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hi, Blake. Have you sewn with knits before? Ok, wait, the better question is have you worn knits before? Maybe you have or haven’t sewn with knits, but I’ll bet you’ve worn knit at some point–be it a t-shirt, leggings or something else stretchy and comfy. Unlike woven fabric, knit fabric is made differently. Rather than weaving fibers together cross and length-wise (as is done in woven fabrics), knit fabric is created by a single fiber strand that is joined together through a series of loops. This method of construction allows for stretch–of varying degrees depending on the fiber and how it is made. That’s the basic idea. Knit fabric is made to stretch, and it’s because of that that knits can be some of the most comfortable and wearable fabrics out there. Got it, now what is Blake? 4
Blake is my first knit collection, and it is printed on a cotton jersey. The weight is perfect for a t-shirt, but also fun for so much else which is why I wanted to put together this little lookbook. You’ll not only see examples of plenty of t-shirts, but also cardigans, leggings, quilts(!) and much more. And you’ll also see a variety of folks wearing them, which brings me to another important thing about Blake. Blake is for everyone. I really wanted the prints and colors in this collection to be usable and relevant to a variety of needs and people. Since we all love wearing knit, why can’t a collection strive to work for us all? I’m not going to assume what you’re thinking at this point, but I’ll bet that some of you are thinking, "But I’m scared of working with knits!” I totally understand that fear, and my answer is, don’t be scared! Knits are super fun (and forgiving!) to work with. They are so much fun that I couldn’t help but make some quilts with them (see Tee quilts–A and B, pages 22-28). My new Tee pattern is intended to not only be enjoyable to make, but also to be a great way for folks to get comfortable working with knits if you’re coming from a quilting background, OR working with quilts if you’re coming from a garment background. As makers, whatever experiences we already have to bring to the table are helpful in learning new skills, and this new pattern is intended to grab on to whatever that experience is, add some new skills to it so that we can be comfortable and excited about making the other stuff that we want to make. I’ve also put together a knit resource guide on my website (http://carolynfriedlander.com/products/fabric/knit-resources/). It’s full of links to books, tutorials, patterns and much more to help you on your knit-sewing journey. There’s already so much good stuff out there, and I wanted a place to share with you the bits and pieces that I’ve found helpful, because I’ll bet some of them can be helpful to you too. If you’re familiar with my previous fabric collections, you’ll know that this is my very first one printed on a knit fabric. I’m super excited to share it with you, and I can’t wait to see what you make!
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A. Over-sized Boxy Shirt pattern by Yoko Vega* *Free pattern for Robert Kaufman fabric. AFR-17065-4
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B. Eugene pattern by Seamwork Magazine
fabric. AFR-17065-336
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C. Jane pattern by Seamwork Magazine fabric. AFR-17064-2
D. Adventure Tank pattern by Fancy Tiger Crafts fabric. AFR-17063-174
E. Adventure Tank pattern by Fancy Tiger Crafts fabric. AFR-17065-4
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F. Schoolbus T-Shirt pattern by Oliver + S fabrics. AFR-17064-2 AFR-17065-186
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G. Rio pattern by Seamwork Magazine fabric. AFR-17063-174
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I. Rumi pattern by Cali Faye fabric. AFR-17065-336 J. Wanderlust Tee pattern by Fancy Tiger Crafts fabric. AFR-17063-101 14
H. Rio pattern by Seamwork Magazine fabric. AFR-17063-335
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K. Field Trip Raglan pattern by Oliver + S fabrics. AFR-17064-348 AFR-17063-174
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L. Wanderlust Tee pattern by Fancy Tiger Crafts fabrics. AFR-17063-340 AFR-17063-101
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M. Manila pattern by Seamwork Magazine fabric. AFR-17063-335
N. Wembley pattern by Seamwork Magazine
fabric. AFR-17064-348
O. Driftless Cardigan pattern by Grainline Studio
fabric. AFR-17064-340 19
P. Metro T-Shirt pattern by Liesl + Co fabrics. AFR-17064-2 AFR-17064-348
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Q. Linden Sweatshirt (view B) pattern by Grainline Studio fabric. AFR-17065-186
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T-Shirt Quilts? yes. it’s true.
meet, Tee. 24
R. Tee . Version A pattern by Carolyn Friedlander fabrics. AFR-17063-335 AFR-17065-4 AFR-17065-186 AFR-16613-371 AFR-16607-304 25
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S. Tee . Version B pattern by Carolyn Friedlander fabrics. AFR-17063-101 AFR-17063-335 AFR-17063-174 AFR-17064-340 AFR-17064-348 AFR-17065-336 AFR-17065-4 AFR-16612-147 AFR-16611-4
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S. Tee . Version B pattern by Carolyn Friedlander
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fabrics. AFR-17063-101 AFR-17063-335 AFR-17063-174 AFR-17064-340 AFR-17064-348 AFR-17065-336 AFR-17065-4 AFR-16612-147 AFR-16611-4
T. Blake scrunchies* pattern by Carolyn Friedlander *Free pattern for Robert Kaufman fabrics. AFR-17063-101 AFR-17064-340 AFR-17064-2 AFR-17065-336 AFR-17065-4 AFR-17065-186
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Projects A Over-sized Boxy Shirt B Eugene C Jane D Adventure Tank E Adventure Tank F Schoolbus T-Shirt G Rio H Rio I Rumi J Wanderlust Tee K Field Trip Raglan L Wanderlust Tee M Manila N Wembley O Driftless Cardigan P Metro T-Shirt Q Linden Sweatshirt (View B) R Tee (version A) S Tee (version B) T Blake Scrunchie *Free pattern for Robert Kaufman
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Yoko Vega* Seamwork Magazine Seamwork Magazine Fancy Tiger Crafts Fancy Tiger Crafts Oliver + S Seamwork Magazine Seamwork Magazine Cali Faye Fancy Tiger Crafts Oliver + S Fancy Tiger Crafts Seamwork Magazine Seamwork Magazine Grainline Studio Liesl + Co Grainline Studio Carolyn Friedlander Carolyn Friedlander Carolyn Friedlander*
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