Sew-a-Long: Scrunchies

A great way to recycle excess fabric and reduce waste. This sew-a-long will take you through the step-by-step process for creating your own scrunchie.

Latest Design: Pleated Jumpsuit

​Jumpsuits are so popular right now and pleats can be found popping up in the most interesting areas of garments.

Latest Design: Basic White Knit T-Shirt

The basic white t-shirt is an iconic and essential garment in almost everyone's wardrobe. We played around with designing the perfect white t-shirt. 
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Latest Design: Button-up Crop Shirt

In this post, I will share with you one of the patterns we are perfecting.  It is a button-up shirt with stand collar, cuffed sleeve, asymmetrical hem and patch pocket. 

Latest Design: White Linen Jacket

I love a good white jacket, it reminds me kinda like a lab coat. We used our mad scientist skills to tame complex in-set corners, in-set sleeves and non traditional lining. 
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Silk Museum: Yokohama, Japan

Welcome to the final blog post in a 3 part series featuring all things textiles in Japan. Well, not all things textiles in Japan, just what I saw in Japan this year.

Fabric Shopping Guide: Tokyo, Japan

This is part two of a three part blog series featuring my travel experiences this year in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Yokohama, Japan.

Fabric Shopping Guide: Kyoto, Japan

This is part one of a three part blog series featuring my travel experiences this year in Kyoto, Tokyo and Yokohama.

Insights into a Fashion Start-up

This is Deanna, your instructor for the beginners in the studio. Some of you might know this, but I am also a co-founder of the newly launched fashion brand, Moonstruck!
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Sewing & Pattern Drafting Life Hacks

Designing can be challenging, but an arsenal of helpful tricks can make the process more efficient.

Maiwa 2017 Workshop Review

Maiwa is one of the studio's favorite clients. ​Between the months of January to June, one can find me (Sheila) instructing a variety of group workshops at Maiwa School of Textiles on Granville Island. 
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[Video Tutorial] How to Pick Thread Colours

Choosing the correct thread colour can be a daunting task, so we created a tutorial to ease that process. 

Latest Project: Bamboo Knit Pullover

Oh hey, look! Our latest design that's not in black or grey. We promised you more colour in 2017, and here it begins.
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Japan Travel Diaries 2016

There were so many things about Japan that I was able to relate to during my time there. Prior to the trip, each person who I chatted to said: "You will definitely love it!"
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[Video Tutorial] How to Use Pressing Tools

Our latest video will show you how to press seams open without ruining your fabric.

Reverse Pattern Drafting: Linen Dress

Not all designs are loud and complex at first glance. In fact, some of the best ones are subtle in design - as you explore their construction, you discover the complexities ​unfolding right in front of you, much like a good book.
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[Video Tutorial] Taking Measurements 101

Learn how to take the 3 most important measurements before designing or sewing any garment.

Latest Project: Floral Sleeveless Top

Just because summer's over doesn't mean that we have to stop designing pretty, floral things.
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[Video Tutorial] How to Sew a French Seam

The first time I ever saw a French seam was at a young age. Inside a pillow case my grandmother sewed, I inspected with awe at how the raw edges seemed to be magically hidden away.
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Latest Project: Suede Crop Top

This top might look a bit familiar, because it is. This original design was not easy to construct. Read on as I discuss my challenges.
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Latest Project: Laser Cut Top

Summer is here, but y'all know how much I love designing with black. At least this design is sleeveless and has laser cut holes to keep me cool.

Louis Vuitton Restoration Project

In our studio, we are big advocates for re-working what you currently have before purchasing new. And even then, we'd rather create a new design before buying a mass-produced piece.

Little Black Knit Dress Tutorial

Summer is blazing and I just want to wear easy items. In this tutorial I will show you how to sew a little black knit dress for summer using only a serger and cover-stitch machine. 

Latest Project: Lace Silk Top

Fabric, thread, wax, a hand sewing needle, and my hands. These are items used to create my latest design.  No machines used here! 

​Latest Project: Draped Camisole

Trying out some draping techniques on a simple, yet elegant sleeveless camisole.

Latest Project: Color Block Coat

Luxurious Italian wool, lining and several hand sewn details. These are what make up my latest design. Introducing: the colour block coat for Fall 2014. 

