The One-Day Wiksten top

Last weekend was my birthday. I decided to forego paperwork and blogging to enjoy the pleasant September weather, go out to lunch at a favorite downtown trattoria, and do some “me-sewing.” The result was a new, one-day Wiksten top.

Wiksten top made with yarn dyed wovens [Diamond Textiles] and scrappy triangles.

Wearing my new Wiksten top.

Reusing a pattern

I’ve used the Wiksten pattern two or three times before, so the pattern pieces were already modified and fitted to me. For this new version, I made two other changes to my existing (modified) pattern pieces: lowering the front neckline slightly so it would more easily slip over my head, and adding an inch to the length.

Lengthened bodice pattern piece.

Fabrics and pattern hacks

I had some light colored yarn dyed wovens [by Diamond Textiles] that were already pre-washed and suited for a casual summer top. I mixed two dobby wovens that had inherent texture and I believe I used the “wrong” side of the check fabric because I thought it was more interesting. That is one of the beauties of yarn dyed wovens—you can choose the “right side” or the “other right side” of the fabric for your project.

A handful of  HSTs [half square triangles] were picked from my scrap box and strip pieced. This patchwork strip was inserted into the bodice front—to add a bit of color.

Patchwork insert on the bodice front.

Vents were put in at the side seams—an easy detail to add to this top. The neck facing was cut from a cotton print which made this a fun, scrappy make. The sleeves were hemmed by hand. The 3/4” bottom hem was sewn by machine. The hem stitches are camouflaged by the woven fabric.

Wiksten top flat view.

The Wiksten is a fast make. Even with my modifications, I finished this version in a day. The original pattern has options for a shift dress, a longer 3/4 sleeve, a gathered back version with a yoke, and pockets. It’s a good base pattern for hacks. It has a boxy, casual look but I read a hack where someone has added darts. 

Another Wiksten has been added to my wardrobe! One day under the needle… and the next day ready to wear.

On the deck outside my studio wearing my one-day Wiksten.

Saeksilnubi: the craft of traditional Korean quilting

This weekend, I treated myself to a virtual class on Saeksilnubi, Korean quilting. The class instructor was the delightful textile artist, Youngmin Lee, who introduced students to this traditional craft. Here is the progress of my class project after the two-hour workshop.

Beginning the saeksilnubi technique on a 7" square of linen fabric.

Saeksilnubi, a traditional Korean craft, uses two pieces of fabric that sandwich a hanji cording made from twisted and rolled strips of mulberry paper. Colorful threads are used to hand stitch the channels that hold the paper cording in place. It is similar to the “stuffed” look of trapunto and bouti, but the process is slightly different.

A beautifully and thoughtfully packaged kit accompanied the class.

Class kit for Saeksilnubi.

With a little pre-work rolling the hanji paper cords, students had all the materials to hit the ground running when the online class began.

Saeksilnubi kit contents.

Saeksilnubi is a slow stitching process that should be savored and not rushed. Although it is a craft for items with utilitarian purposes, the focus is on the making—the stitching process—not the urgent haste to finish. Youngmin encouraged her students to instill good thoughts and happiness into every stitch.

Youngmin Lee, textile artist and instructor.
This virtual workshop was hosted by Tatter.

This quilting technique requires minimal tools and materials… and is very portable. I look forward to the hand stitching process and being part of keeping this Korean handcraft tradition alive. 

It's September! Time for September Textile Love 2023

It's time again for September Textile Love [#SeptTextileLove23], hosted by Seam—a textile collective. This is my 6th year participating.

September Textile Love 2023 online Challenge.

If you love, are interested in, or curious about ANY kind of textiles... join in, follow along, or just enjoy what people are posting in response to the daily prompts. It will be a month of innovative, delightful, thoughtful and thought-provoking creations and conversations from those in the worldwide textile community.