i was chatting to you all about the inspirations and ideas behind the Tania culottes, a few of you brought up the topic of scarring culotte experiences. So today i thought i’d share mine!

When i was about 9 years old i was a Brownie – and the uniforms were crazy adorable. Like really really adorable. I think the reason i loved Brownies so much was the fact that i got to wear that little brown Peter Pan collar outfit every week. The only badges i earned were for sewing and painting (duh hehe). So when i outgrew Brownies, i decided to try Girl Guides/Scouts. I wasn’t as lucky in the uniform department this time. The uniform was (*cough*) a polo shirt and culottes. The bad kind of culottes. CRINGE. Talk about scarring. I did not want to leave the house in those babies. It was just plain upsetting. Worse still, i was 12 and reaching that awkward stage where i really didn’t want anything to make my butt look big and stick me in unflattering shorts that went below my knees. No thank you.

There’s a bit more to it (way too much camping, with way too many ants) – but basically Girl Guides died a quick death for me after a few weeks in those crappy culottes. (yes it is important to make life choices based on fashion, k?).

Ok your turn. Have you ever been forced to wear the hideous, scary, terribly scarring version of culottes?! or do i win?

Thank goodness for Tania! The madness can end.

[Make this look]

Bottoms: Megan Nielsen Tania culottes // Kit or Pattern
Top: Megan Nielsen Briar cropped tshirt // Pattern + similar fabric + variation tutorial
Shoes: Country Road // Eve
Necklace: Merl Kinzie // Clydes Rebirth