Loop Turner Tutorial

I don't know what it is about the sewing industry, but it seems there is a tool for everything.  Why cant we just use what is around us for certain techniques instead of purchasing the next cool sewing toy. 

Latest Project: Raglan Sweater

Bamboo or not, these raglan sweaters can hug it out and show some love regardless which mill they where born from.

Latest Project: Faux Fur Vest

Designing a fur vest has been on my To Do list for over a year now.  Well, I got cold enough to make it happen. So here is an insider look into the design elements and where my biggest challenges lay.
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DIY Needle Book Tutorial

Holiday season is approaching and as usual I try to create most of my gifts. This particular gift is perfect for anyone who hand sews. It uses materials that can be found at home or in my case the studio.

Latest Project: Quilted Dolman Sweater

Lets face it Vancouver, it is cold! So I recently decided my fall 2014 mission would be to design warm clothes. I began my journey with a dolman quilted top.
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Latest Project: Skater Skirt

I have been waiting for the perfect fabric to design a skater skirt. So the moment I found a thick boiled wool fabric, it was time.  A skater skirt is a high waisted skirt that has dramatic flare. 

Latest Project: Blue Split-Back Top

Feeling inspired by my last split-back top design and the heat, it was only natural this top would be created. 

DIY Sewing Wall Organizer

A sewing/design area needs an organized space. The best way in my opinion, is to create a wall organizer to keep things in their proper places. This really should not surprise you, but I am fairly handy in my wood working skills. 

Latest Project: Reversible Split-Back Top

My home girl Lena doesn't know it yet, but this top is for her. Get an insider look at my latest design from creating the pattern to putting together this 2 in 1 top. PS- I totally made one for myself. 

[Video Tutorial] How to Sew a Thread Bar

Inspired by my latest silk lace design, here is a video tutorial on how to sew a threaded bar loop that pairs with a button as a garment closure.

DIY Garment Bag Tutorial

In this tutorial I will show you how to make an easy and good looking garment bag that can be custom fit to any garment.

Latest Project: Two Toned Waistcoat

Here is my version of a top Winter 2014 trend- a long waistcoat. A waistcoat can be defined as a sleeveless garment covering the top half of a body with a center front opening. 

Latest Project: Pleated Peplum Top

August makes me conjure up thoughts of falling leaves, layering, and finally more textural fabrics to be worn. 

How to Sew Fabric Covered Snaps

Elevate the quality of a garment with fabric covered snaps. Often seen on pricier apparel, these snaps only take a few minutes to sew. But, can change the look dramatically.
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How to Gather Fabric: Sewing Tutorial

Excess fabric can be worked into different design elements such as darts, pleats and gathers. Gathering fabric is a simple way to remove excess fabric, and it adds to the style of a garment. 

DIY Press Cloth

A press cloth acts as a guard between a hot iron and a your beautiful design through the construction steps of a garment. Here you will learn how to make your own press cloth.

Winter 2014 Fashion Trends to Sew

Winter has technically arrived according to the calender, even if snow decided to come earlier. As each new season approaches, I customarily peruse through designer collections...

Fashion Elements: Prints

Prints are massive in Fashion right now, but do you know the proper names for some of the top print trends?

Latest Project: Blush Rose Silk Top

Creation of my latest design started a year ago. Read on why the silk top took so long and get an inside view on the construction details.

Latest Project: Structured Crop Top

My latest design is a structured crop top made from a Cotton blend fabric. I wanted to give you an inside view into my design process, so I have documented with photos along the way.

Fashion Elements: Skirts

If you know me, you know skirts are truly a staple in my closet. In this post, get to know the proper terminology for some of the most fashionable skirts out there.
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How to Sew a Pin Cushion

A great way to use up scrap fabric, sew your own mini pin cushion. Here is a step by step sewing tutorial on how to sew one.

Pinning & Cutting Fabric Techniques

Speak to anyone who sews, and they will let you know that all the steps leading up to sewing take longer than the actual sewing itself. 

How to Sew a Bound Seam Finish

A bound seam finish is not often seen in mass produced garments. Its a beautiful way to finish off raw edges inside of a garment. 

How to Sew a Cuffed Hem

Rolled up pants are everywhere right now. For a more permanent and tailored version, create your own cuffed hem.

