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Radiant Home Studio

Radiant Home Studio

December 4, 2014 ·

My Most Used Sewing Pattern

Pattern Review· Sewing Tips

I was going to write a typical “show and tell” post for these, but I’ve already reviewed the Noodlehead Divided Basket Pattern. The Divided Basket was the first indie sewing pattern I bought a few years ago and it’s definitely my most used sewing pattern. Since I bought it, I’ve made over a dozen as baby gifts for friends.

My Most Used Pattern | Divided Basket | Radiant Home Studio

At the time, I almost choked paying $6.50 for a pattern when I had only ever bought patterns that were on sale for $1. But it was very different than anything that was available at the fabric store and the basket seemed to be a versatile organizing tool.

My Most Used Pattern | Divided Basket | Radiant Home Studio

I’m in that season of life when my friends are always expecting new babies. This month there were 3 new baby girls! Many of my friends have large families and have most of the things they need, but we like to celebrate all the new babies whether they are the first or the 10th.

I could make bibs, burp cloths, or blankets, but most of the time moms already have those items. But every mom can use more organizing space! And that is why the Divided Basket is my favorite gift to give. Maybe I should try something different, but I continue to come back to this pattern because it seems so useful.

My Most Used Pattern | Divided Basket | Radiant Home Studio

This time I cut and sewed 3 in assembly line style. I bought 1 yd. of each of 3 coordinating fabrics. In order to get the most out the fabric, I cut the largest pieces first and worked down to the smallest pieces. It took me about 3 sittings to finish them, but it was satisfying to have 3 finished gifts at the end.

My Most Used Pattern | Divided Basket | Radiant Home Studio

A side effect of buying this pattern was that I also recognized the value of independent sewing patterns. I realized that designers were able to include extra sewing tips and beautiful photos. They could arrange the instructions in a way that seemed more intuitive. They could design unique patterns for a specific needs, rather than designing for the mass market. And so began my love of indie sewing patterns and my business…

Before that, I’m not sure I had ever sewn something from the same pattern more than once. In contrast, I usually sew at least a couple versions of my favorite indie patterns.

I still have plans to make some simple linen versions of the basket to use for storage in my sewing room. I think I could easily fill 3 or 4 with scraps, zippers, ribbons, yarn, etc.

I’ve tried dozens of other patterns since I bought the Divided Basket, but it continues to be my most used pattern…and worth every cent or that $6.50 that almost scared me away!

I’d love to know…what’s your most used sewing pattern?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stephanie says

    December 4, 2014 at 4:49 pm

    You’re reading my mind!! I have a draft post with an identical theme (but obviously a different pattern) 🙂 My most sewn is definitely the Recess Raglan but my most used is a free long-sleeved bib pattern. We have used them multiple times a day from 6 months through now (2 years!).

    • Sara Curtis says

      December 4, 2014 at 5:54 pm

      Funny! Like I said, I was just going to share what I made. Then I realized that I had more to say about the pattern. I haven’t tried the recess raglan. I have the Oliver + S raglan. It’s good, but I haven’t made many. I think I need to find some more boy-friendly knits. And a bib with sleeves sounds very useful! My little one covers himself in oatmeal every morning…

  2. Anne Lyth says

    December 8, 2014 at 3:57 pm

    Wow. These look beautiful. And they seem very practical.
    I don’t really have any pattern that I have used so many times as you have with these, but I find that I too return to my indie patterns whenever I want to make something that I know will look great and not take too much effort.
    I guess that the pattern I have sewn the most is a trouser pattern I have for myself. After fitting the pattern I have made 5-6 pants in different fabrics/styles.

    • Sara Curtis says

      December 8, 2014 at 4:20 pm

      Thanks for sharing!

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Welcome! I’m Sara. I share modern home & accessory sewing patterns, and I create surface designs for licensing. I hope you are encouraged to see beauty in small things and are inspired to try new creative projects!

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This year has been an emotional roller coaster for This year has been an emotional roller coaster for me...how about you? I’ve had some really amazing licensing partnerships and we’ve enjoyed a lot of growth as a family. But I’ve also experienced a lot of hurt and disappointment over circumstances that I cannot control.

Emotions overwhelm me...so I usually just don’t. I’ve had to learn to feel some things this year and just sit in the overwhelm. I’m sure you’ve been there.

Not much to do with the image, but here’s a happy flower bouquet for you and maybe a friend could use one too. 🪴☀️ Lean into the hard and find ways to come out of it stronger and moving forward.

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We watched a family Christmas movie a couple nights ago and I doodled all these mugs while we watched. They were begging to become a pattern. What do think? Gift wrap next year?

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