new patterns from liesl

There is no better or funnier or more apt introduction to Liesl Gibson than Heather’s. You really should read it. I can just see Liesl swishing around in her perfectly-hemmed skirt while still prepared for the blizzard.

Liesl is the genius behind the Oliver+S sewing pattern line. And she’s getting some very well-deserved attention right now for her amazing new book Little Things to Sew. But of all Liesl’s recent endeavors, the one I am most excited about is her new line of patterns for adults (finally!). Her classic and snappy Lisette line is now in Jo-Ann’s stores.

I’ve been lucky enough to get to know Liesel at a couple of Heather’s sewing workshops. Liesl is the girl who sticks it out late-night in the sewing barn, teaching us how to make our clothes fit better from her deep knowledge learned at FIT and then Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.

I swear, one of the most indulgent-feeling moments in my life was standing in a muslin version of the dress I was making as Liesl evaluated the fit. She took a few steps back, cocked her head, and then helped me move the shoulder seams so they would sit better and opened the neck a little wider to flatter more. She has skills, people. And an amazingly bright, sunny, generous personality to boot.

At one of those workshops, a fellow attendee told me that following one of Liesl’s patterns was like taking a sewing class, because her instructions are so detailed and accessible. I plan on taking that class, as I make her Portfolio tunic for my summer uniform.  

Also, in other news: I'll be leading a workshop making leaf prints next Thursday at Hayes Valley Farm with Homegrown. Come on by from 6-8 pm if you're in San Francisco to hang out at a farm in the middle of the city and get crafty.

Comments

[shan]

ooh -- I would love to take a workshop with Liesl. I am an Oliver+S addict.

[Renee]

I have been wanting to scale up those adorable Oliver and S clothes so I will be in heaven with her new patterns!