How to Sew a Self Bound Seam Finish

A self bound seam finish is a variation on a bound seam finish. 

Fashion Elements: Sleeves

Heading into Fall season, sleeves are... well everywhere! There is more than just your basic short and long sleeves out there. 

How to Sew a Faux French Seam

Welcome to part 3 of how to sew a French Seam. This tutorial will show you how to sew a Faux French Seam, also known as a False French Seam.

Latest Project: Holiday Party Skirt

My latest sewing project is a holiday party skirt. What makes it holiday? Definitely the fabulous fabric. What makes it a party skirt? Every skirt is worthy of a good party in my eyes.

How to Sew a Mitered Corner

Corners in sewing are tricky, they can look clean and professional if you put the effort into them. Here is a step by step sewing tutorial on how to sew a mitered corner. 

How to Sew a Narrow French Seam

Part 2 of a 3 part series in sewing French seams, say hello to the narrow French seam. 

Beginner Sewing Terms {Part 2}

Part 2 of beginner sewing terms is focused more on the basic tools used for sewing. 

How to Sew a Poinsettia

Now, I will admit I had no clue what a poinsettia was, but they are big during the holiday season. I was so inspired that I started to think where else could these fabric poinsettias could be placed. 
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Fabric Terminology

It can be extremely fun hitting up the fabric store to pick up new fabric. 

How to Sew a Flat Felled Seam

You may have never heard of a flat felled seam, but guaranteed you have worn one in the last few days. 

How to Pick the Right Thread Colour

Sometimes, this can be the most daunting task.  Here are a few of my tips on how to flawlessly pick the best thread color for your next garment.

Fashion Elements: Necklines

Necklines can be used to our advantage. We can make ourselves appear taller or frame our face.

How to Sew a Headphone Cord Organizer

Practical and simple to make, here is your step by step tutorial on how to sew a headphone cord organizer.

Sewing Tutorial: Gathered Skirt

Sew your own high-waisted gathered skirt with this step by step tutorial. I have been meaning to post this for a while now as its one of the easiest and quickest skirts you will ever sew!

Modern Swaddle Blanket

Every so often it seems I am having to sew baby items for expecting mom’s in my life. So, I thought I would share my latest – the swaddle.

Fashion Elements: Pants

Essential for Fall and Winter, pants keep us warm. But they can also be an extension of our personality through colour, fabric choice and silhouettes created when worn.

Beginner Sewing Terms {PART 1}

This one is for the virgin sewers out there. My beginner clients receive a list of sewing terms... I thought it would be nice to share a few with you.
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Sewing with Silk

Some fabrics are just plain difficult to work with, silk being one of them. This post I will show you my simple tricks I use when designing with silk.

How to Sew a French Seam

There are a few variations of a French seam: regular, narrow and faux. 

[Sewing Tutorial] Chiffon Flower

Cherry blossom inspired flowers. Perfect for any bridesmaid dress.
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How to Sew a Corded Seam

A corded seam can add that special detail to your next sewn garment. Here is a quick step by step on how to sew one. Its easy!

Fashion Elements: Pockets

We all love pockets so lets learn a little about the different types of pockets out there.

[Sewing Tutorial] Faux Fur Stole

I kept warm with my faux fur stole this Valentines. Here are the step by step instructions on how to sew one.

[Sewing Tutorial] Kimono Inspired Top

This tutorial is inspired by my silk chiffon Propaganda top recently photographed by Desmond Cheng. 

How to Sew a Piped Seam

Used typically for decorative purposes either with the same fabric or contrasting fabric. 

Sewing Tutorial: Men's Square Pocket

In the midst of bridal season one of my good friends...

Fashion Elements: Silhouettes

Having an understanding of industry terms and fashion elements is pretty important alongside solid sewing skills.

Fashion Elements: Lapels

This one is for the boys! All men should know the top three types of lapels commonly found of blazers and jackets. If not, then continue reading.
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Sewing Tutorial: How to Make Hair Ties

OK, first off I want to apologize for lying to you in the title, there is absolutely no sewing involved in this tutorial.

Basic Pressing Techniques

I always tell my clients that taking the time to press a garment along the ways of construction is essential. 

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All blog posts created & written by Sheila Wong Fashion Design Studio Ltd.